Burrell Goes Deep, Phillies Stay Hot
Pat Burrell has been in a miserable slump since early August. But he went 2 for 4 with a game-winning two-run homer in last night's 4-3 victory over the Braves.
Burrell Goes Deep, Phillies Stay Hot
Todd Zolecki
Pat Burrell went yard last night, rewarding Charlie Manuel's faith in him. (JOHN BAZEMORE / Associated Press)
Charlie Manuel could have benched Pat Burrell after he struck out five times in five at-bats against the Braves Tuesday.
Hey, nobody would have blamed him. But Manuel had Burrell hit fifth Wednesday, immediately behind Ryan Howard. Burrell hit there last night, too.
“I’m pretty straight up and honest about things," Manuel said. "When (Jayson) Werth starts playing good I put him in the lineup and give him a chance to play every day. I haven’t seen anybody here in four years that can take Burrell’s spot and produce that many runs.”
His faith in Burrell paid off.
Burrell hit a two-run home run to left field in the sixth inning to break a tie in a 4-3 victory. It allowed the Phillies to keep their half-game lead over the Mets in the NL East with nine games to play. It also extended the Phillies' winning streak to a season-high seven games. They haven't won this many in a row since they won nine-straight games April 30 - May 5, 2006.
“It’s that time of year,” Burrell said. “As a player, this is the time of year you really take pride in. I do.”
Burrell entered last night hitting .175 (24 for 137) with four home runs and 12 RBIs in 38 games since Aug. 5. Only Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche had hit worse with a .161 average. But Burrell is hitting .300 (6 for 20) with two home runs and four RBIs in his last five games, which includes his five strikeouts Tuesday.
If Burrell can break out of his funk, it could bode well for the Phillies. Entering last night Ryan Howard (.393), Jimmy Rollins (.355), Shane Victorino (.333) and Werth (.291) have been hitting well in September.
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Jim Salisbury tries to figure out why Utley hasn't been swinging the bat like he has in the past.
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Here are a few tidbits from the game: The Phillies swept the nine-game season series at Turner Field. The nine-game winning streak against the Braves in Atlanta is the longest by any team since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1966. ... Elias Sports Bureau reports that the franchise hasn't been swept in a season series of at least nine games at home since the Chicago Cubs went 11-0 against the Boston Doves in Boston in 1909. ... The Phillies are 73-0 when leading after eight innings. ... The Phillies are 13-2 against the Braves this season. The 13 wins sets a single-season franchise record against Atlanta. .. Howard did not strikeout once in the series. It's the first series he hasn't struck out in this season. Howard entered the night with 190 strikeouts. Arizona's Mark Reynolds had 191 to lead baseball.
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In the Phillies Notebook: Dan Uggla would love to knock the Phillies out of the playoffs.
Comments (133)
Truth thanks for the compliment. Not sure what baseball wisdom I've given here that is so insightful?! (then again when you post here it's often times w/much sarcasm and a sprinkle of bitterness)— KarenA- Myers came up miniscule and that is disappointing. I just don't have any confidence in Joe Blanton. The Phillies have met their match with the Marlins if they want to get involved in slugfests. This is going to be tough. It looks like Truth likes Karen A. He's flirting online. I didn't know he was so cute.— jrquixote
- I know he said it didn't bother him, but I wonder if the Marlins insisting Myers put on the long sleeves mess with his head a bit? Pitchers can be awfully quirky sometimes. I have feeling that like Moyer's last start he might have been a bit fatique from his last start since it was on 3 days rest. Let's hope Joe B. has his "A" game on and that Moyer continues to dominate the Fish.— KarenA
- Ouch. Just ouch. ... ... ... Oh well, still only counts as one loss. Gotta go out and get this one back today.— RollinsWasRight
- Yo "Black Truth", do you even care if the Phillies win ?— pat h
- I'm not even panicing. I haven't given up, but I just decided to figure the Phils won't get into the post-season. Then if they DO, it will be a bonus. Make sense? LOL! I knew Fla. would be tough. I've never written them off. And like I said, we've never played well against them. Myers sure was a mess in that first inning, but then seemed to get it together. I have to wonder what Charlie was thinking, bringing in Seanez and Waldron. Maybe he just "wrote the game off" and wanted to bring in different arms from the bullpen. Except for that solo HR (which at that point didn't really mean anything), Kendrick didn't do too badly. Maybe they should have had him relieve Myers and throw a couple of innings.— Norma
- well, we weren't going to win them all, we were due for a stinker and tonight, we got it-brewers lose and mets tied so little to no damage done and the big guns in the pen get a well-deserved night off. blanton will get us back on track tomorrow. GO PHILS!!!! P.S.- i wonder how the e-word feels now that he knows les walrond is getting called on before he does.— KMG
- I hate to say it, but I'd be really surprised if the Phils can hold the Fish to under 5 or 6 runs the next couple of games. They are on fire right now and that lineup is crushing the ball. Werth must have been watching tape of Burrells 5 strikeout game..WTF?— Clinton, NJ
- Ok Phils, one more miracle comeback....please!!!!— Clinton, NJ
- Sounds like a date to me KarenA!! Have fun kids, and have her back by 11pm truth— Clinton, NJ
- If Ryan doesn't win his 2nd MVP in 3 seasons its a travesty!!!!!— Truth
- The Marlins are going to be tough. For some reason, we never play well against them. And they're back on a tear. Winning 8 straight.— Norma
- KarenA- Let me know if you ever want to go off site and meet in a chat room, I find your positivity and baseball knowledge quite astounding for a woman!!!!— Truth
- Oh man! Slugfest 2nite! Have Hamels, Moyer and Myers all had bad starts the next time out after pitching on short rest???— Clinton, NJ
