Say It Ain’t So: J.D. Drew May Be Done After 2011 Season

It’s hard to believe J.D. Drew is entering the final year of the five-year deal he signed with the Boston Red Sox, and that he’s 35.

At Florida State University in the mid-1990s, the lefty with an effortless swing crushed the cover off the ball, becoming the first player in collegiate history to mash 30 homers and swipe 30 bases in the same season.

He was so good that he drew comparisons to the great Mickey Mantle. He would be the second-coming, they said.

He hasn’t been. And, 13 years after scouts and analysts uttered his and Mantle’s name in the same sentence, Drew may hang up his spikes following the 2011 season.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted him second overall in 1997 but did not meet the demands of Drew and his agent, one Scott Boras.

Being Boras, he desired an exorbitant amount for his client. He thought Drew was worth a $10 million contract out of the gate. This was an astounding sum, stunning many around baseball.

Philadelphia thought they might back away from that after Drew was drafted, and that a deal could be hashed out. None was, as Drew and Boras wouldn’t budge.

Drew played for the St. Paul Saints of the Independent Northern League that season and part of the next before entering the 1998 draft.

After hitting 25 homers, batting over .360, and getting on base at a 47 percent clip for the Saints, he was selected fifth overall by St. Louis, and signed for $6,785,000. Phillies fans have booed him ever since.

The 22-year-old spent all of 45 games in the minors, then, upon being called up by the Cardinals, smacked five homers in his first 14 games in the majors. He was the real deal. But then he wasn’t.

As his career with St. Louis progressed, he showcased his incredible talent, impeccable stride, home-run power, and speed.

But the Cardinals would have to relish the time he was on the field, doing the many things he did so well, because he seemingly spent more time at the doctor’s office.

He quickly became Mr. Disabled List, also nicknamed Nancy Drew by disgruntled Cardinals fans and, of course, Phillies fans.

Every season with the Cardinals he was on the disabled list at least once, spanning six years. During his tenure he never played more than 135 games, and he appeared in over 109 only twice.

He batted fairly well, got on base at a respectable clip, but soon Drew was 27, without a 30-plus homer season, an MVP, or an All-Star game appearance. All that talent, all that potential, unable to live up to his college and minor league name.

Drew was traded in late 2003 to the Atlanta Braves for a package that included future ace Adam Wainwright, who is now sadly on the shelf after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The Georgia native produced there, staying extraordinarily healthy given his reputation, playing in all but 17 games and hitting 30-plus homers for the first time. But, as a free-agent at season’s end, his stay was short. The Los Angeles Dodgers were his next stop.

He signed a five-year, $55 million deal, but made $152,177 per game, more than the Dodgers would have liked, as that sum amounted to just 72 appearances in 2004.

An injured wrist was the latest injury, joining the back, hip, hand, oblique, shoulder and hamstring. The wrist is one of the worst body parts a hitter can injure, given the rotation and power that is needed to contribute.

He recovered, plating 100 runs in 2005, and wisely took the out-clause in his contract. More money could be had, even given his lack of durability.

He was still in his prime, at 30, and there was still a hope out there that he could still be a milder version of Mantle. It was a fool’s hope, but Boras made sure Drew received star money.

Boston signed him to a five-year, $70 million deal, but on the condition an all-important clause be included.

The team could opt out of the deal after the third or fourth year if injuries (particularly those previously sustained to his shoulder) recurred and kept him on the shelf for an extended period of time.

He hasn’t appeared in more than 140 games with the Red Sox, nor driven in more than 68 runs, but he’s still there, manning right field as he always has, providing a respectable bat and a solid glove…albeit not what they paid $14 million annually for.

He did manage to earn it in 2007 with one swing of the bat, however. The $14 million Grand Slam, it was called by ESPN’s Bill Simmons, a blast to center-field off Cleveland Indians ace Fausto Carmona (who, at 23, had won 19 games that season) in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, helping Boston stave off elimination in a series they would eventually win.

It was incredible and came completely out of the blue. Read the reactions from Simmons readers in that article to really get a feel for what kind of player Drew was in the eyes of many.

There’s no beating around the bush: he was an overpaid, oft-injured outfielder unable to live up to exceedingly high expectation. But that sad truth was set aside that night in Boston. He was a hero.

He was celebrated as he was supposed to be throughout his career. They were supposed to say, ‘And Drew does it again! They were right, he is the 21st century version of Mantle.’ Instead, utter bewilderment took its place.

Since, Drew has been the player he’s been throughout his career: 20 homers, 60-plus RBI, a .280 batting average, while missing 30 games or so. To that, the question ‘What could have been?’ is often followed by a shake of the head.

His baseball life hasn’t turned out the way he would have liked, nor how scouts, coaches, fans, teammates, and front-office personnel envisioned. But it is what it is.

