On the Outside, Looking In: Pedro Martinez

Ten years ago, Pedro Martinez was living every MLB player’s dream.

At the All-Star Game in 1999, Martinez experienced all the hype — in addition to being swarmed by the media, he was able to rub elbows with some of the game’s best, enjoying some of baseball’s most fun-filled festivities, including being the American League’s starting pitcher.

This week, as the MLB season reaches its midseason classic, the league again pauses to celebrate and have its best participate in such festivities.

Martinez, although a participant of some sorts this week, is not exactly the type of participant he or baseball fans expected him to be.

Instead, he has been scurrying to agree to a contract and pass a physical in Philadelphia, in order to join the Phillies.

Martinez, a future Hall of Famer, figured he would attempt to accomplish what Roger Clemens did when he chose to sit out part of the season before signing with the Astros and Yankees, in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Unfortunately, it has thus far been a bumpy road. Unlike Clemens, who took pauses from the game while in top form, Martinez’s left baseball after the 2008 season.

That season had proven to be the worst season of his career as he battled injuries and what appeared to be pure deterioration. Posting a 5-6 record, Martinez had a career high 5.61 earned run average and only 87 strikeouts through 109 innings in 20 starts.

Barely able to last over five innings per start, Martinez looked much more like a mop-up pitcher than a Hall of Famer.

Even so, after pitching for his native Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Martinez reported himself to be in his best shape in years, with an asking price of $5 million, plus incentives, to pitch the rest of the season.

Although Martinez did tally six strikeouts in six scoreless innings during the WBC, he did not once make a start.

Even so, teams were still curious about how much fuel Martinez had left in his tank.

After watching him pitch in his country, the Rays, Cubs, Yankees, and Angels had seen enough and were not interested. The Dodgers, who were reported to have had interest as well, were not interested in his price tag.

With the word traveling fast, Martinez’s window of opportunity was closing rapidly.

Fortunately for him, Phillies scouts, who were last to watch Martinez throw, were quite impressed. They even went as far as to say that Martinez looked to be in better shape than he was as a rival Met (a tad biased, perhaps? Just kidding.)  

However, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was not quite ready to jump on the band wagon.

“For myself, I’m a firm believer that in the Major Leagues today, if you go back and look and you look at All-Star teams and things like that, the good pitchers are young pitchers,” said Manuel earlier last week. “Young pitchers with high-ceiling stuff, plus they’re good enough right now to throw strikes.”

Manuel obviously makes a terrific point with his concern, as Martinez has knowingly lost velocity and stamina.

Despite being in such fit shape, Martinez is expected to spend three weeks in extended spring training before joining the team.

That, in conjunction with Martinez’s original asking price already being too steep, is why he is expected to take a massive pay cut after joining the Phillies.

According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Martinez will make a guaranteed $1 million this season, with another $1.5 million possible in incentives.  

Now, after letting so much time pass from being stingy about his paycheck, Martinez finally has flown into Philadelphia, and after passing his physical, will become a Philadelphia Philly on Wednesday.

When he finally takes that first pitch off the mound in 2009, whenever that may be, it will be interesting to see if such an investment will pay off. However, to me, a contract of sorts would just be a perfect marriage of two delusional parties.

Relax! Pedro Martinez Is Not THE Answer

So, the reports say that Pedro Martinez has passed his physical and will sign with the Philadelphia Phillies.  Yet, many Phillies fans appear to be having a heart attack thinking that this will be the “big move” for the Phillies.   Relax, Pedro is your fifth starter.

Since Brett Myers went down for the year with an injury, the Phillies have used Antonio Bastardo and Rodrigo Lopez in his absence.   Bastardo had two nice starts before getting shelled.   Lopez has been decent in two starts, but he left his last start after five innings with a shoulder injury.

Should the Philadelphia Phillies just keep trotting out a revolving door of minor leaguers every five days?   Of course not – they must make a move.   This move is going to be Pedro Martinez.  

Why Pedro Martinez?  

There are three good reasons why this is a decent move for a contending team to fill a hole.

First, the cost is very low. 

And by low, I am not talking about the dollar amount.  To acquire a fifth starter at the expense of any marginal prospect can be a very expensive price to pay.  In this case, all the Phillies are giving up to acquire a starter is money.

Secondly, what is the worst that will happen if Martinez does not succeed?  

In the sixty-five games remaining, he will make 12 to 13 starts if all goes well.   If it does not go well, the Phillies still reach to their prospects or Rodrigo Lopez-type veterans to make starts anyway; the same kind of scrambling they are doing already.  There is no reason not to give him a shot.

Finally, Martinez’s main motivation for pitching for the Phillies is to stick it to the Mets.

Bitter that he was not given an opportunity this season, he longs to win the NL East for the rival Phillies.   

What more could a Phillies fan want?

Greatest Phillie in the Last 50 Years? Mike Schmidt or Steve Carlton?

Choosing between the two is like asking which child is your favorite. You love them both and would never want to place one above the other. But 950 ESPN is asking you to do just that with a poll this week on their website.

