Philadelphia Phillies Extend Division Lead To Four: Getting That ‘Pheeling’ Yet?

To the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies, there is nothing more exhilarating than the last leg of any given season, especially when the playoffs are hanging in the balance

Oh wait, yes there is. How about dealing a crushing defeat to the team that is challenging you for first place, right?

The Phillies have masterfully put together one of the best Septembers in their recent history and have begun the process of claiming their place in yet another postseason by defeating the not so “Hot-lanta” Braves 3-1.

But it isn’t just this paramount defeat that has the Philadelphia faithful waving their rally towels, screaming their heads off in jubilation, and rising to their feet. Oh no—it’s been a collection of very key factors that are making an already deadly team even more dangerous.

The collective team effort out of the bullpen and the starting rotation, in combination with solid hitting and exceptional fielding, has this team and its fans salivating at the chance of not only returning to the postseason, but also getting another crack at the Fall Classic.

To make matters better—or worse, depending on your fanship—the Phillies will continue to unleash their three-headed monster on the Braves with Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt being the next two pitchers the Braves will have to face.

But isn’t that where it all starts for the Phillies?

Since acquiring Oswalt and Halladay, the front three of this rotation (Cole Hamels being the third musketeer) has been one of the most dominant trios in all of baseball.

 

Dating back to July 31st, this treacherous tricephaly has gone 19-6 with a 2.40 ERA (Note: I have not factored in Hamels’ ERA from last night only his win), and more importantly, in the month of September this three-headed monster is undefeated at a mark of 10-0.

But that’s not all.

They now have a four-game lead in the division, are the first team in the National League to reach 90 wins, and are on an eight-game winning streak, winning nine out of their last 10.

The fielding is nearly impenetrable, they’ve mixed in a healthy amalgamation of small ball and power hitting, and oh yeah, if anyone is still on the fence with Wilson Valdez, you can come down now…the kid’s solid as a rock…it’s okay, c’mon down.

So much to digest, right?

But despite this crazy flurry of success, the old adage remains superior: It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.

The remainder of the season is divisional competition, and since the Phillies are public enemy number one, every team (including the Braves, which we’ll get to in a minute) will be trying their best to play spoiler.

The Phightin’ Phils will close out the week with against a Mets team that is horrible on the road, begin next week in Washington, whom the Phillies are 10-5 against, only to close the season in dramatic fashion with a final showdown against the Braves IN Atlanta.

Suffice to say, the last 11 games are very winnable, but the Phillies would be wise to tread lightly.

This is baseball at its best. This is the TRUE pulse of the original American Classic. Heck, this is the very lore that keeps the almighty NFL in the rear-view mirror for another couple of weeks, and you can bet your bottom dollar it’s only gonna get better from here.

So the only question that remains is this:

Are YOU getting that “Pheeling” yet?

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Five Things the Philadelphia Phillies Must Do To Make the MLB Playoffs

Quick, name me one other team in the majors right now who has sustained more injuries than the Phillies and ACTUALLY continued to play extremely well; all things considered.

I’ll give ya a minute.

Yeah, I couldn’t think of any either, and that’s because there really isn’t any. Sure, there are a couple of teams who have dealt with a season long injury list (Boston anyone) but nobody has duplicated what the Phightin’ Phils have in the 2010 season.

This is a team that has lost Placido Polanco (twice), J-Roll (twice), Chase Utley who recently returned, Shane Victorino, Carlos Ruiz and newest member of the DL Ryan Howard.

But in their place have come players who, for the most part, have filled in more than admirably when they were needed most.

Players such as Wilson Valdez, Ross Gload, Brian Schneider, Domonic Brown, and Ben Francisco have all filled in when asked and have done so with effective results on defense and on offense.

But time really does heal all wounds, and everyone except Howard has found their way back onto the playing field at just the right time.

Albeit, they are still chasing Bobby Cox and those pesky Braves! Don’t you just hate going away parties?

