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With the death of Mr. Kalas earlier this week it has been hard to concentrate on baseball games for all in Philadelphia including me.  The mourning period continued prior to the game on Friday at Citizen’s Bank Park, ( the first home game post Harry), as there were ceremonies to honor Harry the K.  His three son’s each threw out first pitches, caught by Mike Schmidt, John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins respectively.  Kane Kalas then sang an opera version of our National Anthem that was very stirring and emotional.

Cole Hamels took the mound for the game and left with a  7 to 5 lead after seven but Ryan Madson got hit around in the eighth frame giving up three runs and the Phillies lost to San DIego 8 to 7.   Chase Utley homered in the first inning of the game and had two hits.  Shane Victorino, Chris Coste and Pedro Feliz each had two hits while Raul Ibanez had three.

On Saturday Harry Kalas’s body lay in repose at home plate of the stadium from 8 am to 3 pm as thousands of fan’s paid last respects.   A memorial service was held from 1:30 to 3.  RIP Harry, we finally must say good bye.

Saturday’s game started at 7 pm with Brett Myers taking the hill.  Raul Ibanez staked Myers to an early lead with a solo second inning home run.  The Padres scored the next three to go up 3 to 1 before Myers doubled in the fifth and eventually scored on a Shane Victorino sacrifice fly.  Ryan Howard tied the game in the sixth with a solo blast to left. 

Ryan Madson gave up the go ahead run to the Padres in the eighth as he struggled once again.  Chase Utley bailed Madson out with a solo homer in the home eighth to tie the game.  Raul Ibanez scored the go ahead run for the Phillies in the same inning as he singled, went to third on a Jayson Werth single and touched the plate on a Pedro Feliz sacrifice fly to right field. 

However, Brad Lidge could not hold the lead in the ninth, for the first time in his Phillie career, as the Padres initially scored the tieing run, LIdge’s streak of consecutive saves ended at 47 for regular season chances.  The Philly fans, albeit disappointed,  gave Lidge an ovation in acknowledging a remarkable run but were even more disappointed as Lidge then walked  two batters with two outs recorded and gave up a three run bomb to Kevin Kouzmanhoff to put the Fightin’s down by three !  Lidge was lifted at that point but did not hear any boo’s as he departed, one time courtesy I suspect.

 Heath Bell pitched the ninth in each game to earn saves.  He leads the league in the early going in that category.

Chatter

Jamie Moyer goes tommorrow afternoon against the Padres in game three of the series.  The four game stint concludes on Monday evening.  This series represents the only San Diego visit to Philly this season.    The Phillies team record is now 4 wins and 6 losses.

1971 was the first year that I truly became enthraled with the Phillies as a fan.  It was the initial year of the new Veterans Stadium and also the beginning of a legendary broadcasting career.  Harry Kalas joined the Phillies that year replacing Bill Campbell in the booth.   I remember listening to games at night broadcast on the radio, (back in those days no cable and not every game was a TV broadcast!), with the melodic tones of Harry Kalas along with Richie Ashburn and Byrum Saam.   The team was not that good back in those days but Harry and Richie clicked in how they called games and to a young fan like myself painted a fascinating picture of the games they were describing. 

Some 38 years later, today in fact, Harry the K stopped calling Phillies games.  Harry was preparing for today’s broadcast of the game against the Washington Nationals and collapsed in the booth.   For Phillie fans today is a sad sad day as the voice that many of us grew up with has now joined Richie at the big ballyard in heaven. 

I never talked to Harry Kalas yet I feel that I knew him.  When my youngest son Nolan, some 22 years ago, was born I wrote to Mr. Kalas and asked if he could possibly send me an autographed baseball from Nolan Ryan as my wife and I had named our son after Mr. Ryan.   I did not truly expect that Mr. Kalas would actually answer my note but to my surprise a few weeks later we received two signed baseballs in the mail,  both signed by Nolan Ryan !  Mr. Kalas even put a note in the envelope congratulating us on our son’s birth and extoling Mr. Ryan as well as a great man to emulate!  A few years later we took our family to Clearwater to catch spring training.   My wife saw Mr. Kalas walking by on his way to the announcers booth and asked him if he might pose for a picture with our son Nolan.  He graciously allowed us to take the picture, she explained to him that we had sent him the autograph request years back and albeit I doubt he remembered our individual story he acknowledged such and made her feel very welcome in the conversation with him!  That was the only time we ever met but it was a lifetime impression!

