Phillies Nation

Arizona Diamondbacks Preview

Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, March 22, 2010 10:36 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks: (70-92, Last Place – NL West in 2009):

What was supposed to be another stellar year in the supposedly-easy NL West turned into a wreck for the Snakes. Brandon Webb, their co-ace along with Dan Haren, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just four innings into the season.  It was an uphill climb from there, and the D-Backs forgot their hiking boots.

The stumbles continued throughout the lost season, which included the firing of manager Bob Melvin on May 7, and the hiring of 35-year old, former Phillies backup A.J. Hinch.  The switch was an effort to toss the team a life-raft, but it did not take and the Diamondbacks found themselves dead last in the West by October.

Chris Young, a former 30-homer guy, hit just above .200 and was sent down to the minors for a minute. It got so bad for ARZ that outfielder Conor Jackson, a .300-type hitter with decent power, was diagnosed with Valley Fever.  Don’t know what it is? Look it up – it’s not your everyday illness.  Even the Phillies got their shots in at the Snakes by taking 5-of-6 from the hapless Diamondbacks.

In a year of mistakes and misfortunes, Arizona had a few bright spots. Mark Reynolds became one of the premier power hitters in the National League by swatting 44 home runs and knocking in 102 runs in the middle of a bad lineup.  Justin Upton just recently signed a six-year contract to stay in Arizona after he hit .300 with 26 bombs in 2009.  At just 21, he’s one of the blossoming gifts of the game and has the tools to get better.  In the pitching department, it was all about Dan Haren once again.

The perennial all-star was what he always is – solid- forcing his way into 14 wins and an ERA in the low-three’s.  The guy struck out 223 while walking just 38, so control is his specialty.  However, there was no controlling the awfulness of the D-Backs in 2009.

2010 Season:

Here in Mid-March, not much looks different out in Phoenix.  The biggest move was nabbing power righty Edwin Jackson from Detroit as the Tigers purged their roster, giving the D-Backs a formidable 1-2-3 top-of-the-rotation. That is, if Webb can get healthy.  They did move developing fireballer Max Scherzer to get Jackson, who by the way was an AL All Star last season, but they got a bit older and wiser with the trade.  Jackson should do quite well in the spacious NL West.

The offense looks the same, save for the pickup of Adam Laroche to play first base.  He jumps in where Chad Tracy, Josh Whitesell, and Brandon Allen failed a year ago.  Reynolds and Upton are the centerpieces, while Stephen Drew could use a nice bounce-back and new second baseman Kelly Johnson needs to provide some stability at another below-average position for Arizona.

The fact of the matter is, this season hinges on the health of Brandon Webb.  If he can return to his all-star form, then the Diamondbacks could have just enough offense to go with the outstanding rotation.  If not, they’ll be in for yet another downer in the desert.

PREDICTION: 79-83

We continue our MLB Previews with the Colorado Rockies coming up next.

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Howard/Pujols Not Just Another Trade Rumor

Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, March 16, 2010 09:14 AM

The consensus surrounding the Ryan Howard/Albert Pujols trade rumors is that it’s a non-issue.  Teams talk like this all the time – and they should because attempting to wrangle in the best players in baseball is the focal point of any organization.  The Phillies brass are merely looking at all possibilities regarding their payroll-inflated roster that is sure to keep rising if another move isn’t made.  But this move reaches a different level.  Ryan Howard for Albert Pujols may be a pipe dream – and it sure as hell is being beaten like a dead horse – but it’s still not something that is discussed everyday.

I don’t pretend to know everything about the inner-workings of a baseball club, but conversations like this one can’t take place as often as prevailing wisdom says.  Are the Kansas City Royals huddled in Kauffman Stadium mapping out a way to steal Alex Rodriguez from the Yankees?  Should the Pittsburgh Pirates be scouting David Wright because they can make a play for him?  This type of thinking is reserved for only a handful of franchises.  The Phillies happen to be one.

