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Game 9 (6-2): Martinez in line-up, Hamels vs. Lowe

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15 comments

Game 9 (6-2): Martinez in line-up, Hamels vs. Lowe

POSTED: Sunday, April 10, 2011, 10:46 AM

David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer

Michael Martinez is the latest Rule 5 pick to make the Phillies' roster. (Yong Kim/staff photographer)

The forecast today in Atlanta calls for a high of 87 degrees. The last time Cole Hamels pitched, the game-time temp was 49 degrees, with a steady wind that made it feel far more frigid.

The Phillies enter today 6-2, tied with the Reds for the best record in the National League.

Here are the line-ups:

Phillies (6-2)

Shane Victorino CF
Placido Polanco 3B
Jimmy Rollins SS
Ryan Howard 1B
Ben Francisco RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Carlos Ruiz C
Michael Martinez 2B
Cole Hamels LHP

Braves (4-5)

Martin Prado LF
Nate McLouth CF
Chipper Jones 3B
Brian McCann C
Dan Uggla 2B
Jason Heyward RF
Alex Gonzalez SS
Freddie Freeman 1B
Derek Lowe RHP

Only change in the Phillies line-up is switch-hitting Rule 5 pick Michael Martinez replacing Wilson Valdez at second base.

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15 comments

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Comments (15)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:16 AM, 04/10/2011

Cole needs redemption for his first start. Beat Larry and the gang!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— shawnmac

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 11:17 AM, 04/10/2011

7-2 record last this afternoon

— russ4philly

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:13 PM, 04/10/2011

I wouldn't mind the comedy of Mayberry playing 2nd if it was a spring training game, but now that they mean something, I don't think so.

— catnameddomino

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:14 PM, 04/10/2011

I could see Ibanez getting a day off against Fla's Josh Johnson. Good time to get Mayberry a start in left.

— NJguy

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:19 PM, 04/10/2011

Jay...call on line 3..Someone named NJGuy wants to splain lineup options.

— NewMick314

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:31 PM, 04/10/2011

What Jay probably meant was that if a bench player needed a start, was Mayberry not Martinez, and I agree. Valdez is playing pretty well so far, and he already has two days offs. Peter Orr has a start and now Martinez two. Mayberry none. Ibañez is hitting .250 and has a few ugly ABs so far including 7 Ks in 8 games.

— EL Zorro

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:36 PM, 04/10/2011

NJGuy, Johnson is a righty. Charlie throws Ibañez out there against lefties even when he's struggling. What makes you think he's going to sit him against Johnson?

— EL Zorro

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:39 PM, 04/10/2011

The performance we've gotten from our bench thus far has exceeded expectations. I like that Charlie is relying on them early and often this season. I hope Mayberry can get some starts here and there but whatever he is doing right now seems to be working. His bat has been hot thus far.

— 5LokoNYC

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:50 PM, 04/10/2011

After watching San Fran beat the Cardinals with a walk off - against Ryan franklin - it reinforced how important the bullpen is/will be come playoff time. Last year we lost because we couldn't hit their relievers and the Giants hit ours pretty good. This year if Bastardo can become a dependable 7th inning set-up man and Madson continues to deal the 8th, we're going to need Contreras come through as our closer. He's got the tools and the attitude. Without strong performances from the latter two guys I don't see how we get back to the series. Most games the roation will get us into the eighth; we need to be able to seal the deal. Also, so far the bench is looking great. Hope it carries thru as well. Always nice to get a clutch hit off the bench to spark a rally. Pitching and defense, along with a clutch bench, might just get us back to the big game. Getting Utley back wouldn't hurt either.

— Cameiros

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 12:54 PM, 04/10/2011

Good analysis Zorro.

— hipdaddy

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 1:25 PM, 04/10/2011

I agree with the larger point, re Mayberry. I think he deserves a start, and I would like to see him get one soon. I'm very impressed at how well he's handled himself. He seems very excited to be here, and not in LV. Anyone else still waiting to see what all the fuss is about Martinez? I get that he's an Eric Bruntlett who can play center field, and we're lacking depth there, but he's still Eric Bruntlett, hitting wise. We can't do any better than that?

— andrewfrombrooklyn

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:07 PM, 04/10/2011

Primo, good point about SF. They match up pretty well with Phils' staff up front and bullpen is nasty. Gotta be able to match them. AND get a clutch hit and defensive play or two.
Andrew I think Martinez is a better fielder than Bruntlett at SS and in case Rollins gets hurt it still leaves Wilson availble for 2b and when Polly gets hurt. WV is going to be busy enough as it is. I agree, though about the hitting..Martinez looks like he's overmatched.
Well, Bruntlett DID score the winning run in that crazy WS game, was it game 4? Good times...

— Eephus