The Last Waltz: An Aging Team's Quest For One Last Shot At Glory

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Questdog

What are you doing to my Reds?.....and to make the season more accurate, you need to edit Shin-Soo Choo's HPB rating to about 125......

They're struggling in all three facets of the game right now. They're batting just .232(12th NL), their starters have an ERA of 5.52(14th in NL) and their defensive efficiency is .671(12th in NL). They are stealing bases though! Hamilton already has 7 and the team overall has 11 which is 3rd in the NL.

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by progen

Reds and the Orioles early struggles, are a bit of a surprise!

Yes it is, and they're both playing really poorly so the records are no mirage LOL.

[Questdog]

Why is Hamilton even playing?......

[PhillieFever]

Vs.
April 15th to 17th, 2013
The Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati

Rollins Makes The Difference As Phils Take Two Of Three From Reds

Monday April 15th, 2013: Reds 6 Phillies 3
Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier each had 2 RBI, Brandon Phillips added an RBI double, and Devin Mesoraco blasted a solo homer as the Cincinnati Reds jumped on Phillis starter Cliff Lee for six runs in the first two innings on their way to a 6-2 series opening victory here at The Great American Ballpark. Despite allowing three solo homers, Reds starter Homer Bailey was still good enough to win, allowing 7 hits and a walk while striking out 8 over 7 innings pitched.
WP: Homer Bailey(1-2) LP: Cliff Lee(1-2) S: Aroldis Chapman(2)HR: Phi, Domonic Brown(3), Ryan Howard(8), Michael Young(2) Cin, Devin Mesoraco(1)

Tuesday April 16th 2013: Phillies 3 Reds 1
Despite an eye opening performance from Reds up and comer Billy Hamilton who had two hits, two stolen bases, and played an excellent shortstop, it was the Phillies who were victorious, winning the game by the score of 3-1 thanks to a three run homer from Michael Young off of Reds reliever Manny Parra in the 6th. On the mound for the Phillies, SP Kyle Kendrick pitched well in a rain shortened outing, allowing a run on 5 hits over six innings pitched. With closer Jonathan Papelbon not available today, setup man Mike Adams cam through with a clutch two inning save.
WP: Kyle Kendrick(1-1) LP: Bronson Arroyo(0-3) S: Mike Adams(1) HR: Phi, Michael Young(2)

Wednesday April 17th, 2013: Phillies 4 Reds 3 (10 Innings)
Facing Reds flamethrower Aroldis Chapman with a runner on 1st and two outs in the top of the 10th in a 3-3 ballgame, Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins worked a full count before ripping a line drive off of the wall in center for what would turn out to be the game winning RBI triple as the Phillies went on to defeat the Reds by the score of 4-3. RP Phillippe Aumont twirled a perfect 9th to get the win, Jonathan Papelbon earned the save.
WP: Phillippe Aumont(2-1) LP: Aroldis Chapman(0-1) S: Johanthan Papelbon(4) HR: Phi, Domonic Brown(4) Cin, Jay Bruce(3), Zack Cozart(2)


Phillers

-With his game winning triple in the rubber match against the Reds, Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins extended his hitting streak to 12 games

-Getting his first real chance at full season success, LF Domonic Brown continues to make the most of it, and it now batting .328 with 4 homers and 10 RBI

-Thus far the Phils have hit an NL best 22 home runs

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Questdog

Why is Hamilton even playing?......

They seem to be fitting him in where they can, he's played 6 games in CF, three at SS. In 39 AB's he's batting .308/.386/.419 with 9 stolen bases.

[PhillieFever]

Vs.
April 18th to 21st, 2013
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

Doc Wins 200th As Phils Take 3 of 4 From Cards

Thursday April 18th, 2013: Phillies 7 Cardinals 0
John Mayberry smashed a three run homer, Domonic Brown and Cole Hamels each had 2 run doubles, while on the mound Hamels scattered six hits over seven shutout innings as the suddenly hot Phillies blanked visiting St. Louis by the score of 7-0. For the Cardinals, SP Adam Wainwright's struggles in the early going continued, as he allowed 7 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks over four ugly innings.
WP: Cole Hamels(2-0) LP: Adam Wainwright(2-1) HR: Phi, John Mayberry(1)

Friday April 19th, 2013: Phillies 2 Cardinals 0
In a history making performance, Phillies starting pitcher Roy Halladay was completely dominant holding the Cards to just one hit while walking one and striking out five in a complete game 2-0 shutout here at Citizens Bank Park. The historic win makes Doc just the 109th pitcher in the history of the game to pass the 200 win mark, and the first since Tim Wakefield reached the milestone on September 13, 2011 in an 18-6 rout of the Blue Jays.
WP: Roy Halladay(1-1) LP: Lance Lynn(1-1) HR: None