During today’s telecast his fellow announcers struggled with keeping thier emotions but to a man recalled Harry as a truly kind and sincere man.  In particular Larry Anderson and Scott Frantzke on the radio had difficulty fighting back the tears as the game unfolded, it was a testiment in itself to the impact of Harry the K.  

No longer will we hear that terrific voice with his patented calls of “Long Drive, Watch that baby…..outta here” !   In fact yesterday’s homer by Matt Stairs in the ninth inning was his last home run call, what an honor for Stairs eh!   We will all truly miss those calls but more so we will miss the optimism of Harry, the “high hopes”  approach to the Fightin’s chances albeit there were many years that he called games for not so good clubs!  Harry always made you feel comfortable, he always described the game as it came, no words too many or too little, it was like watching a game with your buddy or your dad all rolled into one.  He was just the perfect guy to call our games, he was the Phillies and we will sorely miss that feeling he provided that we might always win!  Even when he got on umpires it was with distinction…..remember those “straight down the middle for a ball” calls he would throw out there!

Harry Kalas was our friend albeit many of us never spoke to him, he was the calm to let us know it was just a game and the excitement to let us know it was more than that!  I loved Harry Kalas as many of us did that root for the Phillies and looked forward to his voice each and every game.  He will be sorely missed and it will take us all awhile to get over our loss of such a great man. 

Thank you Harry for a lifetime of memories, may you rest in peace……..say hi to Richie for us, we miss you both.

Chatter

I have failed to mention that the FIghtins are on a three game winning streak, today they beat the Nationals 9 to 8 riding home runs by Shane Victorino (He pointed up to announcers booth after crossing plate to honor Harry), Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez.  Brad Lidge earned his third save and Jamie Moyer got the win.   Yesterday Chase Utley and Matt Stairs hit two run home runs in the eighth and ninth innings to claim a comeback 7 to 5 win over Colorado. The team record is now 4 and 3……….. doesn’t seem so important right now………. will take awhile.

Last season the Phillies started the season 0 and 2 against a division rival.   This season has started the same as the Fightins went down for the second time this young season against the Atlanta Braves.

Jamie Moyer started on the hill for the Phillies but was tagged for four runs in five innings as he yielded eight hits including a first inning solo home run to Kelly Johnson on the game’s first pitch and a fifth inning solo blast to Chipper Jones.  Moyer was far from sharp but you can’t win if you can’t score and the Fightin’s offense is scuffling right now.  

The Phillies left 11 runners on base and were limited to six hits, two each for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley.  Raul Ibanez had the only extra base hit for the Phillies, a double.   The only bright spots on the night for the Phillies was the work of the bullpen.  Chan Ho Park, Jack Taschner and Clay Condrey combined to pitch four scoreless innings.

Jair Jurrjens threw five and two thirds innings for Atlanta and was supported by four Brave relievers to earn the combined shutout.

Chatter

Joe Blanton will take the pill tommorrow afternoon in attempting to avoid the sweep and lead the team to the first 2009 win.  Championship rings will be distributed prior to the game, Pat Burrell will be on hand as the Rays are playing in Boston and the Phillies have paid the tab to bring him here for the ceremony and then get him back in time to Fenway to play the game there.  Classy move.

Opening games always include alot of pre-game ceremony but especially when you are the defending champs.  The World Series Trophy was on prominent display as the team came onto the field from the stands amidst high fives from the fans!  Skipper Charlie Manuel helped raised the 2008 championship flag and player introductions were conducted for both teams.  It is time to play ball again and we as Phillies fans are more than ready!

Brett Myers toed the rubber for the opener for the Fightins vs Derek Lowe for the visiting Atlanta Braves.  Myers got juiced on a hanging changeup by Bryan McCann in the first inning for a two run homer scoring Chipper Jones in front of him.  Jeff Francour drilled a fastball over the left field wall to lead off the second and give Atlanta a three run lead, rookie Jordan Schafer then belted a solo home run as well in his first major league at bat!   Carlos Ruiz got the first 2009 Phillie hit as he doubled down the left field line in the bottom of the third.   At end of three though the count was 4-0 Braves.

Myers pitched six innings before being pulled for a pinch hitter.  He settled down after the second and held the Braves scoreless innings three thru six.   His curveball had that familiar bite in those innings as he went more to it and laid off the straight change which hurt him earlier.    Jack Taschner made his Phillies pitching debut in the 7th  and pitched a perfect inning striking out Chipper Jones to end the frame.    Scott Eyre and Chad Durbin combined to pitch a perfect eighth for the Fightins.  Lowe held the Phillies to only two hits thru eight frames as he excelled at being a ground ball machine by keeping the ball down in the zone whether it be sinkers or sliders.   He was excellent, would have looked nice in red pinstripes!   Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth for the Phillies.  

