Cliff Lee makes it 5-0

Yesterday, fresh off a stunning triple play ender to a ball game, Cliff Lee looked to make it three of four against the deteriorated Mets.  Lee(5-0) went seven innings allowing six hits and two runs, while striking out five and both runs allowed were in the first inning.  He got plenty of support from big man Ryan Howard as well.  Howard homered twice in the first three innings of the game, first with a three run shot, and later with a two run blow.  Raul Ibanez produced the only other run on a RBI double, which scored Chase Utley.  Phillies Phandom will have more info on the Phils.

The Mets learned of another injury prior to yesterday’s game and were forced to play with Jeff Francouer, and possibly won’t have him for some time.  With Bobby Parnell on the mound and a team full of backups, Parnell could not come through.  Parnell(3-6) gave up four hits and five runs in five innnings worked, but if you take away the bombs to Howard, did not do that bad, but still gets collared with the loss.  The Mets first run was scored on a wild play in the first where Chase Utley dropped a popup allowing Angel Pagan to score and then a throwing error to second, allowed him to score.  Later in the inning, Fernando Tatis hit a sac fly to score Sheffield, but the Mets could get nothing more against Cliff Lee.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has more on this game and Johan Santana’s injury.

Balester gets roughed up in the 6th

For a while, Yovani Gallardo probably wondered what he would have to do to get another win, as his team was down 1-0 until the sixth.  In the sixth inning, Ryan Braun got them ahead with a two run homer and was helped by RBI singles from Jason Kendall and Jody Gerut and finally an RBI groundout by Felipe Lopez.  Jody Gerut also added a solo shot in the eighth for insurance.  Gallardo(12-10) held on and gave up only one run and four hits in five innings but walked four against eight strike outs to throw 108 pitches.

The Nationals for a while looked like they may take a pitchers dual and split the four game set.  Unfortunately Colin Balester could not hold the lead in the sixth.  Balester(1-4) finished the day with five complete innings and five hits and four runs, including the shot to Ryan Braun.  The only run for the Nationals came from Will Nieves RBI groundout.  CenterfieldGate has more on the Nats latest struggles.

Welcome to Chatter Up! This week features Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom against DirtySanchez of  The Real Dirty Mets Blog.  When this idea was first created by NLEC, we thought this would be a much more exciting matchup, but that is why they play the games right?  Lets get to it!

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark(CFG): Jamie Moyer clearly believes that his relegation to the bullpen is unfair. Will his attitude stand in the way of his ability to provide the Phils with the necessary late innings relief they need?

Matt S(PP): I guess you missed Tuesday’s game. Jamie came in after the rain delay and pitched six shutout innings. I’d say that’s pretty effective . It’s no secret that he is upset about the demotion, but he’s a professional. He’s 46-years-old. He’s been through it all during his major league career. Right now, Moyer is the team’s long man out of the bullpen. While everyone has been happy with Pedro (the guy is an absolute blast in the clubhouse — he meshes right in with this close-knit group. Not to mention, he’s pitched pretty well), if he completely falters in his next 3-4 start, he could be moved to the bullpen before the end of the regular season. But, at this point, the idea is for Pedro to continue being the No. 5 starter and, come playoff time, a reliable, experienced arm out of the pen.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):Has the league caught up with Lidge and that’s what has caused his 8 bs or is he pitching through injury?

Matt S(PP):I think you’re right — the league has caught up to him a bit. From what I understand, hitters aren’t chasing the slider as often as last year. But the worst thing about Lidge this season has been his total lack of command of his fastball. He has no idea where it’s going, and typically, he leaves it in spots where guys can put a good swing on the ball. The team and Lidge have said a thousand times since he returned from the disabled list that he is not injured. In fact, pitching coach Rich Dubee has been on record as saying that his stuff is BETTER than what it was last season. Actually, Lidge has also said that he feels better than ever and he feels as though his stuff is better, too. Obviously, it hasn’t shown in the results.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & Mark P(CFG): For Phillies: What’s wrong with Cole Hamels? He’s struggling. Can he return to form?

