Phillies vs. Red Sox

Sometimes, you have to tip your cap to the starting pitcher. Tonight was one of those nights as the first place Phillies faced Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Boston Red Sox. “Dice-K” was the story of the night, pitching 7 2/3 innings of hitless baseball before Juan Castro blooped a single into left field to end the no-hit bid.   The Phillies managed just that one hit, and fell to the Red Sox by a score of 5-0.

Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick only lasted 4 2/3 innings, exiting during Boston’s 4-run 5th inning. David Ortiz, Boston’s DH, started at first base in the NL park and contributed with an RBI double and 2 runs scored.

The Phillies were dealt another blow as SS Jimmy Rollins was once again placed on the DL after re-injuring his right calf. For more Phillies coverage, be sure to check out the Phillies Phandom Blog.

Mets vs. Yankees

The Mets evened up the Subway Series at 1 game apiece with a 5-3 victory at Citi Field.

Mike Pelfrey pitched 6 strong innings as he earned his team-leading 6th victory of the season.  The Mets handed Yankees starter Phil Hughes his first loss as his record fell to 5-1.

Jason Bay had his best game as a Met, going 4 for 4 with a double, stolen base, and 3 runs scored. The Mets built a 5-1 lead after 7 innings, but the Mets bullpen struggled and Jerry Manuel was forced to bring on his closer, Francisco Rodriguez, with one out in the 8th to attempt a 5-out save. K-Rod was able to put an end to the Yankees 8th inning rally and work around some 9th inning trouble of his own to earn his 7th save on the season.

For more on the Mets, check out The Real Dirty Mets Blog.

Marlins vs. White Sox

The Marlins fell to .500 with their second straight loss to the White Sox, falling by a score of 4-1 in Chicago.

Marlins starter Chris Volstad gave up 3 runs in 6 innings and suffered his 5th loss on the season. The big blow was a 2-run homer by Chicago’s Alex Rios, who drove in all 3 runs against Volstad.

Chicago starter Gavin Floyd held the Marlins to one run over 6 1/3 inning for the victory, and Bobby Jenks pitched a 1-2-3 9th to earn his 7th save on the season.

Fish Guts Blog has all you need to know on the Marlins, who look to avoid the sweep on Sunday.

Braves vs. Pirates

A 92-minute rain delay didn’t seem to bother the Braves, who went on to win their 5th game in a row as they beat the Pirates 4-2 in Pittsburgh.

Melky Cabrera and Eric Hinske homered for the Braves against losing pitcher Charlie Morton, who fell to 1-8 on the season.  Derek Lowe labored through 5 innings, but picked up the victory to improve his record to 6-4.  Braves relievers combined for four scoreless innings to close this one out, capped by Billy Wagner’s 5th save of the season.

To read more on the Braves and their hot streak, check out the Braves Baseball Blog.

Nationals vs. Orioles

For the second time this week, the Nationals allowed an inside-the-park home run to their opponent. However, once again, the Nats prevailed and they beat their AL rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, 7-6 in Washington.

Adam Jones provided the inside-the-park homer this time, and Ty Wiggington also homered off of Nats starter Craig Stammen as the O’s built a 6-3 lead. The Nats rallied with 4 runs in the 6th, capped by Adam Dunn’s 2-run single. Tyler Walker picked up the victory in relief and Matt Capps earned his major league-leading 16th save of the season.

It wasn’t all good news for the Nationals, though, as they placed starter Scott Olsen on the DL with a shoulder injury. Check out the Centerfield Gate Blog for more Nationals coverage.

Lidge gets anothe shaky save

The Philadelphia Phillies took the final game of the three game set, 4-2 yesterday in Atlanta even during a rain delay.  Ben Francisco started the scoring with an RBI double and Raul Ibanez, Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley added solo RBI’s  for them.  Cliff Lee had started the game but onlt went four because of a long rain delay and Tyler Walker(2-0) got the win going two innings while allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out three.  Brad Lidge got his 31st save of the year but his ERA continues to rise as he gave up a walk, a run and one hit.  Phillies Phandom will have more on this game.

Tommy Hanson(10-4) took a rare loss for the Bravos in this one and the Braves had five innings against relief pitching to get him off the hook.  Hanson went five innings allowing seven hits and four runs and also walking four in this one.  Matt Diaz and Brian McCann got the only RBI’s for the Braves in this one as they fail to gain ground in the division or wildcard.  Check out The Braves Baseball Blog for more.

