Phillies Nation

48 Responses to “Park & Bruntlett In, Myers & Kendrick Out”

1. jt Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 2:52 am

   Bruntlett on there to pinch run only don’t expect to see him pinch hitting like that.

2. Keith Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 3:27 am

   Mayberry is faster than Bruntlett though.

3. JeffR Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 3:49 am

   I’m not sure players like Mayberry or Tracy are even eligible. You had to have been on the 25-man roster on August 31 or on the DL. I don’t think you can just substitute anybody from the 40-man roster, barring a legitimate injury.

4. Nick Stoner Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 4:22 am

   I think that Bruntlett is a good buddy of Charlie’s and probably a “kiss ass” who tells Charlie who was partying the night before. He certainly is impotent at the plate.

5. Mike D. Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 4:49 am

   @JeffR, I was under the impression that Mayberry WOULD be eligible because he spent time on the 25-man roster before August 31, when Ibanez went down. I wouldn’t want to see him in the postseason though, he strikes me as the type who would get rattled. Myers didn’t do anything, let’s hope Park is good to go.

   I think Bruntlett ended up on the roster because of the whole “he can play every position” thing, not gonna lie, I was nervous as hell when Cairo had to play left field Monday. Additionally, you don’t want to have to rely on Cliff Lee to pinch run for you. He’s replacing Kendrick, who we’ll only miss if Park isn’t healthy, and I think you can add a guy if someone’s hurt; the only thing is, the person they replace would miss the next round. With that said, let’s be honest, if our season comes down to Kendrick, that’s it, game over man. Game over!

6. Robert562 Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 5:27 am

   Corey – Can you please explain this for me?

   “Cole Hamels sample size against the Dodgers isn’t small. Clayton Kershaw’s sample size against the Phillies isn’t small. Neither lineup has changed much during the time that these numbers have been compiled.

   In many cases, seeing that “Chase Utley is 1-8 lifetime against Pitcher X” is useless, because it is a small sample size that means nothing.

   But in this case, how can you ignore a history of brilliance over THIS Dodgers lineup for Hamels, and a history of terrible outings for Kershaw against THIS Phillies lineup?”

   Kershaw against the Phils:

   Rollins 11 AB’s
   Victorino 8 AB’s
   Utley 10 AB’s
   Howard 8 AB’s
   Werth 10 AB’s
   Ibanez 5 AB’s
   Feliz 4 AB’s
   Ruiz 2 AB’s

   So Utley is 1/8 – but it’s a small sample size….yet as you stated:
   Clayton Kershaw’s sample size against the Phillies isn’t small

   And for fun let’s take a gander at Cole Hamels LARGE sample size vs. these Dodgers:

   Furcal 7 AB’s
   Kemp 12 AB’s
   Ethier 10 AB’s
   Manny 8 AB’s
   Loney 12 AB’s
   Blake 14 AB’s
   Belliard 26 AB’s
   Martin 11 AB’s

   As a contributing author of this blog I would at the very least expect you to do your homework. This is courtesy of baseball-reference.com btw. It took me 5 minutes. I do come in peace but when you say outlandish things like what I quoted above….how do you expect me, or for that matter anyone to take this blog seriously?

   Warmest regards,

   Robert

7. NJ Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 5:59 am

   It’s a real thumbs up to Rueben that Charlie can handle ball to five starters confidently in a play-off game. I like many questioned Pedro’s ability and motives when he joined but he’s made to go in game 2 in LA and if needed that still means Hamels and Lee can make two starts.

   I’m really disappointed with Myers and he made his bed the night before his first rehab appearance getting himself punched in the face, whatever did or did not happen in that bar what was he doing there in the first place under the circumstances. To me his inning was the biggest disappointment of game 2 and showed how unfocused and undisciplined a pitcher he is. With a stable of commited veterans and young talent bye bye Brett Myers, we won’t miss you.

   on espn Dave Winfield said the Phillies will have to raise their game to beat the Dodgers, I believe it’s the other way round especially when you look at how this team plays on the road.

   Go Phils!