Matt S(PP): I’ve answered this question a few times… but it’s cool! Cole Hamels just hasn’t been able to get going this year. Last year’s playoff run took a huge physical toll on him. Remember, he hadn’t thrown 200-plus innings at any level in his career (including high school) before last year, when he threw 240-plus frames. I also think hitters have adjusted well to his change up. He’s getting too predictable. His curveball is average at best, so at this point in his young career, the guy has two pitches (change-up/fastball). Like I said, hitters can guess easily. For the most part, though, Hamels hasn’t been making very good pitches this year. Even though batters have adjusted against him, when Hamels is rolling, he’s unhittable. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case for most of the year. He’s been, in two words, very ordinary. Also keep in mind that Hamels isn’t a Cliff Lee. Sure Hamels has proven to be a clutch pitcher, but he’s not a bulldog. You have to treat him like fragile glass. Something tells me that he’ll work on some things in the offseason and come back a completely different pitcher next season. That said, I still have all the confidence that he’s on the verge of breaking out in September and in October, as he did last year when he carried the pitching staff.

DirtySanchez(TRDMB) & TRS(TRDMB): How do you feel the Phillies will react to being the hunted rather than the hunter going into September with the marlins and possibly the braves within striking distance?

Matt S(PP):The Phillies have handled the pressure very well. I know the Marlins sweep left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but they responded very nicely winning 7 of 8 through Wednesday. That’s the thing about this team: they respond. When you think they’re on the verge of a New York Mets-like collapse job (I’m sorry Mets friends!), they keep coming back. These guys are winners. The “pressure” argument is moot at this point. If they were “feeling the pressure,” would they be 19 games over .500 and 6 games up in the division? I don’t think so. There is no pressure on this team. And if there is, they use it to their advantage. There’s no question in my mind that they will play their best baseball in September and win the division handily.

TRS(TRDMB): To Mets fans it seems as though the Phillies and their fans are obsessed with the Mets. Does it seem that the opposite is true to the Phillies fans?

Matt S(PP):Obsessed with Mets fans? Listen… both fanbases have their idiots. I’m sure idiot Phillies fans go on Mets message boards rubbing it in that the Mets are having a lousy season. The same can be said about Mets fans, you know, the idiotic fans who go on Phillies message boards claiming the Mets are better than the Phillies when healthy. I don’t think for one second that Phillies are obsessed with Mets fans. At this point, the Mets are as irrelevant as Paris Hilton in the eyes of Phillies fans (the majority, that is). It sucks that the rivalry is no where near as passionate as it’s been the last two years, but that’s because the Mets resemble a semi-pro club right now. Let’s hope that next year will be a different story so we can all have some fun again. Maybe this upcoming series will rekindle the fire just a bit.

Thanks Matt and on to DirtySanchez of The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Mark(CFG): The Mets are going to revamp in the offseason, what would recommend as their first move?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): Fire Omar Minaya…just kidding(sort of). We are in need of a #2 starter or power from the OF. I believe their first move should be trying to either sign a #2 type FA pitcher or work on a trade for one. Most likely Bay will remain in Boston and the fight for Holiday will get ugly.

Mark(CFG): The signing of Stephen Strasburg has made every GM focus on their own farm system. Do the Mets have a Stephen Strasburg-in waiting that they can look forward to next year of the year after?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): We have pitching prospects but none on the caliber of Stephen Strasburg. Our two best pitching prospects are Jenrry Mejia and Brad Holt. Neither of them will be ready by next year but Mejia may be ML ready come 2011.

Mark(CFG): Will Omar Minaya get fired? Should he?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): That is the magic question. There are several factors to consider with a move like that. Omar Minaya executed an extension prior to this season that will go into effect in 2010. Now that extension is chump change but it would seem rather unprecedented for someone to get canned before their extension kicks in. Another factor has been his body of work. Since Omar took over the Mets payroll has increased every year and they were able to put a competitive team together(except for this year of course). The problem with the evaluation of that is in all that time(5 yrs) the Mets only have a Division title(2006) to show for it. With the Adam Rubin situation and Tony Bernazard most likely not helping Omars chances, it will defiantly be a focal point going into the offseason. The one thing you never want to do is take on the NY media…Should be interesting to see if Omar Minaya can live to tell about it

Mark(CFG): The injury to David Wright was part of a spate of similar beanings — and thankfully he’s okay. But he lacks the power this year he had last year and seems uncertain at third. Will he bounce back? What can we expect of him playing an entire career in non-homer friendly Citi Field?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB):David Wright has been very consistent every year he has been up in the major leagues, given his history im sure he will bounce back. David Wright made it known that he made an adjustment to hit more line drives this year. Now, many people do not buy this as an excuse but I think Davids production should be treated with a certain degree of latitude. This is his first year in Citi Field and im sure there is always an adjustment period(unless you play at Yankee Stadium) to the quirks and dimensions of a new ballpark. The first opposite field HR in Citi Field was hit by David Wright in August! I think David will adjust to Citi Field and learn where to swing to go for the homeruns. As many people have proven(Mark Reynolds especially)..it is possible to hit HR in Citi Field, you just got to know where to hit them.