Corky Miller? 3 run homer

The Cincinnati Reds beat up on the Florida Marlins yesterday in Cincy on the back of a couple big home runs.  Catcher Corky Miller hit a three run shot in the fourth and Joey Votto hit a two run shot in the seventh on way to an 8-1 route.  Kip Wells(2-4) went seven innings and allowed just five hits and one run to get the victory in this game.

Sean West is having a rough rookie campaign.  West(7-6) went 4.1 innings and allowed five hits and five runs while walking three and his ERA now stands at 4.85 for the season.  The only run the Marlins mustered was in the eigth on a Brett Carroll single scoring John Baker, check out FishGuts for more Marlins news.

Maine gets the W

In this weekend’s battle of the basement, the Mets came out ahead after taking two of three games with Sunday’s 6-2 victory over the Nats.  John Maine(6-5) went five effective innings allowing just three baserunners on two hits and one walk and no runs.  Daniel Murphy added a two RBI double and Wilson Valdez of all people had a two RBI triple later in the game to put it away.  Franky Rodriguez got save number 33 by getting the final out of the game via strikeout.  The Real Dirty Mets Blog has all the Mets info you want.

Garrett Mock didn’t pitch terribly in this one, but the Nats offense could not support him.  Mock(3-9) went seven innings allowing nine hits and four runs throwing 115 pitches and taking the tough loss.  Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn both had an RBI in a small ninth inning rally before K-Rod ended the threat.  Check out Centerfield Gate for a more in depth recap and all other Nationals news.

Welcome to another edition of Chatter Up! here at NLEC. This week will match up Mark P Centerfield Gate against Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom. Enjoy!

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you want and expect Willingham back in a Nationals uniform in 2010?

Mark P(CFG): There was talk of trading Willingham all season, but it never happened — and for good reason. The guy proved to be the hitter that we anticipated (and that I anticipated) when we got him from the Marlins. I think he’s now untouchable. You know, nothing’s impossible: but it would be hard to name a guy who the nats could get for him that would be as good. The fans love him and the guy just hits the hell out of the ball: who knows what he might have done had he started the season in the outfield, instead of that other guy … what’s his name? Oh yeah, Austin Kearns. How the Nationals brain trust could have ever concluded that he was better than Willingham is a question so embarassing it cannot be asked: and gives the term brain trust a whole different meaning.

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): Do you think MacDougal will opt out of his contract and test free agency?

Mark P(CFG): Good question. I somehow don’t think so. The Nats front office seems to think he will be back, talking endless of getting a set up guy that will make him the reliever for the team in 2010. This scares me, because MacDougal is one of those 9th inning guys who just scrapes by — but barely. The last thing this team needs is another collapses bullpen in 2010. Th next to last thing it needs is placing its trust in just one closer. I wouldn’t hold an audition for the spot necessarily (Joel Hanrahan won the audition in the Spring, for pity sake) but I sure wouldn’t think that “Heart Attack Mike” is the only answer we have.

Matt S(PP): The Nationals have been a much-improved squad over the last several weeks. Adam Dunn has had a tremendous season. Are you surprised by Dunn’s production this year and do you view him as a vital piece to the puzzle for next year?

Mark P(CFG): Yes, I’m surprised. You know, Dunn came with baggage: that he was a good hitter but with an indifferent attitude. That turned out to be false, or rather, perhaps it was true because Dunn got bored in Cincinnati (which is more than possible). I thought he would come in with about 29 to 32 homers and make a mash of the outfield. I could see it in my dreams: Dunning chasing down a ball hit over his head, dropping a line drive, tripping over his feet going into the corner. But not only has he really hit the cover off the ball, he has made a real effort to get better as a first baseman. You can see his defensive improvement, which is key, considering Guzman’s boot em and throw em away capabilities. If his defense gets better and he keeps hitting I would expect that the Nats would try to extend him. There aren’t many guys in the majors who can hit 40 homers and drive in 100 runs. And for some reason (stop the presses) Dunn seems to love it here. Who knew?

Matt S(PP): Are Nats fans clamoring for Stephen Strasburg at this point? Can you explain how Strasburg making the team out of spring training would impact the franchise and its fanbase?