- Mark...You can only accept more understanding patients, that's what. You feel goofy when you complete a thought after a 30 minute interruption and post it only to find that you are having a conversation that ended 20 posts earlier.....Anyway, I checked on Maglio's GIDP's. He is usually good for about 20 per year. Just for comparison, I looked up a few of our guys. Burrell has 10 (he has been around 10 to 12 for the last few years). Feliz has 13 (he is usually good for about 18 per year). Last we have everyone's favorite DP machine, Carlos Ruiz. Guess how many GIDP's he has this year........Time's up, 13! Surprised? I was. I figured he hit into about 13 a month. We still have a few games left, but he'll be right around last year's number of 17 GIDP. Anyway, that is a concern about Maglio, but we definitely could use the upgrade over Jenkins and Stairs.— bski
- Agreed RwR...the best HE could do.....hopefully Gilbuckle is already talking to the Tigers GM about getting Ordonez....there will be other suitors...the only downside I see is he does hit into a few DP's but we've had that with all our RH hitters on thisteam the last 10 years with the exception of Werth, who btw has finally proven himself to me to be an everyday player.....and also Bski, the same goes for me...when I'm away from my desk treating patients, I can't respond or finish a post like I should...hate to pick up further down the line, but what can you do? You gotta work sometime during the day!— Mark1npt
- Totally agree that Kotsay couldn't be an every day player in this lineup... for this team to get Magglio would be beyond belief... it would be like the Flyers landing Eric Lindros... or the Phillies signing Pete Rose... the really sad part about those "salary dumps" is that the two performed by Wade were not salary dumps... he really believed that Omar Daal, Travis Lee, Vicente Padilla and Nelson Figueroa was a strong haul for Schilling, and the Polanco, Timlin and Bud Smith was the best he could get for Rolen... well, perhaps it was the best *HE* could get, but a real GM would've done much better.— RollinsWasRight
- RwR...I worry that Victor Martinez was merely another roid user and that his early career success was from that....he has proven more fragile physically and now more a singles hitter than HR power from earlier in his career.....not sure if I make that trade but we need some upgrade there next year for sure......Kotsay, no way....we do not need another LH starter in the lineup but if he were willing to come here, play part time and be another LH bat off the bench like Dobbs, then yes....but Magglio, that's the big gold ring for next year....as long as it's purely by taking on his salary and not thru giving up too many prospects....remember we got NOTHING for the Schilling, Rolen and Abreu salary dumps!— Mark1npt
- B in DC: It's not that he has no arm... I honestly don't know what kind of arm Mark Kotsay has... but I have never heard him mentioned among the league's great throwers, which means he would have the third-best arm in their OF... plus, I wouldn't be a proponent of asking a 30-something yr. old veteran to move to a new OF position, while also trying to adjust to a new ballpark, when you have a guy playing Kotsay's true position who already knows RF, has played it very well, and does have the better arm.— RollinsWasRight
- RWR, Yes they do.....BinDC, No problem. I'm blogging at work. Many times I start typing a post and get interrupted. Then I'll come back 15 minutes later, finish the thought, and post it only to find that someone else has beaten me to it in the interim without my knowledge. So, if it ever seems like I'm not following along or I'm a bit slow on the uptake, that's why.— bski
- bski, thanks for the effort.— B in DC
- Thanks RWR. That's useful stuff right there. Why can't Kotsay play right? No arm? I don't know a lot about him. Aside from the top tier of Sabathia and Sheets, (possibly the biggest reason Brewers management is freaking out about missing their chance this year), there's not really a lot of good starters out there. Dempster is a possibility, but I think CHC will try to lock him down and I also don't necessarily trust 1 year of good starting pitching. Never know what might happen next year. Maybe we're stuck with what we got. The only expendible minor leaguers I see being even mid-level trade bait would be Donald and Golson. And I don't know what you could get for either of those 2 guys. Maybe a half-decent middle reliever to upgrade Rudy's spot. Probably not better than that.— B in DC
- bski: Great minds think alike (or rather, visit the same sites)? :)— RollinsWasRight
- BinDC...Here's a link to a listing of players at every position who will be free agents after the 2008 season from mlbtraderumors.com..........http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html.....If you just go to the site, you can scroll down and on the right side, the first thing under the heading MLBTR FEATURES is 2009 MLB free agents.— bski
- I agree, for whatever reason, Redding does pitch really well against the Phillies. Before the game when I looked at the starters for the Mets/Nationals game, I saw Redding and I thought that he would be a good pitcher to go against Sanatana...I guess I was wrong!...— phigglesfan75
- Mark: That would be unbelievable. Rollins, Utley, Ordonez/Werth, Howard, Werth/Ordonez, Victorino, Feliz, Ruiz... I would so be down with that lineup... ah, daydreams... Also, Cleveland may be looking to move Victor Martinez, as Kelly Shoppach has emerged as a legit ML catcher and hitter, or they may try to move him to first... if he were available in trade, would you...? I don't hate Carlos Ruiz as much as some people, but that would be one heck of an upgrade at the plate.— RollinsWasRight
- B in DC - I don't think Kotsay would be "better"... I just think there are limited options in the OF this offseason, and Kotsay can't play right. Plus, with Shane's arm, I believe he really belongs in right (although I understand the counterpoint that with his speed, he belongs in center)... his footwork, and incessant backpedaling, scare me sometimes, but that's an issue where ever he plays. As for websites, this is where I go: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html— RollinsWasRight