The thought process behind this deal is not as laughable as one would think.  The non-issue is that there is a 99.8% chance it will not happen.  St. Louis would burn to the ground if Pujols were to be traded well in advance of his contract ending.  To slam the writer of this rumor, ESPN’s Buster Olney, is also a mistake. The guy is simply doing his job, and if that means wrestle up more hits by using two of the biggest names in sports, then so be it.

On the surface, this would seem like a ridiculous trade, however, the Phillies are attempting to find a soft spot in the Cardinals organization.  It’s impossible to tell how deep the discussions became regarding such a blockbuster, but the fact is, the Cardinals are going to have a hard time affording the mammoth contract Pujols will likely garner in free-agency a few years down the road.

You can’t blame the Phillies for “talking” about this.  Also remember that the Phillies are one of the few teams that could actually pull off this type of deal.  Maybe not this exact trade, but they have the resources to make big moves, which not all teams do.  That’s what sets this rumor apart from the rest.

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Buster Olney on 97.3 ESPN FM

Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, March 15, 2010 03:30 PM

ESPN’s Buster Olney joined The Sports Bash with Mike Gill today to talk about the reported “internal discussions” the Phillies are having regarding Albert Pujols.

Olney says the Phils are talking amongst themselves – and has reiterated that they have not talked to St. Louis – as they figure out if they can pry Albert Pujols away from the Cards for Ryan Howard.  The Phillies first baseman is a St. Louis native, but Pujols is their native son, so a trade of this magnitude is unlikely to occur.

Listen to the entire Buster Olney interview:  Buster Olney on 97.3 ESPN FM

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Kendrick Fires Another Gem; Howard to STL?

Posted by Pat Gallen, Sun, March 14, 2010 05:03 PM

First things first, Kyle Kendrick was once again spectacular in his third spring outing.  He tossed four brilliant innings, allowing just two hits, although he did not strike anyone out, which is cause for some concern. The one number that sticks out is the zero runs allowed thus far.  KK is certainly making the coaching staff think twice about inserting Jamie Moyer in the fifth starter spot.  And even if Moyer is given that opportunity to begin the season, Kendrick is proving to be a legit fallback option should the elder statesman falter.

The Phillies lost today, 4-3 to the Orioles.  Drew Carpenter pitched three strong out of the pen, giving up one run while striking out five.  However, Sergio Escalona continues to allow baserunners at an alarming rate.  The lefty allowed three earned runs and four hits in one inning or work. Not good for a guy trying to stick as another lefty in the big league bullpen.

Now, onto the fascinating/crazy trade talk provided by ESPN’s Buster Olney.  He reported today that the Phillies discussed internally a trade that would send Ryan Howard to St. Louis for Albert Pujols. In no way does this mean a trade was talked about between the two clubs, rather, it seems as though the Phils brass has at least thought about sending an offer to the Cardinals.

Doubtful.  There’s no way the Cardinals trade the greatest hitter in baseball and the face of an entire town. Even if they were blown away by an offer that included multiple top prospects, I still don’t think John Mozeliak pulls the trigger.  The shockwave would be too much to handle in a city that lives and breathes baseball on an even higher level than Philly.  Kind of cool to think about such a blockbuster, but i’d put it at about one in a million.

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Split Squad Games Rained Out Today

Posted by Pat Gallen, Fri, March 12, 2010 11:32 AM

Sorry Phillies fans, no baseball today.  Due to the monsoon-like rains in Florida, both split squad games have been cancelled with no make up date.  But worry not, the Phils will be back tomorrow taking on the Twins in Clearwater, when it is supposed to be clear with no (falling) water.