If the Phillies are going back to the postseason they are going to do it either by winning the division, or via the Wild Card, but there are a few things that they must do in order to keep the torrent pace that lifted them from 7 games out of first to nearly 2 games out of first.

Let’s take a look.

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10 Struggling Stars Whose Turnaround Will Decide the MLB Races

As we get ever so close to the end of the 2010 MLB season, the playoff picture has begun to slowly take form. There are six teams in the American division and six teams in the National division fighting for a postseason berth, with everybody else 8 games or more away from even flirting with a wild card.

In no specific order, the Yankees, Rays, Twins, White Sox, Rangers, and Red Sox are the big six slugging it out in the American League, while the Phillies, Braves, Cardinals, Reds, Padres, and Giants are battling it out in the National League.

One of the key factors down the stretch will be whether or not the struggling pieces to each team’s puzzle will turn it around or not.

Whether it is due to injury, a slump, or just bad mechanics, there are 10 players I feel will significantly impact their respective team, in their quest for the postseason.

So let’s take a look at who needs to turn things around, before it’s too late.

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2010 Fantasy Baseball Watch: Is J.A. Happ Worth a No. 1 Pick?

Picking players in the first round is always a hot topic. And while your first round selections WILL NOT make your team, it is those players who are on the cusp of being first rounders that could significantly impact your team’s performance.

J.A. Happ is one of those players.

Last year Happ enjoyed a very promising season going 12-4 for “Dem Phightin Phils” while posting a 2.93 ERA.

But what is noteworthy is the fact that Happ has already pitched 8 1/3 scoreless innings this year in Spring Training, and if this keeps up, one has to imagine his value will sky rocket.

Happ is already surrounded by some of the best that MLB has to offer in just about every position, not to mention the Phillies penchant for winning games that they look like they aren’t; a situation that bodes well for any pitcher.

But for Happ to ever be considered an elite arm, worthy of first round status, he will need another year behind him.

In addition to the experience there is a small matter of his average career 6.7 K/9 rate that really need to elevate if he is to be seen as one of the best in fantasy.

Still, Happ is a guy you could target early and reap the benefits later on.

I think the kid will lower that ERA to about 2.53; he will increase his K/9 rate to about 7.5; and provide 4 complete games with at the very least 4 shutouts.

Will Happ be a first round consideration? No.

Does he have the tools to perform as a first rounder in 2010? Absolutely.

For more insight on other first rounders that could be, check out my piece on Nelson Cruz.

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Phillies Looking to Upgrade Third Base and Bullpen As Nov. 20th Nears

The Phillies begin the long process of the offseason as we take a quick look at what is on the horizon for the team, and what could come in the next couple of weeks.

Awards and Accolades

With Wednesday comes the announcement of the Gold Glove Awards with Jimmy Rollins having his sights set on a third win as a major front runner. Rollins won the past two years in a row and had his best fielding year yet.

Thursday marks the announcement of the Silver Slugger Awards with Chase Utley leading the way in hopes of winning his fourth straight. Utley hit .282 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI, making him a favorite.

J.A. Happ has a good chance of winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award on November 16th with his stellar performance in which he went 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts.

Ryan Howard, who has already won the NL MVP Award, should receive plenty of votes for MVP, but is considered to be second to Albert Pujols when the award is announced on November 24th.

Bumps and Bruises

Raul Ibanez ’s sports hernia surgery went well on Monday as well as Scott Eyre ’s surgery to remove “loose bodies” from his elbow and both are expected to be ready for spring training.

Brad Lidge will undergo “loose bodies” removal in his elbow, and he will have his flexor/pronator evaluated today to determine if surgery is necessary.

No other major extenuating medical issues surround the team at this point, which is excellent news.

The Rumor Mill

According to Phillies.com, the likelihood of bringing in Roy Halladay is more unlikely than originally thought. The Blue Jays are asking for a bit too much from the Phillies, just as they were the first time the Phils entertained the trade.

