Game chat: Lousy weather threatens doubleheader

The chances of precipitation will increase throughout the day in Denver, where the Phillies are scheduled to play two, starting with Roy Halladay (6-1, 1.45) and Aaron Cook (1-3, 6.03) at 3:10 ET.

News: Brad Lidge was sent back to Philadelphia to have his sore elbow examined, according to reports. In hindsight, that’s where he should have stayed with the first sign of discomfort. Lidge started experiencing tightness Sunday night following the Atlanta game, but it didn’t become clear to the Phillies until Monday. It’s not enough that Lidge continues to break down; there’s always some minor annoyance like this that seems to come with it. Considering the forecast; was there even the slightest chance for Lidge to get on the field this series? If the Phillies had been in Philadelphia and not Denver, they may have already made the call to 25-year-old Scott Mathieson; he’s already on the 40-man roster and has been a star in the Lehigh Valley bullpen. ... Lineups are posted for Game 1: Phillies go with the same group. Troy Tulowitzki has been scratched by the Rox because of the low temperatures.

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Comments

[Kevin from Macho Row]

Simple solution. Pla one game today and set up the second game as part of a double header in Philadelphia when the Rockies come to town. Who would have a problem with that???

[pblunts]

So...our closer for the playoffs is:

A. Contreras
B. Mathieson, if Contreras breaks down
C. Somebody we trade for
D. Scrap heap, e.g. John Smoltz

Thoughts?

[Zudok]

MLB should have required these guys to do a retractable dome. Same for the Twins.

[Bedrosian's Beard]

Let's worry about May/June/July/August/September, before we worry about our playoff closer.

I'm thankful for Lidge's 2008 season and I think he's a good guy (from all I've heard), but I don't think I ever want to hear from him again. There's always something with him. His contract is and will be an albatross (for another year).

[Sophist]

Zudok - I think you mean they should have required city and state taxpayers to fork $100M over for the retractable dome. I don't see MLB doing that.

[greysFan]

I also am losing all hope re Lidge—and I am a pretty optimistic guy (especially for a Phillies fan). I'm starting to have the fantasy that maybe Contreras can have a new and better career as a reliever. Dennis Eckersly was nearly 33 when he made the switch and it worked pretty well for him. I know. Contreras is more like 39, but I just turned 60 and keep hearing that 60 is the new 50, so maybe 39 is the new 32. I know. Eck was a better starter than Contreras too, but maybe if he grew a nice handlebar mustache...

[Deutsche Phan]

JW - Thanks for the "Jump to newest comments" in the game chats. Extremely helpful!

[CJ]

I'm oddly content with the idea of Contreras as a starter. He's got filthy stuff and a good fastball. If he continues to demonstrate the kind of control he's showed off so far, I think he could be very good in the closer role.

Of course, that could make the 8th more of an issue if Baez continues to inconsistent, but when Madson comes back, he could slide back into the 8th inning role in which he's thrived the last three seasons.

[CJ]

Good news! Aumont had 8 Ks in 4.2 IP today. I'll let bap give you the bad news...

[Unikruk]

I'm sorry, could someone explain the Tulo scratch?

[thephaithful]

I thought contreras was at least 50 but his 97mph fastball says otherwise.

I am still in Lidge's camp. I think our team's ability to win a lot of games without him will give him that chance to fully fix whatever his elbow may bring him.

[GTown_Dave]

Unikruk: Sore R. Quad. I read he tested it today, but still doesn't feel ready to come back. An MRI came back negative (which is, you know, positive ... for him).

[EastFallowfield]

In case you missed it from the last thread:

Charlie Manuel, on why teams accuse the Phillies of stealing signs: "Because we beat them. That’s why. What the hell? Keep crying."

[bay_area_phan]

Speaking of Aumont, the Mariners have been playing lousy baseball & could be sellers at the trade deadline. With his expiring contract, Cliff Lee would almost certainly be their marquee trading piece. I wonder if we could trade 3 prospects -- say, Aumont, Ramirez, & Gillies -- to get him.