J.A. Happ will start against Minnesota.  Feel free to use this space as a spot to reflect on what has happened in Spring Training thus far.  Here are a few story lines:

GOOD: Cole Hamels, Roy Halladay, Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon

SO-SO: Phillippe Aumont, Shane Victorino’s shoulder, Brad Lidge’s recovery, JC Ramirez

BAD: J.C Romero’s recovery, Jose Contreras, Ryan Vogelsong’s ERA

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Odds and Ends: Hamels, Drabek, Ramirez

Posted by Pat Gallen, Thu, March 11, 2010 11:30 AM

- A few days ago, I wrote a post about Cole Hamels and his newfound confidence. He’s not doing interviews, he’s focusing strictly on the task at hand, and the results have been, so far, positive.  Yesterday, against the Blue Jays, Hamels seemed locked in from the get-go, sitting down the first nine batters in order, before some difficulties arose in the fourth inning.

Clearly, he was on a pitch count, or I would have liked to see him work his way out of that jam.  The lefty tossed 47 pitches over 3 2/3 innings, an excellent number that proves he was locked in.  His comeback may now be over-dramatized, but its very much an important element to the 2010 season.  I myself will stay level-headed until we see him throwing at least 80 pitches, but for what he has done so far, the results look mighty encouraging.

-On the other side yesterday was former farmhand Kyle Drabek.  And, by those in the know, the kid has it.  According to Dave Murphy of the Daily News, Drabek was consistently hitting 93-94 on the gun, which is a promising sign for Toronto this early in camp.

Not sure about the rest of you, but I’ll be keeping an eye on Drabek this season to see how he progresses.  Not that I blame the Phillies for trading him, however, we all heard about how “untouchable” he was, so I’m eager to see what he’s made of.  Murphy says his curve was “devastating” and he’s been throwing a cutter lately to add to that nice fastball.  Looks like Kyle Drabek has a bright future ahead.

-One of the three prospects in the Cliff Shall-Remain-Nameless deal was JC Ramirez, and after a rough opening outing last week, he put it all together for three strong innings yesterday to finish off Toronto. The big righty (6′3″, 225) was solid for three frames, allowing just two baserunners while striking out three.

Granted, it was the minor-leaguers he was doing it against, but baby-steps is how to look at it.  This kid has some potential and he seems to be the least talked about of the three (Aumont and Gillies are getting plenty of press).  Perhaps that’s advantageous for JC.  He doesn’t have to deal with the same set of pressures that Aumont and Gillies are experiencing, which allows him the freedom to evolve rather quietly.  Or, as quietly as one can after being a part in the Cliff What’s-his-name trade.

So, even though we lost out on Drabek and others (including Michael Taylor, who will be a stud this year, I just know it), it’s intriguing to watch the maturation of this group that will be forever linked with our old friend Cliff.

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Roy Continues to Mow ‘Em Down

Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, March 10, 2010 11:17 AM

Maybe we’re late to the party here, but Roy Halladay continued his early spring excellence last night against the Atlanta Braves.  The Doc continues to carve the corners and provide late movement on his pitches; the very reasons he was brought to Philly this offseason.

Normally it takes a few outings for a pitcher to get his feel back after a long, cold winter.  Not this guy.  Halladay has been working diligently since the trade went down, which speaks to his tireless and all-time work ethic we’d heard about.  Doc looks to be in mid-season form just 75 pitches into ST.

Forgive me for being somewhat giddy after a rather meaningless appearance, but when your ace is doing things that wow people so soon, it’s hard not to get excited.  The season can’t come soon enough, and hopefully we’ll be blessed with a jaw-dropping opening performance in D.C. on April 5.

At the same time, let’s temper what we see and realize the bats are usually behind for a week or two, although by the way Halladay’s pitches are dipping, cutting, and diving, that might not even matter.  By the way, the Phillies won last  night 7-4.

OTHER NEWS:

-Today in a “B” game, Jamie Moyer just finished up his start, according to Matt Gelb, and he looked rather sharp.  He allowed just two baserunners in three innings, a wonderful sign that he, too, is interested in the fifth starter spot.