Each week the Philadelphia sports radio station is polling listeners asking for their input on the best athlete for each of the Philadelphia teams, culminating with a poll pitting the best of the best between each other to determine the best Philadelphia athlete over the last 50 years.

Wilt Chamberlain won the vote for the best Sixer over the last 50 years and this week they are looking for the best Phillies player over the last 50 years.

Your options are Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley.

I have some issues with this poll right from the start but the fans at least are showing that this really is just a two man race; Carlton at the moment has 57 percent of the votes and Schmidt has 35 percent of the votes. Chase Utley is in a distant third with 3 percent of the votes, Ashburn behind him with 2 percent.

Let me get the most annoying part off my chest; Richie Ashburn does not deserve to be on this poll. Seriously. Ashburn is one of the best players in franchise history, but judging by the foundation for the poll and the restriction of the last 50 years should eliminate Ashburn from discussion.

Ashburn did play the 1959 season with the Phillies, so he does fall under the 50 year guideline, but the 1959 season was Ashburn’s worst with the Phillies. His 20 runs batted in were the worst of his Phillies tenure, and his nine stolen bases were tied for a low with the Phillies. His .266 batting average also ranks at the bottom for his Phillies career. Want more? With 150 hits Ashburn had his worst season as a Phillie in 1959.

What I am trying to say is that Ashburn not only is not the best Phillie in the last 50 years, but to have him on the poll is a crime. Now what about Robin Roberts?

Roberts is one of the best pitchers in Phillies’ franchise history, evidenced by his retired number. With no disrespect intended for the Hall of Famer, Roberts also does not belong on this list, going with the guideline of the last 50 years.

Roberts played for the Phillies between 1948 and 1961, but for the purposes of this poll, I only take into account his 1959-1961 seasons.

In those three seasons Roberts went 28-43, including 1-10 in 1961, failing to record a winning season in each of those three seasons. He also suffered the worst three seasons in regards to ERA while with the Phillies and he only finished five games (after finishing an average of 21.6 games each season from 1948 to 1958).

So what am I saying here?

If 950 ESPN is going to do this poll they should at least put some research and thought into their poll selections. Carlton or Schmidt should win this poll no matter what players they are up against, but at least give the correct options.

The two players who should be on this poll before Ashburn and Roberts are Jimmy Rollins and Curt Schilling.

Rollins has put together 150+ hit seasons from 2001 to last season, lead the team in triples four times, put together an MVP season, stole 311 bases, scored 896 runs, recorded over 1,500 hits and picked up a pair of Gold Glove awards.

Schilling put together 95 wins in Phillies pin stripes and was the ace of the 1993 World Series runners up. The three-time Phillies All-Star pitched 15 complete games in 1998 when the Phillies were 75-87. In today’s age that is almost as close to Carlton’s 27 win 1972 season as you can get.

Now my final riff. This one is with the voters who are creating a landslide for Carlton over Schmidt. Again, Carlton and Schmidt are unquestionably two of the best players in franchise history, so choosing either one of them makes sense just about any way you pose the question.

But Schmidt is the best third baseman of all time. Again; of all time.

The vote should be in favor of Schmidt because as good as Carlton was, not even he is a landslide to be named the best pitcher, or maybe even left handed pitcher, of all time. To vote against someone who is unanimously recognized as the epitome of a position is just ludicrous.

Schmidt is a 10-time Gold Glove winner, though some may beg to differ, a twelve time All-Star selection, six time Silver Slugger winner, three time NL MVP, and a World Series MVP.

Yes, Carlton has four NL Cy Young Awards but Schmidt clearly had more competition for the MVP award. Schmidt also played every day at one of the toughest positions in the field.

Be smart people. Vote Schmidt.

Philadelphia Phillies First Half Report Card: Pitchers

Today marks the second day off for the All—Star break, so let us continue our mid—season grades for the Phillies. Today we take a look at a pitching staff, who have been fighting their way through injuries and various struggles at this point. How have they fared individually?

Let’s take a look, beginning with the starting rotation.

Cole Hamels
5-5, 4.87 ERA, 85 K, 18 BB

Coming into the 2009 season I had very high expectations for Cole Hamels. To say he has come up short would be an understatement of mass proportions.

After showing a new level of dominance in the 2008 post season Hamels captured MVP honors in the NLCS and World Series, so thoughts of Hamels cruising his way to a 18, 19 or even 20 win season were not to be questioned.

Today we sit with an ace who has posted a 5-5 record with an ERA that is second worst in the starting rotation.

His strike out total sits at 85 and he has only walked 18 batters, which is not too bad, but he is on pace for a number of career highs if his play continues to be mediocre in the second half.

Hamels has already allowed 15 home runs, four shy of his career low of 19 (his career high is 28). He has also given up 117 hits, which already ties his career low for a season (2006).

If the Phillies are going to win their third straight division title they will need Hamels to work things out and have a much better second half. Hamels will need to pick up nine wins in the second half to help hold off the Florida Marlins and a possible late season surge from the New York Mets.