[GTown_Dave]

RE: Lidge

Beerleaguer Optimists - "We'll get him when he comes back!"

GTown - "He's not comin' back." (... at least not in a form resembling his "Lights Out" heyday.)

(tosses his Lidge tee into the surf; begins speculating on possible new Closers)

[GBrettfan]

Zudok, there are more sunny days in CO than there are in Philly. It's a very arid climate. Weather can be unpredictable and crazy, but I doubt snow and rain affect too many games there. Temps are usually better there this time of year, too. (And better here, too, for that matter.) That said, a retractable (and expensive) roof would help everywhere!

[RodeoJones]

I'd think if Lidge goes down Tony Bastard would be back up. It's not like Romero is really lighting the world on fire as a lefthander.

I'd like to see both Tony B. and Scott Mathieson up this year though, if for no other reason then to determine what they can be counted on for next year because it looks like the bullpen will be built from scratch in 2011.

[curt]

bap - Have already suggested that a couple of times, but I'm afraid Rube's good buddy in Seattle would simply laugh.

[GTown_Dave]

The mere mention of the Mets got Manuel going.

“Somebody maybe ought to check the Mets if they did that,” Manuel said. “Their [bleeping] home record is out of this world and they’re losing on the road. Sometimes that’s a good indicator of getting signs and [crap]. I see somebody setting there at (14-7) at home and (4-8) on the road, I’d get concerned about that. That kind of crosses my mind.

“I’m not accusing them, but you look at that and – damn. We’re about the same home and road. I’m just saying their record is much better at home and they hit better.”

Manuel was asked why he believed teams had made accusations against the Phils.

“Because we beat ‘em. That’s why. What the hell, keep cryin'’’ he said.

Charlie Manuel, Mets Fan

[bay_area_phan]

Halladay is this year's Pedro; it seems like every time he pitches, rain threatens to interrupt the game. Fortunately, I don't think it has happened yet, but I always get nervous that he's going to pitch 3 innings, then get interrupted by a 2-hour rain delay which ends his day.

[bay_area_phan]

curt: Well, if those 3 prospects constituted equal value for Lee back in December, they should constitute more than equal value in June or July, since we'd only be getting a half season of Lee instead of the full season that Seattle was getting. But just to up the ante a little, perhaps we could throw in Wilson Valdez.

[The Theory]

Charlie Manuel quotes are pure gold. Thanks for the link, Dave, et al.

[GreysFan]

Gotta say, gives me goosebumps to hear Charlie talk like that.

[thephaithful]

Charlie is the man.

[thephaithful]

why are we not drilling carlos gonzalez every AB?

[Sophist]

Rockies are playing for a 5 inning game

[dan]

did the rockies just bunt with their 3-hitter, two on and no outs? sheeeesh

[R.Billingsly]

2nd and 3rd, 1 out. I'll be surprised if both runs score. Halladay seems to buckle down when he needs to.

[Spitz]

If Seattle indeed is out of it and wants to trade Lee, it will be interesting to see who is on the market. Fortunately, the Red Sox and Yanks have more than enough pitching

[R.Billingsly]

Dan: Thus is the power of Roy Halladay. Amazing what he does to other teams, isn't it?

[Noah]

I heard after getting that one run the Rockies' bullpen coach was doing a rain dance, that bush league level cheating.

[GTown_Dave]

R.Billingsly: Could also be because the Rockies figure it's gonna rain again, & they want to get a run on the board as fast as possible.

[R.Billingsly]

2 hits and a BB? The Rockies are stealing signs! Check their 'pen.

[dan]

Billingsley: Yeah, I'm watching on gamecast and didn't realize it was Melvin Mora who was their three hitter. I would have bunted too.

[R.Billingsly]

GTownDave: I get it. Only top of the first, though. If it's Kendrick on the hill, they may try their luck and score a few. Still have to play 5, right?

