April 18, 1987: Mike Schmidt Hits Career Home Run No. 500

Mike Schmidt hit his 499th career home run off of Pittsburgh’s Bob Patterson in a 6-2 Philadelphia win on April 17, 1987.

The next day—Saturday, April 18, 1987—Schmidt looked to become the 14th player in major league history with 500.

Schmidt’s milestone home run at Three Rivers Stadium was also one of his most dramatic.

The Phillies seemed to be heading for the victory with a late 5-2 lead. But the Pirates rallied for four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to grab a 6-5 advantage.

In the top of the ninth and Pittsburgh’s Don Robinson on the mound for the save, Philadelphia second baseman Juan Samuel was at third with two outs.

After Von Hayes walked, Schmidt stepped to the plate 0-for-3 with a walk on the afternoon. While he was only a .122 (7-for-57) career hitter against Robinson, four of the hits were home runs.

Even though Schmidt was in the twilight of his career, he was the 1986 N.L. MVP and still a dangerous hitter. Robinson fell behind 3-0 and some of the 19,361 in attendance believed Schmidt would be walked to bring left fielder Chris James to the plate.

But instead of taking, Schmidt deposited Robinson’s 3-0 pitch over the left field wall for career home run No. 500 and an 8-6 Phillies lead.

The ball was eventually retrieved by Philadelphia bullpen coach Mike Ryan and given to Schmidt in the dugout as the Phillies held on for the victory.

Schmidt’s 500th home run was his fifth of the season. When he retired during the 1989 season, he finished his career with 548 home runs.     

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25 Reasons for Concern for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012

It’s a long season.

The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t kicked the regular season off on the right foot, but with some five and a half months left between now and the postseason, there is still plenty of time for this team to figure things out, and with the level of experience this roster holds, you have to imagine they will.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some obvious concerns for this club, because there are. While the big one is obviously the lack of production from the Phillies’ lineup, the team’s concerns run much deeper than that.

Through the first few series of the season, they’ve shown a bad approach, haven’t used the bullpen efficiently, and of course, are dealing with some big injuries.

If the Phillies want to turn things around, here are a couple of areas they’ll need to address.

**This slide show was written prior to the Phillies’ game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Any statistical changes that require an edit will be made accordingly.**

For news, rumors, analysis and game recaps during spring training, check out Greg’s blog: The Phillies Phactor!

Follow @Greg_Pinto

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Philadelphia Phillies: All-Phillies Misery Team for the Past 20 Years

Late last week, I created the “All Phillies Team for the Past 20 Years” and it sparked some good debates, primarily about taking 2008 Cole Hamels over 2011 Cliff Lee for LH starter and not including Shane Victorino as at least the runner up to Lenny Dykstra in centerfield (I’ll stand by Aaron Rowand’s 2007 season).

Now, it’s time for the ugly side.  I considered going back another five years, but then the entire team would be dominated by folks from 1988-1990.

So here goes….make sure you haven’t eaten recently because this one might upset your stomach.

Introducing the All-Phillies Misery Team for the Past 20 Years! Proceed with caution.

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This Date in Baseball History: Where Have You Gone, Mike Schmidt?

On April 17, 1976, Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt went wild. I’m not sure there’s a lot of commentary I need to offer beyond a link to this box score. If, however, you are too lazy to click, then let me draw your attention to the key line:

	AB	R	H	RBI
Mike Schmidt, 3B	6	4	5	8

That line represents four consecutive home runs as the future Hall of Fame third baseman helped the Phillies come back from a 12-1 deficit to beat the Cubs at Wrigley Field 18-16.

No one talked about PEDs back then, just the wind blowing out and an all-time great hitter who really loved to hit in Chicago. It’s fair to say that without the combination of Wrigley Field and poor Cubs pitching, Schmidt might still have gone to Cooperstown, but without the same high level of accolades (he hit .307/.396/.653 with 50 home runs in 138 games there).