And now 2011 might be his last go-around, manning right-field for the fifth straight year in Boston, dealing with the tricky corner in Fenway Park.

After all the ups and downs: back injuries, wrist injuries, hamstring injuries; you name it, he’s had it. He will go out there as many times as his body allows, playing for the Thrill of the Grass and the cool $14 million, still with the buttery-smooth swing and graceful strides that will produce their fair share of cheers.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Cliff Lee Spurns Yankees, Rangers, Takes Less Money To Pitch For Phillies

As The New York Times‘ Ben Shpigel wrote two days ago, a 26-year-old pitcher by the name of Greg Maddux received a lucrative contract offer from the New York Yankees in 1992. The deal spanned five years and was worth $34 million, which was tremendous amount of money then.

Maddux thought about the offer, was visited by the Yankees brass, and then, when it was believed he would take it, the Atlanta Braves swooped in and nabbed the left-handed pitcher who would go on to be a member of the best rotation in baseball history and win a total of 355 games. They offered him $six million less to remain in the national league where he had previously pitched with the Chicago Cubs.

Shipgel wrote this piece to show that the Yankees don’t always get what they want. But not even he knew that what happened in 1992 would indeed happen again, just with another pitcher, another team and much, much more money.

Lee, 32, agreed to sign late Monday night with the Mystery Team everyone was talking about, the Philadelphia Phillies. New York offered him a seven-year deal worth $154 million. Instead, he took a contract worth approximately $12 million over five years to go back to the national league–where he pitched for Philadelphia in 2009.

This was a stunning decision, albeit admirable, and for this Red Sox fan a joy to see. Within three hours of Philadelphia’s confirmation as the much-ballyhooed mystery team in the Lee sweepstakes, his agent, Darren Braunecker, called the Yankees to inform them they were out of the running while Lee personally phoned Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels to tell him his plans.

New York not getting a personal call from the ace left-hander was priceless, and was a fitting end to their chase.

I wanted Lee to return to Texas. I thought he fit with that young, up-and-coming team. Though it is not known when Philadelphia indeed entered the bidding, returning to the City of Brotherly Love was a very smart choice on his part.

It was an admirable one, too. Not many players in this day and age of baseball leave that much money on the table. With the way he was dragging the negotiations out I thought for sure he would be a money-grabber like the majority of star major-leaguers, and go to the highest bidder—presumably New York. Instead of seeing dollar signs he saw a comfortable situation.

He now joins a rotation that rivals the 1990’s Braves. Maddux, signing with Atlanta, joined future Hall of Famers John Smoltz and Tom Glavine on the staff. This trio won 57 games in Maddux’s first season with the team. Lee, signing with Philadelphia, joins Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels—a trio that has combined to win 379 games and, last year, went 40-22 with a sparkling 2.41 ERA. Lee’s addition transforms a solid rotation into a scary one that could be as dominant as the aforementioned Atlanta trio was.

Heading back to the national league, where he faces opposing pitchers instead of designated hitters (which had to factor into his decision), he leaves the Rangers and Yankees searching for answers. Texas has the pieces to now go out and make a trade for Kansas City Royals ace Zack Greinke, who is on the trade market.

New York could do the same, but they are put in a more difficult position in missing out on Lee’s golden left arm. As Shipgel alluded to, they are supposed to sign the top free agents. Money is supposed to talk. In fact, the Rangers indeed offered more. But that’s not what will leave a sour taste in New York’s mouth, a mouth that is currently spewing expletives right and left in dismay.

They watched as Adrian Gonzalez was traded to the Red Sox. Then they watched Carl Crawford sign with the Red Sox. Now, Lee says thanks but no thanks. They get what is coming to them. They didn’t covet Gonzalez. They only wined and dined Crawford as a way to stir up the pot. But it’s the principle of the matter. Their rival makes two monumental moves and they come up empty.

It’s hard to put into words how I felt when I read on Twitter than New York was out of the running. I pictured George Steinbrenner rolling in his grave, his two sons, Hank and Hal, as well as general manager Brian Cashman, dumbfounded.

They, as well as the Rangers brass, are spared from making such a long-term commitment to a 32-year-old. New York’s offer, though similar in years and money to Texas, stands out. It was a desperate, risky attempt to get the player they coveted, to answer Boston, and to show that they can once more get money to talk. In the end, it didn’t work, putting a smile on my face that won’t go away anytime soon.

As a result, somewhere Maddux watched this unfold and must have nodded his head approvingly. If only more players were like them.

 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Bullpen’s Effort, Juan Uribe’s Blast Send Giants into the World Series

Games like this make baseball the greatest sport there is. Playoff baseball at its best, with one team trying to reach the World Series for the first time since the Barry Bonds era and the other attempting to keep their season alive. Philadelphia was packed full of fans not ready to say goodbye to 2010, while the San Francisco Giants blocked out the enthusiasts in their effort to end the National League Championship Series here and now.

