Phillies Nation

Year In Review: Danys Baez

Posted by Amanda Orr, Mon, November 22, 2010 06:00 PM

When the Phillies signed Danys Baez to a two-year, $5.25 million contract, I thought that this was a decent deal.  He had a few good years; a few not-so-good.  He’d be taking over Chan Ho Park’s role, how bad could it be?  About a year later, I’m regretting those thoughts.

Before the season started, Baez was believed to be a reliable late-inning reliever.  Especially with certain injuries to the bullpen, Baez was visioned as a seventh or eighth inning guy.

Baez struggled from the get-go.  Unfortunately, Charlie Manuel kept him in the same role.  Appearing in 51 games, Baez received many chances but he still failed to reach any sort of expectation.  It wasn’t until later in the season when Manuel decided that Baez pitched his way out of his job.

Every time Baez entered the game, I joked that the Phillies should just hand the opponents five runs.  Sadly, that’s basically what happened;  Baez had an earned run average of 5.48 in 47.2 innings.  The poor statistics do not end there.  He averaged 1.64 walks and hits per innings pitched.  He also allowed 10.4 hits and 4.3 walks per nine innings.

The only time Baez did not hurt the team was when he was sent to the disabled list with back-spasms in August.  Even when he returned, he continued to struggle.  Due to his unsatisfactory performance, Baez was left off the playoff roster.

It’s tough to talk positively about the 2010 performance of Danys Baez.  However, there were a few games in which he did get the job done, and he deserves credit for that.  Also, I’d rather have Baez’s contract rather than Brandon Lyons or Fernando Rodney’s, who were other options last off season.

The Phillies hope that Baez will rebound next season.  Don’t expect him to strike a ton of people out, but he’s a ground ball pitcher who has had some success in the past, being an All Star in 2005.  He has one year left on his contract, so he’ll get another chance.  But if he continues to fail, those Philadelphia boos are not disappearing.

AMANDA’S GRADE: 1.5/10

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Gameday: Phillies (97-64) at Braves (90-71)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, October 03, 2010 12:50 PM

Philadelphia Phillies (97-64) at Atlanta Braves (90-71)

Cole Hamels (12-11, 3.09 ERA) vs. Tim Hudson  (16-9, 3.41 ERA)

Time: 1:35 p.m., Turner Field
Weather: Sunny, 67
TV: MY PHL 17
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It’s the final tuneup of the regular season!  After today, it’s on to the postseason.  Even though the Phillies are already in, they have business to take care of.  The Atlanta Braves are tied with the San Diego Padres for the Wild Card.  It would be great if the Phillies can kick the Braves out of playoff contention.  The Phillies would have an easier road in the postseason if San Diego wins the Wild Card.

The Braves are on the verge of getting swept by a team who has played Triple-A players.  In addition, they might miss the postseason.  It can’t get much worse for Atlanta, especially knowing that two aces are pitching against them today.  Cole Hamels AND Roy Owalt will be teaming up;  Hamels will start, and Oswalt will relieve.  The Phillies don’t want either to go long enough where they could get injured, but they also want their players to be in a rhythm for the postseason.

Your Gameday Beer – Beck’s
Beck’s, a classic German Brewery, provides tonight’s beer like a present wrapped neatly in tin foil. It’s certainly not the best German beer but it is popular and widely available. Like similar mass-produced pilsners it has that traditional rice and corn beer taste, though not has strong as a Bud or Miller product. It of course goes well with Wiener Schnitzel otherwise known as veal cutlets. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Phillies (82-60) at Mets (69-72)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sat, September 11, 2010 03:15 PM

Philadelphia Phillies (82-60) at New York Mets (69-72)

Kyle Kendrick (9-8, 4.86 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (13-9, 3.96 ERA)

Time:4:10 p.m at Citi Field
TV: FOX
Weather:  Sunny, 73
Twitter: @philliesnation

“From the cradle of liberty, Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Do we have closure? No. No, the heinous acts of terrorism last Tuesday will be with us for as long as we all shall live.” — Harry Kalas, 2001.

The Phillies are in the midst of a pennant race, but let’s put baseball aside for a minute and remember those who lost their lives nine years ago.  The tragedy on September 11, 2001 put America’s pastimes on hold, but baseball eventually started the healing process.

