Game chat: Phils host Mets in first of four at CBP

Left-hander J.A. Happ (0-0, 0.00) gets the call when the Phillies clash with Johan Santana (7-7, 3.01) and the rival Mets. First pitch is 7:05. The Phillies (47-39) lead New York (42-43) by 4.5 games in the National League East standings. Santana has not won a game since June 1, but has been the recipient almost no run support. Happ makes his first start since his recall from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he was 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA and 104 strikeouts, which led the International League.

Transaction: To make room for Happ on the 25-man, the Phillies optioned R.J. Swindle back to Lehigh Valley.

Comments

[CJ]

In our last 15 games against Atlanta, we are 11-4. In our last 15 games against NY, we are 10-5. It's nice to see the Phils step it up since the 2nd half of last year against our top division rivals. Hopefully that continues tonight!

[bay_area_phan]

Andy: From the last thread. Thanks. I wasn't sure whether catcher's interference counted as an earned or unearned run. I just went ahead & used it in my example, figuring that everyone would get my point, regardless of whether it was technically accurate. I also knew that, if I was wrong about catcher's interference, someone would quickly correct me.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

BAP,

Arroyo back on your trade possibility list (or was that MG pushing him previously?)?

[cc]

do the phils have the prospects to actually get cc? i feel like no, especially with what milwaukee can offer

[Bedrosian's Beard]

I can't imagine Milwaukee NOT getting CC, at this point.

[nails]

anyway the phils can throw some crap at the indians like the mets did to the twins and hope it works out?

[cc]

anyway the phils can throw some crap at the indians like the mets did to the twins and hope it works out?

[CJ]

Bed Beard: I would certainly agree that Milwaukee is a favorite to get him... IF they're willing to part with some of their awesome position prospects.

The Phils have also scouted Burnett and Bedard. Should be interesting...

[bay_area_phan]

BB: Since MG isn't here to defend himself, I will do it for him. It was I, not MG, who foolishly proposed a trade for Arroyo. But his 1-inning, 10-run meltdown definitely changed my mind. The last thing we need in our starting rotation is another high-priced, under-achieving head case.

[nails]

cj: considering what seattle gave up for bedard, it will take a lot to get him. phils don't have a guy like jones in the system. would certainly be nice for the phils, but i don't see it happening

[mike cunningham]

@CJ -- I guess we'll agree to disagree. But I don't think the Phillies will want to pay big league money to Myers while he's in AAA beyond this month.

[bay_area_phan]

Milwaukee was my WC pick in our pre-season Beerleaguer poll, and that's looking like a good prediction (a lot better than my "Bronson Arroyo will turn it around" prediction, anyhow). Even if they don't get CC, I like the Brewers to overtake St. Louis. If they do land CC, they will be very dangerous playoff opponents. Imagine if Gallardo hadn't torn his ACL. A trio of CC, Sheets & Gallardo would very likely be the best in baseball.

[CJ]

nails: Not entirely true. The Mariners made a bad deal... but at some point, they might decide to cut their losses and try to get as many prospects as possible for him. There is NO WAY they'll get equal value to what they gave away.

mike: Yeah, we'll have to see. There's simply no urgency to get him back to the majors. He's getting paid no matter where he is, and the relatively small amount Happ will make in Myers' place won't break the bank.

[pmall317]

I thought I read somewhere that Myers only agreed to go down to AAA because the Phils promised not to keep him there longer than 20 days. If he stayed over 20 days it would affect his Major League service time. IF that is true then the Phils will have to decide what to do with him pretty quickly.

[nails]

i think what works against the phils is that seattle doesn't need to trade him, especially when his value is down. i assume burnett and cc are much more likely to go

[Brian]

Good luck tonight to Happ! I think his cutter is a bit better than everyone is giving him credit for. Lets go Phitins

[Erik Bedard]

Please trade for me. I am on a terrible team and I hate my teammates. I promise to win you the World Series. I love Chase Utley.

[rocky]

howard eskin on 610 said,that the phillies last week talk to cleveland.there was no interest on cleveland part with any combination of donald,cardenas,carrasco,or myers.