First half grade: C-

Joe Blanton
6-4, 4.44 ERA, 91 K, 33 BB

Joe Blanton got off to a worrisome start to the season but has come on strong lately. Blanton owns the best ERA among the opening day starting rotation and leads the team in strike outs. Due to the mediocre play around the rest of the pitching staff Blanton has become one of the most reliable pitchers to look to.

The Phillies are getting what they need out of Blanton. He is leading the team in innings pitched and has the only arm to throw over 100 innings. He will need to stay healthy and may be looked at as the second pitcher in the rotation in the second half, barring any significant trades that may be made.

First half grade: B+

Jamie Moyer
8-6, 5.99 ERA, 53 K, 25 BB

How is it that Jamie Moyer leads the Phillies in wins? With eight wins the “crafty lefty” leads the Phillies in victories at the All—Star break. But his 5.99 ERA is Adam Eaton-esque. With 116 hits allowed it is no wonder why Moyer’s innings total is at 94.2.

After signing a two-year deal with the Phillies there must be questions spinning around the front office wondering why?

It is no secret that Moyer’s age is of the upper variety, but despite that he finds ways to out—think most batters. Though he has been hit hard in a number of games the reality is that Moyer is no better than a back end of the rotation starter.

At this point the only reason Moyer is the fourth pitcher is because the Phillies can not find a solid fifth starter, a position that is a revolving door after the loss of Brett Myers to injury.

Moyer needs to bring the ERA down. If he ends the season with an ERA in the mid to low 4.00 area, then that should be a good sign for the Phillies at the end of the season.

First half grade: D-

J.A. Happ
6-0, 2.90 ERA, 61 K, 32 BB

On the entire pitching staff, nobody has been as dependable as J.A. Happ. Happ started the year in the bullpen, losing the coveted fifth starter’s job in spring training to Chan Ho Park.

Being sent to the bullpen must have kept Happ’s spirits and motivation high though, because once Park struggled as a starter the team called upon Happ to fill the role he worked hard to obtain.

Whether he has come out of the bullpen or started a game on the mound, Happ has put together a season worthy of NL Rookie of the Year nominations.

Combined with his bullpen work, Happ leads the starters in ERA and is third on the team in ERA. He has walked more batters than you would like to see (32) but he usually finds a way to wiggle out of trouble or at least minimize the damage.

Call me a homer, but a case could have been made about Happ being placed on the All—Star team, although he would have been one of the last guys in. Now Happ has pitched himself into a position where it would either be hard for the Phillies to trade him away or he could be an important piece of a blockbuster trade.

First half grade: A

Chan Ho Park
3-2, 5.49 ERA, 50 K, 26 BB

Grading Chan Ho Park‘s 2009 season can be tricky. While his time in the starting rotation was anything but enjoyable, his move to the bullpen has slowly become a success. For the purposes of this mid—season report though we must combine all of the efforts put out by Park.

As a starter, Park went a frustrating 1-1 with a 7.29 ERA in seven games. That includes a stellar game in a pitcher’s duel in which he out—pitched Johan Santana. He gave up five home runs, walked 17 batters and struck out 21 batters.

As a reliever, being replaced in the rotation by Happ, Park took a couple outings to find his groove but has gone 2-1 with a 3.16 ERA. He has allowed nine earned runs (ten overall) in just under 26 innings pitched, has walked just nine batters while striking out 29.

Park will remain in the bullpen in the second half of the season and he could be a key player in the pen for the Phillies.

First half grade: C (But rising)

Brett Myers
4-3, 4.66 ERA, 46 K, 20 BB

Unfortunately Brett Myers‘ season may be done already as he suffered an injury after just ten games. Though his absence has hurt the team it is through no fault of his own, so he will not be downgraded for his injury.

Myers was somewhat mediocre in his ten outings. Seventeen of his pitches found their way to the seats in fair territory, which was reminiscent of his poor play from a year ago that prompted a move to Lehigh Valley.

Myers recorded 46 strikeouts, which would have put him on pace to be among the team leaders if he stayed healthy.

First half grade: C

Clay Condrey
4-2, 3.71 ERA, 22 K, 14 BB

Clay Condrey has been a bit of an unsung hero out of the bullpen, he has played a vital role so far this season.

Now out with an injury of his own, Condrey was called upon more often than planned as injuries and bullpen changes continued throughout the first few months. Add in the fact that the starting pitchers struggled for so long and guys like Condrey were being used often.

Condrey has allowed 31 hits, including four home runs, and for awhile led the team in wins. If he comes back healthy in the second half of the season, Condrey will provide some long relief in blow—outs to save the more important role players.

First half grade: B+

Chad Durbin
5-5, 4.87 ERA, 85 K, 18 BB

Chad Durbin became one of the more reliable relief pitchers last season, but has not been as dependable this season. After the first half of the season is in the books, Durbin is shouldered with a 4.47 ERA with 36 hits allowed in 44.1 innings pitched. He has also walked 28 batters and given up six home runs.

Perhaps more concerning is his seven hit batters, tied for the most on the team with Jamie Moyer. Durbin will have to show more control on the mound when called upon for middle relief in the fifth or sixth innings in the second half.