8. Bobby in Boston Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 7:08 am

   I don’t understand going into the NLCS with fewer pitchers than the NLDS, but I also didn’t see the logic in many choices Charlie made in the last series, and, well, it turned out pretty damn well, didn’t it? If Bruntlett is on the roster (and I have no problem with this), then I would rather see Cairo gone and Kendrick on.

   I have a feeling Hamels is going to throw a great game tonight and get us off to a nice start. I thought for sure Blanton would be our Game 2 starter because I would rather push him to make two starts in this series than Pedro. But starting Pedro at 1 p.m. L.A. time in 90 degree heat makes quite a lot of sense, and Blanton and Happ have proven to be able relieve well. If Charlie goes this route, I imagine he’s hoping the Blanton-Happ tandem would return (with one of them starting) in Game 4. Then Hamels returns for Game 5 and so on. I’m a little baffled, but . . .

   In Charlie We Trust.

   I am pretty confident about the Phillies winning this series, mostly because I am expecting the Phils hitters to be patient and do damage to ALL of these L.A. starters. Torre will go to the bullpen early and often, but he used to lean on his Yankee bullpen so hard that its fatigue would sometimes outweigh its talent. This could happen by mid-series. Kershaw is tough, but he’s young, and I think the Phillies could give him fits. And Padilla making two good starts in a row? Not bloody likely. And Wolf? Love the guy, but he is not a control pitcher and, therefore, could be in big trouble against our lineup. Yes, our bullpen is a bit weird, but Manuel seems to have good instincts about using it.

   I like the Phillies in six games. And I’d love to see the Yankees win (though I hate them) so we get a 1950 rematch, but I have a feeling the Angels are going to find a way to win that series.

   Go Phils!!

9. George Says:
   October 15th, 2009 at 7:13 am

   Robert, I’m not very concerned about Corey’s research. Yesterday I read one of MLB’s pros comparisons. He gave the Dodgers the edge in starting pitching, despite the disparity between Kershaw’s and Hamel’s performances, despite the fact that Cliff Lee is a reigning Cy Young winner, despite the fact that Padilla has never been consistent, and despite the fact that Kuroda is barely off an injury, and that Wolf can be effective but not dominant. This idiot also gave the Dodgers outfield the edge, because they are so obviously better than the three all stars out there for the Phils. The odd part is that this expert also contradicted himself by citing all those factors I just pointed out.

   Corey may not have noticed his two statements didn’t jibe, but he seems like a genius compared to the pros on MLB.

10. Ed R. Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 8:01 am

    I too am a bit curious as to the inclusion of of Bruntlett more so than the exclusion of Myers. In the 4 games Myers only came in for the disaster that was game two and along with recording 2 outs, he also walked 2 guys and didn’t exactly look good throughout his performance.

    Personally, I just don’t think he was really fully recovered from the injury. I can understand Myers being upset about being taken off the roster but not angry. He has to understand that the team has to do what is best for the team and not Brett Myers. If he was smart, which he repeatedly seems to show evidence to the contrary, than he would realize that by keeping his mouth closed he has a better chance of making it back onto the roster if someone gets hurt or they advance. He should see this as a good thing, a time for him to try and get himself back in form, pitch some BP sessions or simulated games or whatever. But to whine and cry as if you deserve that spot is outrageous. I would give it to Park over Myers 100 times out of 100.

    I also understand, as much as I can, Charlie’s desire for an extra hitter(if you can call him that). During the regular season the team had 5 starters and 7 relievers. In the playoffs, they seem to be going with 4 starters a long guy(Happ or Blanton, either or) and 6 relievers, so it makes sense. Charlie still has the same number of arms out of the pen because he has the need for one less starter. I get that, honestly, I think it is actually fairly smart on his part. Especially since Lee, Hamels, Blanton and Happ can all go the distance if they pitch effectively. Do I think that is going to happen? No, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hamels throw a CG tonight. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him get hit around like he’s throwing BP. So who really knows what we get tonight. I will say this, if there is ever a venue for a guy like Hamels and Pedro to shine, it’s tonight and tomorrow.