 Mike Gonzales came on for the ninth for Atlanta and was greeted by an Eric Bruntlett pinch double, after a flyout  he then scored on a Jayson Werth single.  Gonzales then made it interesting by walking Chase Utley but struck out Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez to end the game.

  Final score Braves 4 Phillies 1, there goes the undefeated season !

Chatter

Jordan Schaffer became the 99th man in history to hit a home run in his first major league at bat.  Ryan Madson changed his uniform number to 46 instead of number 63 he has wore last season.  Jamie Moyer makes his 2009 debut on Tuesday night in game two going against Jair Jurrjens for the Braves. 

Kyle Kendrick had a shaky outing early in the week which opened the door for the other three competitors in the “Fifth Starter Sweepstakes” to overtake the frontrunner Kendrick.  Rich Dubee, the Phillies pitching coach had proclaimed Kendrick as the one to beat early on in spring training.  Chan Ho Park threw friday night against the Blue Jays and pitched four effective innings with four K’s allowing one run.  J.A. Happ threw saturday against the Tigers and pitched very well by tossing three shutout innings and accumulating seven strikeouts !   Happ used a good heater to mow down the Tigers.  Carlos Carrasco  goes on Sunday against the Braves in his first chance since coach Dubee announced earlier this week that the competition is now on in earnst.

The Phillies beat the Tigers 8 to 1 but lost to the Jays 4 to 3 to put the spring mark at 4 and 4.

Chatter

John Mayberry Jr. continues to impress as he belted a three run homer against the Tigers.  Mayberry is hitting close to .300 in spring games thus far and has shown good athleticism and ability to play the two corner outfield spots.  He may indeed make the squad.   Ryan Howard belted yet another homer against the Tigers, his third of the spring.  The big man is swinging the bat well thus far, hopefully it pays off in a better start to the regular season as well.

Jamie Moyer threw very well against the Tigers going four innings and tallying five k’s.   I watched some of the World Baseball Classic and saw the Netherlands team upset Team Dominican Republic.  I don’t quite understand what the qualifications are to be on the teams,  ex phil Randall Simon is on the Netherlands team and I was not aware that he was from that region ?  

Carlos Ruiz seemed to get shaken up a bit playing for Panama against Puerto Rico and left the game early, hopefully not anything of issue.

It appears the Phillies will not make any more free agent signings, they did pick up Rodrigo Lopez off waivers from the Braves but it is expected that he will be a starter in Lehigh Valley.  G.M. Ruben Amaro said the team most likely will not sign lefty Will Ohman, the way that J.A. Happ pitched against the Tigers might avail him to the second lefty in the pen spot if indeed he does not earn the fifth starter spot.

Non roster invitee Jeremy Slayden led the FIghtin’s offense in their Spring Training debut as he stroked two hits, one a double, in his two game at bats.  Slayden was the mid game sub for starting left fielder Raul Ibanez who stroked a RBI single in his Phillies spring debut.   Jimmy Rollins, Geoff Jenkins, Gregg Dobbs and John Mayberry Jr. had the other Phillie hits in the contest.

Jamie Moyer started the game on the hill and threw two scoreless innings. Joe Blanton pitched one inning and gave up a run.  The Pirates scored the other seven runs off middle relievers Joe Bisenius and Scott Nestor.

Chatter

Last year’s # 1 draft pick Anthony Hewitt saw action at third base and went hitless in two at bats.  Chris Coste, Ronny Paulino and Lou Marson split duty behind the plate.   According to Todd Zolecki of mlb.com the Fightins are still in the hunt for Nomar Garciaparra but GM Ruben Amaro said there is a less than 50% chance of him signing.   They are also still open to signing an additional left handed reliever if possible.    Hearing rumors that fan favorite, Mr. Coste may be traded to the Mariners if Paulino proves worthy of a major league spot……. still think the team may carry three catchers if Nomar does not sign, guess if folks like Marcus Giles, Mayberry  or perhaps Miguel Cairo have decent springs they could serve as the right hand bat off bench….. we will see.

The Phillies open the home spring schedule in Clearwater tommorow against the Blue Jays. This first game was in Bradenton which is about an hour’s drive south of Clearwater.  Regular players are allowed to drive to the games rather than ride the bus if they so choose, apparently Jimmy Rollins was a bit late for the  pre game warmups as he got lost and his teammates gave him a  good natured razzing for it.