In this case, Schmidt feasted off of at least one very good pitcher in Cubs starter Rick Reuschel, who was just a mid-career rotator cuff injury, a late-career affection for donuts and the Cubs organization itself away from a Hall of Fame career. It just wasn’t his day.

Although the Phillies scored five runs in six innings against Tim Lincecum on Monday night, they could use a hitter like Schmidt now, or even a hitter having a day like Schmidt’s. Heading into that game, the Phillies were hitting .260/.297/.345 as a team and ranked 15th in the league in runs scored.

When the Phillies began their current run of postseason teams beginning in 2007, they possessed the best offense in the National League with a .274 True Average. They dropped to fourth in 2008, rose back to first in 2009, were back to fourth again in 2010, and were a very average fifth in 2011.

Two down seasons hardly make a trend, of course, but the arrows have to be down.

Ryan Howard is hurt and had seemed to slide off his peak after 2009 (which is not to say he was bad, he just was no longer a four-win player). Chase Utley’s injuries have made his performance level and very availability open questions. What the two have left behind on offense—Hunter Pence, Shane Victorino, and an aging Jimmy Rollins—is not of a championship level.

Hitters like Mike Schmidt only come to a franchise once a generation, if that. Even if the Phillies had had one, Ruben Amaro Jr. would probably have traded him by now. The Phillies just don’t have a lot of alternatives to the John Mayberrys and Juan Pierres of the world right now, though they might think of breaking the glass on one alternative that they do have—come back, Domonic Brown, all is forgiven.

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Philadelphia Phillies: Would the Team Trade Cole Hamels If No Deal Is Reached?

A 2013 starting rotation that does not include Cole Hamels may be something that the Philadelphia Phillies never want to envision.  However, with each day that an agreement on a long-term deal is not reached, the chance remains that Hamels could be pitching elsewhere next season.

Both the Phillies and Hamels have expressed their desire to reach a long-term deal, and negotiations during spring training have seemingly led to differing opinions on the new contract’s length rather than financial amount.

Hamels, who has spent his entire career with the Phillies after being drafted by the team in 2002, has gone 75-55 with 1,110 strikeouts and a 3.40 ERA during his six-year major league career.

Last season the left-hander went 14-9 with 194 strikeouts and a 2.79 ERA while finishing fifth in National League Cy Young award voting.

These types of performances have put Hamels, a free agent-to-be, in line for a long-term deal worth over $100 million, a dollar figure that only a handful of pitchers in major league history have received.

While the financial amount of Hamels’ next contract is sure to place him among the league’s highest paid pitchers, uncertainty surrounds which team will sign him to such a deal.

Although Hamels, the Phillies, and a majority of fans may rather see the pitcher re-sign with the team on a long-term contract, each day that an agreement is not reached continues with the uncertainty.

And as the season progresses without a new contract in place, a question could arise that neither the fans nor the team may want to ask:

Would the Phillies trade Cole Hamels if no deal is reached?

The Phillies could either sign Hamels to a long-term deal prior to free agency or risk watching him leave during the offseason and receive only draft pick compensation in return.

The recent contract given to Matt Cain by the San Francisco Giants is likely to factor into the Phils’ negotiations, as Hamel’s next deal could exceed the six-year, $127.5 million deal given to Cain that includes a vesting option for a seventh season.

Another potential factor may be the recent sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could afford to sign Hamels to a deal worth well over $100 million if he becomes a free agent.

With less competition on the free-agent market to be the top starting pitcher available, and potential suitors beginning to surface, could the Phillies have a decision to make if no deal is reached early in the season?

A trade may be a long shot, but its potential benefits could play a role if the Phils feel as if Hamels is leaning towards departing.

Trading Hamels, a left-handed pitcher still in his prime, could single-handedly replenish the Phillies’ farm system.

If trades for Zack Greinke and Gio Gonzalez in consecutive offseasons led to the Kansas City Royals and Oakland Athletics each receiving four prospects in return, a trade for Hamels could result in the Phillies receiving at least four, if not five prospects to add to their minor league system.  A team would have to be willing to acquire Hamels in the hopes of signing him to a long-term deal, but the potential payoff could be too enticing to let pass.