For those who want Moyer to just go away, it’s not happening.  The dude is a gamer and is out to prove he can pitch an entire season.  It should be a hell of a battle between Moyer and Kendrick, but unfortunately Moyer is in the lead, perhaps by default.

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Chris Wheeler on 97.3 ESPN FM

Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, March 09, 2010 06:00 PM

Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler joined The Sports Bash with Mike Gill on 97.3 ESPN FM live from Clearwater to talk about how the team looks thus far.

Wheels also touched on a bevy of topics including Roy Halladay, Domonic Brown, and some fine watering holes and restaurants in the Clearwater area.  He says Brown could be very special as a part of this team down the line, and it’s hard to disagree.  The guy has been impossible to stop early on in Spring Training.

Listen to the interview: Chris Wheeler on The Sports Bash

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The Confidence of Cole

Posted by Pat Gallen, Mon, March 08, 2010 10:52 AM

As the last remnants of snow melt away here in the Delaware Valley, in Clearwater, the traces of 2009 are being washed away for Cole Hamels.  He’s a confident young pitcher, by all accounts; however, last season, he was anything but.  So far, that looks like its changed.

Sure, he’s tossed only two innings, but that’s not the point.  His focus is apparent, his sights are set on starting the season on the right foot.  Prior to the ‘09 season, he was busy on the Tour De World Series. Now, after an embarrassment of a year, you get the sense he understands his role.  It’s to grow and be the number two starter on the best team in the NL.

In his first spring appearance, he gave up a leadoff home run to Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays.  In May or June of 2009, had this been a regular season game, his day would have been over before it got even got rolling.  Any sign of pressure seemed to make Hamels cave.  His determination in Clearwater is his ability to shrug it off and get at the next batter as if the at-bat before was decades ago.

No more snowballing, no more huffing and puffing.  That’s the new Cole Hamels; someone with a renewed self-confidence.  He’s not at it alone this time, either.  The pressure was put squarely on Hamels following the ‘08 World Series MVP and the newfound celebrity attached. Now, he’s behind one of the greats in Roy Halladay, and will be for an entire season.  That gives him the freedom to be himself and let the game come to him.

Also, the thought of adding more pitches to his repertoire is exciting.  Cole had gotten by on just two plus-pitches, but his arsenal now includes a cutter to go with his fastball/changeup/curveball list.  The curve is another he has been working diligently on fixing, as it was a pitch he could not corral a year ago.  With four pitches, and a possible sinker on the way, something he has been messing with this spring, Hamels isn’t going to be left catching up.  The 26-year old lefty wants to be ahead of the curve.

His 4.32 ERA was symbolic of his inability to work deep into games, and his 10 wins against 11 losses just plain look bad, even though we all agree wins are overrated.  If you look at the peripherals, he allowed the same number of baserunners in 2009 as he did in 2008.  Following a campaign where bad luck had something to do with his regression, many prognosticators see Hamels as a comeback candidate.

The PECOTA projections have Hamels finishing in the top-10 in all of baseball in wins, strikeouts, ERA, WHIP, and VORP.  Baseball Prospectus sees his regression as a fluke.  In 2010, they see a 180-degree turn back to the Hamels of old.

It’s somewhat apparent, specifically on the Phillies Nation commenting boards, that Philadelphia has a love/hate relationship with Hamels.  His laid-back demeanor is sometimes mistaken for lack of concern for his team.  I’d say it’s just a cultural misunderstanding. Cole’s preparation in Spring Training will go a long way in regaining the fans he lost after last year’s throw away season.

He doesn’t have to be otherworldly to be a success in 2010.  All he needs to do is give Roy Halladay support at the top of the rotation, something he rarely presented in 2009.  But as the season changes and the warmth of the spring finds us all, the Phillies faithful hope change can find Cole Hamels as well. If he’s confident in himself, we can be confident in him.