[R.Billingsly]

Dan: I'm a GameDayer, as well. It's tough, ain't it?

I should just go watch the game somewhere. It's not as if I'm getting a ton accomplished while going back-and-forth from GameDay to BL.

[Bubba]

40 degrees = hittin' season.

C'mon Phils - score a dozen runs on these cry babies.

[GTown_Dave]

R.Billingsly: No doubt. I'm not saying I agree, just offering a possible explanation.

[dan]

It is rough. I'd watch but I'm at work right now. This, and trying to follow the Europa League Final (I don't expect many on here to know much about that). It gets difficult.

[Spitz]

So the Phils are playing a day night double header with a 23 man roster (with Castro unavailable and Lidge on his way back to Philly)? It would be nice to get a rain out for the second game...

[Hope SE]

Dan: is Dempsey playing?

[dan]

Hope SE: Dempsey started on the bench. Good bet to come on next half. 1-1 at the half.

[GBrettfan]

Anyone else think the runner beat the tag on that caught stealing?

[dan]

On a side note, Roy needs to start hitting the baseball.

[GTown_Dave]

GBrettfan: I do.

[p. Red]

Hope SE: Didn't start, it's half time so we'll see if he gets in.

[dan]

I'm impressed. Some footy fans on here. Anyone going to South Africa and want to meet up there for a Phils game?

[MG]

Valdez is starting so I guess that Castro is still unable to start.

Makes no sense why the Phils continue to do this the past few years where they keep a guy on the roster who is banged up and play 7-10 days short-handed as a result.

[Spitz]

Its stupid MG. And since Castro played on Monday, he can't be put on the DL retroactively.

[MG]

Spitz - I was thinking the exact same thing. Yeah they have an off-day tomorrow but I would like them to ask Amaro why they have had a tendency to do this the past few years.

Really better to play a man short for 7-10 days than not possibly have Castro available for 5-6 days?

[Malcolm]

Ah, Aaron Cook has a 6.03 ERA. Today, however, is he facing the Phillies. Cy Cook it is.

[GTown_Dave]

Halladay: 26AB, 2R, 4H, 1RBI, 0BB, 0GDP

Valdez: 34AB, 3R, 5H, 3RBI, 0BB, 5GDP

[Hope SE]

Dan: Can't make it to SA, but I guess there are still a lot of tickets available.

[p. Red]

dan: I wish. What did you think about Bradley's roster selections? I feel real bad for Davies. Guy was busting it to be ready in time. It's a shame.

[GTown_Dave]

dan: I wish. Some of my relatives spent a month or so there in '08; said it's a beautiful place. Have fun!

[bay_area_phan]

This certainly won't go down in the history books as one of Roy Halladay's banner days.

[holy mackerel]

why dis the 3rd inning for colorado start exactly like the 1st?

[R.Billingsly]

Deja vu?

[holy mackerel]

50 pitches in the 3rd inning? Is he taking lesson from HAmels?

[Spitz]

BAP, hopefully this performance is neither due to the cold or nerves (since he is pitching in his hometown for the first time), since he will have to both the cold and nerves in the playoffs!

[bake]

This game is my fault, because earlier I said to a co-worker, while looking at the pitching match-up, "Why even bother to play this one? The Rocks should just forfeit and they should play the second game." Please don't tell Uncle Charlie, 'cause I don't want him cussin' at me.

[Colin_K]

Dan, I was hoping to come on here at read updates about the Phils early start, I didn't think I'd be seeing updates about my beloved Fulham! Thanks! I was hoping not to spoil it for myself and watch when I got home!

Anyway, good to see others interested in the Europa League final (and to an extent, Fulham). I've been a follower since the 00-01 season, I was across the sea for a semester and went to a game at the Cottage and fell in love. They were on their way to promotion that year and I've followed ever since.

It also helps that a plethora of Americans have suited up for them over the years, most notably Brian McBride and Clint.

[bay_area_phan]

Way too many base runners & way too many pitches. But at least he escapes.