First half grade: C-

J.C. Romero
5-5, 4.87 ERA, 85 K, 18 BB

J.C. Romero joined the team late in the first half of the season after serving a 50—game suspension for a disputed drug policy violation. As such he has only pitched 14.1 innings so far, so giving him an accurate grade is tough.

Romero has been decent enough for the team but has some things he needs to improve. In his 17 appearances, Romero has given up six runs (five earned), two home runs, and a concerning twelve walks and eleven strike outs.

First half grade: C

Scott Eyre
1-1, 2.16 ERA, 12 K, 10 BB

Scott Eyre has been one of the most reliable pitchers out of the bullpen this season. Only used in certain situations, this limits his appearances, but in 27 games (16.2 innings) Eyre has allowed just five runs to cross the plate, four of which were earned.

Eyre holds the team’s second lowest ERA and after serving some time on the disabled list looks to continue to provide a steady arm in relief in the second half of the season.

First half grade: B

Ryan Madson
3-4, 4 SV, 3.02 ERA, 44 K, 16 BB

After cementing himself as “The Bridge to Lidge” last season, Ryan Madson was supposed to be the solid eighth inning guy that could lock down a close game. It has not quite worked out that way for Madson this season.

Entering with high expectations, Madson has struggled in both a set—up and closer role. Despite some struggles in the last month, Madson still holds a low ERA even with fifteen earned runs allowed. Madson has given up runs in crucial situations, including blowing four saves.

Even with the problems Madson has experienced he is still holding batters to a lower batting average than he did a year ago. The problem is those fewer hits are counting for more bases and runs. Still though, for his role, he has not performed to the level needed to get the job done and he needs to pitch better in the next couple of months

First half grade: D+

BRAD LIDGE
0-4, 18 SV, 7.03 ERA, 37 K, 19 BB

Baseball fans everywhere knew that there was no way Brad Lidge would be perfect in 2009. And boy were they right. At the All—Star break Lidge is charged with a woeful 0-4 record and while he has saved 18 games, he has also blown six save opportunities.

Lidge was placed on the DL to work out some problems and since he came back he has, for the most part, been solid. In the first half Lidge did allow eight home runs, the latest coming on Friday night.

First half grade: D+

When you look at the entire pitching staff there is no doubt that there needs to be improvement in the starting rotation, the middle relief, and the back end of the bullpen to close out games.

There are reasons to be optimistic for a brighter outlook from the pitchers in the second half of the season, as the Phillies look as though they are going to take a chance with Pedro Martinez.

Of course the Phillies are also a trendy name in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes as well.

What are your thoughts on the pitchers through the first half of the season? Are any of these pitchers marked too high or too low? I know I left some names out.

Guys like Jack Taschner, Kyle Kendrick, Sergio Escalona, Antonio Bastardo and more were left out as they were either not here long enough to dissect (Rodrigo Lopez) or because they appear to not be a player in the second half of the season anyway (Jack Taschner). Feel free to give an assessment to any of those guys if you wish.

The Great Debate: The NL East Second-Half Preview

The MLB All-Star Game is one of the greatest games in sports. It is a time when both leagues put forth their best players and play to see who’s better.

But most of all, it is a time to reflect on the first half of the season as well as look ahead to the second half.

In this “Great Debate”, the top teams of the NL East have put forth their top writers to discuss what will happen in the second half of the season.

Mets top writer Richard Marsh and I have selected the participants.

For the Philadephia Phillies, we have Scott Eisenlohr and Cody Swartz.

For the New York Mets, we have John Fennelly and Lou Cappetta.

For the Atlanta Braves, we have Joel Barker and Cameron Britt.

And finally, for the Florida Marlins, we have Andrew Robeson and Leslie Monteiro.

(My dearest apologies to the Washington Nationals.)

(At least one writer from each team will answer the questions. For some, both will answer.)

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Matthew Tymann (Part 2)

And we’re back! Here is part two of the interview with Matthew Tymann. Enjoy!

Jorge Says No!: In your opinion, are the guys on the Riversharks playing to get back in affiliated ball, or are they playing for the love of the game/money?

Matthew Tymann: It’s two out of those three. First and foremost, they’re playing to get back in affiliated ball. To a man (with the possible exception of Felix Rodriguez, as I referenced earlier), they’ll all tell you that their No. 1 goal is to get signed by a Major League organization.

For guys like Davey, Brazelton, Knott, Leon, and Bryant Nelson, the goal is to get back to the Majors; for others, the goal is to get there for the first time. Not one of the players I’ve talked to on this team has lost sight of that dream, no matter how realistic or unrealistic it may be for some of them.

At the same time, though, they’re definitely playing for the love of the game, too. One thing that strikes me about non-Major League baseball players is how many different teams they play for over the course of their careers. Quite a few of them have played for more teams, in more cities, than the number of seasons in their career.

Brian Burgamy, our starting third baseman, has played for ten different teams in eight seasons…and he’s only been a part of three different Major League organizations.

Bryant Nelson, our shortstop, has played for sixteen different teams over sixteen professional seasons—sixteen teams!