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American League West Preview

Posted by Pat Gallen, Sat, March 06, 2010 05:45 PM

Last season, the AL West was once again all about the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  For the third straight season, and for the fifth time in six years, the Halos won the American League West behind the tutelage of Philadelphia-bred manager Mike Scioscia.  They finished with 97 wins, 10 games ahead of second place Texas.

The Rangers are another great story from 2009.  No, they did not make the playoffs, but they did take strides toward that goal.  Ron Washington has rallied the team from 75 wins in 2007 to 79 wins in ‘08.  Last years leap makes them a real threat in the West again this season.

Seattle somehow won 85 games a year ago and are poised to continue growing.  Oakland struggled to 75 wins, but the Billy Beane-led A’s will always hang around and play tough baseball.

The 2010 Season:

Los Angeles Angels: (97-65, 1st in AL West in 2009)

-The Angels lost ace starting pitcher John Lackey to the Boston Red Sox in free agency, but they are still well stocked with arms. Young Jered Weaver, who won 16 games a year ago, leads a steady bunch.  Scott Kazmir, Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana, and Joel Pinero round out the solid rotation that will not wow you, but will produce.

Offensively, they lost their heart and soul for the last six seasons, Vladimir Guerrero. He’s moved the the rival Rangers, but in his stead comes World Series hero Hideki Matsui to DH.  One of the biggest losses in free agency for any team was Chone Figgins jumping ship to the Mariners, however, up-and-comer Brandon Wood, along with Maicier Izturis, will attempt to hold down the fort.

The offense may struggled a bit without the presence of Figgins at the top of the order, but we all know Scioscia will have these guys prepared for anything.

Texas Rangers: (87-75, 2nd in AL West in 2009)

An exciting, offensive-laden team a year ago will return most of the same order that catapulted the Rangers to their best campaign in five years.  They mostly did so without Josh Hamilton, who struggled with injuries and made it through 89 games. His return is paramount to the Rangers making yet another move up the West standings. Michael Young was as good as ever a year ago as he moved to third base, and he should continue to be the rock of the lineup.

The pitching is the problem. Last year, they got huge output from Scott Feldman who won 17 games.  Subtract former Phillie Kevin Millwood and add oft-injured flame thrower Rich Harden and the young staff is decent.  But that all falls on youngsters Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter.  Nefali Feliz is a possibility as a starter, but right now he’s in the bullpen and virtually unhittable as he hits the high-90’s with his fastball.

In 2010, I think 90 wins is a possibility, but it all comes down to pitching.  The offense will score enough, but can they continue to progress in the arms race.

Seattle Mariners: (85-77, 3rd in AL West in 2009)

The Mariners were an enigmatic team in ‘09.  They figured out a way to win 85 games by scoring the least amount of runs in the American League (640). Seattle did allow the fewest runs in the junior circuit, but it’s still rather impressive that they won so many games with little to no offensive production.  They did not have a 100-RBI guy in the lineup and this offseason lost their top power hitter, Russell Branyan, to free agency.  Chone Figgins was their big pickup, so it looks like manufacturing runs is the mantra for 2010.

Of course, they also have perhaps the greatest one-two punch in the majors at the top of their rotation. Felix Hernandez gets help from none other than Cliff Lee. But behind those stallions is a major question mark.  Ryan Rowland-Smith, Doug Fister, and Ian Snell doesn’t really excite too many people.  Their strength also needs to be the bullpen, the crew with the 3rd best ERA and 3rd best OPS against in the AL.

To me, with no real power threat, it looks like the Mariners may be in for a regression.

Oakland A’s: (75-87, Last in AL West in 2009)

The Moneyball A’s continue to be frugal because they have to be.  The last few seasons, it has meant a depleted product on the field.  In 2009, their offense was borderline laughable and it looks to be the same this season. Ever heard of Cliff Pennington? He takes over at shortstop.  Daric Barton, Ryan Sweeney, and Rajai Davis aren’t exactly household names, either, but it’ll have to do.  They did add Kevin Kouzmanoff to take over at third base, but it probably won’t be enough.