[WillyFromPhilly]

Howard Eskin?? LOL

[Jon]

Nice to see the Phils playing better now that they are back in the NL. Hamels is a beast and Utley and Howard are coming back to life.

RSB will be happy to know that I am off the Manuel bashing for now. Of course, that could change if we screw things up this series. The Phils need to at worst split the four game series, however winning 3 of 4 or a sweep would be ideal (especially with this series being at home).

[DanTheMan]

don't suppose any other teams will be at the game to scout Happp tonight?

[Jon]

I still think Bedard is the better pitcher to get. Plus he is signed through next season. To me, that makes more sense and makes him more valuable. Hopefully Gillick has enough to get him.

[PhillR]

Phillies don't have what it takes to get Sabbathia. The Brewers and Yankees are in it, and I am guessing that TB may take a shot at him. Only after the Brewers, Red Sox, TB and Yankees pass will the Phillies be talked to, at which point they will still be up against the Cubs.

Of course they probably don't need him to win the division. The Mets are comitted to .500 and the Marlins will fade fast. Atlanta, well they are clearly irrelevant now.

That said, CJ, the Phillies are 2-4 against the Mets this year. I would say they have yet to step it up against h2h this year. If they beat Santanna tonight, well, that would say something wouldnt it?

[Hibachi]

I agree with Jon that Bedard is the pitcher to get. On the point of the Mariners not wanting to admit their mistake, The Mariners brought Bedard in because they thought they were going to win right now. That certainly isn't the way it's working out.

That said, I'm watching Bedard right now against the Tigers and he walked the bases loaded last inning. He did not seem too motivated on the mound and seemed to be trying to do too much with his pitches. But, with his struggles from this season aside, the way he pitched to end last season was very impressive and even if he did not pitch that well he would still be a solid addition.

[THe Dude]

only prospect rich teams like Milwaukee, Tampa or Arizona will get Sabathia. THey have the most to give up prospect wise. Brewers have a whole roster of position players batting over .300 with speed and power at AA. Brewers have to make the playoffs this year so I would guess they will make a push for him in the next two weeks.

BTW - Rick Schu sighting last night in Arizona in that comeback against the Brewers. You can see him running from the dugout and beating up on another coach's shoulder when the winning run is scored.

[THe DUde]

one reason we wouldn't be interested in Bedard...his insistence to be pulled around 100 pitches...just watch today he's up to 100 pitches through 4 innings...He'll only go five innings at the most today. On the other hand, he's ground ball pitcher that doesn't give up many HR's so that would be a + in CBP.

[CJ]

Re: Bedard

He's been awfully shaky today, but he's still struck out 6 and he's only given up one run (on a solo homer) through 5 innings.

[phargo]

Poor RJ Swindle.

[CJ]

Tell that to R.J.'s bank account.

[PhillR]

Is Bedard really to be avoided because he wants to protect his arm? The guy works hard and is not far removed from surgery. Sounds like a reasonable plan to me.

[THe DUde]

I still say Oswalt is the guy that would fit the best. We don't need another lefty starter (Bedard/Wolf/Sabathia) with two already in the rotation. We have a good relationship with the Astros as evidenced by a few big deals done in recent years. Plus he's under contract for the next few years so we don't have to worry about a rental player.

[Iceman]

Just want to go on record that I'm feeling a magical game tonight at CBP. Happ's got his chance to shine, and I think he'll seize on it.

In other news, on ESPN Olney seemed to be pretty bullish on the Brewers dealing for CC very soon. If that's the case, Bedard is looking more realistic.

[CJ]

The Dude: Sorry, I just don't trust the declining stats for Roy Oswalt. I can't imagine we'd get our money's worth for him.

[PhillR]

Oswalt is pretty clearly in a serious decline. I would avoid him.

[PhillR]

How is the weather for tonight in Philly?

[Jobbers]

Line ups

J Reyes SS
E Chavez RF
D Wright 3B
C Beltran CF
C Delgado 1B
D Easley 2B
R Castro C
C Aquila LF
J Santana P

J Werth RF
C Utley 2B
J Rollins SS
R Howard 1B
P Burrel LF
P Feliz 3B
S Victorino CF
C Coste C
J A Happ P

[Jobbers]

Interesting line-up, what do you guys think? What are Cholly's reasons for this line-up against Santana?
Though here in the UK it is time for my bed so I look forward yto your comments in the morning

[Andy]

b-a-p:
While catcher's interference always brings me great joy, correcting you is worth so much more.