- RwR....word out of Detroit is that they just want to dump Magglio's salary much like we did with Abreu...they may take some single A nobody to free up salary......I think he'd be a great improvement over Burrell in left and far steadier at the plate throughout the season....he could really be a force hitting between Chase and Howard! Think of the possibilities.....AND not having to give up 5 prospects to get Holliday.— Mark1npt
- Shame we don't have a deeper farm system... Matt Holliday will likely be on the trade market this winter, but his price in prospects will be steep, and in $$$ even steeper. Also, Magglio Ordonez can be a FA after next year, but he has a $15M vesting option for 2010... if the Tigers find themselves needing to cut salary (they are seriously going to regret the Willis and Cabrera deals), they may have to consider trading him before that option can vest. But again, no way the Phils have the prospects to get him.— RollinsWasRight
- Cubs are losing to the Cards 11-0 in the 5th. Hope the Cubs keep losing so when they play the Mutts it means something.— Beef69
- RwR....2 runs may be too generous...if I'm Myers I'm thinking shutout as this offense may not be able to score 2 off Johnson.....they just don't seem to hit the guy...btw, did anyone notice that Josh Johnson's stats, this year and career wise have Brett beat in all categories? This is going to be a tough one.....if we can win tonight, we should have an excellent chance at a sweep.....let's just hope this offense can manufacture enough tonight to win.— Mark1npt
- Myers is the man. I hope he shows it tonight with a shutdown performance. I'm glad Blanton goes up against Sanchez, as theoretically, that's the easiest pitcher to hit for both teams. RWR - You think Kotsay's a better CF than Shane would be next year? I'd say no reason to believe he won't improve next year in the field I agree Kotsay doesn't make sense in the lineup. Anyone know a good reference for a list of probably FA in the off-season? I'd like to go window shopping.— B in DC
- KarenA: Blanton has not been as bad as people make it out to be... Sure, he was not the trade deadline stud we all wanted, and felt the team needed, nor has he eaten innings like they said he would (apparently the only thing in the Delaware Valley he HASN'T eaten... sorry, couldn't resist) ... BUT, he has, by and large, kept them in every game he has pitched, and given them a chance to win. And with the way Anibal Sanchez was throwing batting practice lately (when last I looked at his numbers), I would expect tomorrow's game to produce a lot of runs. I'll take my chances with Blanton, though. He is our 4th starter, and he really isn't horrible for a 4th starter.— RollinsWasRight
- Have to agree that the Phils may have to let Burrell walk away. I don't think he's worth 12-15 million a year. Sure, he will occaisonally hit a big HR like last night but I don't think he ever was worth that kind of money. He's not a good defensive OF despite his only two errors (thanks bobby). His range is small and he's not good at catching drives near the wall. Considering the fact that he was a #1 overall pick in the country, his career hasn't really lived up to the hype. He has too many long slumps and can't hit to RF. Use the money he would make to sign a better SP and put Werth in LF full time (unless the Phils can sign another good OF, I don't like the idea of Jenkins getting a lot of playing time, he's too much like Burrell: long, slow upper cut swing and too many long slumps).— James TL
- If our lineup wasn't so left-handed heavy already, I would throw out the idea of going after Mark Kotsay to play CF, move Shane back to RF, and plan on Werth everyday in LF... but it would be tough to have Utley, Howard and Kotsay all in the lineup against a good LHP.— RollinsWasRight
- I think Myers thrives in this kind of tense must win environment. I'm more worried about Blanton pitching tomorrow.— KarenA
- We need Myers to give us yet another strong outing... Josh Johnson is tough... Hopefully Brett can give us 7 innings of 2-run ball or less.— RollinsWasRight
- Anybody still making the Ryan Howard-Dave Kingman comparisons?— benjyedwards
- I don't see as having to replace Pat's numbers I see that as Werths job, he would give us a better replacement to what we have gotten from the plattoon in Left more. But I agree with what you said as well and there are more health issues with Werth than Pat as well. Pat I don't think moves fast enough to hurt himself. only kidding kinda.— mmac
- Also, Bradley's never had a season even close to Burrell. He only has 1 full season of over 125 games, and he drove in like 60 runs. Plus, under my prior theory, he was high that whole time.— B in DC
- I tend to lift weights cause I figure that fight and flee thing and it is bad to have those pent up energies and whatever they call it but the other night in Atlanta was one of the worst in a while!!! ugh. I have last nights tivoed. I have heard it was much better. will be catching up this weekend.— mmac
- Anyone named after a board game is trouble as far as I'm concerned. Thank god the Phils didn't trade for John Parcheesi. Seriously, though, hasn't Bradley been more level-headed the last couple years? Maybe he was hopped up on the "greenies" earlier in his career.— B in DC
- jimmymack....All I do is pace, curse and pray. Usually all at the same time! And I do usually wear one of my Phillies tee shirts. On the other hand....My son swears that every time he wears his Howard jersey, they LOSE! He's stopped wearing it. Guess you could call that "reverse superstition". LOL!— Norma
- Let's just get through the next 9 games then we can worry about next year.— KarenA
- Thinking about the defensive possibilities... Bradley in LF, Shane in CF, Werth in RF... Would there even be any gaps/alleys? Those three would cover a LOT of ground. Or would you put Bradley in CF, Werth in LF, and move Shane back to RF for his arm? CF in CBP can be tricky to learn...just ask Kenny Lofton.— RollinsWasRight