The sixth game didn’t begin as they would have liked, as starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez was off from the start. He has been terrific for the Giants, posting a 3.07 ERA during the season and an ERA much lower this postseason, but if there is one negative it’s his tendency to be wild. He certainly was against the Phillies on this night; his start was auspicious, and his exit was soon thereafter.

Two runs crossed for Philadelphia in the first, as the young left-hander issued a walk and allowed three hits in the frame to put his team behind. He struggled with his control in the second but helped his cause in the top of the third.

Roy Oswalt, who took the loss in relief in Game 4, made quick work of the Giants in the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third, as Sanchez greeted him coldly. The pitcher made solid contact and rapped a single up the middle. With that, noise was made and a busy inning had begun. The suddenly hot Andres Torres singled him to second, then Freddy Sanchez did his job in bunting the two over for Aubrey Huff. San Francisco’s slugger delivered, scoring Sanchez with a single.

Torres wasn’t as fortunate, as the speedster was gunned out at home on a strong throw by Shane Victorino.

Usually rallies are killed by such plays, but heads up base-running by Huff made all the difference in keeping the inning alive. He went to second as the throw from Victorino went home, and the decision paid dividends, as first baseman Ryan Howard was unable to scoop Buster Posey’s ensuing grounder in an attempt to record the final out. Huff was on the move as soon as contact was made and kept running as Howard struggled to coral the dribbler. As he crossed home plate without a throw, the Giants tied the game. It would remain 2-2 for a long time.

That’s because of Oswalt’s superb outing and the remarkable performance put together by San Francisco’s bullpen. Sanchez was pulled after allowing the first two to reach in the bottom of the third and after his jawing match with Chase Utley in a mild, benches-clearing fracas. His mind was all out of sorts, which was especially sad considering how dominant he was in his previous start against Philadelphia. But Jeremy Affeldt had his back, retiring the dangerous 4-5-6 hitters in the Phillies lineup without relinquishing a run. One of those who fanned was Ryan Howard, who remained RBI-less in the postseason by grounding out.

Affeldt began the effectiveness out of the pen, and Game 4 starter Madison Bumgarner and lefty specialist Javier Lopez followed suit. The trio combined to pitch five innings of three-hit ball, and, as a result, the eighth inning began with the score stuck at two apiece.

Ryan Madson, who had relieved Oswalt to pitch a scoreless seventh, took the mound for the eighth, hoping to have another uneventful inning under his belt. The first two Giants went down harmlessly, but then Juan Uribe stepped to the plate.

Uribe, who had the game-winning sacrifice fly in Game 4, was looking to put San Francisco ahead once more. A stout six-footer, the nine-year veteran with a constantly aggressive mentality went after Madson’s first pitch, a slider, and made sure he wouldn’t get it back. A level, almighty swing produced a high fly-ball to right field. Uribe sprinted out of the box, not counting on it drifting into the seats. Then, as he approached first base, the ball snuck over the wall by no more than a foot. Citizen’s Bank Park went silent. All that could be heard was Uribe’s feet and the cheers from the Giants dugout. It was music to the ears of every fan of San Francisco.

Holding a 3-2 lead, Tim Lincecum of all pitchers entered. Their ace who started just two nights earlier had been warming in the pen at the time of Uribe’s liftoff, and, just making the second relief appearance of his career, he was unsurprisingly shaky. Two singles were allowed with one out by the unorthodox right-hander, which led to his exit and closer Brian Wilson’s entrance.

Life was pumped back into the stadium, but it was soon taken away, as Carlos Ruiz lined a fastball from Wilson right into Huff’s glove at first, starting a demoralizing inning-ending double play. Uneasiness consumed the crowd, and the silence returned. Their team was now possibly three outs away from vacating amidst severe depression.

Philadelphia wouldn’t go down without a fight, but they would indeed go down. Two walks were issued by the quirky, black-bearded Wilson, the second coming with two out, but Howard did what Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees had done just the night before. He stood there, bat on shoulder, and watched the seventh pitch of the appearance, a hard slider, hit the outside corner for strike three. The call was made, Howard stood dejected, and Posey jumped out of his crouch and rushed towards Wilson. His teammates did the same, and the celebration began.

With that, the suspense culminating in one memorable strikeout, San Francisco is heading to the World Series for the first time since 2002, trying to attain their first title since 1954.

