The Arizona Diamondbacks Are for Real

The Arizona Diamondbacks sent a message to the baseball world Tuesday night that they are true contenders in the 2011 season.

The Diamondbacks pulled off a come-from-behind victory in the ninth inning against highly-touted Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies, 3-2.

Newly-acquired Lyle Overbay, who was signed by the team on Saturday, played the role of the hero Tuesday night.

Overbay looked like he had something to prove after being released by the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this month. He went 3-for-4 on the night with all three hits being RBI, including a two-run, go-ahead double in the ninth.

This is the Diamondbacks seventh win in a row, as they are now 10-4 in August.

Baseball fans had to be skeptical of the Diamondbacks’ chances heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Roy Halladay, regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball, took the hill for the Phillies against Diamondbacks rookie hurler Josh Collmenter.

Also, Philadelphia is one of the few teams better than Arizona in the month of August, now with a 10-3 record.

The Diamondbacks took care of business though, presenting their “never say die, refuse to lose” attitude.

Despite Halladay striking out 14 Diamondbacks, the team used their full 27 outs to defeat baseball’s best team. They are now 33-27 on the road this season.

Manager Kirk Gibson has to be proud of his club, as they just keep winning.

Gibson and his coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for the team’s turnaround this year. Expect Kirk Gibson to take home the manager of the year award at season’s end.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are now 69-53, with a 3.5-game lead in the NL West over the San Francisco Giants. 

It is time for the Arizona Diamondbacks to get the credit they deserve.

Tuesday’s game earned them some of what is due.  

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Roy Halladay and Phillies Lose in 9th Due to Manuel’s Questionable Decisions

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel does not always make the right moves from a baseball standpoint.  It’s his way of showing his players respect.  It’s his way of putting players like Roy Halladay, who have earned his trust, first.  It’s one reason players love playing for him.

It also loses games from time to time.  Last night’s ninth inning loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks was the latest example.

In Charlie Manuel’s words, “It’s kind of his game, isn’t it?…That’s my ace.  That’s kind of the way I looked at it.  If I was going to make a move, how come I didn’t make a move to start the inning?”

That is a good question Charlie.

Here’s another good question: if it’s Halladay’s game, why would both Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo be warming up to start the ninth inning?

Also, if both Madson and Bastardo are warm, why wouldn’t you use Bastardo to face left-handed hitting Lyle Overbay with two runners on base and one out in the ninth?  Overbay was 2-for-3 off Halladay and had driven in the only Arizona run in the game.

Thirdly, do we really need Roy Halladay throwing 122 pitches on a night in August when the Phillies bullpen is rested and ready?

I don’t question Manuel’s decision to send Roy Halladay out to start the ninth inning.  Halladay earned that right, not just in this game (he had retired the previous 12 batters) but over the past two years.

I do question Manuel’s judgement in having both Madson and Bastardo warming up and then not using them when the situation called for it.  Either warm them up and use them or don’t warm them up at all.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not writing this as my final act before jumping off the Ben Franklin bridge.  I recognize that this loss does not change the Phillies current status as the best team in baseball.

In fact, losing to Arizona might help the Phillies overall chances by keeping San Francisco out of the playoffs.  Arizona currently has a 3.5 game lead on San Francisco.  Every Phillies fan would agree that Arizona is a better playoff matchup than San Francisco.

As someone who grew up watching some of the worst teams in Phillies history, it’s still hard to see the Phillies lose winnable games.

Every Phillies loss bothers me, especially the ones where the manager does not put his players in the best position to win.  That’s what happened last night—Manuel didn’t put Roy Halladay (or his teammates) in the best position to win the game.

Charlie Manuel is not worried about winning a game; he’s worried about winning a World Series.  And he believes that investing in his players is the best way to do it, even if it costs him a game from time to time.

I have got to admit, it’s hard to argue with the past five years worth of results.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Top 5 Rivals in Franchise History

The Phillies–Giants rivalry took a dramatic turn earlier this month when a bench-clearing brawl put on a full showing of the disdain and hatred the two teams have for each other. 