And that’s not uncommon at all in this league. These guys are like mercenaries, and I don’t see how anyone could keep playing for that long, moving around the country that much, if he didn’t have a deep love for baseball. So, I’d say every one of the guys on the ‘sharks roster is playing for the love of the game.

Money would have to be a distant third to these two other reasons, except in the sense that a Major League contract would obviously generate some income. Players are not making a ton of dough in the Atlantic League. They play to get noticed by Major League teams, and they play for fun. Those are definitely the two main reasons.

Jorge Says No!: What do you like best about writing about and working with the Riversharks?

Tymann: Working with the Riversharks is great on a lot of levels. To be perfectly honest, my first priority is the broadcast side of things, not the blog or the other writing I do.

I do play-by-play for about 75 of the 140 games and color commentary for another 40. I’m an aspiring broadcaster, and so getting that much experience is my personal favorite aspect of the job.

But to answer your question in terms of the spirit in which I think it was asked…the best thing about working for the Riversharks is simply that they’re a baseball team and one that plays in such a talented and competitive league. Working for any baseball team, especially in a broadcasting/writing capacity, is bound to be fun, but I honestly didn’t realize before I got here how high the talent level in the Atlantic League is.

I can rattle off a list of guys in the league who were not only Major Leaguers but well-known Major Leaguers: Keith Foulke, Armando Benitez, Carl Everett, Jacque Jones, Junior Spivey, Marlon Anderson, Shawn Chacon…and the list could go on. Then there are notable names like Anthony Manuel [Jerry’s son], Jeff Nettles [Graig’s son], and, of course, P.J. Rose [Pete’s son].

Oh, and lest I forget: The league has some collection of famous managers too. Here’s the full list of eight: Butch Hobson, Chris Hoiles, Joe Ferguson, Von Hayes, Sparky Lyle, Tommy John, Tim Raines, [and] Gary Carter. [It’s] pretty cool to be working with and interviewing those guys.

But it’s not just about the notable names. The best players in the league are guys who aren’t all that well-known: Garcia and James Shanks of Southern Maryland, Miller, Magrane, Josh Pressley and Matt Hagen of Somerset, Brandon Sing of Bridgeport, and our own Tom Davey. And there’s good depth all around as well.

People who haven’t seen an Atlantic League game would almost certainly be impressed with the level of play, the competitiveness of the games, and the high interest of (some of) the fan bases.

Jorge Says No!: What kind of attendance do the Riversharks draw? In your opinion, is the fan base passionate about the team?

Tymann: The Riversharks are currently sixth [out of eight teams in the league] in attendance, averaging 3,483 fans per game. But teams like Long Island, Somerset, Lancaster, and York all regularly draw 5,000+ fans to their games, and the people that come out are generally a passionate bunch.

In Long Island and Somerset especially, the fans really care about the team and provide great energy in the stands.

Unfortunately, we don’t really get that in Camden. We have good fans, but they’re much more interested in having a good time with their families than cheering on the team. If the food is good; and the promotions are good; and the video is good; and the weather is good; and the team loses 10-0, the majority of our fans go home happy.

I’d like to see that not be the case, but it’s the way of life in a market like this. Any fans who want to be die-hards about a baseball team root for the Phillies, who play five to 10 minutes away. There just isn’t the baseball void in Camden that there is in a place like Somerset, Lancaster, or York.

So, the short answer to your question is: No, Riversharks fans are not generally passionate about the team. But, fortunately, there are passionate fans around the league, and that helps to make things more fun.

 

And a huge thanks goes out to Matt for giving us such in-depth responses. This was an eye-opening interview for me, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as well. Feel free to leave your comments in the comments and check out The Deep End!

The Philles-Dodgers Fight and Casey Stengel’s “War Dance”

At the beginning of August, 1934, the Brooklyn Dodgers were struggling to pass the Phillies for sixth place. The Phillies beat the Dodgers at Ebbets field in the first of a three-game set, and Brooklyn returned the favor the next day.

The rubber-game winner would be in sole position of sixth place, but the game was significant because it illustrated the attitudes that no longer exist.

Dick Bartell’s Hard Slide into Second

Lonny Frey was Brooklyn’s shortstop, and Dick Bartell was his Phillies’ counterpart. Earlier in the season, Bartell slid hard into Frey, attempting to break up a double play.

The Dodgers’ were not pleased by Bartell’s actions and in this particular game, the simmering aggression was finally released.

Brooklyn Runners Went After Dick Bartell

Brooklyn base runners slid hard into second base any time Bartell had to cover second. It was easily discerned that the Dodgers’ were going for the Phillies’ captain.

After six innings, Brooklyn was clinging to a 3-2 lead. Phillies’ pitcher Sylvester Johnson had not given up a hit since the third inning, which rankled Dodgers’ skipper Casey Stengel.

He ordered his hitters to bunt, which forced the defensively challenged Phillies’ to implode.

Joe Stripp and Buzz Boyle bunted safely, but the Phllies made three wild throws, the most critical by playing manager and catcher Jimmy Wilson, who threw wildly to first base. When the dust cleared, Brooklyn had scored three runs for a 6-2 lead.