[Jobbers]

I also noticed USA Today are reporting that the Braves have sent Francoeur down to AA, one level lower than Jason recommended!

[Andy]

Jobbers -
I'm thinking "bizarre" would be a better choice of adjectives.

[jhart]

I was going to say the fact that Oswalt is under contract is what scares the hell out of me.

I still don't think the Phillies are going to come away with any help, even though I would greatly welcome Bedard. If we're competing against 5-6 teams for 2 pitchers, I can't see us winning either battle if the press and the smart money says that our farm system doesn't compete with the other potential suitors.

Although, I find myself in "the window is shorter than we think" camp, I don't know what is truly out there for the Phillies to get when you realistically consider the competition. We need not get ourselves overly optimistic for trade deadline. These things tend to get over hyped. Fuentes or Marte is the likely scenario for our team if anything happens at all.

No matter with all this trade talk. Let's get at this evening.

[THe DUde]

i hate to tell you guys, but that is typically when a team will part with its ACE, when he's either in decline or in a walk year. Since the phils never have enough prospects to get a guy in a walk year they always settle for a guy in a slight decline.

THis being said, I don't see Oswalt as being in a serious decline. Last year his ERA was 3.18 and this year its only 4.60 and he's only a few years removed from some really great seasons. He's a horse and still averaging 6 1/3 innings per start.

[Andy]

For the pitcher-to-be-named-later (and traded for later, too) my vote is for Burnett.

I'd be afraid that Gillick would trade the farjm for Bedard, hoping that 1) the Phils would do well this year and that b) the Mariners would reap the benefits of an over-loaded trade later, when he's a partial owner. (I'm sure his ethics would prevent such a move, of course.) (Mostly sure anyway.) (Sort of sure?)

[Jobbers]

Andy: Combination of British reserve and less baseball knowledge than you guys.

[jhart]

* Let's get at "it" this evening (i.e. the game). Geez.

To add substance to this post, I'll never forget last year during game number 2 of the season it was opening night/college night/dollar dog night and Frenchy was in right field getting tube steaks thrown at him.

At the end of the game he turned around and waved like a smart-ass (justified at the time).

So, since everything that comes around goes around, Jeff, I'll wave right back at you.

[Andy]

Jobbersw
You're selling yourself short. I'd go for the "reserve" thing and forget the other.

[CJ]

Very interesting lineup.

It separates Chase and Howard, which is good since the Mets have plenty of lefties in the bullpen. It also spreads out the speed giving this team lots of ways to score. I promise not to second guess Charlie on the lineup no matter how it turns out.

[curt]

Hasn't Jimmy made it pretty clear both last year and this that he doesn't perform well at #3?

[PhillR]

Weather.com says rain shows in Philly soon. Bummer.

[CJ]

WEather is a good thing, right?

Get Santana out on the mound, then get a delay or even a postponement... ruins their ace, right?

[PhillR]

Am I wrong that thinking a rain delay in the 3rd or 4th would really favor the Phillies?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Is this really Happ-ening?

[bay_area_phan]

Showers would be fine with me -- ideally a 3-hour rain delay after the first inning, which forces the Mets to remove Santana from the game & leaves him unavailable for the rest of the series.

[Andy]

Parker -
Happ-y days are here again?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

BAP:

Your Brew Crew: Don't forget Manny Parra. That guy has been lights out in his last 5 starts.

[Andy]

b-a-p:
I'd want it a bit later. I trust our bullpen, just not for eight innings.

[bay_area_phan]

This guy doesn't mess around. It's like watching Jim Kaat pitch, with how quickly he works.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Happ seems kind of jacked up right now.

[denny b.]

JA's already done a lot better than last year.

He gave up 3 in the first (with 2 HR's).

Settle down, and give them 5 strong innings. That's probably all Cholly is looking for.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

The "Gut" obviously brought its game tonight.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

BS on the call at 1st. (On initial viewing)

[clout]

The pitch Wright popped out on was Happ's cutter, which is most effective when he's ahead in the count as he was on Wright. It's got good break but his command of it isn't so hot.