Despite a lackluster postseason performance by Cole Hamels , the Phillies are going to keep their original ace around and have also picked up the option on Cliff Lee , making a potent one-two punch for next season.

For a complete breakdown of what the Phillies need to do before November 20th, please feel free to visit my column here !

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Phillies Take A Bite Out Of Big Apple in 6-1 Win

Through an almost angelic cascade of a fine mist descending upon Yankee Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies struck first blood in a 6-1  win.

In a night that was regarded as a huge showdown of old lefty teammates, Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia, the Phillies overcame a powerful Yankee hitting squad with a lights out, 10 strikeout performance by Cliff Lee.

But it wasn’t only the pitching that was the highlight here.

Anyone remember the two bad throws Chase Utley had in the NLCS? Yeah, me either, thanks in part to Utley’s performance that single-handedly beat the Bronx Bombers.

Utley became the first person to have a multiple HR game in a World Series since Ryan Howard, and if that isn’t an indication of things to come then I don’t know what is.

Now, in Game Two, Pedro Martinez will take on the boys from NY before bringing it back home for Game Three.

The wild ride started in the third inning when Chase Utley took Sabathia deep for the game’s only score until the fifth inning, when Utley struck again. He sent a towering fly ball over the heads of the discontented Yankee fans, increasing the Phils’ lead to 2-0.

All was quiet and the minimal lead endured until the eighth inning.

The eighth began with two straight walks to Rollins and Victorino, and after another gratuitous walk afforded to Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez slipped in a two-out, two RBI single to double the lead to 4-0.

The Phillies took out an insurance policy in the ninth with RBI singles from Victorino and Howard the lift the score to 6-0.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Yankees tried to rally with back-to-back singles by Jeter and Damon. There was even an errant throw by J-Roll that afforded the Yanks their only run of the night, before the Phillies finally put the Yankees to bed.

At this point the Phillies were just making it look easy.

But aside from the Phillies hitting and scoring and majestic, almost effortless pitching was Cliff Lee’s fielding. That was the icing on the cake.

Early in the game a pop fly that soared right above Lee literally fell right into his glove with Lee barely even moving to catch the ball. His demeanor was about a blasé as you get.

In the eighth inning, off of a bouncer from Robinson Cano, Lee caught the ball behind his back as he was half spun around.

The win was a complete team effort, and the Phillies showed a disposition that suggested they had no concern for whom they were playing. Rather, they were completely focused on the task at hand: take at least one win back home for Halloween Night.

Mission accomplished.

Now in Game Two, the Phillies will deploy Pedro Martinez, who is no stranger to playing in New York, against the evil empire. Martinez has had plenty of time to rest and with Wednesday’s performance fresh in his memory you can bet Martinez will enter with a world of confidence.

That can be a deadly thing to face if you’re the opposition.

A little tidbit for all of you out there: the team to win the first game of the World Series has won the last six World Series. Can someone say repeat?

 

This piece is also featured on my column Phillies Phlash

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Breaking News: Brett Myers Added to Philadelphia Phillies Roster

The Philadelphia Phillies have added Brett Myers to the World Series roster while dropping Miguel Cairo to make room reports the Philadelphia Daily News .

Myers, an addition to the bullpen that adds a bit of depth, is likely to lead the way in a set up role affording the Phillies a veteran arm that is capable of shutting down opposing bats.

In his last postseason appearance, Myers walked two and hit another batter, but this should be a distant memory as keeping Myers off the roster up until this point has allowed further rest and healing time for the hip injury that sidelined him for most of September.

The Phillies will have to decide between lefties and righties, and the speculation is that adding Myers to the lineup could free up J.A. Happ if the Phillies decide to mix things up in the rotation, before bringing the series home in Game Three where Cole Hamels is likely to get the nod.

This year, Myers has an ERA of 6.43 in relief appearances, but his command of his nasty fastball, and the additional healing time should go towards tightening things up a bit for the Phillies.

Remember, everyone thought it was a bad idea to play Lidge after his regular season performance, and Lidge is still undefeated in the postseason.