    On a side note, I was kind of disappointed Romero wasn’t ready to go, I was hoping he could join the roster instead of Bastardo, hopefully next round if there is to be one for the Phightin Phils.

11. Andrew Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 8:42 am

    I’ll miss Myers’ bat vs. the Dodgers this year!

12. Papa Thompson Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 8:58 am

    I think adding Bruntlett to the postseason roster is a good move, for what it’s worth.

    I just about threw up the other night when I saw Cairo trotting to left field late in the game. That had disaster written all over it. Bruntlett’s not great out there either, but I’m WAY more comfortable with him out there than I am with Cairo.

    I see the logic of keeping them both on the roster. While Cairo looked impatient in his at-bats during the DS, he’s got a fair amount of postseason experience, and pretty good numbers in the postseason. He’s not a bad pinch-hitting option. And I think there’s a pretty good chance — especially if Feliz continues to struggle at the plate — we’ll need a late-game defensive OF sub other than Ben Francisco. Francisco, in a lot of cases, is going to be Charlie’s first move off the bench and just won’t be available.

    So, if it comes down to that, would you rather see Bruntlett or Cairo out there? (To me, Mayberry Jr. isn’t even worthy of consideration for the postseason roster.)

    While it’s kind of cool that Cliff Lee runs the bases pretty well, I’d rather have him stay in the dugout when he’s not pitching. And, of course, Bruntlett homered and scored three runs, including two game-winners, in the 08 WS. Even in a tight series, you’d hope Kendrick wouldn’t need to touch the mound, so it’s not a real big gamble to replace him with a position player — even if it’s so two guys can do the job of one.

13. Manny Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 9:33 am

    Oh I completely forgot about Mayberry!!! A much better pinch-runner, pinch-hitter, and defensive replacement than Bruntlett! Why isn’t HE on the roster instead of Bruntlett? And please don’t give me the postseason experience thing, the guy would be catching the ball and running, not batting 3rd in the lineup!

14. Don M Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Bruntlett has played… and helped…in big playoff games before. I wouldn’t trust Mayberry in a game in April against the Nationals..let alone a playoff game

    He gives the Phillies the option to use both Francisco and Cairo as pinch-hitters without having to worry about leaving Cairo in the game to play LF late … same thing I was worrying about yesterday

    According to Jayson Stark yesterday, Manuel didn’t think Myers was healthy enough.. and Park over Kendrick makes a ton of sense.. and if Park gets hurt, Kendrick goes right back on the roster

    I personally think Mayberry is terrible

15. bob Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am

    Chan Ho (if healthy) is a HUGGGGGEEEEEEE addition. It helps with matchups and brings some more stability to the pen.

    Innings 7-9 we have realistic options of:
    -Eyre/Happ/ (maybe) Bastardo
    -Park/Madson/Lidge
    -Durbin/Bastardo/Blanton or Happ in long relief/middle inning roles.

    All of a sudden our bullpen doesnt look like game of russian roulette

16. Don M Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:25 am

    Bruntlett is the following things …

    Less likely to Strikeout (also Less likely to hit a HR).. and able to play more positions defensively if need be

    Bruntlett also steals bases at a succesful rate.. 77% through his baseball career, Mayberry is at 78% with no attempts in the Major Leagues

    and though the sample size is really small .. Bruntlett is a better hitter at the Major League level .

    Bruntlett is a career .231 hitter, with a .304 OBP (.260 avg, .348 OBP in minors)
    Mayberry is a career .189 hitter, with a .232 OBP (.255 avg, .331 OBP in minors)

    Nobody can really make a strong case for either player, but clearly the postseason experience, and utility-value of Bruntlett puts him over the edge here

17. Georgie Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:33 am

    Papa Thompson, I second that- do NOT want to see Clifton pinch-running, I almost jumped through the tv when I saw that! Bruntlett is an experienced baserunner, very important in the playoffs, also can play anywhere, so I think this is a good move on Charlie’s part. You really can’t downplay the experience thing too much in postseason play, it is so easy to get rattled, and just one second of brain farting can be the difference between a win and a loss.