Mark P(CFG): I am surprised and gratified by the patience showed by Nats fans. We regularly draw 20,000 to games in which the late innings are so painful that people have to wish they were somewhere else. But they keep coming back for more, night after night. That same patience is being shown now by fans who realize that while it would be nice to see Strasburg right now — or early next year — it would be far better to see him in the post-seasons, with a healthy arm, in 2011. If Strasburg makes the team out of spring training I would advise the front office (they’re not exactly on the phone with me all the time, but there you have it) to pitch him during the third or even fourth home game — when they absolutely need to fill the stadium. My sense is that when Strasburg arrives DC will have to assign more cops for crowd control. The place will be packed. We’re patient, very patient. But honestly, we can’t wait to see this guy.

Matt R(NLEC): I read on your site that it seems the Nats have asked Christian Guzman to move to 2b, how helpful will this truly be for the Nats going forward or does it just shift his suspect defense to a different position?

Mark P(CFG): I think this is a bad decision that confirms the kind of decision making that baseball eggheads rightly criticize: which is based on the assumption that a bad shortstop will somehow improve when he moves to second. I don’t buy it. Not even a little bit. You know, I am such a fan of Alberto Gonzalez (for those who don’t know, a kid out of the DR) that I hope the Nats put him at second, keep Ian Desmond (our rookie phenom) at short — and work a trade for Guzman. He will command an $8 million dollar salary next year and freeing it up would help us to get some middle infielders who can do the job. Or, better yet, we can use the money to sign a guy like Jon Garland. But then, of course, we’d really need a replacement for Guzman, as Garland is a ground ball specialist. To answer your question: putting Guzman at second simply shifts his suspect defense to a different position

Thanks again Mark, now onto Matt Smith of Phillies Phandom

MrNorthJersey(NLEC): With names like Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino, Chan Ho Park, Scott Eyre, Chad Durbin, Clay Condrey, Tyler Walker, and possibly Pedro Feliz ($0.5mil buyout), becoming free agents this year who do you feel will they miss most if they do not resign them for 2010?

Matt S(PP): Well, most of these players are arbitration eligible. Blanton, Victorino, Durbin, Walker and Condrey won’t be free agents until after the 2010 season. In fact, I’m pretty sure Victorino has at least two more seasons until he can become a free agent. That said, I’m positive Victorino will be signed to a long-term deal in the neighborhood of three-four years. I have a feeling Blanton will ask for a lot of money, so he could go to arbitration. I don’t expect Myers back unless the Phillies feel he can compete with Brad Lidge for the closer role. At the same time, I don’t think Myers will turn down starter’s money in free agency, and the Phillies don’t really have a spot for him in the rotation. I think Chan Ho Park will re-sign, unless, of course, he’s hellbent on being a starter again. The Phillies should pick up Feliz’s option, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they let him go. And don’t be stunned if Pedro re-signs, too.

Matt R(NLEC): Continuing from the question above, I know the Phillies have bigger fish to fry (literally?) but do you think there are any obvious off-season targets?

Matt S(PP):Not at the moment. I’m sure they’ll look for a left-handed reliever and some bench help. If they part ways with Feliz, they’ll obviously be in the market for a third baseman.

Matt R(NLEC): If you had to choose today, rank what potential National League playoff teams you’d like to see the Phils play and why.

Matt S(PP): Dodgers, Cardinals, Rockies, Giants in order of which team I’d like to see them play in the first round. There is nothing the Dodgers are doing that worries me. I don’t think they have the starting pitching to win a playoff series. The Cardinals have an excellent lineup and an awesome one-two punch at the top of their rotation, but we’ve played them well this year, winning four of five games. The Rockies are hot right now, so they can be a scary opponent. If the Giants somehow get in, I fear facing Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain in the first two games of a five-game series.

Matt R(NLEC): What about the American League? The Phils took two of three from the Yanks early in the year, but this Yankees team is very different now, what about the Angels and Tigers? How well do you see the Phils matching up if they get there?

Matt S(PP):I actually think they match up well with any AL team. It’s so far off the radar, I prefer not to think about any potential World Series match ups right now In the AL, starting pitching isn’t as worrisome as some of those NL teams I mentioned.

Matt R(NLEC): Health check: Bullpen.. . after this weekend, are you more, less, or just about the same confidence in the bullpen?

Matt S(PP):Less. It’s been a struggle. It’s not a good thing having question marks at the back of the bullpen. It’s a different situation from last year, when the team was good to go in the pen. I know the offense has been hit-or-miss the last month or so, but the ninth inning is the biggest concern right now. Nothing will really change from now until October, either.

