Consistently Inconsistent; Reason for Concern?

Consistency. That is one word that falls under the category of ‘antonym’ when describing the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies. 

Well, sort of. They are playing unbelievable baseball outside of the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park (25-12, 67 percent). However, while at home, they are miserable (13-22, 37 percent).

What is causing this anomoly of baseball? Is it a World Series hangover?

Some would say so, including skipper Charlie Manuel, who urged Philadelphia Phans to ‘boo’ and get on the team when they don’t perform. Is Uncle Cholly trying to recreate the atmosphere of the 2008 season?

The Phillies’ problem is nothing new for long-time followers of the ballclub. After all, these are the same players we’ve watched progress over the last three-to-six years. 

The problem is consistency. This group of guys is, and has always been, a very streaky bunch. They win in bunches, they lose in bunches. 

So far in 2009, the Fightin’ Phils have won three or more games in a row on five seperate occasions. That stat includes two streaks of five wins and one streak of seven.

On the other side of that coin, the Phrustrated Phils have lost three or more games on three seperate occasions. The worst losing streak suffered by the Phils so far is at six games. 

Listen, the red and white pinstripes are still in first place in the ailing NL East. That being said, the ’cause for concern’ aspect of this article is brought on by the Phils sub-par recent record of 3-11 in their last 14 games. 

Unacceptable.

Manager Charlie Manuel is doing his best with the patchwork starting rotation and the struggling bats of his position players. In fact, he bumped former MVP Jimmy rollins from leadoff to the six-hole.

Similarly, last season the skipper benched J-Roll for lack of hustle one time, and another for being late to a game. I guess some players just need that ‘fire lit under them’ to get going. 

Some bright spots would have to be yesterday’s win with JA Happ’s complete game shutout joined by Werth’s offensive night. Add in Pedro Feliz and Ryan Howard’s output, and you have yourself a 10-0 victory! Let’s save some of those excess runs for a game when we need them, shall we?

These guys need to shake things up a bit, maybe keep John Mayberry Jr. around, trade some of the extra farmhands for a big league innings eater (Cliff Lee anyone?), maybe even give some of the Double-A or Triple-A guys shot in the bigs (Kyle Drabek, Joe Savery, Carlos Carrasco).

I am not the decision maker, I’m a fan, a fan that wants to see my favorite team win.  And to do that, I think it’s getting to be that time where you have make some changes.  Start with pitching, as Raul Ibanez’s imminent return will certainly boost the offense. 

See you at the ballpark!

Raauuuullll’s Replacement, An In-Depth Look at John Mayberry Jr.

A collective gasp was just heard throughout the Delaware Valley. Why?

Raul Ibanez was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Here is what the Phightin’ Phils will be missing out on over the next 15 days:

Ibanez owns a .312 batting average, 22 home runs, 59 RBI, .371 OBP, and finally, Raul is slugging .656.

The Phillies are currently fifth in the NL in batting average (.261).  With Raul going on the shelf for 15 days you can almost certainly expect a decrease in their overall average. 

Senior Ibanez’s replacement is John Mayberry Jr.

Mayberry Jr. has nine big league at-bats in 2009 for the Phillies with two hits—not a very good sample size. But both of his hits are for extra bases—one home run and one double. 

Mayberry has been fine-tuning his game in AAA for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (who named these guys?).  Here is a look at JMJ’s AAA stats:

Mayberry holds a .257 average (47 hits in 183 at-bats), has scored 30 runs, hit 8 HR, 13 doubles, one triple, and 31 RBI.  He has amassed 21 bases on balls and 56 strikeouts.  JMJ has an OBP of .338 while slugging .470 for an OPS of .808.  He has also stolen four bases.

Mayberry is what is often referred to as a physical specimen.  Some things you just can’t teach, like JMJ’s small forward frame—he’s 6’6″ and weighs 230 pounds.  He bats and throws right and is considered to be a future starter in this league by the orginization. 

Mayberry was born Dec. 21, 1983 and was selected in the first round of the 2005 draft by the Texas Rangers. 

The Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Rangers that essentially just swapped minor league outfielders.  The Rangers obtained Greg Golson (speedster) with the Phils getting Mayberry (power), and apparently both ballclubs couldn’t be happier with the move.

Mayberry is an exciting semi-young prospect that was destined to be a part of this years September call-up to provide a fresh right-handed bat off the bench. 

Ibanez being on the DL will give the Phillies a chance to see what JMJ can do on a daily basis and help set a gauge on where he stands as far as how close is he really to being on the 25-man roster. 

Despite the (seemingly constant) rain in Philly, fans will see just what this kid can do to help the team keep pace in the NL East starting today at 1:05 (expect rain delays) against the Blue Jays, who have taken the first two games of this series. 

Which makes me think of another question—perhaps for another article: Why can’t the Phillies win at home?!

Good luck to John Mayberry Jr. filling in for the injured (groin strain) Raul Ibanez.  They are pretty big shoes to fill. 

Finally? Blanton Gives Phils Their First Quality Start

The Philadelphia Phillies managed to play .500 ball despite not getting one, that’s ONE quality start from their pitching staff.

That is, until the newest co-pilot of the Redneck Express rolled through South Broad Street last night. 

FINALLY!

Finally a quality start from the defending champs!  The cold start should have been writing on the wall for anyone who has a grip on what has been going on around Citizen’s Bank Park in recent weeks.

For the starters, this staff simply hasn’t found their groove yet.  There has been a lot of distractions around the clubhouse with the most obvious being the loss of the legendary broadcaster, Harry Kalas.  He will be missed with sorrow and admiration. 

The phightin have also dealt with inclement weather, twice.  It’s hard to hit your stride as a starting pitching staff when you’ve already had two rain-outs in the first 15 games. 

Then there is the World Series hangover thing too.  Cole Hamels openly admitted to not being prepared for the start of this season.  I can only imagine how the extra month of pitching has affected the Phillies starting five… 

But Heavy B has corrected all of this!  He is the saviour of the staff!  Okay I’m just making bold statements now, but at this point in the season I think the starters will be settling in and producing more quality starts for the WFC’s (world F’n champs).

All of this positivity moving forward still doesn’t excuse the fact that it took 13 games to get one quality start from our boys. 

I’m just glad they got over that hump and are still floating around .500.  If our boys can string together a few series W’s then we should be looking more like the defending champs instead of our friendly rival the Nats. 

If this staff can catch up to the bullpen, the defense, and a few of the hotter bats then these guys have a shot at dominating the NL East.  This is just one fan hoping that comes together, sooner rather than later…