Saturday April 20th, 2013: Phillies 5 Cardinals 1
Showing just how dominant they can be when "the big 3" are on, the Phillies picked up their third straight victory over the Cardinals tonight thanks to another brilliant performance on the mound. This time in was Cliff Lee doing the honors as he held the visitors to just one run on three hits while striking out 12 over seven and two thirds innings, leading the Fightins' to a 5-1 win. The suddenly hot John Mayberry led the offensive charge, going 4 for 4 with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. Ryan Howard also added a homer, his 9th of the season.
WP: Cliff Lee(2-2) LP: Jaime Garcia(1-3) S: Jonathan Papelbon(5) HR: Phi, John Mayberry(2), Ryan Howard(9)

Sunday April 21st, 2013: Cardinals 11 Phillies 4
A 6th inning Domonic Brown grand slam was the lone bright spot for the Phils this afternoon as they saw their three game unbeaten streak rudely snapped by the Cards who pounded the Phils by the score of 11-4. C Yadier Molina had a two run homer, and 3B David Freese added a two run double to lead the Redbirds offense, while on the mound SP Jake Westbrook twirled six good innings to get the win and added a three run homer with hit bat before leaving the game in the 6th with an injury, no immediate diagnosis was given.
WP: Jake Westbrook(3-0) LP: Kyle Kendrick(1-2) HR: Phi, Domonic Brown(5) StL, Yadier Molina(4), Jake Westbrook(1)


Phillers

-Despite leading the league in homers, Phils slugger Ryan Howard is just 4 for his last 24, dropping his season average to .239

-Down in Lakewood, top rated SS Roman Quinn is making quite a name for himself in the early going, with a triple slash of .294/.342/.515 he's now rated as the #22 prospect in MLB

-After a nightmare of a season last year in which he went 11-8 with a 4.49 ERA while battling constant injury, Phils ace Roy Halladay may finally have found himself. In 29 innings this year, batters are hitting just .204 against Halladay who has an 0.86 WHIP and a 1.86 ERA

[PhillieFever]

Week Ending April 21, 2013

In this week's episode, two old American League workhorses pass important milestones in the National League, two of the best players in the game today earn player of the week honors, the South Side Hitmen continue to play good baseball, a long time star with over 2,300 hits and 300 homers decides to call it quits at season's end, plus all of this week's great performances, transactions, and major injuries right here on This Week In Baseball!

Halladay And Hudson Earn 200th Wins

Having both made their full season debuts in the same year(1999) and in the same league(American) and now competing as division rivals in the twilight of their careers, there has always been some sort of odd connection between ace hurlers Tim Hudson and Roy Halladay. So it should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the career of these two workhorses that their 200th wins came just minutes apart on Friday night. Halladay earned his 200th in a one hit complete game 2-0 shutout of the Cardinals at exactly 9:36 PM. Just 22 minutes later at 9:58 Braves reliever Jonny Venters induced a Gaby Sanchez ground out to wrap up the Braves 6-2 win over the Pirates, giving Hudson his 200th. For their careers, Hudson has a career record of 200-104 with a 3.39 ERA, 1,819 strikeouts and 817 walks in 2,711 IP and is a three time all-star, while Halladay checks in at 200-101 with a 3.29 ERA, 2,090 strikeouts and 559 walks in 2,716 IP. Roy is also the more decorated of the two having been an 8 time all-star, and a two time Cy Young award winner as well as having thrown a perfect game and a no-hitter(postseason) in 2010.

MLB Power Rankings

1. Chicago White Sox: 14-5
2. Tampa Bay Rays: 13-6
3. Atlanta Braves: 12-6
4. Toronto Blue Jays: 12-7
5. Los Angeles Angels: 11-7

The Chicago White Sox jump up one place from two to one as they continue to lead the way in the AL Central. In the AL East, six straight losses for the Yankees have dropped them completely out, while both the Rays and the Blue Jays make their way into the list at 2 and 4 respectively. Another good week for the Braves sees them go from 5th to 3rd while the Angels slip a bit down to 5th. As for the Cardinals, they drop from 1st all the way out of the rankings after dropping 5 of 7.

TWIB Notes

-38 year old Royals 3B Miguel Tejada announced today that this indeed will be his last season in the big leagues as he's set to retire. A six time all-star, Tejada is a career .285/.336/.456 hitter who has amassed 2,365 career hits, 463 doubles, 23 triples, and 305 home runs. He's also knocked in 1284 runs and scored 1217.