18. Manny Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am

    Mayberry’s faster……….. just saying

    I like the move to add Bruntlett, but I would’ve liked it more if it was Mayberry instead of him. Either way, I hope this isn’t the difference maker!

19. Georgie Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:00 am

    Manny, so far it’s been uncanny (hey, that rhymes) how Charlie’s decisions have been spot-on. I’m not going to question this one either, but I hope you’re right in that it doesn’t become a difference maker.

    I guess my Myers comment was out of line???? Not sure how that’s possible, but, oh well!

20. joedad Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:25 am

    No question, Bruntlett is a better choice than Mayberry. He plays every position on the field, including 3rd base where some moves may be made, while Mayberry plays only (?) left. He is also a smart baserunner which makes up for the speed issue. He probably won’t bat unless they are out of options.

    They think Myers is still hurt. He had a shaky game in the NLDS and I’m sure they felt Park is more reliable at this point. If Park faulters during the series, they can DL him and bring Myers or Kendrick back up. If Blanton and Happ are on the roster, there is less of a need for Kendrick as a long man.

21. beta sigma shag Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:34 am

    I too have to agree with Charlie’s moves like I stated in another post about how they seemed to work out in the series against the ROX.
    I am pleasantly surprised about the positive coments about Bruntlett on here, I did not expect that. He has had clutch hits in the playoffs and can play anywhere that is why he is here. I hope Park is 100% so he will be on his game.
    I am ready for this series and will make the 6.5 hour drive from Vermont for both games 3 and 4.

22. Manny Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:35 am

    You guys are probably right, and so is Charlie… but I could definitely see Mayberry going for a diving catch (more than Beardo) and I can definitely see him running like crazy from 1st to 3rd on a single (more than Beardo).

    It could’ve been a riskier move with a greater payoff, but at least you know what you’re getting with the Beard.

23. joedad Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Andrew Says: I’ll miss Myers’ bat vs. the Dodgers this year!

    HAH

    Remember the Phils have a day off between games 2 and 3, 4 and 5, & 5 and 6 so they could use every pitcher every game and not need to save anyone for the next game so they can afford the extra roster spot on a non-pitcher.

24. joedad Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 11:38 am

    By the way, anyone selling tickets?

25. Griffin Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    I would much rather have Mayberry on the roster than Cairo. I also didn’t understand Kendrick’s inclusion on the NLDS roster. As someone previously mentioned, if Kendrick is in the game then it’s already a blowout.

    If Mayberry was eligible in the first round, he could have pinch ran instead of having to use Cliff Lee.

26. Manny Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    True that Griffin, but IF there had been a blowout, we could’ve used Kendrick to save the bullpen.

27. Griffin Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:04 pm

    As long as Charlie manages the way he did in the NLDS (going with matchups instead of blindly using Lidge to face anyone in the 9th) then the Phils will be alright. Lidge should NOT be allowed to face a lefty in a big spot. Ever.

28. Griffin Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Manny that is true, but I think the Phils could have used Pedro in a blowout. The Phils only used 3 different pitchers to start games but had 6 starting pitchers on the playoff roster.

29. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    This is what believe Charlie is thinking… Given the probable scenario of several close games in this series, we’ll likely see a Broxton vs. Stairs matchup in the 9th inning of a Dodger save situation, in at least one of the games. Torre, knowing what Stairs did to his closer last year will have Broxton pitching around him, and Stairs will likely draw a walk…. Charlie needs his most experienced pinch runner out there, someone who he can trust, someone who was able to get it done for him in game 3 and 5 of last year’s WS; therefore, he goes with his gut and Bruntlett gets the nod.

30. Corey Seidman Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    Robert562 – Perhaps you don’t visit this site often, because if u did, I doubt you’d be questioning my research of all things. In my opinion, that’s the one thing you CAN’T question…but oh well.

    You made my point in ur post, whether or not u realize that. Yes, Furcal may have 7 at-bats against Hamels, and Ethier may have 12, but as a COLLECTIVE UNIT THEY HAVE 110 at-bats, and a horrible history against Hamels. That is much different than “Utley being 1-8 off of a pitcher.”