The pitching staff is the real plus on this team.  A group led  by Ben Sheets and Justin Duchscherer can either be outstanding and dominant, or will sink due to injuries. Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, and Vin Mazzaro round out the five-man crew.  The bullpen is also young, yet solid, and for the A’s to have any chance in the AL West, they will have to pitch over their heads.  Looks unlikely.

Standings

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Kyle Kendrick and Jay McGwire on 97.3 ESPN FM

Posted by Pat Gallen, Thu, March 04, 2010 06:59 PM

Phillies starter/reliever Kyle Kendrick was a guest with Mike Gill on the Sports Bash today on 97.3 ESPN FM in Atlantic City.  Kendrick threw a scoreless inning and then was nice enough to talk after the game.

KK has been spotted hanging around with Roy Halladay during the early stages of Spring Training as he soaks up the knowledge that Halladay has on how to pitch in the majors.

Jay McGwire joined Mike as well and talked about his new book “Mark and Me” and about how his brother Mark began taking steroids and shot to the top of his game.  I realize this isnt Phillies related, but it’s nonetheless an important baseball topic.

Kyle Kendrick on 97.3 ESPN FM – Click Here for the Interview

Jay McGwire on 97.3 ESPN FM – Click Here for the Interview

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A Used Bench is a Happy Bench

Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, March 02, 2010 12:40 PM

This isn’t quite the race for the fifth rotation spot or the lefty bullpen job.  Yet, lost in the shuffle is the Phillies new and, hopefully improved, bench.  So long, Eric Bruntlett, Paul Bako, Miguel Cairo, and Matt Stairs.  Welcome, Ross Gload, Juan Castro, and Brian Schneider.

It’s a different crew, an upgraded crew by major league standards, and it’s exactly what the Phillies needed. Now, it’s up to Charlie Manuel to utilize his utilities.

Scott Lauber of the Wilmington News Journal wrote a piece today about the bench, with the likelyhood that they’ll start finding splinters in their ass more than ever.  If Manuel goes that route this season, he is clearly missing the bigger picture.  It’s important to start the higher-priced, better players.  But it’s also imperative they get a rest.

Over the last three season, here are the games played by the most “important” players:

• Ryan Howard: 466
• Chase Utley: 447
• Jimmy Rollins: 454

It certainly is a testament to their training regiments and offseason planning that this crew can stay healthy like they have. Still, to keep the continuity of the entire 25-man roster intact, the simple plan should be to give these guys a day off on the regular.

Baseball is clearly a different sport, but I harken back to the Boston Celtics of two seasons ago.  Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen were all at the pinnacle of their games as one unit.  They won the title, which is what you shoot for, of course, but in the process, the long season took its toll on the three of them.  Garnett has failed to stay healthy since, Pierce is now dealing with injuries, and Allen is having one of his worst statistical seasons ever. They were overused for the greater good of the team.  This Phillies team can learn from that.

Clearly, it’s impossible to completely bridge the two sports, but the main focus here is that guys will begin to break down if care it not taken.  Ryan Howard has been lucky enough to miss just 20 games in three seasons.  Chase Utley plays like a linebacker out a second base and Jimmy Rollins has plenty of mileage.

The cliches are apparent when it comes to the backups.  ”We need our reps”, “I can hit better if I just got the opportunity”, and “It’s tough when all the regulars are healthy” all apply here.  I think it’s fairly crucial that Manuel get this crew some of those reps early on in the season when its cold and blustery.  Check last season’s stats, for example. Phillies subs managed an anemic .196 average. However, they were given a total of 374 plate appearances in 162 games.

Was it a product of the makeup of the bench? Or was it that they were not given the opportunity?  I’d say more of the former, since many cringed at the thought of Bako or Bruntlett pinch-hitting.  That excuse is old now.  Use the bench for what it’s worth.  Gload led the league in pinch hits last season, while Greg Dobbs did the same a couple of years ago.  Manuel must make sure Raul Ibanez is fresh, and that means Ben Francisco will see, or should see, plenty of time in left field.