Unfortunately, our paper-thin bullpen is not going to get to take this first game off.

[GTown_Dave]

Look at the Big Man fly!

Or at least lumber swiftly.

:-)

[HammRadio]

i think werth is on pace to hit 98 doubles...

[Noah]

Werth is 8 doubles away from matching his total for all of last year.

[Cipper]

on pace for 88, 21 more than the single season record.

[holy mackerel]

that's more like Cy Cook...

[GTown_Dave]

F*ckin' Valdez! He's poisoning Chooch's bat!

[Colin_K]

Anybody else want to donate a few coins to the Bearded Piggy Bank (thanks to zoowithroy for the visual!)?

[Spitz]

Gtown, I dont think Valdez has ever hit a ball that hard in his life.

[GTown_Dave]

Spitz: It starts off w/ a hard-hit grounder to the left side, & soon becomes a never-ending series of weak, softly rolling grounders to the left side. Insidious, Exxon is.

[Ben]

Was Ibanez safe?

[holy mackerel]

GIDP for CHOOCH

I expected better, You are right Gtown Dave - He's gotten Valdez DP-ITIS

[GTown_Dave]

"If you publicly berate him enough, he will produce."*

*Does not apply to Adam Eaton.

[GTown_Dave]

"If you publicly berate him enough, he will produce."*

*Does not apply to Adam Eaton.

[Ben]

Ok saw replay...guess not

[bay_area_phan]

Wilson Valdez does his best work when it's impossible to hit into a DP.

[Sophist]

MG - Castro may be not ready to start on a day like today (and notice what's happened with Ruiz and Mora, and COL's not playing Tulo either), but that doesn't mean the Phils are shorthanded. Manual will probably play him as a sub. Valdez is probably just a better option to start all things considered.

[Bob]

Geez,

now Ruiz hurt? When does it end?

[Noah]

Well this is bad.

[Spitz]

Oh boy...just listening on the radio, but is Chooch hurt?

[krukker]

Oh no, now Chooch is leaving the game :(

[curt]

All of a sudden ML players are made of fine china.

[holy mackerel]

chooch is hurt>?>>>???

sh*t!!!

[HammRadio]

@MG - still think we'll be okay with out Ruiz?

[GTown_Dave]

Once Schneider got hurt it was only a matter of time before Chooch went down. This blows.

[R.Billingsly]

What happened to Ruiz? Is he hurt badly? Or is it precautionary?

[GBrettfan]

Wilson Valdez must have a raincloud over his head. He finally gets a hit, and Ruiz hurts himself running on the play.

Now we have Paul Hoover catching the rest of the day/night. Ugh.

[bay_area_phan]

Oh great. Paul Hoover, the Phillies' new starting catcher.

And if Ruiz were to go on the DL, I have absolutely no idea who would be the next call-up. Probably someone not currently in the organization (read: Paul Bako).

[holy mackerel]

ToddZolecki Carlos Ruiz left the game in the 4th with an apparent leg injury. That leaves Paul Hoover as the only catcher on the Phils' roster.

[Sophist]

Hoover was scheduled to start the night game anyway. Let's just hope it's nothing serious with Ruiz.

[p. Red]

WTF? I guess we're the 2009 Mets when it comes to injuries this year.

[bake]

So the backup is now . . . Jayson Werth?

[ThinkRed]

Highlight of Paull Hoover's career to this point: catching Roy Halladay.

[UD Hens]

oh crap

[Voice of Reason]

Gameday here -- what happened to panama red?

[joe l]

Do the Phils carry equip large enough for Werth? Who is the emergency catcher in the this instance?

[donc]

Was fishing in the north woods for the last 4 days. What happened to Schneider? This sucks. Does anyone have Paul Bako's number?

[Jack]

Sometimes injuries just get you. Looks like its the Phillies year. I do find it funny all the people who refused to say that injuries played a part in the Mets struggles last year, now complaining about the Phillies injuries this year. It works both ways, people.