    The same can be said for Kershaw. Yes, obviously each hitter only has 10 or fewer at-bats off of him…the guys 21 years old and plays in a different division! But once again, as a collective unit, the Phillies have tattooed Kershaw. Once again, not a small sample size.

    I think you just misunderstood what I commented in that last article. I was saying that, yes, a 1-8 is a small sample size. But a history of six dominant starts against a team (Hamels vs. the Dodgers) is not.

31. Papa Thompson Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    Cairo’s career postseason stats:

    G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG

    21 64 11 20 5 0 1 6 4 12 2 1 .397 .438 .313

    Maybe they don’t blow you away … but a .313 average in 64 ABs … and 11 runs scored in 21 games (especially considering he got three ABs in two games in the DS) … he definitely deserves a roster spot and can be valuable to this team.

32. Papa Thompson Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Geez, that looks like crap. I knew I should have presented the numbers vertically. And all this trouble to give career postseason stats for Miguel Cairo of all people:

    G 21

    AB 64

    H 20

    R 11

    2B 5

    3B 0

    HR 1

    RBI 6

    BB 4

    SO 12

    SB 2

    CS 1

    OBP .397

    SLG .438

    AVG .313

    Maybe they don’t blow you away … but a .313 average in 64 ABs … and 11 runs scored in 21 games (especially considering he got three ABs in two games in the DS) … he definitely deserves a roster spot and can be valuable to this team.

33. Don M Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 1:26 pm

    if grandma had balls, she’d be grandpa …

34. Chuck Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Good moves in my opinion. Bruntlett is a much better option than Mayberry on many, many levels. Myers is done….we all know that….and who cares is he’s unhappy about it. (Brett, you need to grow up and stop acting like a child). If Park is healthy, good move there, too. And, like someone else said (Don M, I think) if he gets hurt then Kendrick is back up…no big deal.

35. Harry Kalas Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

    Great comments so far…. Very informative…. I never really liked the internet-nerds that seemed to pounce on every grammar mistake made by the author… But Robert562’s post is cash money…

    -The Dodgers are the favorites again just as they were last year because they’re the “prettier” team on paper.. Why do you think the Mets is always everyone’s spring training pick to win the N.L. East?

    -I could careless about predictions…. The winner will be determined by the results on the field(and maybe the umps). Not by the commentary spewed from pundits…

    -On the Phils rotation: On paper this is the Phillies greatest advantage. But Charlie seems to be over-managing it again…. With Ciff Lee, Cole Hamels, JA Happ and Joe Blanton, this rotation has the potential to lead us to the promise land. Again!

    I hate the last min announ./s by Charlie on his decision/s regarding our rotation… Sometimes you just have to trust the rotaion that helped get you here…. Having JA Happ and Blanton make relief apps and then expecting them to pitch as well as a starter that they did during the regular season is just asking for a disaster…

    -Charlie just make a commt with them as starters or relief pitchers and stick with your choices unless there’s an injury or/a desp. situation arrives… This back and forth from relf to starter/last minute bs will blow up in Chuck’s face eventally and it may lead to injuries…

    -Brett Myers has a right to be upset(although not publicly) … Bar fight aside, Myers is struggling now because Charlie over used him when he 1st came off the DL. Charlie’s over use of Chan Ho Park too may have contr. to Park’s injury as well.

    -This October Charlie has over used his BP just as much as Torre has…

    -Pending Lidge, the Phils BP is not all that bad…. I liked KK on the post season roster because he can be the long relief guy out of the Pen that JA Happ was during last year’s NLCS. And it may help Charlie to not over use Park right away.

    - I do not agree with Charlie Manuel’s decision to include both Dobbs and Stairs on the NLCS roster. It has to be one or the other. Dobbs looks lost and he also looks 40 years old…And with that brace, he’s not pinch running. His D at third is no better than Cairo’s and I do not trust Dobbs in the OF either… Stairs’ potential postive contribution in the NLCS is barely above Dobbs’… After last year, he won’t see a fastball if he gets a pinch hit opp. in a tight game. If he draws a walk Charlie would have to pinch run for him. Just as they did in Game 2 against the Rockies… Needless to say, but Stairs’ D is nothing to brag about either.