-In the first of three great performances at the plate this week, Angels 1B Albert Pujols decimated Twins pitching on Monday, going 5 for 6 with a double, a homer, 4 RBI and 2 runs scored in an 11-9 victory at Target Field

-In Atlanta on Wednesday, Braves OF BJ Upton went 5 for 5 with an RBI and 3 runs scored helping lead the first place Braves to a 7-4 victory over visiting Kansas City

-In a wild game in Baltimore On Saturday, Orioles 1B Travis Ishikawa had a huge day, going 6 for 6 with a double, a homer, 2 walks, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored in a marathon 17 inning 11-9 loss to the Dodgers.

-The Cincinnati Reds have signed free agent 1B Carlos Lee to a one year $850,000 deal

-The Texas Rangers and OF Nelson Cruz have agreed on a one year contract extension worth $11,800,000

-The San Francisco Giants and OF Hunter Pence have agreed on a one year extension as well, this one worth a reported $16,400,000

-The Pittsburgh Pirates have also got in on the extension bandwagon, extending RF Garrett Jones for one year and $5,000,000

-Finally the Diamondbacks have signed free agent 2B Freddy Sanchez to a one year $710,500 dollar deal.

Players Of The Week

Braves LF Justin Upton earned NL player of the week honors thanks to a week in which he hit .522(12 for 23) with a homer, 4 RBI, and 6 runs scored.

In the AL, Tigers 1B Prince Fielder had a huge week, batting .423 with 3 homers and 9 RBI, earning himself player of the week honors.



-White Sox OF Dayan Viciedo broke a bone in his elbow last week and will be out for at least the next 7 months

-D-Backs 2B Aaron Hill broke his foot and will miss the next three weeks

-Orioles OF Nolan Reimold will miss the next 6 weeks with a strained quad

-Twins SP Mike Pelfrey went down with back spasms in his last start and could be out for as much as 7 weeks

-Orioles 2B Brian Roberts sprained his wrist in a collision at 2B and will be out for about 5 weeks

-Indians 1B Nick Swisher has suffered a slight hamstring tear and will miss the next 4-5 weeks

-Mariners RP Oliver Perez has been diagnosed with bone chips in his elbow which will require surgery. He'll be on the shelf for the next 4 months

MLB Standings

[PhillieFever]

Could you guys tell me what you think about TWIB, should I add some things, take away something? Let me know.

[lcuth191]

Keep up the good work, enjoying following along. And relevant Red Sox info? TWIB is great, seeing what else is happening around the league keeps it realist and less redundant.

[lcuth191]

*realistic

[progen]

I like it. Interesting to see what else is going on around the league.

[PhillieFever]

Vs.
April 22nd to 26th, 2013
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

Howard Goes Down With Injured Wrist As Phils Split With Bucs


The Big Piece Heads Home Following Homer #10

Monday April 22nd, 2013: Phillies 7 Pirates 3
Ryan Howard's three run home run sparked a five run third inning for the Phillies who overcame an early 3-0 deficit to go on to defeat visiting Pittsburgh by the score of 7-3 in a game marred by a bench clearing brawl. Down 3-0 due to three Pirate solo homers, the Phillies got one back in the 3rd thanks to a leadoff homer by Jimmy Rollins, on the next pitch however Pirates starter Jeff Locke lost his cool and nailed the Phillies Chase Utley right in the back, Utley rushed the mound, a brawl ensued and Locke and Utley were ejected and eventually suspended for three games each. When the game finally resumed, Bucs reliever Jose Contreras struggled badly, allowing a Michael Young single before serving up the backbreaking three run shot to Howard. The Phils cruised the rest of the way, with starter John Lannan recovering nicely from early troubles to get the win.
WP: John Lannan(1-1) LP: Jose Contreras(0-1) HR: Pit, Pedro Alvaraz(4), Andrew McCutchen(3), Russell Martin(1) Phi, Ryan Howard(10), Domonic Brown(6), Jimmy Rollins(2)

Tuesday April 23rd, 2013: Pirates 11 Phillies 4
LF Starling Marte had 3 hits including a double and 3 RBI, CF Alex Presley singled, doubled, and knocked in 4, and SS Clint Barmes doubled twice, homered, knocked in 2 and scored three times as the visiting Pirates pounded Phillies starter Cole Hamels on their way to an 11-4 win. Adding insult to injury, the Phils lost red hot 1B Ryan Howard to a sprained wrist, he's expected to be out for at least the next two weeks.
WP: Jeff Karstens(1-0) LP: Cole Hamels(2-1) HR: Pit, Clint Barmes(5) Phi, Erik Kratz(2)