Three years before their last championship, Bobby Thomson hit the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to win the NL Pennant. The Giants, then of New York, lost the World Series to the Yankees. Uribe’s blast wasn’t as dramatic, nor does it come close to comparing to Thomson’s incredible moment, but it could do something his did not. The homer to right could help the Giants to a World Series championship. Now, the Texas Rangers stand in their way.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies Stay Alive in NLCS Thanks To a Third Inning Full of Gifts

To force a Game 6, the Philadelphia Phillies offense needed to figure out San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum. They did not, but, helped by an umpire’s blindness, a bad hop, and a hit-by-pitch, enough runs were scored against the the unorthodox right-hander to send the NLCS back to Philly.

How they pushed them across makes the season-prolonging trip to Philadelphia far from deserving. Lincecum sent the first six down and, considering how well he was mixing his pitches and how fooled the Phillies were, he appeared to be well on his way to another dominating start.

Then came the third, a nightmarish inning for the Giants and their fans. Raul Ibañez led off with a blistering single to right and absurdity ensued. Ahead 0-2 on a completely overwhelmed Carlos Ruiz, Lincecum’s change-up missed its spot and drifted inside. It headed towards Ruiz, but its pace was slow, meaning Ruiz had plenty of time to react and move out of the way.

Did he? No. He just took the pitch right in the side without a flinch. Umpires can nullify a hit-by-pitch if they feel the hitter doesn’t make an effort to get out of the way. This was certainly a time for that rule to go into effect, but umpire Jeff Nelson pointed to first. With that, a rally was formed, and with what followed, Nelson made some more enemies in the crowd, in the Giants dugout, and on the field.

Opposing pitcher Roy Halladay was up with one goal in mind: to bunt the runners to second and third. In essence, he did, but, if Nelson was competent, he wouldn’t have. The ball was bunted off home-plate, but it trickled foul. Nelson signaled fair.

Halladay didn’t run, thinking it was called foul. He was thrown out at first by third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who received Buster Posey’s throw in time to get Ibañez at third but, with Sandoval well off the bag, Halladay’s goal was attained.

Shane Victorino capitalized, but needed a favorable hop to indeed deliver. He laced a fastball from Lincecum to Aubrey Huff, a ball the first baseman should have been able to snag but instead watched ricochet off his glove and hit hard off his knee.

The ball struck his left knee so hard the ball shot into the center-field grass on a couple of bounds. Both runners scored with ease. Two gaffes by the umpire and an error; the Giants lead was lost. Adding insult to injury, Placido Polanco followed by driving in the third Phillies run with a single.

But, as in Game 1, Halladay wasn’t at his best atop the mound, as the fourth inning indicated. San Francisco needed to put the disastrous third behind them, and then did, as Pat Burrell and the continuously clutch Cody Ross hit back-to-back one out doubles to trim the margin in half.

Yet, though Halladay had his hiccups from time to time, he wasn’t that hittable. No more production came San Francisco’s way in the fourth, nor in the following five innings.

Halladay pitched six, and the bullpen did the rest. Jose Contreras, once a fairly good starting pitcher, then a mediocre starting pitcher, and now a valuable reliever, retired two in the seventh and J.C. Romero put the finishing touches on the frame. The Giants were six outs away from having to go back to Philadelphia, an unenviable situation despite their series advantage.

Ryan Madson dominated in the eighth, striking out the dangerous trip of Posey, Burrell, and Ross primarily using a cut-fastball with devastating late break down. He used his changeup, seen as his best pitch, only once. Closer Brad Lidge, who hadn’t pitched since struggling in Game 1, sent down San Francisco in order as well.

As the Giants were unable to clinch a World Series berth with their best pitcher on the mound, they now must win one of the next two games in hostile territory. Their offensive struggles are worrisome, but if the umpires can regain their competence and eye-sight in Game 6 and if the Giants possess the ability to field well, San Francisco will be World Series bound. It will just happen a couple days later than they had hoped.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Dominant Roy Oswalt, Clutch Jimmy Rollins Help Phillies Even Series With Giants

When Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel walked to the mound in the eighth inning, talked with his starting pitcher, and walked back to the dugout, as a San Francisco Giants fan I was hoping this would be his Grady Little moment. Little, once the manager of the Boston Red Sox, infamously left ace Pedro Martinez on the mound in the 2003 ALCS and watched him implode against the New York Yankees.

But with the way Roy Oswalt was pitching, it was a fool’s hope. He was clicking on all cylinders, and there was little the Giants could do to make Manuel pay.

Oswalt was what Roy Halladay was not in Game 1: stifling. On the other side, Giants left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, who struck out 11 Atlanta Braves in his first postseason start, struggled out of the gate. Sanchez was a very dependable third starter this season for the staff that led the major leagues in ERA, winning 13 games. But if there was one knock on him it was his wildness. He led the majors with 96 walks in 193 innings, a concerning ratio. And the negative managed to rear its ugly head, in the form of three first-inning walks and 35 painful pitches.