Otto Miller Taunted Jimmy Wilson

Brooklyn coach Otto Miller taunted Wilson and challenged him to a fight after the game, as the Phillies rallied for three runs in the eighth, to make it a one-run game.

Brooklyn answered with a run in the bottom of the inning, but the Phillies tied the game in the top of the ninth. Al Lopez led off Brooklyn’s ninth with a home run to win the game.

The Fight

As the teams walked off, Jimmy Wilson and Otto Miller confronted each other in the runway leading to the locker rooms. The two really went at it, exchanging blows until cooler heads prevailed.

Neither was hurt, as is usually the case with baseball fights. But the bad feelings between the teams persisted.

Bartell Was Beaned

A little more than a week later, Brooklyn visited Philadelphia.

In the third inning, Brooklyn knuckleballer Dutch Leonard hit Dick Bartell in the back of the head. Bartell was knocked out. He went to the dugout for treatment and continued.

The Phillies, aware that knuckle ball pitchers didn’t know where the ball was going, didn’t think that Leonard threw at Bartell.

Wilson’s Explanation

Brooklyn won, 5-3, and after the game, Jimmy Wilson addressed the fight with Otto Miller.

“I criticized Miller for his manner of sending youngsters like Frey down to second base. I told him it would result only in injury to them.”

Philadelphia Pay Back

The next day, Philadelphia enjoyed pay back.

Brooklyn scored the go-ahead run in the ninth inning off Phillies’ pitcher Chief Euel Moore, a right-handed Chickasaw from Tishomingo, OK, to lead 5-4.

Brooklyn loaded the bases on a single and two safe bunts. Sam Leslie singled to put Brooklyn ahead, but not for good.

Casey Stengel’s Dance

Casey Stengel might have helped Brooklyn’s rally.

When Phillies’ pitcher Chief Euel Moore entered the game, Casey Stengel, it was written in the New York Times,

“…created considerable merriment and annoyed Chief Moore no little during the fifth and ninth innings by doing his own interpretation of an Indian war dance up and down the third base coaching box.”

It was a different game and a very different society in 1934.

Fighting was more accepted than today, the players didn’t all belong to the same union, bench-jockeying was part of the game, and almost anything that would help win was accepted,

Actions that are unacceptable today were viewed differently, especially in the context of trying to upset an opponent in order to throw him off his game.

Jimmy Wilson’s Winning Strategy

In the bottom of the ninth, nemesis Dick Bartell singled to right and moved to second on Lou Chiozza’s single.

The runners moved to second and third on a Johnny Babich wild pitch. Andy HIgh walked to load the bases and left-handed hitter Johnny Moore was announced as a pinch-hitter for the recently acquired Hack Wilson, who hit from the right side.

Casey Stengel countered by bringing in left-hander Watty Clark, which prompted Jimmy Wilson to send himself in to hit for Moore.

Clark made a wild pitch, which scored Bartell with the tying run, and with the infield in, Wilson hit a ground ball that managed to get through for the game-winning hit.

 

References

By ROSCOE McGOWEN.. (1934, August 3). DODGERS TRIUMPH ON LOPEZ’S HOMER :Drive in Ninth Stops Phils, 8-7, and Moves Brooklyn Into Sixth Place. FIST FIGHT AFTER GAME Manager Wilson and Coach Miller Battle as Climax to a Long Ill-Feeling. . New York Times (1857-Current file),21. Retrieved July 13, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 95053209).

By ROSCOE McGOWEN.Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. (1934, August 11). LEONARD, DODGERS, SUBDUES PHILS, 5-3. New York Times (1857-Current file),8. Retrieved July 13, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 95490622).

By ROSCOE McGOWEN.Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES.. (1934, August 12). DODGERS DEFEATED BY PHILS IN NINTH :Two Wild Pitches and Pinch Single by Manager Wilson Down Brooklyn, 6 to 5 . New York Times (1857-Current file),S4. Retrieved July 13, 2009, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 95053945).

Waiting for Pedro: Phillies Fans on Pedro Martinez Watch

The All-Star Break is not offering much of a stoppage in Phillies updates. Right now, the biggest news is centered on Pedro Martinez:

“Pedro Martinez is expected to be in Philadelphia on Monday to meet with Phillies officials and take a physical, which could be the final step in completing a contract for the remainder of the season.”—Todd Zolecki via MLB.com.

That’s right, Phillies fans. It is really starting to look as if Martinez could be signing a deal for the remainder of the 2009 season.

This news comes after the Phillies watched Martinez throw three innings of a simulated game on Friday, and were intrigued by another throwing session two days before.

So the question continues: Should the Phillies sign Martinez?

Each day, I find myself more and more in favor of this move. There is nothing to lose in signing Martinez. No prospects are being lost and Martinez would likely fill one of the lower spots in the rotation.

Ask yourself this: Is he any worse than Jamie Moyer?

Probably not.

If the Phillies sign Martinez and it doesn’t work out, the organization will have no problem saying, “Thank you for your time, Pedro,” and replacing him with an arm out of the bullpen or farm system.