The Phillies were one of the first teams to resume play, beating the Atlanta Braves 5-2.  However, the most memorable moment from that game was a fan who carried an American Flag throughout Veterans Stadium.  When the Mets returned to Shea Stadium, Mike Piazza’s go-ahead home run gave everybody an unforgettable chill.

Here we are today: nine years later.  The two teams meeting both helped the healing process in the United States.  Today might not be about the matchups; it’s about patriotism and pride for our country.  We will never forget what happened on that horrible day, and we will never forget those who lost their lives.

Your Gameday Beer – Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
It’s a little chilly, right? Time for a beer you can snuggle up to, Black Chocolate Stout by the Brooklyn Brewery (famous for its lager). As the title implies, it’s a dark sweet brew. The chocolate flavor is nearly matched by the coffee, vanilla, toffee and roasted malt undertones but is certainly the centerpiece in the 10.6% stout. This dessert beer is heavy enough, so have it in place of coffee after dinner along with a biscuit of some sort. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Brewers (62-73) at Phillies (78-58)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, September 05, 2010 12:43 PM

Milwaukee Brewers (62-73) at Philadelphia Phillies (78-58)

Randy Wolf (10-10, 4.76) vs. Kyle Kendrick (9-7, 4.72)

Time: 1:35 at Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL 17
Weather: Sunny, 73
Twitter: @philliesnation

In Saturday’s 5-4 victory, Roy Halladay surrendered four homers, but the Phillies offense rallied, en route to their fifth straight win.  The Phillies become a scary team in September, and they’re just a game back in the National League East.

Former Phillie Randy Wolf will take the mound for the Brew Crew, but don’t expect a Wolf Pack reunion.  This is Wolf’s second appearance at Citizens Bank Park in an away jersey.  Phillies fans know what Wolf brings to the table.  Sometimes he can be on his “A” game; other times he can get rocked.  That sounds very familiar to Wolf’s counterpart, Kyle Kendrick.

The offense is starting to pick it up, especially Chase Utley, Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard.  Howard is always a scary hitter late in the season, thus taking the name Mr. September.  Howard does not have good career numbers against Wolf, but the Phillies need Howard to continue to have his September push.

Your Gameday Beer – Miller High Life

We’re staying with the Champagne of Beers today as we continue to support our U.S. troops throughout the weekend! For every High Life cap or tab you drop off at select retailers or mail in, Miller will donate 10-cents toward High Life Experiences for returning vets. Up to a million dollars will go toward paying soldiers’ way into sports events, concerts, outdoor adventures and more. So buy it and help us out as well as we send Phillies care-packages to phans abroad serving our country.

GO PHILLIES!

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Phillies Sweep the Padres

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, August 29, 2010 08:14 PM

One series can make a big difference.  It was just a few days ago when the lowly Houston Astros swept the Phillies in four games.  Three games later, the Phillies completed a sweep of their own against the first-place San Diego Padres.  This series came down to the pitching, but the Phillies managed to score five runs for Cole Hamels in today’s 5-0 victory.

The Padres entered today’s game as one of the best fielding teams in baseball.  After today’s game, that is hard to believe.  The Friars committed four fielding errors.  The Phillies took advantage of the mistakes, and tacked on five runs.

The first run came on an RBI single from Jimmy Rollins, but the big blow came off the bat of Mike Sweeney.  Sweeney played in replace of Ryan Howard, who had a scheduled off day.  In the seventh inning, Sweeney ripped a liner over the right field wall for a two-run shot.  It was Sweeney’s first home run as a Phillie, and his first in three months. Later on, Jayson Werth added an insurance run, smashing a home run of his own.

One run was all Cole Hamels needed.  Receiving run support was a new thing for him, as he picked up the victory.  Hamels shut down the Padres over eight innings, surrendering only four hits.  It was surprising that Hamels finished the day without walking a batter, because he had a high pitch count and often fell deep into counts.  Hamels struck out six.

If the Phillies ever needed a sweep, it was this one.  With the Braves rallying for a win, this game became more and more important.  This sweep could add new life to the Phillies, especially after that horrific series with Houston.