He was all over the place, but the home plate umpire was too, calling clear balls strikes and clear strikes balls. One blown call came with the bases loaded. Entering his appearance against Jimmy Rollins, the 27-year old  had struck out two, walked two, and witnessed a throwing error by third baseman Mike Fontenot that brought Aubrey Huff well off the first-base bag. Forty-six thousand were on their feet as Rollins dug in, then they cheered profusely as umpire Dan Iassogna inexplicably called a 3-1 pitch that clearly nipped the inside corner a ball, allowing Chase Utley to walk home for the game’s first run.

Iassogna gave pitchers the outside corner throughout, but he was far from kind when they painted the inner portion. For Sanchez’s pitch to reach the inside corner, as a lefty the ball has to cross the plate somehow. But, Sanchez somehow managed to put that blown call behind him and allow just the single run, striking out Raul Ibañez to end the threat.

When the bases were loaded, the Giants were wary of Sanchez’s rough start, as reliever Guillermo Mota was loosening in the bullpen. But Sanchez forced Mota to sit back down in limiting the damage, and the bullpen didn’t stir for a while as he settled into a groove. A lot of pitches were thrown. Some more walks were issued and hits were allowed, but he persevered, putting up three straight zeros and then was rightfully rewarded for his efforts by an unsurprising bat.

Oswalt had cruised through the first four innings, pitching very effectively and economically to keep his pitch count low entering the fifth. With one out in that inning, Cody Ross stepped to the plate. The same bearded Cody Ross who slugged two inside fastballs in nearly the exact same section of the left-field seats in Game 1. Oswalt missed away with the first pitch, but then made a costly mistake.

A fastball was fired in, approaching the inside corner, right in Ross’ wheelhouse. And he didn’t miss it, crushing the pitch to nearly the same exact spot as Saturday night’s two. It was an amazing scene, and for the third time in as many nights groans from Phillies fans and screams of joy from Giants fans could be heard after liftoff.

Groans turned to cheers and cheers screams of joy turned to groans as Philadelphia quickly fought back, receiving a leadoff double by Shane Victorino just past a diving Fontenot at third and two sacrifice flies by their big hitters to snag a 2-1 lead. San Francisco now had to get another run out of Oswalt to have a chance of heading home with a 2-0 series advantage, but Oswalt made sure Ross’ majestic shot was all his opponent would muster.

His fastball was lively, sitting at a deceptively quick 93 on the gun all night. His sinker was sharp, and his changeup had its late movement. Sanchez managed to pitch into the seventh, which was a tremendous feat given his first-inning woes and early high-pitch count, but Oswalt was the man of the match. Tim Lincecum unquestionably led his Giants in Game 1, and Oswalt did the same for his Phillies, striking out hitters right and left to put together a superb outing.

Despite his excellence, it was only a one-run margin. That was, until the seventh, when the bullpen fell apart. Manager Bruce Bochy, who trusted Sanchez enough to pitch him in the do-or-die 162nd game against the San Diego Padres, sent him back out there to only pull him one batter in. His 100th pitch was slapped up the middle by Oswalt of all hitters, and then Sanchez, receiving a bevy of high-fives, took his seat on the bench and looked on in horror as the bullpen imploded.

After his replacement, Ramon Ramirez, allowed the Phillies third run to score, Rollins delivered the crushing blow against Santiago Casilla, lacing a double into the right-center gap to plate three teammates. The lead was now 6-1, and Philadelphia would go on to win by that margin, as Oswalt pitched the eighth and Ryan Madson handled the ninth to even the series.

The series now heads to San Francisco, with the Phillies bats hot and every Giant except for Ross not. He can’t do it all, and if the Giants are going to reach their first World Series since 2002 they need other bats to wake up so Oswalt’s performance can’t be duplicated.

 

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies’ Roy Halladay Throws No-Hitter in First Postseason Start

My friend Robert and I were eating at a campus bakery shop this afternoon when we saw a fellow college student sitting in the booth across from us wearing a Shane Victorino Philadelphia Phillies jersey shirt. On her laptop was the ESPN Gamecast of the Phillies Game 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.

From afar, I could tell it was 4-0 Philly in the seventh inning. But until she filled us in on what was really happening, we thought Roy Halladay was just shutting out his opponent, something he has done often.

He wasn’t just shutting them out, he hadn’t allowed a hit. And the 12-year veteran was doing this in his first postseason start. One hundred and sixty-nine regular season wins to his name and he was near the end of his first in the playoffs.

Halladay was six outs away from becoming the second pitcher in major league baseball history to throw a no-hitter in the playoffs, with Don Larsen doing so 54 years ago for the New York Yankees. Through seven, not a bad how-do-you-do to October baseball.