The Milwaukee Brewers also traded four prospects in order to acquire CC Sabathia in 2008, a left-hander who, similar to Hamels, was a few months away from free agency.

Trading Hamels could also result in the Phillies acquiring major league level talent to add to their lineup.  With uncertainty in left field, and potential replacements needed at third base and center field next season, trading Hamels could help the Phils solidify their lineup going forward.

Hamels also plays a position that may be the strongest of any area of the Phillies roster.

Of course, it would be much stronger with Hamels in the fold for the long term.

Hamels already has 19 strikeouts in 12.1 innings this season, while walking just one batter.  His strikeout total ties him for the early season lead in the National League.

Trading Hamels may be the last move the Phillies want to make, but as the season continues and no deal is reached, the team may have to consider the long-term future of the entire roster.  As injuries continue to mount and run production continues to decline, the money potentially given to Hamels could also go to other areas of the lineup.

Every effort may be given to keeping Hamels in a Phillies uniform past this season, but if no deal is reached, the Phils may be forced to look at all of their options.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

5 Things Philadelphia Phillies Should Do If Chase Utley Is Done

Over the last eight to nine years or so, Chase Utley has become a vital member of this Philadelphia Phillies team. From his grand slam as his first major-league hit, to his outstanding offensive support to lead the Phillies back to postseason play in 2007, to the World Series in 2008 and in the World Series in 2009, Utley has truly been “The Man” that longtime broadcaster Harry Kalas dubbed him.

Unfortunately, as it’s 2012 now, things have changed. Utley is no longer the young, offensive powerhouse he used to be. He’s still more than adequate defensively, but there’s little pop in his bat as a result of his weakening legs, specifically his knees. With power coming from the legs, Utley’s just got nothing left there.

As much as we’d like to think Utley will come back to his All-Star form, the hard truth is this: Chase Utley has almost nothing left in the tank. It’s sad, but it’s also a fact we have to face. And it’s hard for me to face, too, since Utley’s always been my personal favorite on the roster.

But could it be more than this? Could Utley be at the point where he has to stop playing altogether? It may very well come to this sooner rather than later, and the Phillies need to have a plan in place in case it does. Utley is under contract through next season, but if push comes to shove and Utley isn’t capable of playing next season but doesn’t retire, a very sad ending may come with the conclusion of Utley’s Phillies tenure, whether a release or—most likely—retirement.

With this in mind, the Phillies must be looking for some options both in and outside of their organization. If the replacement for his offense comes at a different position, then the Phillies must pursue it. After all, the top two possible second basemen on next year’s free-agent market, Ian Kinsler and Brandon Phillips, have both recently signed contract extensions that will keep them on their respective teams for at least five more years. With Ryan Howard an uncertainty now as well, the need is even more pressing to find an offensive force to fill the void that Utley (and possibly Ryan Howard) has left.

Today, we’ll explore any and all options. Whether from the draft to a trade, a free-agent signing to a promotion to the major-league level, all avenues must be explored. Ready?

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2012 MLB: Lack of Patience Leads to Philadelphia Phillies’ Early Struggles

The days of the big boppers are gone.  It’s no secret.  No one is confusing the Philadelphia Phillies‘ lineup with an American League powerhouse, as was the case in the latter part of the previous decade. 

Runs are not coming by way of the long ball anymore, and they will not be anytime soon either, at least until the returns of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard from the disabled list.

This team can still win games though.  “Small ball” is the name of the game for manager Charlie Manuel.  The idea that three or four runs a game can be enough when coupled with the league’s best rotation has the potential to work. 

So why, then, are the Phillies under .500 after a weekend series loss to the rival New York Mets?

The pitching has been, predictably, fantastic.  Roy Halladay leads a group in the top three in ERA, WHIP, and walks. Check.

The defense has been very solid too.  Only the Reds have committed less errors than the Phillies’ 4, while Freddy Galvis and Shane Victorino have made fantastic plays look routine daily, it seems.  Check.