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. We need questions for our next Chatter Up! Those games are Nats @ Mets and Phillies @ Braves.  Thanks for everyone’s participation!

According to Todd Zolecki’s twitter feed, the Phillies have activated Relief pitcher Clay Condrey from the DL and designated Tyler Walker for assignment.

Tyler Walker was 1-0 in 9 games this year pitching 11 innings to a 1.64 ERA, my guess is someone picks him up.

Condrey was 4-2 with a 3.71 ERA in 33 games this year (34 IP) before being injured.

Check Phillies Phandom for more Phillies news.

Walk off single

Ryan Howard’s tying homer in the ninth helped the Phillies complete a memorable comeback. Paul Bako’s single gave Philadelphia an 8-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night, giving them wins in eight of their past nine games. The Phillies trailed 7-3 before pinch-hitter Matt Stairs led off the ninth with a homer off Matt Capps (1-5). Jimmy Rollins walked and stole second, his third steal of the game, and Chase Utley followed with a one-out single to left. Howard followed Utley by blasting a 1-0 pitch to tie the game at 7. Raul Ibanez, playing in his first game after missing 20 with a groin injury, then hit a ground-rule double to center. After an intentional walk to Jayson Werth and an infield single by Pedro Feliz, Bako lined a 2-2 pitch to left, sending a crowd that included Vice President Joe Biden home happy. Tyler Walker(1-0) pitched one scoreless inning of relief. Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, lasted six innings while allowing five runs on seven hits—all extra-base hits. The left-hander has allowed at least seven hits in six of his last seven starts and is 1-3 in that stretch. Pittsburgh starter Ross Ohlendorf held the Phillies to five hits while allowing three runs and striking out five. The right-hander matched his career high with four walks.

Mr. West Through the wire

With one day to go until the All-Star break, the second-place Marlins fell four games behind Philadelphia in the NL East. Florida opens the second half of the season with a four-game series against the Phillies in Miami. Although he has pitched well lately, Garland (5-8) had gone nine starts without a victory and won for the first time since May 19—also against Florida. The Diamondbacks entered 8-16 against left-handed starters but jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first against Sean West (3-4). All-Star Justin Upton matched a career high with four hits, Jon Garland allowed one run in eight innings and the Diamondbacks beat the Florida Marlins 5-1 on Saturday night.

Closing out

Jurrjens pitched six strong innings and singled twice for his first career multihit game to drive in a run and score another, leading the Atlanta Braves past the Colorado Rockies 4-3 on Saturday night. Jurrjens (7-7) won for just the second time in his last eight starts. He had taken five losses in that span, including four in which he received two or fewer runs in offensive support. Rafael Soriano, the last of five Braves pitchers, allowed a bloop single to Seth Smith to start the ninth inning but then struck out the side for his 12th save in 13 opportunities. Colorado starter Jason Marquis (11-6) went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits but was denied in his bid for a major league-leading 12th win.

Loaded French Fries the Reds

Francoeur had a two-run single in his Mets debut and Johan Santana pitched seven sharp innings, leading New York to a 4-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Santana (10-7) allowed five hits, struck out five and walked one, taking advantage of some rare run support. New York scored seven runs in the left-hander’s previous five starts. While the Mets were all smiles, the Reds had a rough night. Johnny Cueto (8-6) turned in another shaky start, and right fielder Jay Bruce broke his right wrist trying to make a sliding catch. Cueto gave up four runs and nine hits over five innings, dropping to 2-3 with a 7.31 ERA in his last six starts. It was the right-hander’s first game since he allowed a career-high nine runs while recording just two outs in a 22-1 loss at Philadelphia. Bruce went down when he rushed in trying to grab David Wright’s blooper in the first inning. He got his glove on the ball, but it came out as his wrist folded back awkwardly.

Home Plate saw alot of action

Stammen (2-4) gave up nine hits in his first complete game and Washington’s fourth this season. He threw only 107 pitches, taking more chances with Houston’s hitters because of the lopsided score. Houston starter Mike Hampton (5-6) gave up nine hits in 3 2-3 innings, his shortest outing of the season. He pored over a video replay of his performance and didn’t think he pitched that poorly. Nick Johnson, Josh Willingham and Dunn homered in consecutive at-bats and the Nationals set season highs for hits and runs. Washington had three straight shots for the first time since the franchise relocated from Montreal in 2005 and the 21 hits were the most since the move.