Read more Philadelphia Phillies news on BleacherReport.com

Broad Street vs. Broadway: Bring It on, New York

It is the storied franchise against the defending World Series Champions, the Bronx Bombers vs. Dem Phightin Phils, Philly vs. New York, and yes, it’s Broad Street vs. Broadway, baby.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready for one helluva roller coaster ride as the Phils travel to the Bronx to duke it out with the evil empire as the last seven games of the season are set to commence on Wednesday.

Now this is a fall classic!

The pretty boys in black and grey will square off against the scrappy defending champions adorned in red and white, in a matchup that has everyone from your grandmother to your next door neighbor talking.

As the season closed this year, many expressed the sentiment that it would be what is being called a “turnpike series.”

I know it’s a pretty bad tag, but let’s get beyond that, shall we?

Make no mistake about it: There is no love here between the two teams. Although they play in opposite leagues, Philly and New York are just as much rivals as Kane and Able. They hold just as much disdain for one another as a Blue Jay does for a Cardinal.

Yikes, where did that come from?

This Wednesday will feature two pitchers who donned the same jersey at one point in their careers, only to make their exodus for greener pastures, and lo and behold they did it: Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia.

Lee, the dominant and unbeatable postseason grace afforded to the Phillies, will enter in this contest still shouldering the burden of something to prove; he is that damn good.

Lee has been nothing short of spectacular, making most people feel he has attained indomitable form, utilizing an incredible changeup that rears four different looks, as well as utilizing two types of fastballs that have left most hitters seething at the plate.

On the other side is Sabathia, who simply pitches to win. Sabathia is a gritty pitcher who will not win with grace and form, rather he’ll win with a forceful, almost commanding notion of a “beat me if you can” approach.

And this is just the pitching.

The Phils boast a league best in RBI, road wins, HRs, and just about everything else you can think of.

The Yanks boast A-Rod, Jeter, Damon, Cabrera, and a dominant starting rotation.

But it is that rotation that comes into serious question as we approach Game One.

Yes, the Yankees have pitched well, but a three-man rotation? Unless I missed something, you don’t tax your starting pitchers at the most important time of the year. Apparently the Yankees felt this was a good idea.

Now, with nominal rest at best, the Yankees have to deal with the best hitting, run producing machine in all of baseball. And after their famed two-game start at home, they will have to do it for three in Philadelphia. Trust me, “The City of Brotherly Love” will quickly become “The City of We Hate Your Freakin Guts!”

Resting a team of potent hitters doesn’t come without its price, however.

The series will open up in some pretty frigid temperatures, and the resting bodies of the Phillies’ hitting squad will be a bit tighter than their Yankee counterparts, so errors and a discerning eye on the ball when hitting will be the most important factor in Game One.

If the Phils can jump out to a big lead early, they can set the tone in this contest as they quest for another World Series title.

Follow this link for a Game One breakdown.

 

This article is also featured in my column at Fanhuddle.com called Phillies Phlash.

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Phillies-Dodgers, NLCS Game One: Can You Sense the Drama in the California Air?

And so it begins!

The immovable object meets the unstoppable force, setting up a seven game series that epitomizes baseball, especially playoff baseball.

Joe Torre and The Los Angeles Dodgers will host Charlie Manuel and The Philadelphia Phillies in not only a National League showdown, not only a rematch of last year’s NLCS, but meeting number five all-time between these storied clubs.

And make no mistake, this game has just about every storyline you can think of.

The league-leading and often deadly Dodgers’ bullpen combination of George Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton pitted against the league leader in runs scored and homeruns: the Philadelphia Phillies.

The defending champions vs. the unrelenting challengers, and the two teams, no question, dominated in the NLDS; now that’s baseball!

The Dodgers flip the roles this year by earning home field advantage, something they feel will give them a leg up against the Phillies.  However, the Phillies had success at Dodger stadium this year and are actually better on the road than at home.