The baserunning, too, has been great, as no team has more steals (10) or a better theft percentage (91%) in the National League than the Phightin’ Phils. 

(Note: It’s been an afterthought for this era, with the power of 2005-2009 and the pitching of 2010-now, but the Phillies’ baserunning has been phenomenal.  Chase Utley has the highest steal percentage (89.23%) in Major League history, among qualifiers, with Jimmy Rollins (20th) and Shane Victorino (24th) not far behind.  That’s amazing.)

Even the offense hasn’t been as bad as people think.  The Phillies are third in the NL in batting average, at .260, and only .003 under the league average for slugging.  That, combined with the pitching, defense and baserunning, should be enough for a winning record, at least.

The one thing that teams playing “small ball” need to do more than any other team is wait for their pitches.  If they don’t come, take the walk and get on base, work your way to scoring position and find a way to score. It takes patience.

And therein lies the missing link. 

The Phillies are next-to-last in the National League in walks.  They are next to last in walk percentage, and, maybe most indicative of all, they are next to last in pitches seen. 

As a team, they have seen 21 three-ball, one-strike counts.  On the next pitch, they have swung 16 times.  Swinging at a 3-1 pitch is forgivable, but is usually reserved for guys with power.  On a team mostly without such players, taking those pitches might help get a few more guys on base.

John Mayberry Jr., probably the team’s lone true power hitter, hasn’t drawn a walk in 28 plate appearances.  As a six or seven-hole guy, though, it isn’t as painful, as hitters later in the lineup are expected more to drive runs in than set the table.  Such is not the case for the first three batters in the order.

Juan Pierre, Placido Polanco and Jimmy Rollins have combined for two walks in 91 plate appearances.  That’s unacceptable for any team, but especially for a team like the Phillies, who need baserunners to get in scoring position in order to grind runs out.

Where it hurts more, in the grand scheme, to not take pitches, is in the opposing pitcher’s pitch count and, subsequently, the amount of pitches the batter sees from him.

In other words, swinging early in counts or not working pitchers into deep counts allows them to stay in the game longer.  So instead of a starter leaving in the sixth and getting to face a middle relief guy, you end up seeing the starter going strong into the seventh or eighth before he gives way to a closer. 

Much of the damage in baseball is done against the first pitcher out of the bullpen, so working counts is vital.

Also, if you swing at a 1-0 pitch, you have in effect seen two pitches, maximum, from a pitcher’s arsenal, leaving him with at least two more he can go to the next time you come to the plate that you haven’t seen yet.  Working him the first time into showing you his hand, more or less, can be very helpful in later at-bats, because you know what the pitcher is bringing to the table. 

So impatience at the plate does a disservice to your team, while letting the opposing pitcher off the hook at the same time. 

Phillies hitters need to relax, take their time at the plate, and let the game come to them.  Pressing, in any sport, has the same effect, and always happens when things aren’t going well.  Like free throw shooting in basketball, or field goal kicking in football, patience at the plate is just a matter of nerves and confidence. 

If these guys can learn to be patient, they will be just fine in 2012.

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Philadelphia Phillies: One Early-Season Surprise from All 25 Roster Players

It may be early in the season, but it’s never too early for a few surprises, and the Philadelphia Phillies have certainly provided plenty of those through the first couple of series of the 2012 season.

With guys like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jose Contreras on the disabled list, we knew that the Phillies wouldn’t look like they have in years past, at least through the first couple months of the season, but who knew that rookie Freddy Galvis would start every game at second base? Who knew that Joe Savery would break camp with the club?

The short version of this story is that nothing has gone according to plan for the Phillies so far this season, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The Phillies have shown an uncanny ability to adjust on the fly in recent seasons, and they’re at it again early in 2012.

This slide show is using the Phillies 25-man roster as of April 14, 2012 and uses statistics up to that date.

For news, rumors, analysis and game recaps during spring training, check out Greg’s blog: The Phillies Phactor!