- Was Charlie still in Cleveland when Milton Bradley came up? Wondering how familiar Charlie is, and if he thinks he knows how to handle him. There certainly aren't a lot of dominating, in-your-face personalities on this team... Bradley probably wouldn't have any trouble getting along with his teammates.— RollinsWasRight
- I agree about possible problems with Milt but we do have to try to find clearance items in our finacial place in the league much as I have had to myself lately. just an idea but he would bring better D maybe more consistent but possible clubhouse issues agreed.— mmac
- Milton Bradley played high school ball with Chase. With his even temperment, maybe Chase could help Charlie keep him under control. LOL!— Norma
- Thanks, Norma. You're right, I did read that this a.m. Guess I should've put " " around it. oops— KarenA
- jimmymack: I catch myself sometimes... not changing the radio station in the car because they are winning, and this is the only station I have listened to since they started winning... silly stuff like that... I try to tell myself it's stupid, and purposely change the routine, but I always end up caving in... at least I wash my socks and undergarments regularly, no matter who's winning! :)— RollinsWasRight
- KarenA....."Also wouldn't most players give their arm/leg for his stats even in "slump'?". That's exactly what the article in the paper said! LOL! And RWR....I agree about leaving Chase at 2nd, since he's worked so hard at it. As for the HR issue....Chase doesn't even consider himself a HR hitter. He's a line-drive hitter, who happens to hit a few over the wall. All this being said, he has been hitting better the last couple of weeks. None of the *sports experts* expected him to keep up the torrid pace from the beginning of the season. Maybe we're all worried about nothing. LOL! Like RWR said, "We are all spoiled when it comes to Chase Utley."!— Norma
- mmac: I like your thinking, and I hate it (don't you appreciate my decisiveness?) Milton Bradley makes sense as a player... but he scares me as a person. How would he handle the fans here? Is Charlie enough of a "player's manager" to keep his temper under control? Plus, he has proven to be a little injury prone the last few years (even though the big one last year was a fluke injury, if he wasn't such a hotheaded nutjob it wouldn't have happened...and he isn't likely to suddenly stop being a hotheaded nutjob). I dunno, it could work, but it's a pretty big gamble. Then again, so was trading for Brad Lidge.— RollinsWasRight
- he gets one off the pen, one off anibelle and then justs needs one more might be a stretch but I could see it. I still say he is not hitting it badly right now. When he really was slumping average and all he was not taking the ball to leftcenter and he is now which I think is key for him.— mmac
- Not to change the subject, but do we all have our own little superstitions when we watch the games, especially when we are in a tight race like this and every game counts? Sit in same chair, call same people on every big play, etc.?— jimmymack
- 290 something in the last month but .237 and .646 OPS in 16 games in September. I'd call that a slump for him. He was on a tear at the end of August. 19 hits in 12 games at the end that help his "over the last month" stats.— B in DC
- mmac: I say under. I get your thinking, but the kid who is pitching tonight (Josh Johnson) is pretty darn good. He may get Sanchez once (it is nice to be facing young pitchers when Howard is hot... they may be inclined to make mistakes to Utley in fear of Howard), but I just don't see him going on a binge like earlier in the year while in such a big park.— RollinsWasRight
- that is where Milt Bradley comes in, cheaper maybe, better fielder and I think more complete hitter that thrives not beening the focus of the lineup which with Howard, Chase he would not. I could see him giving us a little more fire too which would not hurt. Rollins seems to be the only one not afraid to call anyone out including us and I agree with him also!!!— mmac
- mmac: We are agreed on Burrell. I enjoyed his 2nd half last year, and his 1st half this year, and appreciated the way he handled being abused by this fanbase when he struggled (for two YEARS, it should be added), but I, like you, think he will command more than he is worth on the open market, especially from an AL team looking for a DH that doesn't care about his limited defensive skills. Plus, Jayson Werth has proven he can be an everyday player and produce similar numbers to Burrell, without the titanic slumps, limited range, or clogging up the base paths. My bigger concern is who then plays right? I have seen enough of Geoff Jenkins, and Matt Stairs is a decent part-time player, LH pinch-hitter with power, veteran presence on the bench, but that is all he is at this point.— RollinsWasRight
- for fun and bragging rights which is what this is about right??? over or under 3 bombs for chase in FL???? I say over!!!— mmac
- 290 something in the last month, again what slump, the homers come and go but the average tells you more of what is happening. I do think he is not racking right now but we do have 10 left and he does tend to pick it up when others stop carrying. I would not be surprised to see him leave florida with 4 or 5 bombs. They have some bad pitching at times and with Howard on a tear he will get fastballs when he knows he is going to get them and that is when he goes long???— mmac
- KarenA: Well put. We are spoiled when it comes to Chase Utley. :)— RollinsWasRight
- I am not advocating moving him, just saying I think it contributes to tiring him out. Howard is much better finally. although still afraid to throw the ball anywhere but to pitcher at first but that one run he gave the other night by not going home would have been much worse if he deposited a ball in the front row instead. know your limitations. I like him at 1b and chase at second and we need to keep him period, Burrell can walk for what, I still think even after this year came back to earth for him, he will get on the market. Alot of teams will still want his 30 bombs even though like I said if you can put a pitch down and away on that corner I don't think he has an answer. Werth does though that is why you let him go.— mmac
