Phightins Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 the phillies are 7-0 in games that pedro starts. that is just crazy and he absolutely will pitch himself into the playoffs if he can continue to pitch even close to how he is now Well it isn't as simple as that. It will come down to him and Happ though. Only reason I think Pedro will wind up in the rotation and Happ will wind up in the bullpen is because of the uncertainty with Romero and Eyre. Great problem to have though. Five guys who can make great cases to be in a postseason rotation. Even Jamie Moyer has pitched well in long relief/his start yesterday. This team has not been this deep ever, I don't think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly3rs18 Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 it is a great problem to have i just think it would be really tough to start a rookie in the playoffs over a guy with as much experience as pedro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 it is a great problem to have i just think it would be really tough to start a rookie in the playoffs over a guy with as much experience as pedro Happ pitched in the postseason last year. I am leaning towards Pedro as well but just because I think Happ could be better used in the pen. I'd be totally confident with him starting too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Also, the magic number is down to 14 (meaning that any combination of Phillies wins and Marlins losses adding up to 14 will clinch the division). The Phillies open a 3 game series with the Nationals tomorrow, and the Marlins are in St. Louis for 3 starting tonight. Matchups for Nationals series:Tomorrow: Cliff Lee vs. Garrett MockWednesday: Joe Blanton vs. Livan HernandezThursday: Cole Hamels vs. JD Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog17k Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Also, the magic number is down to 14 (meaning that any combination of Phillies wins and Marlins losses adding up to 14 will clinch the division). The Phillies open a 3 game series with the Nationals tomorrow, and the Marlins are in St. Louis for 3 starting tonight. Matchups for Nationals series:Tomorrow: Cliff Lee vs. Garrett MockWednesday: Joe Blanton vs. Livan HernandezThursday: Cole Hamels vs. JD Martin You guys should sweep this series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 You guys should sweep this series. On paper yes. We probably should have swept them last week too and only got 2 of 3. Ya never know, that's the beauty of baseball I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 18, 2009 Report Share Posted September 18, 2009 Matchups for Braves series:Tonight: JA Happ vs. Tim HudsonTomorrow: Pedro Martinez vs. Javier VazquezSunday: Cliff Lee vs. Tommy Hanson This should be a tough series. The Phillies could deliver Atlanta the knock out blow, so you know the Braves will be fighting hard. We are facing three very tough pitchers too. It is nice to have Happ back though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 26 games over .500 for the first time since 1993, and an 8 game lead with 16 to play (up 9 in the loss column). The injury bug bit pretty bad tonight though. Happ appeared to have re-aggravated his oblique injury, but Kyle Kendrick saved the day and pitched four scoreless innings in relief. I have been shocked at how effective Kendrick has been, but I certainly hope Happ is alright. Also, Carlos Ruiz sprained his wrist. This is REALLY concerning, he is absolutely the unsung hero of this team and it will be difficult to survive without him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Add Ryan Howard to the injury list. He was hit by a pitch and stayed in the game, but his arm apparently got very sore and stiff after the game. He will probably be fine tomorrow but it's still up in the air. Also Happ is fine, they just took him out of the game for precautionary reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly3rs18 Posted September 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 (edited) Happ pitched in the postseason last year. I am leaning towards Pedro as well but just because I think Happ could be better used in the pen. I'd be totally confident with him starting too. happ pitched 3 innings in the playoffs i love happ, nothing against him at all, but i cant see him starting over pedro assuming pedro is pitching well Edited September 19, 2009 by fly3rs18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 happ pitched 3 innings in the playoffs i love happ, nothing against him at all, but i cant see him starting over pedro assuming pedro is pitching well I can. Pedro has been great but it still remains to be seen how his arm will hold up. He threw 130 pitches on Sunday, and 100+ the start prior. Since he got a late start he is currently in the equivalent to mid-May or so. In the next couple weeks we should find out exactly how much his arm can take with all that mileage and the recent rotator cuff surgery. If he reverts back to his 2008 form where we can only get 5 innings out of him, there is no way he can start in the postseason. But obviously if he keeps pitching like he has and can get deep into the game, he will clearly be in the postseason rotation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Pedro done after 3 with some sort of