Follow @Greg_Pinto

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Philadelphia Phillies: The Puzzling Case of Cliff Lee vs. Cole Hamels

I have to say, I’m very confused by Phillies fans sometimes. They are always the first to boo, and they always the first to applaud effort and giving 100 percent. 

Take Laynce Nix for instance.  Early in the game against the Mets Sunday, Nix went after a foul ball, dove straight out like a wide receiver trying to catch an overthrown pass, had it for a second and then lost the ball when he hit the ground.  It was a great attempt, and the Phillies fans let Nix know they appreciated the effort.  It didn’t matter he was seeking his first hit on the season. 

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the thought of trading Cole Hamels to bring an elite bat to the Phillies’ lineup and I was absolutely ripped.  Brandon Phillips was the hypothetical I tossed out since he too was knee deep in contract negotiations at the time like Hamels.  Since then, Phillips has been given a long-term, lucrative deal. 

Hamels has not been given one. 

As it stands right now, Cole will pitch for the Phillies this season and probably walk for absolutely nothing after this season.  This current Phillies nucleus would not have a fat diamond championship ring if it wasn’t for Hamels.  That is a fact.  Hamels was the MVP of the NLCS and the World Series.  When he started in the postseason in 2008, the Phillies went 5-0.

Last night, I did some research and wrote about the “All Phillies Team of the Past 20 years” and named the 2008 Cole Hamels as the left-handed starter with the 2011 Cliff Lee as the runner-up.  I am completely stunned at some of the feedback I have received for taking ’08 Hamels over ’11 Lee.

I mentioned that ’08 was not even Hamels’ best season.  Actually, ’07 and ’11 were probably better regular seasons for him personally. But the ’08 postseason was enough to edge out Lee in my opinion.

Why?

Cole has the ring.  He dominated much like Lee did in the ’09 postseason. Lee went 4-0 in the postseason in 2009 with an eye-popping 1.56 ERA vs. Colorado, L.A. Dodgers and N.Y. Yankees. Cole wasn’t the same pitcher in 2009 and made some comments in the World Series, saying he couldn’t wait for the season to be over with.  Yes, it was a selfish comment, but it was probably honest since his 2009 was nothing like 2008.

Lee was dealt after the ’09 season but got back to Philly as soon as he could for the 2011 season.  Phillies fans went wild about Lee choosing to come back to Philly and shunning the Texas Rangers and, more importantly, the New York Yankees. That was super cool, and Lee’s jersey is still in the top three sold in all of baseball.

But I have to ask, that loyalty and love towards Philadelphia that Lee showed in coming back here, does that buy him a free pass with the fans?

Is it forgotten or overlooked that the Phillies had a one-game-to-none lead over the Cardinals last season and a 4-0 lead in Game 2 with Lee on the hill, and Cliff could not close the deal?  He ended up allowing five runs in the game and the Cards evened the series up.  If Lee shuts St. Louis down in Game 2, like he should have and like he is paid to do, another World Series parade could have happened down Broad Street.  But that didn’t happen.

So do the majority of Phillies fans prefer Cliff Lee over Cole Hamels enough to forget about what Hamels did in 2008? Is it Hamels’ California cool personality vs. Lee’s good-ole-boy, workmanlike mentality that makes him more endearing to the hardworking Philadelphians? Could it be that Lee is locked up for many more seasons, so we choose loyalty to him, like he did to Philly, and we are scared to show that type of loyalty to Hamels without the extension?  Is it forgotten which one of these guys was drafted by the Phillies and has only been in this organization?

I’ve got to say, I am baffled, but ultimately, I’d take 2008 Cole Hamels over 2011 Cliff Lee any day.

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Philadelphia Phillies: All-Phillies Team for the Past 20 Years

The Phillies have seen drastic ups and downs for the past 20 seasons. 

They lost as many as 97 games in 2000 and won as many as 102 in 2011.  They have been to three World Series (1993, 2008, 2009) winning one and have won the division six times (1993, 2007-11).

So who had the best seasons, by position during that stretch to make up the All-Phillies team of the past 20 years?  Who’s the manager and best coach?

Let’s find out.

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