- Zorro: Those numbers aren't exactly tragic... :) The .309 in 2006 is pretty much what I would expect of Utley... I think we are all agreed that he should be better than the .289 he has right now. However, I would think last year's .332 would be his high-water mark... I doubt he'll ever best that... I don't expect him to win any batting titles (though he came close last year... I think he finished 3rd, behind Matt Holliday and Chipper Jones?), but I believe he is a better all around hitter than .289. His bat really seemed to be dragging through the zone in July and August, and he popping a lot of hittable pitches up to SS and shallow left. For now, as long as he is hitting well in Sept., I will live without the power production, as long as Howard keeps hitting, and as long as Chase is driving in runs and scoring runs. I think the most valuable part of his offensive game is really the 100 RBI + 100 Runs every year...— RollinsWasRight
- Some opposing teams are now also putting the shift on ala Ryan Howard when he bats. Maybe that's been a hard adjustment for him. Also wouldn't most players give their arm/leg for his stats even in "slump'?— KarenA
- only a 10 or 20 point differance in those numbers and it may just be that pitchers have been less likely to pitch to him because of the majority of howards year. If you noticed he did well until Pat slumped also then I think pitcher started not to give him much to hit because neither Howard nor Burrell was driving him in and Rollins was not there to be on in front of him to help with that at that time.— mmac
- mmac: Agreed. Except for the 1B part. He may be better suited for 1B, but it is such an advantage over every other team you will face (except the Marlins, and maybe the Reds) to get that kind of offense from 2B. Plus, I simlpy have too much respect for how hard he has supposedly worked to be a competent 2B, I would hate to throw all that effort away by moving him to first. Speaking of, what's with Ryan Howard playing the field lately as if he thinks he's a gold glover???? Where did this come from? (Not complaining, just pleasantly surprised... very surprised, and impressed.)— RollinsWasRight
- Chase is hitting .289 after hitting .332 in 2007 and .309 in 2006. If he finishes at the same pace, his numbers will be similar to 2005, his first full year, which is not good. Avg. SLG G AB R H TB 2B 3B HR RBI 2005 .291 .540 147 543 93 158 293 39 6 28 106 2008 .287 .528 151 578 104 166 305 38 4 31 95— EL Zorro
- I do believe he wears down I just don't think you can talk slump when it is really just a homer slump and they will come in bunches and are not always indicative of whether a person is hitting the ball well. I also think he wears because 2nd is a tough position for him to play he is a more natural 1b but we all know why he is not there. I think regardless of what was going on this year Bruntlett could have gotten more starts at 2nd or howard could have been given a day off and chase moved to 1b more as a break as well.— mmac
- mmac: The only flaw in your Utley theory is that he hit well in September last year. But, due to injury, he had a month of from late-July to late-August... which is why I think he gets worn down... he is not the biggest guy in the world, and like Jimmy said last year after playing in every game, you do lose weight, and it does wear on your body to play every day for six months... How much weight can Chase Utley lose? The guy is skinny enough at the start of the season.— RollinsWasRight
- I also think Chase is the type of hitter who is ready early in the year short stroke does not take long to get in gear and he takes advantage of more pitcher mistakes that time of the year. And I think Howard will always be like David in Boston and take time to get his long swing right. this year just took longer than others to get it in gear. I also think Howard is like Rollins and he likes the chance to rise to the occasion. Utley just has a more steady level of concentration.— mmac
- mmac: The issue with the low and away ball is that when Pat is going well, he manages he get very low in his swing and is able to reach that pitch and pull it, and hit it well... and I think that convinces him he can hit it all the time... but then he gets into those swoons where he is jumping back from everything, and then he can't get to the ball down and away. But I get frustrated too, because he is big enough and strong to go to the opposite field as well as Howard does, and how deadly would that combination be if he did? But that just isn't Burrell's style, and I suppose it is doubtful he will change at this point in his career.— RollinsWasRight
- bobby: First rule of baseball - The numbers have an uncanny way of evening out. Utley is really a 25-35 HR hitter... that is where he is going to end up. He was due for a dramatic fall-off. What worries me most is the other thing you said, the 0-2 hitting... that lends more to his BA, which is not where I would expect it... and 9 games is not going to get him about .310, which is where his numbers would usually be. Guys have good years, and bad years, but typically, most hitters find a way to end up at their career averages by season's end... look at Burrell's numbers. Right where they usually are this time of year.— RollinsWasRight
- Does anyone understand my problem with Pat's ability to handle the low and away pitch and take it the other way when he needs a single not a long ball. that is why he can walk in my opinion and you replace him with Werth and add someone else. Although I would not mind seeing him here next year and advocated on this Wednesday after 5 K night to play him the next so I do understand his value as well?— mmac
- Does anyone understand my problem with Pat's ability to handle the low and away pitch and take it the other way when he needs a single not a long ball. that is why he can walk in my opinion and you replace him with Werth and add someone else. Although I would not mind seeing him here next year and advocated on this Wednesday after 5 K night to play him the next so I do understand his value as well?— mmac
- Norma: Just a minute or two... I have a long commute to work, and my mind goes a little batty at times. :) But I figured it would be fun to follow up my theme from yesterday of asking Santa Claus to deliver a Nationals beat-down of Johan Santana... Santa didn't come through.— RollinsWasRight