Robert and I stayed at Barry’s, one of my regular haunts, for a few more minutes, and left once we heard Halladay had mowed Cincinnati down in order in the eighth.

He was three outs away on a cold and rainy night in Philadelphia, and on a sunny, calm night on Eugene we immediately bolted for the University of Oregon bookstore, where two flat-screen televisions were stationed with potential history waiting to be watched. We had to witness this.

Followed by the Phillies fan who had originally filled us in, we scampered in, turned to the television above the store’s checkout, and watched in awe as Halladay took the hill in the top of the ninth.

Halladay was the one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, winning 21 games. One of those wins was a no-hitter against the Florida Marlins. But that was in Florida, in front of just a few thousand fans, in a depressing stadium. Halladay, with 40,000-plus watching on from beautiful Citizens Bank Park, was on the brink of doing something no one has ever done before: allow no hits while being welcomed to the playoffs.

Ramon Hernandez was first up in the ninth against the 6’6″ ace they call Doc. Halladay had lived up his nickname so far, slicing and dicing the Reds hitters with his repertoire centered around a cut fastball, changeup and curveball with uncanny movement.

Cincinnati had no answer, and they continued to stride to the plate confused, guessing what was coming and unable to hit was they saw. Hernandez took a called strike then got far too under a cutter, popping it second baseman Chase Utley in shallow right-field. Two outs to go.

Pinch-hitter Miguel Cairo, a 36-year-old, 14-year veteran, worked the count even against Halladay, but succumbed to the 33-year old righthander, who mixed up his pitches masterfully.

After seeing a first-pitch curveball, then a fastball, a cutter, and a change-up, Cairo was befuddled by the curveball once more, a sputtering 76 mile-per-hour pitch with diving action most pitchers can only dream about. Just like Hernandez, his swing was weak, and he too popped up, this time to third baseman Wilson Valdez in foul territory. One out to go.

Every fan was on their feet, some waving towels, others clapping on their ace. This moment was baseball at its finest. Halladay on the mound. Brandon Phillips, one of the Reds most dangerous hitters, striding to the plate. It was an incredible atmosphere, with a buzz only a potential no-hitter could produce.

And it only got better in Philadelphia. Phillips took a fastball for strike-one, swung through another to fall into a hole, and then lightly tapped a curveball, Halladay’s 104th pitch and, a testament to his efficiency, his 73rd strike.

Phillips managed to hit it only about 10 feet, and, as he sprinted up the first base line, catcher Carlos Ruiz pounced on it, evaded the bat laying near by, and threw his best overhand fastball from his knees to first base.

It was caught by Ryan Howard, their gigantic first-baseman, seconds before Phillips reached the bag. The celebration had begun. Halladay was in Ruiz’s arms. Bedlam ensued in the stands. A no-hitter, giving Larsen company and creating an amazing memory no one will soon forget. Not Halladay, his teammates, their fans, nor baseball lovers like my friend and I.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

David Ortiz’s bat, John Lackey’s Arm Help Red Sox Cruise Past Phillies

Earlier this season, David Ortiz and John Lackey weren’t producing for the Boston Red Sox. Ortiz couldn’t get on base and Lackey had a tough time keeping men off them. Surely enough, to keep the success train running for the Red Sox, an ineffective Jamie Moyer cured Ortiz’s woes, and an anemic Philadelphia Phillies offense did the same for Lackey’s.

Moyer, 47 years young, has been tremendously effective during his golden years, but his 84 mile-per-hour fastball and assortment of slow off-speed pitches didn’t fool Boston’s bats. Ortiz, who had been mired in a 3-28 slump to start the month of June, especially proved troublesome. He doubled in Victor Martinez as part of a five-run first inning that culminated in a two-run shot by Mike Lowell , then sent Moyer to the showers by socking the Red Sox third consecutive double and fourth hit of the second inning. By the time reliever David Herndon obtained the third out of the frame, it was 9-0 in Boston.

Lackey, even with his recent struggles, would have a tough time squandering this early advantage. But for his sake, it was uplifting to see the Phillies reputably dangerous offense still cold. Good pitching has done them in, but their doom has also been impatience and simply trying too hard. During the series opener, it was a combination of the three. Lackey possessed control Boston had yet to see from their big offseason investment, and his pitch-count was relatively low due to Philadelphia’s over aggressiveness.

Thanks in part to a two-run single by Ortiz in the third that increased his season rbi-total to 39, Lackey was staked a 12-0 lead heading to the mound in the top of the fourth. Now, a win was firmly in the Red Sox grasp, and the 31-year old right hander made it even more so, limiting the Phillies to one run in the fourth after running into substantial trouble. He allowed just one run over the next three innings, and finished his seven innings pitched by throwing 62 of his 86 pitches for strikes and allowing six hits while walking no one.