injury. Hooray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Couple bright spots to come out of this game. Clay Condrey finally got into a game, and looked pretty sharp. We need as many healthy bodies in that bullpen as possible. Also, Sergio Escalona came into a lefty-specialist situation and got Brian McCann out. If the playoffs were to start today, I'd bet that Escalona is on the roster. There is so much uncertainty about Eyre and Romero right now. Also, down 6-0 going into the ninth, they scored 4 and brought the go-ahead run to the plate against a very tough pitcher in Rafael Soriano. That is why it is so easy for me to love this team, even in defeat. They play with so much heart. Pedro Martinez left the game with a stiff neck. Did not really look serious so hopefully he is alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diesel Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Pedro was getting owned. I stopped watching after that [expletive] put them up 6-0. It was a disapointing follow-up for Pedro after that ownage game on ESPN in his last start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 He could not locate any of his breaking pitches tonight. Not sure if this was a result of overusing his arm last week in the 130 pitch game, who knows. He threw a couple 0-2 breaking balls that broke right over the center of the plate and they all got hit, which is what led to the runs being scored in the 2nd and 3rd. Also apparently he hurt his neck swinging the bat in the 2nd, so maybe that was contributing as well, who knows. Oh well, we still have a 7 game lead with 15 to play. Pretty good shape I'd say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Another series win and an 8 game lead with 14 to play. Magic number down to 6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Split the double header today. Magic number is down to 5. Tomorrow will be Cole Hamels vs. Rick VandenHurk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Apparently Ruiz is back in Philadelphia to get his wrist examined. [expletive]... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 At this point we just need to get to the ninth inning with a lead and pray for a miracle. Lidge cannot close, Madson cannot close, who knows if Myers, Romero or Park will be healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Magic number is at 4 (3 to eliminate Florida). Matchups for rest of Brewers series: Tonight: Cliff Lee vs. Manny ParraTomorrow: Pedro Martinez vs. Braden LooperSunday: Joe Blanton vs. Dave Bush Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 (edited) Also, apparently Charlie has considered using Happ at closer for the postseason. I think it's pretty clear now that one way or the other he will be in the pen for the playoffs, either as a lefty specialist should Romero/Eyre not be healthy, or potentially the closer. If one of Romero/Eyre can prove to be healthy and effective, Happ will not be needed for that role and he could possibly close. I'd say it's a long shot but who knows. They should be willing to try just about anything at this point. Also saw a writer suggest Tyler Walker for the role. I have actually thought he's the best remaining candidate for a long time now. Above average stuff, having a very solid year in a semi-mop up role (opponents hitting .215 against him), and most importantly experience closing (he was the Giants closer for a season). But what the hell, just give somebody new a shot. It can't be Lidge, it can't be Madson, and it remains to be seen whether Myers or Park will be healthy. Those are the 4 obvious "back of the bullpen" candidates, so it is time to try something new. Edited September 25, 2009 by Phightins09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Pedro has been scratched from tomorrow's start. Kyle Kendrick to take his place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 26, 2009 Report Share Posted September 26, 2009 The Brewers are playing totally bush league. Corey Hart is the main reason I am saying this actually. Going out of his way to deck Paul Bako last night, stealing 2nd late in a blow out, staring down Cliff Lee after a HBP that was blatantly unintentional. He is really doing his best to look like a dick this series. Also, they are probably worse than the Mets when it comes to stupid celebrations after every play. I would probably despise this team if the Phillies had to play them more than twice a year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phightins Posted September 27, 2009 Report Share Posted September 27, 2009 Phew....that game had disaster written all over it. Magic number down to 3. Madson actually looked really good in the 9th. He gave up a double to Fielder but it was not a bad pitch. If he can take hold of the closers role this week, that will be huge heading into October. Matchups for Astros series:Tomorrow: Cole Hamels vs. Yorman BazardoTuesday: JA Happ vs. Wilton LopezWednesday: Cliff Lee vs. Brian MoehlerThursday: Pedro Martinez vs. Felipe Paulino Sounds like none of these are set in stone though, for either side. Apparently Pedro can pitch in any of these, depending on when he feels good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diesel Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 Phillies = Astro's slaves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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