Wednesday April 24th, 2013: Phillies 4 Pirates 3
Michael Young's two out two run double in the bottom of the 8th tied the game and eventually forced extra innings where of all people Phils reliever Mike Adams won the game with a two out walk off RBI single off of Pirates reliever Tony Watson. Adams, not only swung a sweet stick, he was tremendous on the hill as well, twirling two innings of hitless shutout ball to earn the win.
WP: Mike Adams(1-0) LP: Tony Watson(0-1) HR: Pit, Andrew McCutchen(4)

Thursday April 25th, 2013: Pirates 6 Phillies 5
CF Andrew McCutchen homered for the third time in four games, 3B Pedro Alvaraz added another, and SP James McDonald not only fanned 11 on his way to the win, he also knocked in two with an RBI double as the Pirates withstood a 9th inning rally by the Phillies to hold on for a 6-5 victory. On the mound for the Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee was again not at his best, allowing 6 runs(5 earned) on 9 hits with 0 walks and 9 K's over seven and a third.
WP: James McDonald(3-2) LP: Cliff Lee(2-3) S: Jared Hughes(1) HR: Phi, Freddy Galvis(2), Domonic Brown(7) Pit, Andrew McCutchen(5), Pedro Alvarez(5)


Phillers

-Promising slugger Darin Ruf has been called up from AAA Lehigh Valley to take the place of the injured Ryan Howard

-Catcher Carlos Ruiz has gone down to AAA Lehigh Valley for a few tune-up games before returning to the big club following his 25 game suspension

-Free agent OF Delmon Young should also be returning shortly, and could be in uniform sometime this weekend in New York

[PhillieFever]

Duplicate

[PhillieFever]

Vs.
April 26th to 28th, 2013
Citi Field, New York


SP Cole Hamels bounced back to hurl 8 solid innings against the Mets

Friday April 26th, 2013: Phillies 4 Mets 1
Facing a Mets team with it's issues offensively, Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick put together just his second quality start of the season, allowing a run on four hits over seven strong, relievers Mike Adams and Jonathan Papelbon took over from there, getting the hold and the save respectively as the Phillies took game one of their three game series with the Mets by the score of 4-1. Offensively the Phils got three hits from the streaking Domonic Brown and a two run homer from veteran 3B Michael Young who's slowly breaking out of his month long slump.
WP: Kyle Kendrick(2-2) LP: Jeurys Familia(1-2) S: Jonathan Papelbon(6) HR: Phi, Michael Young(4)

Saturday April 27th, 2013: Mets 3 Phillies 2
CF Collin Cowgill provided the offense, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored while on the hill SP Jeremy Hefner dominated the visitors, holding them to two runs on three hits while fanning 8 over 8 innings pitched as the Mets edged their way past the Phillies by the score of 3-2. Closer Bobby Parnell, who's already blown two saves this year, was aces in this one, setting down the Phils in order for his 4th save of the season.
WP: Jeremy Hefner(2-3) LP: John Lannan(1-2) S: Bobby Parnell(4) HR: Phi, Michael Young(5)

Sunday April 27th, 2013: Phillies 5 Mets 1
Unbeaten in their last five series' the Phillies extended that streak to six thanks to some clutch hitting by catcher Humberto Quintero, who's two run 7th inning single game SP Cole hamels all the breathing room he would need as the Fightins' went on to defeat the Mets by the score of 5-1. Shellacked in his last outing, Hamels was poised and focused in this one, allowing just one run on four hits while walking 2 and striking out 9 over 8 innings pitched for his third win of the year.
WP: Cole Hamels(3-1) LP: Jonathan Niese(2-3) HR: NYM, David Wright(6)

Phillers

Dealing with some injury issues down in the minors, the Phillies have signed 36 year old pitcher Kip Wells and 26 year old pitcher Adam Reifer to minor league deals. Both players have been assigned to AAA Lehigh Valley.

Expected to make his Phillies debut against the Mets, OF Delmon Young had a minor setback and is now not expected back for another week.

Lehigh Valley hurlers Jonathan Pettibone and Cesar Jimenez will be out indefinitely with arm troubles. Pettibone has been dealing with what is being called acute elbow soreness, no timetable was given on his return. Jimenez's injury was more straightforward, he suffered a torn triceps which will keep him out for at least the next three months

[PhillieFever]

Week Ending April 28th, 2013

Konerko Powers Sox Past Rays, Snapping Skid


Paul Konerko Hits First Of Three Homers On The Day

Having dropped three straight, the last two in blowout fashion, the White Sox needed someone to step up if they were to remain in first place, Paul Konerko stepped up.
The 37 year old veteran of 15 big league seasons, all spent with the White Sox, bashed homers in the 1st, 3rd, and 8th innings, walked twice, knocked in three, and scored five times to lead Chicago to a 9-4 victory, snapping the three game losing streak.