In winning by the final score of 12-2, Boston socked 17 hits. Their offense has been producing at a high rate of late, and most of the pop has come from the middle of their lineup. Martinez, whose average has risen 50 points over the past month, has been their catalyst. He scored twice and had two RBI doubles. And Kevin Youkilis , who had the night off but is batting well over .300, have picked up an offense that has missed lead-off spark Jacoby Ellsbury , and hasn’t received expected production from former-MVP Dustin Pedroia . With unsurprising performance of Martinez, Youkilis, offseason signee Adrian Beltre , and now Ortiz, Boston has worked their way into the American League East race.

It’s early June with plenty of baseball left, but the Red Sox are paving themselves a pretty comfortable path. They have amassed 35 wins. Ortiz slumped for a long period of time to begin season. Ellsbury has been on the shelf. Pedroia hasn’t been himself. Marco Scutaro has been hot and cold. And prior to this excellent start by Lackey, solid pitching has been scarce. Clay Buchholz has been their ace, and Jon Lester , aside from last night’s struggles, has been dependable. But as a whole, the staff has underachieved. When not injured, Josh Beckett has been disastrous. Daisuke Matsuzak a has been wild. Tim Wakefield has served batting practice far too often. Lackey hasn’t made a smooth transition to the American League East. All of their troubles and the team is still only four games out of first place with a record of 36-27.

The Yankees have agonizingly watched slugger Mark Teixeira bat near the dreaded Mendoza Line, but are only a game behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place. Given his struggles, their success is a scary thought. And likewise, just imagine if Lackey and Ortiz can deliver like they did against Philadelphia on a regular basis, and the likes of Ellsbury and Pedroia are able to return to full-strength; how deadly Boston would be in that amazingly competitive division once August and September come around.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies’ Roy Halladay Tosses MLB’s 20th Perfect Game

Manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee sat cross-legged in the Philadelphia Phillies dugout. They assumed that pose for the longest time, sitting not five feet apart on the bench, and watched their ace Roy Halladay attempt to do something very historic. The 32-year-old pitcher whom they acquired during the offseason was on the mound pitching during the eighth inning, six outs away from throwing a perfect game.

Halladay has been one of the better pitchers in baseball, with perhaps the filthiest repertoire. His movement has baffled so many teams during his illustrious career, and the Florida Marlins were the latest to fall under his spell. Twenty-one outs had come rather easily, and a crowd that was Phillies-partisan stood anticipating perfection.

Juan Castro, getting the start at third base for Placido Polanco, and made a considerable impact, keeping the perfect game intact by gobbling up a hot shot off the bat of Jorge Cantu and firing to first for the eight’s first out.

Dan Uggla was next, and he stared, bat on his shoulder, at strike three, a fastball painted on the outside corner. Four outs left. Two pitches later, Halladay walked off the mound, having induced a pop-up out of Cody Ross, as the stadium buzzed in excitement.

The Phillies clung to a 1-0 lead entering their half of the ninth inning, as they to were baffled. Marlins ace Josh Johnson was excellent over his seven innings, allowing the lone run in the third inning as an error by Cameron Maybin had Wilson Valdez speeding around to score from first .

A struggling offense would have the opportunity to extend their slim advantage and make life much easier for Halladay. They could not provide insurance. One crack of the bat by the Marlins into the near empty seats could break up the perfect-game, no-hitter, shutout, and squander the lead.

Mike Lamb pinch-hit for catcher Brett Hayes to begin the bottom of the ninth, with the few thousand in attendance on their feet—Marlins and Phillies fans alike. His at-bat ended innocently enough, as an impeccably placed Halladay fastball was lifted meekly into center field.

For the second out, the 6’6″ righthander’s handling of pinch-hitter Wes Helms exemplified that it was indeed his night, that he was as sharp as could be. A fastball clipped the inside corner, another was tipped foul, a third narrowly missed the same target, and then the fourth hit Carlos Ruiz’s glove that danced on the inner-reaches of the strikezone.

Helms walked away. The crowd cheered. The announcer’s tone grew ever-more enthusiastic. One more out and Halladay would notch the 20th perfect game in Major League Baseball history, his first of such kind, as well as his first no-hitter.

A third-straight pinch-hitter strode to the plate. Ronny Paulino, a .280 career hitter who entered batting .310 on the season, could thwart history or be a part of it. The latter took place, as a fourth-pitch curveball hit sharply to third was consumed by Castro and fired to first baseman Ryan Howard.

Howard tapped the bag and thrust his arms in the air, as the crowd cheered as one. Halladay stood pumping his fist as the 27th straight out was recorded , hugged Ruiz, and sported the happiest of smiles as his teammates joined in on the celebration .