Matt R(NLEC): How much has the Mets season and injuries effected what was and is still being advertised as a great weekend for Mets games, complete with the 1969 celebration? Will you still watch/go?

DirtySanchez(TRDMB): I believe the new ballpark has a lot to do with the fans continued interest on this season. The injuries have played a HUGE role in this season as Im sure anyone would be hard pressed to find a team that can lose quality players such as Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Jose Reyes, David Wright, John Maine and JJ Putz and still remain competitive. I will still watch only because it should be interesting to see the Mets play the role of spoiler to contending teams…a role they have not had to be in for quite some time.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.  Lets also hope thats the first and last time that Paris Hilton was referenced on this blog eh? 

Roy who?

Cliff Lee has been absolutely outstanding for the Phillies since being traded in late July.  Lee(4-0) turned in his fourth straight solid, or in this case terrific outting as he threw a complete game while allowing only two hits and one run while striking out eleven while winning 8-1.  His ERA in the National League is now 0.82 in his four starts, and the Phillies must have no regrets about not picking up Roy Halladay.  Ryan Howard and the Phillies supported him with eight runs, including a three run home from Ryan Howard, two solo shots from Jayson Werth and a two run shot from Chase Utley.  Since the Marlins lost,  they added a game to their lead in the division, Phillies Phandom will have more on this.

The Diamondbacks sent their ace to the hill in this game as well, and the game didn’t have the magic that everyone expected.  Danny Haren could only last five innings and he allowed six runs and nine hits.  Haren(12-8) has now given up five or more runs in three of his past four starts, raising his ERA from 2.19 at the end of July to 2.74 now.  For the second straight night, the D’backs only managed a single run and Stephen Drew produced it, this time on a sacrifice fly.

Couldn't get the big hit

The Houston Astros managed to get the win 6-3 last night, despite using six different pitchers throughout the game.  The offense took the lead in the bottom of the first though and never looked back, happy that Lance Berkman got back in the swing of things with an RBI double to tie it early.  Starting pitcher Yorman Bazardo only lasted 4.2 innings and gave up only two runs in the first but left with runners on and a high pitch count.  Sammy Gervacio(1-0) got his first win while recording the final out in the fifth inning and using only five pitches.  Jose Valverde got his 17th save of the season in the 6-3 win.

The Florida Marlins once again did get more than ten hits a game, extending the franchise record and getting closer to the National League record.  Too bad hits don’t always turn into runs though, as they could only muster three runs and one after the first.  Jorge Cantu and Dan Uggla contributed RBI singles and then Ross Glaud capped the Fish scoring in the sixth with an RBI double.  Sean West(4-5) lasted only four and gave up three earned runs and four total and left after only 62 pitches.  FishGuts has more on this Marlins loss and their push to the playoffs.

Ouch

The Atlanta Braves were able to return the favor the Mets gave them on Tuesday night with their own eight run inning.  The Braves scored eight in the second and the game was more than over at that point on their way to a 15-2 victory.  Brian McCann hit a three run home run and Adam LaRoche and Matt Diaz joined him in that homer party.  Diaz finished with four RBI and Infante added three RBI as well.  Jair Jurrjens(10-8) didn’t have to work hard for this win and got six innings done with only two runs and allowed eight hits.  The Braves Baseball Blog is the place to go for all Braves info as well.

Once again, what is to say about the Mets game?  Luis Castillo made a mental error and didn’t cover second on a double play ball and Bobby Parnell never recovered.  Parnell(3-5) got through three innings and allowed nine runs on nine hits and two walks a far cry from his previous gem of a game.  Angel Pagan had an RBI double and Luis Castillo also drove in a run, but this one was over early and the Mets even replaced many of the starters to save them from the looming injury cloud on the team.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog is the place to go for all Mets info.

on fire!

Last night Carlos Gonzalez once again got the big hit for the Rockies, as he hit what would be the eventual winning home run in the eighth inning for the Rockies.  Clint Barmes also hit his second homer in as many days and the Rockies went on to win 5-4.  Jason Marquis(14-8) worked six innings allowing nine hits and three runs and only striking out one and once again Huston Street got the save, his 31st, but not without a problem as he gave up a solo shot.  The Rockies go for the sweep tonight.

Colin Balester(1-3) was awful for the Nationals last night, he only got through 1.1 innings and allowed three runs only three hits but five walks.  Ryan Zimmerman stayed hot, going 2-3 with a walk and two RBI’s on a double and a triple in the game.  Josh Bard contributed a solo shot in the ninth inning to bring the Nationals within a run, but they could not get closer.  Centerfieldgate has more info on the Nationals and what is going on with their team.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.