- Varsho: That I understand. I'm not going to dub him our LF next year, but I am thrilled about the HR he hit last night (although I wanted to smack him for not calling Jimmy Rollins off that pop-up... he was there in plenty of time to make that catch). But there are always those people who want to flog everyone who gets frustrated with a player on Monday simply because that player has a good game and gets credit for it Tuesday. Problem is, everyone who is happy that Burrell homered last night is taking grief, and not all of them deserve it. That being said, allow me to exclude you from my earlier post. Your point is valid.— RollinsWasRight
- and chase has had many big hits in the last week even. Double down the line late in the milw. series game. I think he is most deadly when he hits to the leftcenter gap and he has also had several of those lately as well. .300 something is fine. we get spoiled when he hits a lot of homers and he will again but talk of how to get him out of slump is out of line when the guy is hitting almost 300 in the month. the Homers will go out when they do and usually in bunches— mmac
- BEEF, I know, this is exactly what you want as a fan. That's why this time of year is so enjoyable. When you're in the hunt, every game becomes the biggest game of the year....until the next one. It's great to see your team step up and respond, as we have done so far.— bski
Let's not get sucked into the Chase vs. Ryan argument. Bottom line is that, while Utley certainly still has impressive numbers, you can't get dispute that he is not the hitter he was the first 2 months of the season. That's understandable to some extent, since he was hitting out of this world. But a few anecdotal observations: 1- I used to feel that Utley was the best 0-2 hitter I've ever seen. Not only did being down in the count not bother him, he seemed to thrive on it. Not so anymore. I've seen him strike out these last few months, often looking, more than I ever thought I would. 2- He almost popped one out the other night in Atlanta, but otherwise it's been a good long while since Chase homered. Compare that to that way the ball was jumping off his bat early in the season. Again, I think the issues here may be that Utley is really not a home run hitter. But he had such a sweet swing earlier in the year that he racked up a bunch of 'em very quickly. (That's also why I didn't think he belonged in the HR contest.) Anyway, the point is that it's not about Utley vs Howard, or idiotic claims of Utley 'disappearing'. But I think it's fascinating to consider why the dramatic difference in his hitting now compared to earlier in the season.— bobby- thank you norma, chase is only in a homer slump and I think that comes and goes. I also agree he should sit more and may be more suited for 1B which I know no one wants to hear but it may be his more natural position.— mmac
- Norma, I agree. Chase should just relaxed and go play baseball. I think he is trying too hard. Jimmy was struggling and he went to hit off the Tee and is playing like an MVP again. Hitting is about been comfortable and relaxed. And a good way to get back to the comfort zone is hitting of the Tee. He should stay away from computer for a while. One exercise I learned from Ruben Amaro, Jr. (yes the same GM-to-be) was to walk to the Tee and hit the ball. It works, because you are not thinking too much and it helps you get to your natural batting stance. BTW he was giving a clinic to a youth league I was part of.— EL Zorro
- RWR....."Up on the house top". Great!!!! How long did it take you to come up with that?!— Norma
- James TL: Burrell has 2 errors this season, both in the last few weeks.— bobby
- and in the last month, Chase is batting .296, not exactly a "slump".— Gary Varsho
- Oh, another thing....Chase has played in 151 games. Fourth most in the NL. And 1,330 innings. Third in ALL of the majors. Plus his style of play, combined with one of the toughest defensive postions, takes a toll. NOT making excuses! Just stating the facts.— Norma
- RWR - I have no problems with people saying he should sit, or praising him or anyone when they do well. I have a hard time reading comments one day that say sit him, and since he hit a home run, the same person says he should be our everyday left fielder next year. Same person who says start Happ but have Kendrick ready in the pen, then the next day has Happ slotted in as an automatic starter next season.— Gary Varsho
- IMO Utley is simply worn out. Charlie plays him too much... Rollins too. I know how important they are to the team's success, but Cal Ripken was Cal Ripken because he was a freak. "Everyday" players shouldn't really play EVERY day. They should start about 150 games a year. Can anyone remember the last time Utley was not in the starting lineup? Problem is, Charlie spent the whole middle of the season, when these guys could've had a day off every week or two, trying to break the team out of an offensive funk, and couldn't sit certain guys. I worry about the fact that Howard has been in the starting lineup every game since late April, too... but you can't rest anybody now.— RollinsWasRight
- From the two sides of every coin department....Zo' why do you leave it to others to discuss Howard's annual deteriorating performance the first few months of every season? can we have more details about what is bothering him? Is it physical is it mental? Is his latest in a long line of agents ailing and his mind is off the game? What is Ryan's off-season regimen, besides twinkies? Why does he start so slowly when men like Utley and Ramirez blaze into the first half of the season? Zo' Whats his deal? I wish I could be a reporter like you and not a cheerleader for Howard. Regards, Truth's evil twin. I am jimmymack and I approve this message LOL— jimmymack
- Truth....There's an article, in today's paper, about Chase's *slump*. Even HE's trying to figure out what's wrong. Chase STILL insists he's not playing injured or hurting. His take is; "I'm not hitting the ball on the barrel." I know Chase studies video all the time. Takes *early* BP as well as *regular* BP. And spends extra time in the batting cages. At Baseball 101, I remember Milt Thompson saying; "Sometimes to a fault." All the extra work could be wearing him out. Sit and relax, Chase!— Norma