The evolution of a rivalry is often the result of two successful teams. Because the Phillies’ have played through over 10,000 losses, there are few rivalries that have existed continuously over time. 

But over the Phillies’ past century of existence, the team has built up its share of enemies. 

Here are the top five rivals in Phillies’ history.

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Comparing Ryan Howard and Jim Thome Since 2006

Jim Thome will always be fondly remembered by Phillies fans for taking a leap of faith on an upcoming team. It ushered in a new era for the Phillies. Unfortunately the marriage didn’t last long. In his third season with the Phillies, he battled through injuries that sapped his power led to just under 200 at-bats on the season.

In his absence, another power hitter was impressing. Given his first meaningful, consistent playing time in the majors, Ryan Howard hit 22 homers in 88 games, en route to a .288/.356/.567 line.

In the offseason, the Phillies had to make a difficult decision. Either stick with their young, cheap power hitter or their veteran, expensive, and fan favorite power hitter. Ultimately, Thome was dealt, along with over $20 million, to the White Sox for Aaron Rowand, Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood. But what if Howard was the one dealt?

In 2006, Howard certainly had the edge. His 58 homers while hitting .313/.425/.659 led to a .436 wOBA, 162 wRC+ and 6.2 WAR all while receiving under $400,000.

Jim Thome wasn’t chopped liver either, as he rebounded in a strong way, hitting .288/.416/.598 with 42 homers and a .420 wOBA and 152 wRC+. His $12.5 million salary was more than worth 4.6 WAR.

2007 could have actually gone to Thome if he was not limited to just 130 games. His .275/.410/.563 line with a .410 wOBA and 148 wRC+ was actually better than Howard’s .268/.392/.584 line with a .399 wOBA and 135 wRC+. But Howard’s 14 more games aided in 3.7 WAR versus 3.3 for Thome.

Howard’s increased strikeout rate and use of the shift in 2007 factored into his drop off, and would be a sign of similar years to come.

The next year was another decline for both players. Howard’s decreased walk-rate led to an underwhelming .251/.339/.543 line. Sure he hit 48 homers, but a player with his power should not have been posting that bad of an on-base percentage. His .366 wOBA and 120 wRC+ was barely less than Thome’s .370 and 122 marks. However, with an older Thome now fully entrenched as a designated hitter, his 2.0 WAR was behind Howard’s 3.0.

Thome’s last year on his contract was guaranteed upon meeting plate appearances upon meeting over 1,100 plate appearances in the previous two years. Age appeared to have finally caught up with Thome as he posted just 1.0 WAR while hitting just 23 homers in 434 plate appearances while being a clog on the bases. His wOBA and wRC+ actually remained almost identical.

Howard rebounded nicely in 2009, hitting .279/.360/.571. His .393 wOBA and 140 wRC+ bested Thome and was a key, along with improved defense, to a 4.6 WAR.

Howard’s salary started getting ridiculous in 2010, as his 1.3 WAR was far from worth $19 million. Injuries certainly took a toll on his hitting and fielding. Thome experienced a resurgence with his new team, the Minnesota Twins. Signing for just $1.6 million, he was used cautiously and smartly. Putting him in the best positions possible, he hit 25 homers in just 340 plate appearances. His 178 wRC+ was actually the second best of his career. His 3.2 WAR was an impressive return on the Twins’ small investment.

In the same limited role this year, Thome is not having as good of a season as last year, but still has managed a .369 wOBA and 135 wRC+, better than Howard’s .357 and 123 marks. Howard’s many more games played has led to 0.5 more wins though.

People would be surprised how close their total numbers have been since 2006. Hitting alone, Thome has edged Howard in the rate statistics. His .266/.390/.546(142 OPS+) barely tops Howard’s .275/.370/.562(139 OPS+). Thome’s collective .397 wOBA and 141 wRC+ is also better than Howard’s .387 and 135.

Of course, Howard’s durability and Thome’s inevitable exile to designated hitter has enabled him being five wins better than Thome. However, he has also been paid over $7 million more than Thome with a lot more to come. It would have been interesting how the Phillies would have fared if they opted to keep Thome instead of Howard, assuming they could have gotten more than just Ted Lilly for him.

