Manuel says rotation still TBA
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Manuel says rotation still TBA
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
A picturesque day here at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies are about to begin a seven-inning simulated game with Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton on the mound.
The fact that Blanton is pitching the sim game, along with Charlie Manuel's comments earlier today, gives a pretty good indication that the Phillies are going to go with four starters against the Giants instead of pitching Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels on short rest.
"I think more than likely, my thinking right now is there is definitely a possibility we might use Joe," Manuel said. "I feel comfortable with Joe Blanton. But that's something we'll wait and see what happens."
Some other notes:
1) Manuel did not announce his Game 1 starter, though it will obviously be Halladay facing two-time defending NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum on Saturday. Beyond that, though, there is some question. You could make an argument that Cole Hamels should start Game 2 at Citizens Bank Park. Not because of Roy Oswalt's four-run, five-inning performance in the NLDS, but because of A) Hamels dominance in a five-hit shutout of the Reds in Game 3, B) Hamels track record at AT & T Park (At least 4 runs in all 4 career starts), even though that is a small sample size, and C) Oswalt's performance in his last three starts at AT & T Park (at least 7 IP and fewer than 4 runs), even though that is a small sample size as well. It would also allow the Phils to go righty-lefty-righty.
"We don't know yet," Manuel said. "We haven't had discussions yet. I'm sure that we will sit down. We've got a little time. We'll talk about what we want to do. We'll decide about our rotation, we'll decide about our roster, we'll decide about whatever we need to."
2) The Phillies will be off tomorrow. Thursday they will practice at 1 p.m. Friday they will workout as well, time TBA.
3) The Phillies carried only 10 pitchers in the NLDS, but there is a strong possibility they add another one for the seven-game NLCS.
"There's a possibility that we could definitely add a pitcher. That's something we'll definitely discuss. Have we made our minds up? Not at this point, no. We haven't had our meetings about what we are going to do with the Giants yet."
4) Safe to assume Halladay will be starting Game 1?
"You can assume whatever you want to assume," Manuel said. "I'm not trying to be cute or nothing. Big Roy is Big Roy."
Buy: NLCS tickets, Phillies gear, front-page reprints
What are Blanton's numbers at SF?— P Even- alright Phils - LETS F*CKIN GO BOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!— drumminge6
- I'd lean toward starting Hamels in game 2. Murph - it would be interesting to see the 4 starters' numbers against SF with home/away numbers. Lincecum has only pitched at CBP a few times but he's never won here according to something I read last night.— s
- Blanton is a shoe in and I'd be suprised if Kendrick isn't added also. Someone off the bench will have to go and I'm betting it's Dobbs. Valdez has to stay because Rollins and Polanco are both playing hurt. If Brown stays you still have someone from the left side of the plate. It's going to be a tough series but I think the 4 starters mentioned will take care of business. Just pray Durbin, and Hearndon are not used.— Wally 24
- Cole pitches in California. Its that simple - he loves it out there. Then Fat Joe pitches with 3-0 series lead. It so easy, its boring...— Succubus
- Hack Hagen is reporting in his latest negative column that the Phils' hitters looked woeful batting against Blanton and Charlie is concerned about the ""rusty way'' they are swinging the bats. Hack Hayes, picking up on Hagen's negativism, reporting that Utley has a ingrown toenail that may keep him out of the game.— TheSage
There is absolutely no chance that Herndon is on the roster. Durbin is a solid veteran who has pitched very well in the playoffs before. He will, and should be on the roster. He can matchup or give them a couple innings when that is called for. Because that is true, Kendrick is no sure thing. Dobbs has to make it since the iffy starters are both infielders. I would leave Brown off and use Gload in the outfield in an emergency. I would also take a third catcher, because to be without a catcher would be the worst thing that could potentially happen.- It doesn't really matter what order they pitch in, the Giants will finish them off in 6 games.— TJJ1000
Series is over in 5 no matter what order they pitch!— Justicek- Sorry Paul but Durbin hasn't pitched well since the 08 season & combine that with Romero's & Herndon's lack of consistancy and you have big problems. Our only weakness is the Pen and the problems are taking up roster space. Once it is set can't be substituted for unless there is an injury to a pitcher. Dobbs also has been pitiful for the last 2 seasons and again is taking up space for someone else who can put the ball in play. Wilson Valdez gives them everything they need in the infield. Over the last 4 yrs Manuel has elected to go with the minimum in the field and extra pitching. That makes sense when you match up the Giants with us. Their rotation is nothing to be taken lightly. ALSO Blanton and Kendrick both keep the ball down which is something we need at home and away.— Wally 24
- Good one, TJJ1000. Now one of us Phillies fans can troll the Giants forum and post similarly. You like how this works, you tool?— fizzbin
- The rotation depends on who Charlie wants to pitch a possible game 7. I would bet he'd want Hamels, thus I would expect the rotation to be H-O-H-B-H-O-H— JPMaine
- Leave Durbin off the roster? Did I miss something? Durbin had a rough patch at the end but was terrific all season before that. It'll be Baez or Kendrick in place of Brown.— vafan
- If the Phils are up 2-1 or 3-0, then Blanton should pitch game 4. If reversed, then go with Doc. Wally, you obviously didn't see Game 2 where Romero shut down 2 tough lefties. Listen, yes, the Phils bullpen is the weakness, but Madson and Lidge have been stellar as of late and the other guys know how and what it takes to pitch in the post-season, which is something the Giants bullpen doesn't have.— ESFjellin
Hey Succubus, did you bother to look up the meaning of that word before you chose it as your screen name? A succubus is a female demon who takes the form of a human woman in order to seduce men, usually through sexual intercourse. I can tell from you comments that you're a white male, so I guess that makes you a member of the LGBT group!!!