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Gameday: Phillies (72-57) at Padres (76-52)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, August 29, 2010 03:15 PM

Philadelphia Phillies (72-57) at San Diego Padres (76-52)

Cole Hamels (7-10, 3.47 ERA) vs. Clayton Richard (12-5, 3.55 ERA)

Time:4:05 EDT, Petco Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65
TV: MY PHL 17
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The Phillies have rebounded quickly after being swept by the lowly Houston Astros.  Now, the Phillies are on the verge of sweeping the first place San Diego Padres.  This series has been about pitching, as both teams haven’t gathered too many runs.  That’s usually how PETCO plays out anyway.

Cole Hamels, a San Diego native, always has success when facing the Friars.  Hamels has a 3.18 ERA against the Padres in his career, but a more impressive 2.18 ERA at PETCO Park.  Hamels keeps improving as the season progresses, however the problem seems to be run support.  The lack of run support for Hamels is getting extremely tiring.  Hopefully that changes today.

Overall, Clayton Richard has solid numbers for the season.  His repitoire includes a two-seam fastball, a slurve, and a changeup.  He typically keeps the ball down, forcing many ground balls.

Your gameday beer: For the slumber party, try a Coronado Golden, a blonde ale from the Coronado Brewing Co. of San Diego. It’s an average beer, but blonde ales tend to range wildly in the expert line. Pair this with a late-night order of pizza. Do it. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Nationals (53-70) at Phillies (69-53)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, August 22, 2010 12:58 PM

Washington Nationals (53-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-53)

Scott Olsen (3-5, 5.13 RA) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-13, 3.36 ERA)

Time: 1:35, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Thunderstorms, 81
TV: MY PHL 17
Follow Twitter here

Kyle Kendrick was rocked and Stephen Strasburg struck out six in the Nationals’ 8-1 victory last night.  The series is split at a game apiece, but this is a series that the Phillies need to win.  Taking advantage of a last place team certainly helps in the standings.  The Phillies have a good chance with Roy Oswalt on the mound.

Oswalt would like another chance against Washington.  His first start as a Phillie was at Nationals Park, and he did not make the Phillies debut that he would have liked.

When he was a Marlin, Scott Olsen said that he “hates the Phillies.”  He must dispise facing them, since he has a 5.56 earned run average against them.  Olsen has missed some time due to injuries this year, but he has really struggled in the month of August, posting an ERA near 11 in three starts.

The Nationals have not won back-to-back games at Citizens Bank Park since 2005.  The Phillies would like to keep it that way, and boost their playoff chances.

Today’s lineup:Rollins (SS), Ibanez (LF), Polanco (3B), Howard (1B), Werth (RF), Victorino (CF), Ruiz (C), Valdez (2B), Oswalt (P).  Just a scheduled off day for Utley.

Your gamenight beer: Today’s offering is from Harpoon, and it’s Harpoon Munich Type Dark Beer. It’s your typical brown ale: Hoppy, malty, roasted. Toffee-like. Coffee-like. A nice beer to have, and definitely fitting with some ribs. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Nationals (52-70) at Phillies (69-52)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sat, August 21, 2010 06:17 PM

Washington Nationals (52-70) at Philadelphia Phillies (69-52)

Stephen Strasburg (5-2, 2.97 ERA) vs. Kyle Kendrick (8-5, 4.45 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 83
TV: CSN Philly
Follow Twitter here

Roy Halladay hasn’t received a whole lot of run support this year.  The Phillies scored one run yesterday, but Halladay took care of the rest, blanking the Nationals over seven innings.  When Halladay is on the mound, there is a good feeling that the Phillies win.  On the other hand, when Kyle Kendrick pitches, it’s always uncertain as to what type of performance he will have.

The Nationals will send out their young stud, Stephen Strasburg.  If you haven’t heard of this guy, you probably haven’t paid any attention to baseball.  The 22-year old was the first overall pick in the 2009 draft, and his game can’t get any more hyped.  Strasburg throws a 100 mph fastball regularly, featuring a changeup at around 90 mph.  You read that right: a 90 mph changeup.  Regardless, his stuff is electric.