In the end, congratulations to Jim Thome, who should be elected to the Hall of Fame when he retires and achieved 600 home runs without disgracing the game like a couple others in the same company.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay Gets Standing O in Loss, Proves Untouchable

Roy Halladay is untouchable.

As if it wasn’t already, that’s done, decided and indelible after tonight.

Problematic for hitters and off-limits for flak, Halladay (15-5) transcends convention. Even in defeat, the Phillies‘ (78-42) 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks (69-53). Even when disconcerting, Halladay’s first troubling sign of mortality.

You defer to nine-deep length with his consistency. To domination like his, and as often.

And you normally blast someone who unravels like he did tonight.

But that’s the Halladay Paradox: There’s no Nintendo wall on his range; Halladay’s now-seven complete games are second-most in baseball to Jered Weaver’s eight. And his ceiling is comparably absurd; only six pitchers—Cliff Lee (16), Weaver (15), C.C. Sabathia (15), Justin Verlander (14), Tommy Hanson (14) and Halladay—have thrown games with 14-plus strikeouts; Halladay broached his career-high of 14 tonight for the second time this season.

Yet those aren’t his highlights.

What matters is that he blew the game.

And nobody cared. Instead, the Citizen’s Bank Park crowd found a way to appreciate.

Whether he fatigued or just got beat, no one else was culpable for the 2-1 lead that crumbled in the ninth. Halladay allowed Lyle Overbay‘s go-ahead double.

Halladay coughed up singles to Justin Upton and Miguel Montero—the two runs that put the Diamondbacks ahead—to start the frame. Halladay slipped in the second, giving Arizona the 1-0 lead on, coincidentally, an Overbay single that scored Chris Young.

That’s not on Charlie Manuel, who trusts Halladay’s judgment and reads his demeanor. It’s possible Halladay was gassed—he’s now thrown an NL-most 184.2 innings and third-most 2,646 pitches. But even if he was, that’s no excuse.

Halladay should’ve in that case signaled as much to Manuel, green-lighting the move everyone was mulling: bringing in Antonio Bastardo or Ryan Madson to put the fork in it. One word, waive or walk, and Manuel turns to the tandem that’s closed 30-of-31 games without incident.

He didn’t, leaving us to assume he wasn’t.

In that case: Overbay got one over on Halladay. Period.

Unimpressive but enough, Phillie hitters aren’t to blame either. Sure, you demand more from Jimmy Rollins than whiffing for a 1-of-5 night and a game-ending strikeout with Carlos Ruiz in scoring position.

Same goes for Shane Victorino’s 1-of-4, an off-night for the guy jockeying for unofficial team offensive MVP with Ryan Howard (who, for record, posted an o-fer in three at-bats with two strikeouts).

Still, what they pieced together—Rollins singled in the fifth, when Victorino shot a zip-liner over the right field wall for the lead—Halladay was expected to shield. Even if his 2-of-3 night topped everyone else’s but Chase Utley’s 3-of-4. Underwhelming or unacceptable in the grander scheme, it should’ve clinched a win tonight.

But it didn’t. Even if only for tonight, Halladay couldn’t ice it.

Still, seemingly and strangely, it didn’t matter. As the pitches hummed a full-count cadence—strike, ball, ball, ball, strike—fans joined the chorus. They rose for what would be Halladay’s 122nd, and last, toss.

A standing O for the guy who should’ve been sat, wasn’t and sunk the home crowd’s team.

That’s the beauty amid what would for anyone else be calamity. He’s just too good.

Vague words like “good” are usually faux pas. But you can use it for Halladay, because every meaning—single-game dominant, multi-game consistent, full-season longevity; powerful and finesse; unpredictable and unhittable—applies.

Even after tonight. You know it doesn’t matter.

You know he’ll crank it in the postseason. His arm might die like Cole Hamels’ did this week, and his mojo might fade like Cliff Lee’s did last year. But Halladay will endure.

Better: He’ll excel.