    -This may sound crazy, but I would’ve left them both off. With the lefties in the Dodgers pen, both are nearly completely worthless to the Phillies bench late in ball games.

    - I would add Mayberry Jr. and drop Dobbs… I beg to differ with the commt. saying that Mayberry Jr. wouldn’t be able to handle the “bright lights” of post season play.. He hit a 3 run homer in his first ML game/second ab.. And it was a nationally televised game in Yankee Stadium II at that..

    -This kid has speed and power, he can play 2 OF postions LF/RF. He can run the bases, he is always smiling and having fun in the dug out, including down the stretch in Sept. and he has gotten a little better at hitting off speed pitches( we knowthat he still has a ways to go obviously)

    -Since we know Charlie would have to include either Stairs or Dobbs, I would keep Stairs. At least he’ll make contact and his home run last year may induce the Dodgers to pinch around him… Just as the Rockies did in Game 2 and he drew a walk…. That’s better than nothing.. Which is what Dobbs is if he continues to play the way he has so far.

    -Last but not least. Charlie seems to have taken to the old Andy Reid theory when it comes to rookies(except Happ).. We all know Reid never liked using rookies on offense. But Reid he has changed in recent years…

    -MLB playoffs is a magical universe and anything can happen. It is also a time when a rookie can surprisingly shine with the pose of a post season veteran. Look at K-Rod in 2002. Or Happ last year/this year potentially… Bast. pitched great in Game 2… So why not use him again, and what about Clay Condrey? Is this guy hurt or something. If he’s not then why in the bleep isn’t he on the NLCS roster….. I’d rather have him over Greg Dobbs. Or even KK over Dobbs…

    -We are more likely to lose this series in the long-relief or back-end portitions of our BP…. And that theory is true for any team in the playoffs. Look at what happened to the Rockies. But it is even more likely for the Phillies.

    -Our O is potent enough to score what ever number of runs needed to win this series… And our BP is just shaky enough to throw our chances out the window. That’s why I would rather have the extra pitcher….

    -I would have a better feel for this series if I knew the Phils rotation at least for the 1st 2-3 games. I think it would be foolish to waste Joe Blanton’s talent and exp as a starter. Ditto with Happ. The Dodgers have not faced Cliff Lee or JA Happ. They did see Happ out of the Pen in the NLCS last year as we all know (3.0inns/1er).

    -As of right now, I’ll say Phillies in 5 games/6 tops… The Phillies great comeback in Game 4 against the Rockies put this team on another planet. This a cliche, but all the pressure is on the Dodgers. The Dodgers will find out that the Phillies are not the Cardinals. This O does not live and die by the production of one player. And the Phillies don’t melt-down when things don’t go their way. i.e. Eyre’s injury, Raul’s error and Happ’s shaky start.

    J-Roll has been the worst lead-off guy in MLB for most of the season and we’re still here. Chase struggled over the last 7 weeks of the reg season and we’re still here. Raul disappered in the 2nd half and we’re still here. Lidge was the worst closer in MLB this year, and yet we are still here.

    -This team is relaxed. They’re also confident and they perform brillantly under pressure. Especially on the road.

    -I thought they were done when Eyre went down(I thought he was for the season) in Game 3… But not only did they win Game 3. They also had a come back win the next night and Eyre pitched in the 9th inn.

    -I will never count this team out again.

    -

36. Harry Kalas Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    Sorry for the crazy long post. I have today off, and I’m bored. Sorry again..

37. Don M Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:36 pm

    John Mayberry Jr. would probably even be left off the playoff roster.. of my slow pitch softball team … he’s not that good .. shoulda played basketball or something instead since he can’t hit a baseball on anything close to a regular basis

38. Chuck Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    Mayberry could maybe run track as well….

39. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    Why are we even talking about Mayberry? He’s not eligible to be on the 25-man postseason roster except as a reserve, because he was not on the 25-man roster as of Aug. 31st. Only in the event of an injury to a outfielder could be he added because he was on the 40-man roster as of Sept. 1st.