The Dodgers, however, did not forget about last year.

One of the problems with the Dodgers last year was their misread of the Phillies hitting, causing them to pitch outside quite often, hoping the Phils would chase more than they would hit; this strategy proved costly when everything was said and done.

The Dodgers truly believe they have learned from their mistakes and believe they have what it takes to take down the ‘Goliath’ ala David and pursue an intriguing possibility of Torre facing his old team (Yankees’) in the World Series.

The Phillies believe their forward momentum is too difficult for any team to control, that they are still the top team in the National League, and the best team in this series; in their mind not even the almighty Yankees stand a chance.

This is what separates the fall classic and October baseball as a whole from the regular season:

The ability to overcome the adversities of an otherwise lengthy season.

Dealing with hitting slumps and shaky performances from your starting rotations.

Warding off the demons of blowing more saves than you desire to do so.

Rising above the intimidation of some other team relegating you to playing golf in Florida rather than suiting up for the postseason.

 

In October, baseball becomes the indelible vision we see on our television screens, the unmistaken resonance of each and every playoff game, and the resounding familiarity we hear with each and every game-changing play—for Dodgers and Phillies’ fans, this is all much more amplified.

In less than eight hours the city of Los Angeles will be watching as their beloved Dodgers begin their quest towards the World Series, and in the City of Brotherly Love, the Philadelphia faithful will be—in unison—engrossed as their Champions try to thwart the Dodgers for a second straight year, and everyone in between will be riding a climatic wave of anticipation, hope, and perhaps a bit of angst that will don the colors of Crimson and Blue.

This is October baseball.

 

Please visit my Phillies column for a team by team analysis and Game One preview!

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The Philadelphia Report: Phillies are More Than Open for Closer Suggestions

Brad Lidge continues to struggle on the mound for the Phillies, and that doesn’t make for a good situation as the Phillies make their inevitable entrance into the postseason this year.

But to be honest this is par for the course for Lidge.

Historically, the past four years to be exact, Lidge has been a big up-and-down guy, which is probably one of several reasons why Houston traded him away.

As a member of the Houston Astros, 2005 and 2006 are the only back-to-back solid years in Lidge’s career. In that time, Lidge garnered 74 saves out of 84 opportunities while throwing 207 stikeouts and posting a 1.28 WHIP average despite a 5-9 overall record.

But 2006 started what has now become the wild roller-coaster ride Lidge has had to deal with.

In 2006 Lidge was 32 of 38 in saves.

In 2007 he went 19 for 27.

Last year of course, was the highlight of his career going 41 of 41, while this year seems to be the low point of his career posting a dismal 28 of 38.

It is clear that Lidge just doesn’t have it, despite the fact he truly DOES have the right stuff. His slider is one of the meanest a batter can face.

His command over his fastball, however, has been less than desirable. Without that type of command, a closer just can’t be effective.

But September is the gateway to the postseason, and the Phillies have to act now if they are to put this fire under control and have a legitimate shot at a repeat.

They have some options they can entertain, but when they do, it will be crucial.

Jamie Moyer was put on the shelf earlier this year, and although he hasn’t liked it, it seems fitting for the old sage; one option the Phils can explore.

Moyer has a great repertoire of off-speed pitches that work effectively against most hitters but he doesn’t have a lot of speed. Moyer could make a good closer fit against specific teams but not an overall replacement.

Brett Myers is the other main option I like; one that the Phillies could go to in the coming weeks. His recovery has been going well and it doesn’t seem like he has lost a step.

Myers has been itching to get back in some role for the club and with his slider ability, his sneaky curve, and a powerful and dominant fastball, Myers could be the patch the Phillies need.

This is not to say Lidge is done, but he has been battling some nagging injuries this year, which has obviously hurt his confidence level, so taking a breather for a while may work in his favor.

Lidge will not entirely get the axe, but if he continues to struggle, the Phillies will simply have to go with other options if they are to keep the dream of a repeat alive.

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