That goes for the Reds (3.86), Braves (3.00 ERA on season) and Cardinals (1.50), playoff-bound teams who’ve known, and now fear, him. Even anomalies like Milwaukee (0-1, 8.10 ERA in only start) and Colorado (1-0, 5.14 in only start) won’t haunt Halladay in October.

That’s the confidence he’s instilled. That’s how many passes he’s earned.

That’s untouchable, personified.

That’s shorthand for Halladay.

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Philadelphia Phillies Bolster Infield Prospects in 2011 MLB Draft

For many years, the Philadelphia Phillies have employed the same tactic when it comes to the MLB draft.  That tactic is to draft “slot” players early and target the best athlete available regardless of position. After the first few rounds they continue to target athletes but will go “overslot” to sign a few.

For those unfamiliar with the term “slot,” the Commissioner’s Office makes a recommendation to each team about how much money they should spend at each slot in the draft.  That recommendation is known as “slot.”  Signing anyone for more than that amount is known as going “overslot.”

That tactic has resulted in the Phillies drafting a lot of players, usually outfielders, with a very high ceiling but who are also very raw.  Sometimes this works out, like when the Phillies drafted an extremely raw Domonic Brown in 20th round of the 2006 draft, as Brown was “Baseball America’s” top prospect of 2010.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out, like when the Phillies took Anthony Hewitt with their first round pick in the 2008 draft.  It’s now his fourth year in the system and Hewitt is still toiling in A-Ball hitting just .227.

This year marked a change in their draft philosophy.  The Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system has been for the most part devoid of serious infield talent since Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard made it to the bigs.  In addition, they just dealt their best infield prospect, first baseman Jon Singleton, to the Houston Astros.

In an apparent attempt to remedy that shortcoming, the Phillies selected infielders early and often in this year’s draft.  With the August 15th signing deadline having come and gone, we now know which of these players have made it into the Phillies’ farm system.

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Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Players They’ll Be Eyeing This Offseason

The Philadelphia Phillies 2012 offseason will feature general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., signing a big name player, just as he has during the past three offseasons.

The only difference this year is that, instead of a big name player signing on with the Phils for the first time, the player will be re-signing with the team.

Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Madson, Brad Lidge, Brian Schneider, Ross Gload, and Roy Oswalt are all potential Phillies free agents.

Rollins, Ibanez, Madson, Schneider, and Gload are set to hit the open market, while Lidge and Oswalt have options that can lead to their free agency, as well.

In addition to these names, starting pitcher Cole Hamels is also due for a big pay-day.

Although he can’t become a free agent until after the 2012 season, Hamels is still headed for either a long-term deal, or arbitration.

As one of the best left handed pitchers in baseball, Hamels should be paid accordingly.

The only problem is that a fair contract could cost upwards of $120 million.

The Phillies currently have the second highest payroll in the league at over $172 million, with not much room left before the team crosses the luxury tax threshold.

However, the Phillies will be able to get close to $30 million back, by letting players such as Ibanez and Lidge go, with the potential to reach nearly $45 million if Oswalt does not return.

The Phillies can also get close to $15 million back if they are able to move the contracts of Joe Blanton, Ben Francisco, and Jose Contreras.

By allowing some players to leave as free agents, re-signing their top talent, and moving certain contracts, the Phillies will have options when it comes to the free agent class of 2012.

And Amaro is sure to make the most out of these options.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Ryan Howard Gets Hot Thanks to Hunter Pence’s Protection

The talk was endless. The question was pondered ad nauseam. Who could possibly fill the void behind Ryan Howard and give him the necessary protection to put up the impressive numbers that we’ve seen in previous years.

Ben Francisco? Nope.

Raul Ibanez? Not now, not ever.

Shane Victorino? He was good but his skills are better suited elsewhere in the lineup.

Enter Hunter Pence, the two time all-star right fielder with a career average around .290 to go along with three straight seasons of 25 home runs.

Since Hunter “The Protector” Pence arrived in Philadelphia on July 30, he’s batted .327 with three home runs and 11 RBI. Those excellent stats, combined with his solid defense and infectious hustle, have made him a perfect fit for this team and this city.