Happ looked like he was overthrowing a bit at first but getting Wright was key and he set that up with a called first strike at the knees. He should be a little more relaxed in the 2nd.

[clout]

denny b: Happ was pitching hurt last season. Huge difference.

[bay_area_phan]

I can see why Happ gets a lot of strikeouts, despite lacking great velocity. He has a nice easy delivery & the ball seems to jump out of his hand.

[clout]

BAP: And he moves it all around the zone.

[flipper]

I like the way JA carries himself on the mound. I guess you might call it his "Happ-in-stance."

[bay_area_phan]

And seemingly out of the zone, as well.

[Andy]

Gotta wonder if the AAA strike zone is a lot higher or if he's just so juiced he's overthrowing.

[johnnysanz3]

He hit 92 on the radar gun on tv. That's decent velocity.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I wonder if Delgado voiced any objection to having the American Flag on his cap? Is he still refusing to stand for the National Anthem?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I like the way the Happster pitches. Of course he immediately surrenders a hit as I'm typing that. Damn jinx.

[Andy]

He's gotta start throwing first pitch strikes. Or even second pitch...

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Andy: In a fight between Manuals,' who you got?

Great play Werthian!!!

[johnnysanz3]

Great catch by Werth, made it look really easy too.

[bay_area_phan]

Happ's numbers so far this year:

ERA: 0.00
ERA+: infinity
BAA: .143
WHIP: 1.00

I think Parker needs to add a new name to his Top 10 list.

[flipper]

Can I assume that Parker has hit all the "Werth" puns earlier in the season?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

flipper: Whatever would give you that idea?

[flipper]

Lowest form of humor, Parker, lowest form of humor.

[curt]

Happ can't keep pitching behind and expect to get away with it. Nice to see he can offspeed stuff over on fastball counts.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

I don't think anyone has used "Werther's Original." I was saving that one for a special occasion. (Probably should have been used in the 3 HR game).

[birds]

Feliz really does have a hard time saying no, doesn't he?

[Andy]

Phils are really trying to save Santana's arm. He might be able to start two games in this series.

[curt]

Santana well on the way to a complete game.

[TK]

What a crap inning that was. Take some pitches maybe?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Clout: Did you say anything about Happ having a curveball earlier? I thought I saw a pretty good one a few innings ago, although I don't think that he has thrown it since.

[phargo]

The name Happ has brought on some real pun-ishment here.

[bay_area_phan]

In case anyone cares, Benson is getting bombed again at AAA.

[Andy]

Parker -
Just remember: if you're gonna make plays on words, you gotta be sure to get your Wordswerth.

[denny b.]

The 4th should be a tough inning for Happ.

Better get something going here (and make Santana work a little in the process).

Hasn't always been sharp, but those were 3 pretty good innings of pitching.

[phargo]

Now I'm feeling put-a-pun.

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

Andy: Lol

I really hope Chris Aguila "Monster" doesn't do anything tonight.

[Bill]

Rain would get Santana off the mound and really even up our chances tonight. Although Happ looks good so far!

http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/phightin_phils_phorum

http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/turnpike_series

[Andy]

For Happ's AB, strike three was actually ball two. Selective strike zone tonight.

[Andy]

Parker - on the Managerial rumble, I'd have to believe that the two would be in different weight classes. I'd have to give the edge to Cholly's gut (plus, he'd probably have a Bowie knife secreted somewhere).

[Andy]

phargo - I thought you were at this game tonight. You texting from the Zen?

[Inside/Outside the Parker]

It is early yet, but I like this Happ character better than that Myers guy.

[phargo]

Hi Andy-

No, I will be there tomorrow to see PopPop pitch. I'm in Fargo, I'm packed, the litterboxes are changed, the camera is charged, now I'm just waiting and hoping.

[bay_area_phan]

He is looking really solid. Now if our offense would stop looking so Happ-hazard.

[Jim]

Another nice inning for Happ - the offense better help the kid out here

[Andy]

b-a-p:
You meant to say that Happ's ERA+ is ∞

A very Happ-ealling fourth there.