- My only concern this weekend is the Saturday game. We should be ok with Myers tonight and Moyer on Sunday. Blaton is a flyball pitcher against a home run-hitting club, which is a recipe for disaster. And he hasn't been pitchig great either. The only consolation is that neither is Anibal Sánchez, Florida's pitcher for Saturday. It could be a home run derby.— EL Zorro
- "Up on the house top, click click click; A big fat no-show was old St. Nick ... Ho ho ho, big no-show; Ho ho ho, Who would've known that up on the house top, click click click; Down through the chimney came Burrell's big stick." ... ... ... And YES, *I* was one of those in favor of sitting Burrell, but I am getting a little tired of the snotty attitude re: people's opinions... Since when does feeling a struggling player needs a day off make anyone a bandwagon jumper? None of the people praising Burrell today were advocating putting him before the firing squad yesterday, they simply felt he needed a break. And by the way, if any of us were right about things like that all the time, we wouldn't be blogging about the Phillies, we would be managing them. I noticed none of the people telling us what stupid bandwagoners we are were actually arguing against sitting him down on Wednesday...— RollinsWasRight
- Maybe he did, guess we'll never know. Glad it didn't make a difference thanks to Lidge.— James TL
- tonight could break them though because if they lose the first it will put them in a very bad position to make playoffs and maybe burst there bubble. Myers needs to pitch better than he ussually does against them. He will be in a big park though and that helps him. I hope he pitchs to contact like he did in last start that makes him very tough.— mmac
- James I have to disagree with you there. That is Pat's job to call off Jimmy. Jimmy did what he was supposed to do.— Beef69
- It would be nice if Jimmy Rollins would allow Pat Burrell to catch a fly ball! He is a SS not a LF. He almost blew last nights game with his error after almost dropping one on Wednesday. I'm glad jimmy is trying hard but their are other players on the field (last time I looked Pat Burrell has no errors this season, perhaps he made one recently but I don't remember it). Anyway, the fish will not make it easy on us (when do they ever?) Tonight's game is very important as I suppose they all are from now on. One game at a time.... one game at a time.....— James TL
- marlins are playing well but Houston is not good and I know Atlanta and Brew Crew are not either but it is time for us to put it too them and we are playing as well as we have all year. My prediction Utley gets going this weekend. It is not like he has not been getting on and in the middle of first inning runs either. Two of the last three games he scored 2 of the first inning runs. And I like how he has taken the outside pitch to left center.— mmac
- bski, I know exactly what you are saying. And what make me nervous even more is the way the Marlins are beating teams. I guess everyone was wrong about the Marlins in the beginning of the year when they said the fade off. It is just the opposite. But two hot teams battling each other in September. What more could you ask for?— Beef69
- I agree BOBBY. Continuing to play at a high level and knocking the Marlins out of it is what we're looking for. We did double duty last weekend (pushing ourselves up while knocking the Brewers down) and we have a great opportunity to do the same thing this weekend.— bski
- Zo' why do you leave it to others to discuss Utley's rapidly deteriorating performance? can we have more details about what is bothering him? Is it physical is it mental? Is his dog or cat ailing and his mind is off the game? What is Chase's off-season regimen? Why does he wear down when men like Howard and Ramirez blaze into the final third of the season? Zo' Whats his deal-be a reporter not a cheerleader...— Truth
- BEEF, I think you've got to be a bit nervous going into this weekend. The Marlins have beaten us more than we have beaten them this year. Plus, their 8 game winning streak has given them hope. If they can sweep us it will bring them to within 2 1/2 games of us and, depending on what the Mets, Astros, and Brewers do over the weekend, could actually get them back in the mix for the final week of the season.— bski
- I will be at McFadden's watching both games. But I am going to pay more attention to the Phils.— Beef69
- I will be at McFadden's watching both games. But I am going to pay more attention to the Phils.— Beef69
- good point about the weather and there is always bad weather in Florida this time of the year I live here. The forcast is identical from the end of May till Sept 30thish, afternoon T Storms except for when Hurricane is close.— mmac
- Also the Eagles play the Steelers at the same time as the Phils— KarenA
- Let's also hope there's no bad weather forecasted for the Florida area for the next few days. Another weekend doubleheader would be exhausting!— KarenA
- I see the Phillies taking it too them this weekend. We play better D, we are getting quality starting pitching and our pen looks solid, and finally we are getting consistant offense. and they gave us more reason to play than we already had. they beat a not good Houston team also.— mmac
- My mistake, the Mutts would tie the Phils if they both win out. Magic number to win the division is 10. Sorry!— bobby
- The magic number is 9 to win the division. Hence, if the Phils win out (9 games remaining), they win the division even if the Mutts were to win out as well (they have 10 games left). This weekend should be some great baseball. The Marlins will play tough, nit just because they always do, but guess what? They're still in the race! They will not roll over like the Braves did. I'd love to see the Phils keep playing at a high level and knock the Marlins out of it for good. Go Phils!— bobby
- my problem with Pat is his lack of being able to take a ball the other way ala Manny against Cole in LA. Pat had two chances in the long Mets win and flyed out and looked at a third strike the next time. that is why he can take it and walk.— mmac