Should the Phillies sign Martinez, here is my proposed starting rotation:

1. Cole Hamels

2. Joe Blanton

3. JA Happ

4. Pedro Martinez

5. Jamie Moyer

What are your thoughts on the Phillies acquiring Martinez?

Roy Halladay: Why Philly Should Literally Sell the Farm

It wasn’t so long ago that the thought of the Philadelphia Phillies landing one of the best players in baseball via free agency or trade was nothing more than a fantasy.

Philadelphians knew the club would never write a big enough check or part with a talented enough prospect package to get the deal done.  Rumors were dismissed without further thought and pure speculation was considered grounds for commitment to the nearest psych ward.

Oh, how things change.

As baseball enters the 2009 All-Star break, the whispers of incredulity in the City of Brotherly Love over a potential trade for Roy Halladay have given way to a delightfully exciting hubbub.  Will the Phillies actually pull the trigger?  Should they?

For once, the possibility is definite and the probability is what is being debated.

The Phillies are generally considered to be the front-runners in the Halladay sweepstakes, not just because they need a starting pitcher, but because they actually have the prospects to acquire him.  

Lefty J.A. Happ (already in the majors) and 2006 first-round pick Kyle Drabek are the most prominent names being tossed around, while other minor leaguers like catcher Lou Marson, shortstop Jason Donald, and outfielders Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor are also considered potential future stars.

Jayson Werth, who was just named to the all-star team, may also be available, though I’m not sure of Toronto’s interest.

With Philly’s ability to land Halladay pretty much taken for granted, the conversation in Philadelphia has turned to the next logical question: “Is he worth it?”

Let’s end that debate right now.  Yes.  He absolutely is.

The Phillies are fortunate enough to have a group of outstanding players all in the prime of their careers at the same time.  Chase Utley is 30.  Ryan Howard is 29.  Jimmy Rollins is 30.  Shane Victorino is 28.  Jayson Werth is 30.

With aging veterans Raul Ibanez (37) and Pedro Feliz (34) having career years, it is clear that the Phillies must be in 100 percent “Win Now!” mode and the number one obstacle standing in their way has been their pitching.  

The bullpen hasn’t been as dominant as last season, but Philadelphia’s starting pitching was, at last check, third-worst in the league.

The Phillies have been presented an opportunity to remedy their biggest problem with arguably the best player at that position in all of baseball.  This should be a no-brainer, especially considering Halladay is already under contract for next year.

Now, obviously there has to be some negotiating.  The Phillies can’t simply hand over a blank check.  My conditions for this trade would be:

• Toronto can have Happ or Drabek, but not both.
• Toronto can have Werth, but not in exchange for the bloated contracts of Vernon Wells or Alex Rios.
• Toronto can have Werth or Happ, but not both.
• Toronto can’t have Victorino.
• Toronto can have some of our top prospects, but not ALL of them.  Come on now.

Philadelphia Phillies’ First Half Report Card: Infielders

Today marks the first day off for the All-Star break, so before we dig into the All-Star game coverage, let’s take a moment to give midseason report grades to the infielders. How have the infielders fared overall through the first half of the season? Grades are based upon both offense and defense.

 

Ryan Howard, First Base
.257 AVG, 85 H, 22 HR, 67 RBI

There should be no surprise in Ryan Howard‘s offensive numbers. The heavy hitting first baseman has notched 22 home runs up to the All-Star break and is on pace for over 120 runs batted in. Not surprisingly though is his strike out total, which is sitting at 103 strike outs heading into the break.

While fans are getting pretty much what they expect out of Howard, the surprise of the season has been his defense. In 81 games at first base, Howard has committed an eye-brow raising four errors. Last season Howard was charged with 19 errors.

Howard will be in St. Louis for the all star game as a manager’s selection and will participate in the home run derby Monday night.

First half grade: A-

 

Chase Utley, Second Base
.313 AVG, 96 H, 20 HR, 61 RBI

When it comes to Chase Utley Phillies fans have come to expect greatness day in and day out. Naturally, Utley has not disappointed. On pace for a career high in home runs Utley has been one of the most consistent players out of the infield.

Manager Charlie Manuel pushed for his players to hustle on every play and Utley is the best example of what the manager preaches. Take for instance his recent inside-the-park home run or his gamesmanship as he dekes out opposing players.

There is no secret about Utley anymore as he has widely become recognized as the best second baseman not just in the National League, but perhaps all of baseball, as evidenced by his over 5,000,000 fan votes for the All-Star game.

Utley is on pace to have his second highest batting average, falling short of his .332 AVG in his injury shortened, MVP-type, 2007 season. He also is on pace to have his best fielding percentage (.986) for a season at second base (.985 in 2007).

Utley has been voted to the All-Star game and will start at second base.

First half grade: A

 

Jimmy Rollins, Shortstop
.229 AVG, 80 H, 7 HR, 34 RBI

Jimmy Rollins may be the toughest infielder to grade. Because his offensive production got off to such a rough start, the first reaction to give Rollins a failing grade may be tempting to many fans. But if you look at where his numbers are right now compared to some other players, and consider all he has given defensively, the outlook may not be so bad.