Tonight will be the very first time the Phillies will face Strasburg, but there will be many more meetings between the two.  So far, Strasburg has made two starts since returning from the disabled list with a shoulder injury.  The rookie has been under the spotlight in each and every one of his starts, but so far as yet to disappoint.  He’s the real deal.

Maybe Ryan Howard can greet Strasburg with a long ball.  Howard returns from the disabled list tonight, which is earlier than what was originally expected.

Your Gameday Beer- Sweaty Betty Blonde
This beer is bananas. No, it’s not a banana beer, but it has hints of musty banana bread which believe it or not is a good thing. It’s another good summer beer, an American Pale Wheat Ale that will remind you of a Belgian White. It finishes a little rough, so drink it fast but take some time to enjoy fried chicken with it. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Nationals (52-69) at Phillies (68-52)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Fri, August 20, 2010 06:22 PM

Washington Nationals (52-69) at Philadelphia Phillies (68-52)

Jason Marquis (0-5, 14.33 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (15-8, 2.24 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: Sunny, 86 Degrees
TV: CSN Philly
Follow Twitter here

On paper, this is a series that the Phillies should win.  After all, they are playing a last place team.  The Phillies lead the Wild Card and trail the division by 2.5 games, but the Nationals aren’t exactly playing for nothing.  Yes, they are in last place, but compared to last year they have greatly improved.  Who knows, after inking Bryce Harper to a multi-million dollar major league deal and having Stephen Strasburg at the top of the rotation, the Nationals could be a few years away from contending.  But right now they are still bad.  Not quite terrible, but still fairly bad.  They are seven wins shy of matching last year’s win total, and it’s only the middle of August.  They want to finish the year strong, and are now in spoiler mode.

Roy Halladay starts for the Phillies, and it’s pretty well know what he can do on the hill.  He is 6-1 with a 2.43 earned run average in his career against Washington.  Halladay’s opposition is Jason Marquis, who spent most of the season on the disabled list.  He has struggled since returning.  It doesn’t help that he has a 5.51 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Your gameday beer: Today is a good day to promote a hefeweizen. Here is Penn Weizen by the Pennsylvania Brewery. It carries all the essential hefeweizen ingredients (cloves and fruit), and is an above-average value that sits at a pretty re-drinkable 5 percent alcohol volume. I’d eat a chicken salad sandwich with this one. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Giants (67-54) at Phillies (68-51)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Thu, August 19, 2010 06:12 PM

San Francisco Giants (67-54) at Philadelphia Phillies (68-51)

Jonathan Sanchez (8-8 3.60 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (7-9, 3.33 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
TV: CSN
Weather: Sunny, 85
Twitter: @philliesnation

Two days ago, the Philadelphia Phillies trailed the San Francisco Giants in the National League Wild Card.  Now, the Phillies are on the verge of sweeping them.

Too many times, Cole Hamels has fell a victim of lack of run support.  Hamels is coming off an outing in which he only allowed one run,  however the Phillies only managed one hit off R.A Dickey.  It has been a reoccurring theme for Hamels.  The Giants have a tremendous pitching staff, and have another solid starter today, but the Phillies have been tacking on runs throughout this series.  Hamels hopes to get more run support so he can get a win for a change.  He is in the midst of a hot streak, posting a 1.82 earned run average in his last five starts.

Sanchez has had a decent year for the Giants.  Recently, he has had some trouble making it through  six innings, but he still has good numbers for the year.  He is a strikeout pitcher, but occasionally can get wild.

Your gamenight beer: Budweiser Budvar. Wait, a good Budweiser? This one is a Czech pilsner, so good luck finding it. But hey, it’s a cool summer lager you can enjoy with any summer fare. I’d go with pizza tonight. – By Tim

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Phillies (65-51) at Mets (58-58)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sun, August 15, 2010 07:51 PM

Philadelphia Phillies (65-51) at New York Mets (58-58)

Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 4.60 ERA) vs. Mike Pelfrey (11-6, 3.95 ERA)

Time:8:05 p.m at Citi Field
TV: ESPN
Weather: Isolated Thunderstorms, 75
Twitter: @philliesnation

Tonight, the Phillies and Mets wrap up a three-game series that is currently split at a game apiece.  On Friday, Cole Hamels fell on the short end as R.A Dickey one-hit the Phillies.  Roy Halladay was the stopper in last night’s victory, shutting out the Mets in eight frames.