- Norma - Magic Number is a combo stat of Phils wins and Mets losses. So if the Mets lose 1, and the Phils win out, (9 games), our magic number would go to zero. If the Phils win 6 and the Mets lose 4, same deal.— B in DC
- I would like to say I am super confident about the weekend, but I'd be lying. I think they're up to the task right now. The Marlins' pitching lineup's a 2 out of three ain't bad - Johnson's good, Volstad seems to be good, and Sanchez has been bad. At least we miss Nolasco.— B in DC
- Get used to it, Gary. I say platoon Burrell and Stairs like this: Play Burrell on the nights when he hits a homer and sit him on those nights when he K's 5 times. And likewise, play Stairs on those nights when he knocks one out of the park. Got that, Charlie?— bobby
- Our magic # is 9 or 10? Isn't that only IF the Mutts keep winning?— Norma
- How is everyone feeling about this weekend? I have to admit I am a little nervous.— Beef69
- Wesley Snipes counts...I have no idea what that means.— B in DC
- Does Wesley College count?— Beef69
- You want intelligent comments? This ain't the Harvard Club...no offense to Harvard people out there. Way to get into a good school, you know...— B in DC
- Oh, I get it now. This is just a place for people to vent, so we shouldn't actually have expectations for intelligent comments.— Gary Varsho
- well put roque32.— KarenA
- Amen! I agree. I come here to vent and to dicuss baseball. We are all fans.— Beef69
- Guys. guys.. I mentioned this in a comment yesterday.. For the most part, this comment board is probably a form of therapy for all of us. It gives us the ability to vent our frustrations or pound our chests but deep down we are all fans. As far as the Redding comment.. He probably feels more comfortable pitching against the Phillies because, (though it boggles my mind), the Phillies have a hard time hitting Redding.— roque32
- Please let's not bring back the J-Roll comments about Philly fans! We hashed that out weeks ago. On this blog we are avid Phillies fans and will criticize a player if we feel its just and will praise them to the hilt sometimes even in the same sentence.— KarenA
- John621 - I think Redding's comments were meant to be him vs. Mets hitters, not team vs. team. I think that might be about even lately, esp with Delgado hitting the way he's been.— B in DC
- CyHamels has a point. One day people are on here calling for Matt Stairs, and the next saying Pat should be our every day left fielder next year. Don't hurt yourselves jumping on and off the wagon.— Gary Varsho
- So as not to draw the eyre of CyHamels, I will state this - Burrell did it last night, and good for him. He's not worth what he's paid now, and if he turns himself into a hero the next 9 games and into the playoffs, they'll probably bring him back. Fact of the matter is that until he proves he can be consistent for a full season again, he's just another streaky power hitter who plays often poor defense. He hustles, (it's clear he does, or his defense would seem waaaaaaaay worse than it is), but over the course of a season, his hitting it a liability at least as often as it is an asset. I say, as I did yesterday, that a 1 year deal with the Phils is all he should be offered, and I'd price it in the $7-8 mil range. He's worth that much, but spending any more would be a detriment to the rest of the club. Plus, maybe in 2010 Michael Taylor's ready to play full-time, (he did well in Clearwater this season after a promotion - .327, 27 Doubles, 9 HR, 37 RBI, .939 OPS, and only 46Ks in 65 games), so why lock up Burrell for any longer than 2009? Unless they're projecting Michael Taylor somewhere other than LF...— B in DC
- CyHamels, I never once booed Pat when I was at game or any other player for that matter. On this blog we post about are feelings and how players are playing. Guess you didn't notice that. I highly doubt the players are on this blog reading our every word.— Beef69
- Jeff and Beef, what happens when Burrell goes 0-5 tonight, do you jump back off the bandwagon as easily as you jumped on? You admit to being a fair-weather fan, at least I can give you credit for that. Rollins was talking about people like you when he made those statements back in LA last month, and as difficult 0as it is for fans like you to admit, it is comments like the one above that only confirm what he said.— CyHamels
Anyone notice that Tim Redding last night said he'd rather face Philly than the Mets right now because the Mutts are "hot." I guess seven in a row, two sweeps, is not as hot as two out of three from a team with a .379 winning percentage. Hey, Tim, read a paper, will ya.— John621- Jeff good point. Seems like every time we want to tar and feather Pat he hits a game winner. So should we just start now so he will have a good series in FL?— Beef69
- great game by Burell. Every time Pat is excorted out of twon, he does somthing like this to have us make a U turn and bring him back. I fully expect to see him in Clearwater next Feb as our everyday LF.— jeff gross
- Welcome to the Phillies Bandwagon. You must be this tall and believe that Ryan Howard is the MVP to ride. The Phillies Magic number for the division is 9 to tie. It is 7 for the Wild Card. Please keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Line jumpers and Met Fans will be ejected from the park without refund.
- I think Burrell might be back in the swing of things (LOL) He has hit the ball well lately unfortunately it was to a fielder. His 250th HR was sweet! Heard today the Phils magic # is 10! Let's get those Fish!— KarenA
- OK! I'll be the first to eat my words about sitting Pat! Yum! Yum! LOL! It sure wasn't easy, but we got it done. Cole was making me a little nervous. Not his best outing, but he did OK. Guess I'm just used to more K's from him. And less runners in scoring position. Even though Chase isn't hitting well, we can sure depend on his defense. Another great diving catch to save a run! The best part....NO nail biting in the 9th! Lidge had MUCH better command tonight. Good win! NOW...Let's shut down those Fish!!!— Norma
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The Phillies Zone is the place for up-to-the-minute Phillies coverage from the Inquirer.
Matt Gelb
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