Rollins had an unbelievable 2007 season, en route to MVP honors, and because his 2007 campaign was so stellar, his 2008 numbers felt underwhelming.

Before the 2009 season started I predicted that Rollins would rebound a little and put together a season that falls between his 2007 and 2008 numbers. Don’t look now but that prediction is looking to be in pretty good shape.

With 51 runs scored Rollins is just 25 runs shy of his 2008 total (76). His hit total appears to be pretty much on pace as last season’s 154 hits, as are his RBI (34 now, 59 in 2008), and walks (27 now, 58 in 2008). Rollins has struck out more this season though and his batting average has a long way to go, but for as bad as his offense has been this season, it may not be as discouraging as it may feel.

Defensively, though, Rollins makes up for his offensive woes. His .990 fielding percentage is the highest of his career. Rollins has committed just three errors, on pace for his fewest in a full season (seven in 2008).

First half grade: C+

 

Pedro Feliz, Third Base
.293 AVG, 89 H, 6 HR, 45 RBI

Does Pedro Feliz have the kind of numbers that a guy like New York Mets third baseman David Wright has? No, but he shouldn’t. While Wright may be the premiere third baseman in the division one should pay close to attention to where Feliz hits in this high powered lineup, typically seventh.

Batting seventh Feliz usually finds himself leading off innings or batting with few base runners as guys like Howard, Raul Ibanez, and even Jayson Werth have done their part to clear the base paths.

When he was signed by the Phillies, Feliz was thought to be a 20 home run player and defensively sound at third base. While this is not exactly the case, he has been solid in 2009.

Feliz is well on pace to surpass his 2008 stats in just about every category including hits, runs scored, RBI, and walks, and seems to be coming up just short of his 2007 home run total. 

However, with the other players in the Phillies lineup, that may not be a big issue.

Although Feliz is generally a terrific fielder at third base, he has committed six errors after being charged with eight errors all of last season.

First half grade: B

 

Carlos Ruiz, Catcher
.235 AVG, 39 H, 3 HR, 3 RBI

With Carlos Ruiz you know that you are not getting a Mike Piazza with a bat in his hands. Instead, you are getting a guy who usually comes up as an expected out at the bottom of the order. What Ruiz does do is manage a baseball game and handle his pitchers well.

Pitchers seem to have better games with Ruiz than they did with Chris Coste, and Ruiz knows how to fire the ball to catch a runner stealing or sleeping. Ruiz has thrown out 15 of 26 base stealers and has been a part of five double plays.

With the removal of Coste from the roster, Ruiz figures to see even more playing time, as long as he is healthy.

First half grade: C

 

Paul Bako, Catcher
.214 AVG, 6 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI (11 games)

Paul Bako has taken over the role of back-up catcher as Coste has been picked up by the Houston Astros. To be fair to Bako, who has only played in 11 games, a midseason grade will not be handed out.

However, Bako’s addition to the roster was questioned from day one. He has struck out seven times and come up short in a handful of pinch hitting opportunities, including not being able to get a sacrifice bunt down. But he does get some bonus points for getting a walk-off hit against the Pirates over the weekend, capping off a wild rally in the bottom of the ninth inning for a come-from-behind victory.

 

Eric Bruntlett, Shortstop
.139 AVG, 10 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI

Keep in mind that Eric Bruntlett, barring injury to a regular player, will not come close to his 2008 stats anyway. Bruntlett has been nothing but abysmal at the plate this season. His pinch hitting appearances have been tough to watch as he has only walked five times this season.

Bruntlett’s first half has shown that it is imperative that Ruben Amaro Jr. pick up a right handed bat before the trade deadline.

First half grade: F

 

Greg Dobbs, First/Third Base
.269 AVG, 29 H, 5 HR, 16 RBI

Greg Dobbs has played 11 games in the outfield this season but he has played 17 games in the infield, so we’ll grade Dobbs with the rest of the infielders.

Greg Dobbs got off to a slow start, adding to some early season frustrations in the defending world champions as Dobbs was the best pinch hitter in baseball the year before, but he seems to have turned things around.

Seeing some extended time in the field helped to give Dobbs some extra at-bats and some more time to see some pitches and get in a groove offensively.

Now with the regular players back and healthy, Dobbs figures to go back to being one of the top pinch hitting options for Manuel. With that, Dobbs figures to fall well short of many of his 2008 numbers, but if he can get back in his pinch hitting role with a glimmer of his 2008 success, the Phillies will be in good shape.

First half grade: C

 

Overall the infield has been pretty solid on both offense and defense. There should be no doubt that the core of the Phillies franchise right now is the infield, with MVP caliber players at first and second base, one of the best defensive shortstops, and one of the better all around players at third base.

While the back-ups at the positions could use some improvement there is probably not another infield that can top the Phillies from top to bottom.

What are your grades for the infielders? Am I off base on any of these guys? Is someone given too high of a grade (or too low)? Share your grades and thoughts in the comments section.

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