Howard breaks out of a slump

The Phillies did something yesterday they had not done since 1984, sweep the Cubs in Chicago.  In the fourth inning, Ryan Howard broke out of the longest home run drought of his career, depositing a three run homer that would provide all the runs the Phillies needed with Cliff Lee on the mound.  Cliff Lee(3-0) went eight strong innings and only allowed six hits and run run, but did walk three to get his third win in as many tries and he is now undefeated in the NL with a 1.12 ERA.  Pedro Feliz also hit a home run in the fourth inning a few batters after Ryan Howard and drove Howard in for an insurance run in the sixth.  Phillies Phandom has more on the Phillies sweep.

Ryan Desmpter started out well for the Cubs as through the first three innings he looked virtually unhittable.  Dempster(6-6) ended up going six innings and gave up all six runs and eight hits in taking a loss for the Cubs.  Ryan Theriot produced the only run for the Cubs as he drove in Jake Baker in the fifth inning.

Cantu with a blast to start it off

Jorge Cantu hit a two run home run for the Marlins and that was the start of another win, and series win for the Marlins.  They never relinquished that lead and they exploded once starter Mike Hampton left after the fifth against the Astros relief.  Ronnie Paulino contributed a solo home run in that inning and Hanley Ramirez had a two run single as well.  Sean West(4-4) went six innings and allowed only one run and was able to cruise to the victory after the sixth inning outburst.  FishGuts has more information on this win for the Marlins and their march to get closer to the playoffs.

Mike Hampton started yesterdays game with a slightly bum leg.  Hampton(7-10) lasted five decent innings and left with his team having a shot at the game after allowing six hits and three runs, but allowing two home runs.  The Bullpen imploded and only Hampton’s RBI single and Darren Erstad’s single in the ninth put a dent in the scoreboard for the Astros.

Gomes hits three straight bombs

Jonny Gomes had a humongous games yesterday for the Cincinnati Reds as he went 3-4 with three runs scored and five RBI on THREE straight at bats with a home.  The Reds did not need much more offense to win this one but Ryan Hanigan also homered and Brandon Phillips had an RBI double late to lead the Reds to the 7-0 win over the Nats.  Bronson Arroyo(11-11) went the distance while being virtually unhittable giving up only two hits and one walk against the suddenly hapless Nationals.

The Nationals, as CenterfieldGate mentions, have now only scored three runs in their past three games and the offense has completely shut down.  Ryan Zimmerman did extend his hitting streak with a single, but Christian Guzman’s has ended, with the entire lineup looking terrible.  Colin Balester(1-2) did not help much either as he only went five innings and allowed five runs and two walks while giving up three home runs.  CenterfieldGate covers this game and more for all the Nats fans.

Be sure to check back to NLEC or the team affiliate blog frequently!

If interested in helping the NLEC, please contact mrose@nleastchatter.com

Welcome to Chatter Up! here at NLEC. This edition will match up Rab Bethan of FishGuts for his first appearance, but Fishguts’ third, as the Marlins travel to Philly after a sweep at the hands of the Nats. Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom makes his first of many appearances after a Phillies series win against the Rockies. Enjoy!

Matt R(NLEC): How is Nick Johnson changing this team through his first week?

Rab B(FG): He’s been absolutely great since joining. In the 6 games with the Fish he’s gotten on base every time, hitting .400/.567/.600. It’s completely change the completion of the lineup, replacing a sub.-300 OBP with the 5th best OBP in the league in front of the NL batting leader in Hanley Ramirez. There was worry of a defensive problem with Cantu moving back across the diamond but after a couple miscues against the Cubs in his first game at 3rd base he’s been solid.

Matt R(NLEC): Did what just happened against the Nats make you rethink this season’s possibilities?

Rab B(FG):Well, obviously any time you lose three straight games going into the stretch, it makes you rethink your post-season aspirations. Now, when you consider to whom and how we lost these games, it really shakes you. But these are flaws that we already knew we had with the team, mainly inconsistent pitching and a problem getting “big hits”. This team still has a chance at making the playoffs though, being only 4 games out of the wild card. I think at this point I think that the division is probably out of the question but, after the 2007 Mets, you can’t ever count that out.

Matt R(NLEC): What happened this week? The pitching seemed to just falter.