But his greatest contribution to the Phightins just might be his affect on Ryan Howard.

While Pence’s stats since his arrival have been great, Howard’s have been even better. In the 14 games since Hunters debut, Howard is batting .333 with six home runs and 17 RBI. In only half a month’s time he has hit as many home runs as he did in any other month this year.

I wondered if this was due to pitchers actually pitching Howard differently because of his new-found protector, or if just the knowledge of having a proven hitter behind him let Howard relax and swing the bat better.

The truth is it’s a tough question to answer, and in all likelihood it’s some combination of the two. Nevertheless, I strapped on my diving gear and plunged into the deep unknown abyss that is plate discipline statistics.

We’ll start with Zone Percentage, which is the overall percentage of pitches a batter sees inside the strike zone. In July it was 35.1 percent, not surprisingly the lowest on the team. Since Pence joined the Phils that number has jumped up to 42.9 percent, meaning Howard is definitely getting more pitches to hit.

To go along with that, let’s take a look at Z-Swing Percentage, which is the percentage of pitches a batter swings at inside the strike zone. In July it was 68.5 percent; so far in August it’s 75.3 percent, so Howard has seemingly relaxed at the plate and is now swinging more when he sees good pitches.

I realize it’s still somewhat of a small sample size at this point and Ryan Howard has shown a tendency to come on strong towards the end of a season, but I love the way that he and Hunter Pence have meshed in this lineup.

So, will the dynamic duo continue to dominate dumbfounded pitchers? Is this lineup poised to be one of the best in the majors? Does anyone have a chance against this team? To find out, tune in next time to The Big Piece and The Protector.

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Philadelphia Phillies: An Exclusive Interview with Clearwater’s Jon Pettibone

The Phillies selected Jon Pettibone in the third round of the 2008 Amateur Draft. He attended Esperanza High School in Anaheim, Calif.

The 21-year old, 6’5 right-hander is having the best season of his four-year minor league career.

His father, Jay Pettibone, had a short four-game stint in the bigs for the 1983 Minnesota Twins. Charlie Manuel managed Jay in 1984 for the Orlando Twins, Minnesota’s Double-A affiliate.

Jon Pettibone hopes to play for Manuel a couple years from now for the Phillies.

Follow Jon Pettibone on twitter @Jon_Pettibone

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Philadelphia Phillies: How Jim Thome Revived the Franchise

It has been over six years since Jim Thome contributed a hit, a run, a RBI, a walk, or a homer for the Phillies. But, even today, the former first baseman can be credited for taking one of the most consistently mediocre teams in baseball and turning it into a competitor.

In December of 2002, when the Phillies signed Thome, the best hitter on the market, to a 6-year, $85 million contract, it was a clear sign that the owners and management were hoping for a new beginning to go along with their new ballpark.

Finally, there was someone on the roster who could energize, not only a lineup, but an entire city. 

He was nothing short of spectacular in his first two seasons with the Fightins. Thome hit a combined 89 home runs and 236 RBIs—numbers the Phillies hadn’t seen in years. He subsequently led the Phillies to their best record since the team’s 1993 pennant season.

His third year was shortened due to injury, which also ended his Phillies career because of the emergence of another power-hitting lefty.

Maybe Thome did, as some critics argue, block then minor leaguer Ryan Howard from an earlier start in the Majors. Thome, however, gave the Philadelphia fans something that a prospect could not provide. The fans, after a decade of losing, finally believed in the organization’s efforts to win a championship. Along with the ballpark, would come a new era, and it all started with Thome.

Thome went on to continued success with the Chicago White Sox and his current team, the Minnesota Twins. Howard went on to become one of the best young talents in baseball for the Phillies. It all worked out in the end, for both sides. Except for the one thing Thome continues to lack on his finger: a ring.

He probably will never win the title he so vehemently deserves. But on a night where Thome is the center of the baseball world, Phillies fans should be very proud to say that he played in our city, wore our uniform, and helped bring our baseball team back from the abyss.  

Congratulations to the newest member of the 600 club—Jim Thome; who will always be, in my mind, a Phillie. 

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