That smiled remained spread euphorically across his face as the few hundred Marlins fans and the few thousand Phillies fans stood and applauded. For a pitcher that dominated the American League for years with the Toronto Blue Jays, a pitcher that entered with 154 wins, including six this year, this moment was a long time coming—a moment only 19 others have experienced.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies Blanked Once More as Mets Complete Sweep

Currently, five Philadelphia Phillies are leading the National League All-Star Balloting at their respective positions. Jimmy Rollins leads at shortstop, Placido Polanco leads at third base, Chase Utley leads at second base, Jayson Werth leads in left-field, and Shane Victorino leads in center-field. These stars anchor a tremendous lineup, at least a lineup that was tremendous up until their last five games.

They lost their final two games against the Boston Red Sox during Interleague play, which is looking more and more understandable with Boston’s four-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays.

They were shut out in the first of those two losses as Daisuke Matsuzaka nearly threw a no-hitter , and fell in the second as the Red Sox broke through against ace Roy Halladay . Their three runs in the finale of that series came in the ninth inning, ending a 17-inning scoreless streak. Since, a much longer scoreless streak has been set.

Just as the Red Sox are inching closer to the Rays in the American League East, the Mets entered their three-game set at home five games behind their divisional foe. New York, having one their previous two games, could go from seven to two games back with a sweep of the Phillies.

And, to my shock, this dream scenario would come true in the most surprising of ways.

Their pitching has the reputation of being sup-bar, but the rotation has developed nicely this season. John Maine , Jon Niese , and Oliver Perez have struggled, combining for a 2-8 record and a 5.58 ERA.

But, knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and Japanese import Hisanori Takahashi have pitched superbly in spot-starts, Johan Santana has delivered, and Mike Pelfrey has been splendid, by far the best of them all.

Dickey baffled the Phillies in the opener, tossing six innings while striking out seven. New York won 8-0 behind three runs scored by shortstop Jose Reyes as well as Jason Bay ‘s scorching bat. Just like Dickey before him, Takahashi put goose-eggs on the board, firing six shutout frames in a 5-0 win. Pelfrey, entering the finale with a 6-1 record and a sub-3 ERA, could keep the shutouts going.

The 6’7″, 230-pound 26-year-old righthander was fairly good in 2008, winning 13 games, throwing 200 innings and posting a 3.72 ERA. He had a setback last season, meshing in nicely with the rest of the mediocrity that filled New York’s rotation, losing 12 games to 10 wins and struggling to a 5.03 ERA.

This year he has turned the corner, drastically improving upon last season’s wretchedness and his respectability in 2008 by continuing his stifling display on the mound against Philadelphia.

He breezed through the first inning, striking out Victorino and Utley in doing so. Bay, who has hit .326 this month, continued his extraordinary resurgence after a rough April, stroking a Cole Hamels offering deep to center for a double, scoring Reyes, who led off the frame with a single. One inning in, Pelfrey had all the run support he needed.

He said, “I thought I was okay,” afterwards, but he was underselling himself. His sinker was devastating throughout, as it has been throughout this season, frustrating the Phillies to no end.

Over his seven innings, he allowed four hits, all singles and three of which to Victorino. Seven shutout innings , striking out seven in his historic effort. Pedro Feliciano made quick work of the eighth, and closer Francisco Rodriguez did his job in the ninth. Another shutout, a sweep, and suddenly the Mets are on the Phillies doorstep.

According to ESPN Stats and Information , as documented in their recap of the Mets 3-0 victory, “Only two other teams in major league history—and when Elias says “major league history,” they mean back to 1876 (not 1952)—swept three or more games from a first-place team without allowing any runs: the Orioles over the Red Sox in 1974 and the Washington Senators over the Philadelphia A’s in 1913.

Also, “It was the second time in Mets history they have shut out the same team in three straight games (last time was in 1969, also against the Phillies).” And last but not least: “Not since 2004 had any team shut out another club in a three-game series—Johan Santana and Minnesota blanked Kansas City in that set,” STATS LLC said.

It’s one thing if this three-game sweep full of zeroes comes against a pitiful offense. But these are the defending National League Champions, a team full of .300 hitters and 30-plus homer talent.

As noted in that ESPN recap, “The 2010 Phils are the first league champ in MLB history to be held scoreless in a series lasting at least three games.” On top of that, they haven’t scored in 46 of their past 47 innings. Still, the still-division leaders are taking this humiliating stretch with a grain of salt.

Werth said afterwards, “Big picture, a loss is a loss, no matter how you spin it. We’re still in first place.” If their struggles at the plate continue and if the Mets keep shutting down opponents, they won’t be for much longer.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

A Timeline of How the Roy Halladay-to-Philadelphia Phillies Deal Was Done

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Next Page »