Rab B(FG):Like I said, the Marlins for one just couldn’t get a big hit. In the first two games the team was only 4-18 with RISP and couldn’t add on runs at the end. In the third game they managed 8 runs but still had trouble adding on, only going 5-19. But really what killed that last game was a bad start from Volstad and bad choices of relievers. I don’t usually blame managing but in that game manager Fredi Gonzalez and bench coach Carlos Tosca only threw out the worst relievers we had, even when it was a 1 run game at the end.

Matt R(NLEC): What are the keys to this weekends set in Philly? Is this make or break the season time?

Rab B(FG):When playing in Citizens Bank Park it’s always important to try to add on as many runs as possible. No matter how good your pitching is no lead is safe there, especially not against a team with so many great hitters up and down the lineup. Obviously you want your pitching to do it’s work on that end but there’s only so much you can do in that sandbox. And yes, this is very much make or break. Every game left is do or die, especially considering how well put together the Phillies and the other teams in the Wild Card race are.

Matt R(NLEC): What Phils pitcher and Hitter scare you the most?

Rab B(FG): As far as pitchers go only one name in the probable pitchers section puts fear into the heart of Marlins fans like no one else’s, Jamie Moyer. He’s 13-2 with a 2.83 against us and gives our hitters absolute fits. And as far as hitters I don’t think there are many hitters more intimidating in baseball than Ryan Howard. You can argue that Chase Utley is the better overall hitter but every time you face Howard, especially in CBP, you know there’s a huge chance the ball could end up the in the next stratosphere.

Thanks Rab, great debut, we will move on to Matt Smith from Phillies Phandom now.

Matt R(NLEC): (via MrNorthJersey) How much buzz if any is there among Philly fans about all the injuries that the Mets have endured this year and do you think fans care either way that they did not get to play the Mets at their best in 2009?

Matt S(PP): The Mets are not a concern at all. The Phils’ sweep at Citizens Bank Park over 4th of July weekend was kind of the turning point for both teams. The Phillies got back on the winning track while the Mets headed in the wrong direction. At this point in the season, the Mets are so far off the radar, nobody cares (our biggest issues is the starting rotation and not any one team). I think fans simply do not care that the Mets aren’t at full strength. In my view, though, beating the Mets at their current state is nothing to brag about. It’s a shame because the rivalry has taken a step back, but at the same time, we worry about our business first and foremost and ignore what the Mets are doing as long as they aren’t winning

Matt R(NLEC):Looking back on the Cliff Lee trade, were you initially disappointed it wasn’t Halladay?

Matt S(PP):Yes. Who wouldn’t be? But I realized the Phillies traded for probably the best left-handed pitcher in the AL for a whole lot less. Halladay would have been great to have, but the way I see it, both pitchers are equal. They are true staff aces. The fans have welcomed Lee with open arms. The best way to answer is, “Roy Who?”

Matt R(NLEC): Did Cliff Lee make the Phils the NL favorites? What teams, in either league are the biggest threat to a Phils repeat?

Matt S(PP): I think the Phillies are favorites, yes. But, then again, I thought the Phillies were the best team in the NL long before the Cliff Lee trade. Honestly, the only team that worries me in the NL is the Giants. Who’d want to face that starting staff? They showed over the weekend that they could beat us. Moreover, the Phillies could not hit at all in that ballpark. Braves have take 7 of 9 against us, and they have great pitching, too. In the AL, the Red Sox and Angels worry me the most. I know the Yankees are probably the best team in the majors right now, but Boston and Los Angeles absolutely dominated the Phillies last season in interleague play. We were so overmatched. That’s still fresh in my mind.

Matt R(NLEC): How huge have Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth been this year? As an outsider it appears the Phils would not be nearly as successful without them.

Matt S(PP):Victorino and Werth have had career seasons. When Jimmy Rollins was struggling, Victorino was the offensive sparkplug. He kind of carried things when J-Roll wasn’t hitting. Victorino always had great potential, and so did Werth. I worry that Werth will crash and fall sooner than later, but right now he’s hitting for power, driving in runs and playing a hell of a right field. Werth and Victorino just needed a chance to play everyday and the Phillies gave them a chance. They have been big keys to the team’s success.

Matt R(NLEC): Which Marlins hitter AND pitcher scare you the most?

Matt S(PP):Hanley Ramirez and Josh Johnson. However, the biggest Phillies Killer is Wes Helms. It boggles my mind how good he hits against the Phillies. Helms and Rod Barajas were awful as members of the Phillies in 2007, but both have come back to haunt us on other teams.

Please feel free to email any recommend questions or comments about the segment to mrose@nleastchatter.com or go to this forum topic and post a reply.