2008 vs. 2009: Through 115 games
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2008 vs. 2009: Through 115 games
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
I was interested to see how this Phillies team stacks up with last year's. Right now they are 66-49 with a 4.5 game lead in the National League East. Last year they were 62-53 with a one game lead in the NL East.
Here are some more comparisons:
1) In 2008, they were hitting .255/.333/.439 with 159 home runs and averaging 4.9 runs, 8.8 hits, and 3.4 extra base hits per game. In 2009 they are hitting .257/.334/.446 with 162 home runs and averaging 5.2 runs, 8.9 hits, and 3.6 extra base hits per game.
2) In 2008, they were averaging 6.8 strikeouts and 3.7 walks per game. In 2009, they are averaging 7.2 strikeouts and 3.7 walks per game.
3) In 2008, they were 92/108 on stolen base attempts (85.2 percent). In 2009 they are 81/101 (80.2 percent) on stolen base attempts.
4) In 2008, they had a 3.94 ERA and were holding opponents to a .259 average while allowing an average of 4.3 runs, 8.9 hits, 1.0 home runs and 3.0 extra base hits per game. In 2009, they have a 4.26 ERA and are holding opponents to a .264 average while allowing an average of 4.5 runs, 9.2 hits, 1.2 home runs and 3.1 extra base hits per game.
5) In the 15 games since Cliff Lee made his first start as a Phillie, they have a 3.33 ERA and are holding opponents to a .257 average while allowing an average of 3.7 runs, 8.7 hits, 0.5 home runs, and 2.2 extra base hits per game. In games 101-115 last year they had a 3.87 ERA and held opponents to a .256 average while allowing 4.7 runs, 8.7 hits, 0.9 home runs and 2.8 extra base hits per game.
I found this posting about lousy seasons for closers http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/shouldnt-a-closer-you-know-close/ Looking at Lidge's 2009 stats thus far, with his ERA+ of 58.9 (his ERA 7.21, league ERA 4.25) this season could stack up as one of the worst, if not the worst closer season of all time. Smoltz a possibility?— doctorj- I think the most telling stat is this: Last year, they lost not one game when leading after 8 innings. This year, I can think of at least SEVEN games they have blown in the same scenario. If we had last year's Brad Lidge, the Phils would be 73-42, with the best record in baseball. The team is better. One player is worse.— twothousandeight
- for all of you who are posting, "If his, then that" pieces, here's one for you: "If my grandmother had balls she's be my grandfather" it's about as relevent as your posts. This is this year. Last year's gone. Let's concentrate of repeating and not reliving the past— fan_in_jerusalem
- Just like Mike DICK - NUMBERS LIE! PK— PhillyTheKid
Comment removed.- P Even...that was a very dumb comment. how can you argue their 4.5 game lead has more to do with the division, when their record is a full four games better this year that it was at this point last year? Last year they had a one game lead at this point, which means that technically, if they had the same record this year, they'd be a half game up....threfore the competition is actually BETTER this year.— djacobs5582
- Hidden in here is the Raul effect. Had Ruben messed that move up, the Phil's O stats could have taken a big step back... even with Pat's inconsistency. Of course, the Lidge concern overshadows this significantly.— randy_w
- Your numbers fit what is witnessed on the field so far. The addition of Ibanez offense and Feliz having a better then expected year at the plate is the two biggest reasons for the changes. Werth playing everyday has equaled last years HR total with a month an 1/2 to play. The biggie is what a lousy year we have had on the base paths. Not just stolen bases but mistakes that should never happen to major leaguers. I've seen about 8 double plays involving Home this year and I can't remember a one last year. One thing you can't measure is players who do not execute properly and that is a big difference between then and now.— Wally 24
- Good stats, but you could have made it easier on the reader. Now just compare how they are doing in close games and I'll feel better. Somehow, I don't think they're doing too well with Lidges 8 blown saves and Madson's 2.— 46 and 2
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- When it takes Hamels 111 pitches to finish 6 innings, and I'm aware of the reason why, than why in the world are they yanking Blanton at 108 in the 8th after he strikes out the side? When a starter is rolling let him pitch. In that game the score was 12-2 and Lidge wasn't getting a save anyhow. They need to take the pitch counters and stick them where the sun don't shine. Watch the pitcher and the hitters and that will tell you what you need to know. I think there is a certain amount of CYA going on there with those counters so they have something to tell the boss.— Wally 24
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- Blogs are pure journalism. They are used as ways to outlet addition/alternative thoughts... to get people talking and engaged. To that end, Murph has succeeded.— randy_w
- How about those defensive stats Murph, for both the Phil's and opponents. They may be able to help understand how similar hitting and worse pitching has led to a better record.— Flackattack