Sitting Chase Utley or Ryan Howard for long stretches is not what anyone wants to see, but scheduled rest patterns for the superstars might just be what the doctor ordered.

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Spring Training Odds and Ends: Happ, Romero

Posted by Pat Gallen, Sun, February 28, 2010 05:21 PM

-J.A Happ will be the first pitcher on the mound on in the Phillies first Spring Training game against Florida State University on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to this game for the sole fact that it is finally actual baseball action. Metrics have concluded this offseason that Happ will not be on the same level as a year ago when he was the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up.

Bill James, the projectionist monarch, says Happ will win 10 games and post an era in the mid-four’s.  I’ll give J.A. a bit more confidence than that, but even if he wins 12 games and hovers around four in the ERA column, that should be looked at as a successful season for a number-four starter. Whatever the case, I would warn not to pay too much attention to Happ’s ST performance.

-The guy I’m really looking forward to seeing is Phillippe Aumont. He will throw behind Happ during Wednesday’s game and the expectations will still be rather substantial for a guy who isn’t expected to make his mark on the majors for another year, at the earliest.  He was the centerpiece of the Cliff Lee trade, meaning many eyes will be glued to his performance.

Aumont boasts a power fastball, but needs to hone his secondary pitches before he can truly be counted on as a top-of-the-line starting pitcher.  Still, if he can figure out the curve and change up he has been working on, it’ll certainly be exciting to see his maturation.  He no doubt has big shoes to fill, but what are you expecting out of Aumont? If he’s not a #1 or #2 starter in the league, will it be failure of a trade?

-J.C. Romero finally threw earlier today for the first time since elbow surgery in October. The lefty specialist hurled 23 pain-free pitches, all fastballs, as he attempts to return to his 2008 form.  He should be ready to go by the first week of the regular season, if all goes well.  And, boy, do the Phillies need him.  They need that lefty presence badly as last year it was J.A. Happ, Antonio Bastardo and Jack Taschner out of the pen, for the most part. Bastardo is a year older and wiser, Happ is a full-time starter now, and Taschner is gone.  The onus is now on Romeo to get healthy.

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Brian Michael’s Interview with Metsparadise.com

Posted by Pat Gallen, Sat, February 27, 2010 03:34 PM

Brandon Lee of Mets Paradise recently sat down with Phillies Nation’s Brian Michael for an interview about the Phillies. Before they ripped each others heads off, Brandon was able to ask Brian some question about the Phillies, what he thinks of the Mets, how he thinks the Phillies will do this year, and more:

Brandon Lee:  There’s been a lot made about the Mets/Phillies rivalry, what do you think about it? How do you see the Mets?

Brian Michael: Honestly, I loathe Mets fans (and the Mets) – probably because we are so alike in many ways. We both have that inferiority complex that we’re afraid to admit, are fans from birth, are knowledgeable about our teams, and won’t back down from a fight. The rivalry on the field almost got interesting, but then the Mets faded as the Phillies made the playoffs. Conversely, the Mets were good in previous years but the Phillies were not. When both teams are playing up to their potential, it’s one of the best rivalries in baseball.

(more…)

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CSN’s Jim Salisbury on 97.3 ESPN FM

Posted by Pat Gallen, Fri, February 26, 2010 05:32 PM

CSNPhilly.com Phillies insider Jim Salisbury joined The Sports Bash with Mike Gill live from Clearwater and gave an update on the state of the team early on in Spring Training.

Among the topics are Cole Hamels working on a fourth pitch, a cut fastball, and how he looks overall. Salisbury also talks about Roy Halladay and the difference he makes, Chase Utley bulking up, and Placido Polanco at his new position.

Listen to it here:  Jim Salisbury on the Sports Bash with Mike Gill

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