Middlebrooks Gettin' It Done, Sox Surging

Following a 6-9 start to the season in which they did not look particularly good, the Boston Red Sox have finally started to play some good ball, rattling of 8 wins in their last 10 games. A big reason for that has been the play of 24 year old third sacker Will Middlebrooks. A free swinger who's walked just once in 101 AB, Middlebrooks has been absolutely crushing balls so far this year, and now leads the majors in home runs with 11 and RBI with 29. This comes just in time for the Sox who will be without David Ortiz for up to 5 weeks with an intercostal strain


Prince Fielder Continuing To Get It Done

Coming off a week in which he won player of the week honors, Tigers slugger Prince Fielder picked up right where he left off last week, going 5 for 5 with 2 doubles, a homer, 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored in a 9-2 rout of the last place Royals on Tuesday. For the season Prince has a triple slash of .400/.462/.675 with 5 doubles, 5 homers, and 17 RBI


Pettite, Yanks Scuffling Badly

After a quick start, a myriad of injuries are finally starting to catch up to the New York Yankees who's now dropped 5 straight and lost 8 of 10 to fall into 4th place in the division. Normally Mr. reliable, 40 year old starter Andy Pettite has just been awful thus far. In 5 starts Pettite has gone 0-3 with a 5.76 ERA


Surprising Marlins Continuing To Win

Playing with little more than a minor league squad and Giancarlo Stanton, the Miami Marlins were supposed to be doomed for failure, but thanks to the aforementioned Stanton, the marlins are in the midst of a 5 game win streak and find themselves just a game and a half behind first place Atlanta in the NL East. This week's NL player of the week, Stanton has hit at a .444 clip this week, with 5 homers 12 RBI, and 9 runs scored, and is without a doubt the #1 reason why the Marlins are where they are.


Brewers Take Command In NL Central

Led by the red hot Rickie Weeks and the speedy Norichika Aoki, the Milwaukee Brewers have bunted, stole, and pitched their way into first place in the NL Central. Hitting .337 with 9 steals, Aoki has been an absolute terror on the base paths thus far, while after an awful start 2B Weeks has hit .333 with 4 homers over the last five games. On the mound, Ok starting pitching has been backed by a fabulous bullpen which leads the National League with a 1.87 ERA.

MLB Standings

[PhillieFever]

Vs.
April 30th to May 1st, 2013
Progressive Field, Cleveland

Phils And Tribe Split Two In Cleveland


Tribe's Mark Reynolds socks 1st Of 2 homers

April 30th, 2013: Phillies 6 Indians 4
A two run double from Chase Utley and a two run single from Erik Kratz highlighted a five run third inning for the Phillies who went on to defeat the Cleveland Indians by the score of 6-4. SP Roy Halladay allowed 4 runs(3 earned) on 7 hits walking none and fanning four over eight good innings to get the win, Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save.
WP: Roy Halladay(2-1) LP: Ubaldo Jimenez(1-3) S: Jonathan Papelbon(7) HR: None

May 1st, 2013: Indians 7 Phillies 6
1B Mark Reynolds bashed two homers, the second a two run job that capped off a six run 8th inning for Cleveland who battled back from a late 4-1 deficit before hanging on to defeat the Phillies by the score of 7-6. Perfect in his nine prior appearances, Phils RP Mike Adams was pounded in this one, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits in a third of an inning while taking the loss and getting tagged with a blown save.
WP: Chris Perez(1-3) LP: Mike Adams(1-1) S: Vinny Pestano(6) HR: Phi, Jimmy Rollins(3), Ezequiel Carrera(1) Cle, Mark Reynolds 2(9), Jeremy Hermida(1)

[PhillieFever]

Wifey had a tummy tuck done yesterday, so I'll pretty much be busy attending to her over the next day or three, so it may be a tad slow around here LOL

[Hendu Style]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

Could you guys tell me what you think about TWIB, should I add some things, take away something? Let me know.

I like it. You could also add updates on some of the top minor leaguers.

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by Hendu Style

I like it. You could also add updates on some of the top minor leaguers.

Do definitely plan on some minor league updates in separate posts later on in the season.

[PhillieFever]

The wife if finally starting to feel better after her surgery, I'm looking to get rolling again hopefully tonight!