    While I agree with you about Dobb’s effectiveness, what are Charlie’s options at this point? Dobbs is in there to face a Billingsley or Belisario while Stairs is there to match up with Broxton.

40. Harry Kalas Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 3:46 pm

    Don M: Are you his former high school basketball coach? I heard he played in high school. But was he ever offered a basketball scholarship? Did he play basketball while he attened Stanford as a walk-on? Or did you just make that statement blindly because he’s tall and black?

    -Everyone said the same thing (not the basketball part as far as I know) about Ryan Howard. Howard would come up for a cup coffe and then they would send him right back to the minors. Some of you said Howard was a bum during this season. Amazingly, some Phillies fans still think Ryan Howard is not clutch.

    -I said Mayberry Jr has a ways to go as a hitter. But he can run and he plays pretty good defense. Besides pinch running, Bruntlett could’nt hit the ball out of the infield this season. At least Mayberry Jr has the potential to pop one. What does Matt Stairs or Greg Dobbs bring to the table against the Dodgers lefties in the Pen? Absolutely nothing. Plus karma’s a b*tch. To expt. the same magic from Stairs or Bruntlett this post season is fool’s gold.
    -Charlie can’t even give Stairs or Dobbs a start in the OF/3rd against a tough right handed pitcher because they both stink so bad right now. Both their bat and their defense.

    -I would’nt feel very comfortable using Pedro out of the pen. Charlie Manuel, this isn’t 1999 anymore. Has struggled badly in the first two inns or so in almost every one of his starts since joining the Phillies. Not just hits, but the longball. Can’t afford that in October unless it’s blowout city, which I think is rather unlikely. KK and his sinker has more value. Truthfully, I wouldn’t use Pedro at all unless one of our top four starters where to go down.

    -Respond to a post or don’t respond. But don’t spit out redneck
    ignorance.

41. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    HK – So who should Manuel have in there instead of Dobbs or Stairs? Mayberry is not eligible.

42. Chuck Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Ouch…

43. Don M Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    HK …

    Tall white guys play basketball too.. I even know a few of them personally. What is with the racist tone there?

    so, uhm maybe relax.. you seem a little worked up over a blog post.

    The ONE skill that Mayberry has is the ability to randomly connect with a fastball and hit it a long way.. but more often than not.. he won’t do anything to help the team ..

    What Karma do the Phillies have working against them?

44. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    Bruntlett actually hit pretty well in August when he was given some more consistent playing time.

45. karen Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm

    THe problem is the dobbs, bruntlett, stairs deal again. honestly, what can they do? stairs will hit a homerun sometime. if he gets on base, he needs to be replaced by bruntlett to run the bases. that would equal 1 player.

    i hope park is good to go because there is one less pitcher on the team…pedro needs to be sharp, chase needs to go at least 7 innings…

46. Harry Kalas Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    SDO- If Mayberry Jr is really unvailable, and you sound pretty sure about that. So I’m not going to go and try to look it up.

    -But I would still drop one of them for KK/Condrey. It’s a coin toss. But I say Matt Stairs because his swing appears to be 2x as fast as Dobbs’ is right now. And pitchers fear Stairs’ more. Again, maybe that leads to a walk. Better than a K and it’s as good as a hit.

    -Who knows how effective Chan Ho Park is going to be in his 1st app/s since coming off the DL. The xtra pitcher would give the Phillies a little protection.

47. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 6:02 pm

    HK – Agreed about Stairs as being the better option. Dobbs doesn’t seem like he ever shook the rust off after being on the DL for so long – but I think in these close games Charlies will need more flexibility on the bench and that’s what having two lefties will give him.

    Regarding CHP, if he does seem ineffective, they could place him back on the DL and get KK back on the roster – it wouldn’t be completely unbelievable to say that his hamstring didn’t fully recover. He wouldn’t be eligible for the WS roster, but the Phils probably wouldn’t use him at that point.

48. SDO Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    By the way KK made it to the postseason roster even though he wasn’t on the 25-man by Aug 31st- because he replacing Ennis who was on the DL. Apparently, a loophole to the league rules.

Leave a Reply