Kyle Kendrick has been all or nothing in most of his starts this year.  He has either dominated, or been lit up.  In six starts against New York, Kendrick has fared well posting an ERA of 3.34.  It is never really certain on what Kendrick will do.

Kendrick will be opposed by Mike Pelfrey, who has had a solid year with the Mets.  Against the Phillies, he has been very up and down.  Sometimes the Phillies can pound him; other times he pounds the Phillies.

If the Mets end up getting into a save situation, Francisco Rodriguez would likely be asked to close.  Today, K-Rod returns from his two-game suspension due to a third-degree assault.  It would be nice if the Phillies could score many runs and avoid a potential K-Rod animated celebration.

Your Gameday Beer – Brew Free! or Die IPA
This libertarian beer is brewed by the 21st Amendment Brewery just down the street from AT&T Park in San Francisco and recently became available here in the Northeast. Not surprisingly, this IPA is aggressive on the hops and bitterness. If you drink it cold however, it can be a very enjoyable experience. Pair its strong flavors with some not-too-spicy chicken tikka. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Dodgers (59-55) at Phillies (63-50)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Thu, August 12, 2010 05:57 PM

Los Angeles Dodgers (59-55) at Philadelphia Phillies (63-50)

Clayton Kerhsaw (10-7, 3.19 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
TV: MY PHL17
Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms, 79
Twitter: @philliesnation

Clayton Kershaw and Joe Blanton meet in the rubber-match.  The Dodgers were all over the Phillies in the first game of the series, but they did not save any runs for the second game.  The only question for tonight is whether or not the game will be played with pending storms in the forecast.

Looking at the starting matchup, the edge appears to go to the Dodgers.  Kershaw has a respectable 3.19 ERA, while Blanton has an extremely high 5.65 ERA.  However, Kershaw is facing a team that he has struggled against, and Blanton is facing a team that he has had success against.  Kershaw is 0-3 with a 6.64 ERA against the Phillies; Blanton is 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA against the Dodgers.  In addition, Blanton has been much improved during the second half of the season.

Shane Victorino will return off the disabled list, but Ben Francisco will play because Charlie Manuel promised that he’d start today.  Antonio Bastardo was sent to Triple-A.  Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both took batting practice today, but the Phillies are still without them.  Even with missing studs in the lineup, the Phillies have still managed to go 15-4 in their last 19 games.

Your Gameday Beer – Philadelphia Original Lager
Brewed by Red Bell Brewery out of the Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia, this beer is a classic microbrew lager. It’s a bit heavier than Yuengling, with more of a roasted malt flavor and some sweet coffee and caramel hints. Its supreme drinkability coupled with a pour that looks like iced tea means you can sneakily house several of these bad boys. Have your favorite pasta with some marinara sauce and a few Philly Lagers. – By Brian

GO PHILLIES!

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Gameday: Mets (54-55) at Phillies (61-48)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sat, August 07, 2010 06:06 PM

New York Mets (54-55) at Philadelphia Phillies (61-48)

Johan Santana, LHP (8-6, 3.20 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (7-7, 3.56 ERA)

Time: 7:05 p.m at Citizens Bank Park
TV:Comcast Sportsnet
Weather: Sunny, 83
Twitter: @philliesnation

A huge eighth inning rally helped lead the Phillies to a 7-5 victory over the New York Mets last night.  Tonight, the ball will be handed to Cole Hamels, who can hopefully go deep into tonight’s game after a rocky bullpen performance yesterday.  Hamels will be opposed by Johan Santana, who hasn’t had quite the year many expected, although still having a solid season.

In his career against the Mets, Cole Hamels has lacked support from his offense, falling 2-5, despite having an ERA in the threes.  On the other hand, Santana has gotten run support, posting a 4-2 record with an ERA above four in games against the Phillies.

Placido Polanco has the best numbers against Santana throughout his career.  He has a .386 average with a home run.  David Wright has the best numbers against Hamels, having a .345 average against him.

The Phillies look to continue their hot steak, both at home and on the road.  Even though this team is plagued with injuries, the replacement players are doing their part to help the team win. Good teams need non-star players to step it up in key situations.

Your Gameday Beer – Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA will do just fine. Not as powerful as its 90 or 120 minute older brothers, this IPA is hoppy but not overwhelming. It as a smooth, creamy and rich foundation with hints of citrus, pine and sweet malts. Eat some pizza with it today and get it delivered. – By Brian

Go Phillies!

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Winning Streak Stops at Eight

Posted by Amanda Orr, Fri, July 30, 2010 11:09 PM

All good things come to an end.  The Phillies’ eight game winning streak came to a halt as the Phillies fell 8-1 to the Washington Nationals.  The loss came on a night where Roy Oswalt made his anticipated Phillies debut, but could not live up to the expectations.

The loss was Oswalt’s 13th of the season, which leads the majors.  Nyjer Morgan greeted him with a lead-off triple, and eventually scored.  The Nationals did not look back. Oswalt did not get much help from his defense.  Craig Stammen laid down a poor bunt.  The Phillies should have been able to get the lead runner at third base, however nobody covered third as Carlos Ruiz’s throw sailed into left field.

Oswalt lasted six innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits, and two walks.  He struck out four and hit two batters.  Regardless, it was a very disappointing debut for Oswalt.  However, don’t call this trade a bust.  Oswalt still remains as one of the top pitchers in the game; he just had a rough night.  It happens to every pitcher.

The Phillies made Oswalt feel right at home with their lack of run support.  Oswalt’s offense averages 2.51 runs per game when he pitches.  The Phillies lone run came on a home run from Jayson Werth.  Stammen, who entered the game with an ERA over five, made hitters look silly.  The Phillies couldn’t do anything.

It’s always tough to lose to a last place team, but the streak wasn’t going to last forever.  The Phillies could build a new streak tomorrow, but they have to focus on one game at a time.

Here are some photos from the game:

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Gameday: Phillies (56-46) at Nationals (44-58)

Posted by Amanda Orr, Fri, July 30, 2010 06:30 PM

Philadelphia Phillies (56-46) at Washington Nationals (44-58)

Roy Oswalt (6-12, 3.43 ERA) vs. Craig Stammen (2-4, 5.50 ERA)

Time: 7:05, Nationals
Weather: Sunny, 85 Degrees
TV: CSN Philly
Follow Twitter here

The Phillies have put together a nice eight game winning streak, putting themselves ten games over .500.  It’s been awhile since the Phillies found themselves at that mark, but they are also closing in on the gap in the division and wild card (2.5 GB in the National League East; 1.5 GB in the Wild Card).  Now, they have another ace on the mound, and facing a very sweep-able last place team.  The Phillies even lucked out by not seeing Stephen Strasburg this series.  Things keep getting better and better.  Other teams should start to worry.

The last time the Phillies were in Washington, Roy Halladay made his Phillies debut.  Now, another Roy will be doing the same.  Newly acquired Roy Oswalt will make his first start as a Phillie, after waiving his no-trade clause in a trade that sent J.A Happ and two minor leaguers to Houston.

Oswalt is 6-12 this season, but don’t let that record fool you.  The Astros are not a good team, and failed to give Oswalt run support.  Hence why wins aren’t a good stat to use to determine how good a pitcher is.  Oswalt has a good ERA of 3.42 and WHIP of 1.11.  He averages about two walks, seven hits, and eight strikeouts per nine innings, having a respectable walks/strikeout ratio.  He does not surrender the long ball often.

Oswalt finished in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting five times in his ten-year career.  His repertoire consists of a fastball, curveball, changeup, and a slider.  His curveball is his best off-speed pitch.

On the flip side, Craig Stammen goes for Washington.  The 26-year old did not make it through six innings in his last five starts.  He has struggled heavily against the Phillies, having an ERA over 15 in two starts.

Nine in a row would be sweet for the Phillies.  Perhaps even sweeter because Roy Oswalt is a Phillie, and at a steal.

Your gameday beer: Yeah man. Here’s Dogfish 90 Minute IPA. The 90 Minute is a sterling beer, flavorful and not overly strong in taste. But it hits you, and it hits you hard. It’s 9 percent, so it gets you good after a few. Drink with caution. And eat some mussels with it. – By Tim
GO PHILLIES!

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