All players reported on time for the Fightins as they prepare for thier title defense.  There has been alot of trash talk already between the Phils and the rivals from New York, the Mets…… probably a good thing the Mets train on the other coast of Florida in Port St. Lucie ! 

Jamie Moyer offered opinion on the A-Rod steroid story stating that A-Rod’s accomplishments are now tainted and hall of fame consideration should be as well.  I agree with the wise left-hander in that regard but regardless the time frame known as “The Steroid Era” is tainted in general and I think when A-Rod is considered for the Hall of Fame it should be based on his entire career and that specific time period should not be the only consideration.  The same holds true for Barry Bonds, etc. that were noted “cheaters” during the period. 

Chase Utley took ground balls at second base this week and seems to be progressing nicely after off season hip surgery.  Pedro Feliz  does not seem as far along as does Mr. Utley in the recovery of his own surgery on his back.  The Phillies have alot of veteran infielders in camp as a safeguard that either man is unable to go north on time.

Skipper Charlie Manuel stated that if the season were to start right now he would carry three catchers on the team, this makes sense in that all three are right handed hitters and the team is in need of a right hand bat off the bench.  He did not say which two would be the backups to starter Carlos Ruiz, only that Chris Coste, Ronny Paulino and Lou Marson would all be given alot of playing time this spring.  Ruiz is set to participate in the World Baseball Classic so indeed the three other catchers will have plenty of spring opportunity.

Chatter

Rumblings are that the Phils have put out an open offer to each of the three left handed relievers still left on the market and that whomever accepts first can join the team.  Will Ohman, Joe Biemel and Dennys Reyes are the three targets.  The offer is suspected to be for one year only and around $1 million.    Single game tickets went on sale today for the regular season and the “ring ceremony” game where the team will receive the championship rings immediately sold out!  Phillies fans continue to support their team!

Fittingly the Philies open the 2009 spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting on Valentines Day!   An offseason love story, spurred by winning the 2008 World Series,  between the team and it’s fans thus comes to conclusion this day as it is time to get back to the true business of baseball….playing !

Skipper Charlie Manuel told the troops that it is time to put 2008 behind and begin the focus on the new season.  Resting on laurels will not be tolerated either by the skip, the veteran core of the team or at the very least, the fans!  I watched an interview with Jamie Moyer and he addressed that very same thing and how anxious he was to get started, so much so that he had trouble sleeping the night before camp opening!

Brett Myers arrived at camp as a much slimmer version, reportedly losing 30 pounds!  Myers vows to start 2009 in a much more positive fashion that he did 2008 and thus dedicated himself to a more vigorous off season workout regimen.   Myers is in the last year of a contract and is eligible for free agency after the season if he and the team do not agree on an extension.

J.C. Romero is in camp albeit will not go north with the big club as he must serve a 50 game suspension for the use of performance enhancing “vitamins”.  Romero tested positive for a banned MLB substance in 2008 and is forced to sit out almost a third of the 2009 season. 

Adam Eaton is also in camp but with little or no chance at making the ballclub, Eaton is due a large sum of cash for the final year of the contract he signed three years ago but has little shot at gaining a starting spot with the Fightins this spring.  Eaton has stated that he will not accept a minor league assignment therefore the Phillies will either have to release him or attempt to trade him, any team that has interest will most likely sit and watch awaiting his release rather than reqlinquish anything in trade.

There will be a battle for the fifth starter’s spot…….. Chan Ho Park, Kyle Kendrick, J.A. Happ and Carlos Carrasco will attempt to impress the skipper enough to earn the rotation spot.  Happ may have the early edge coming in but we will see.

One thing is for certain, Cole Hamels has been named as the opening day starter by the skipper already, coming off the winning of the National League LCS and World Series MVP’s it is well deserved. 

Chatter

Want a true darkhorse to make the ballclub ?  How bout that Sergio Escalona ?  The 23 year old Venezualen is a lefty and might possibly earn the fill in spot till Romero is able to return ?  One to watch perhaps!

The backup catcher spot is also up for grabs apparently, defending champ Chris Coste must defend the spot against newly acquired Ronny Paulino who comes to the team from the Pittsburgh Pirates in an offseason trade.  Both catchers still have minor league options so one most likely will be asked to go the minors as an insurance policy however I have read rumblings that if Paulino wins the job that the Phillies may entertain the Florida Marlins interest in Coste in a trade.  I hope not as Mr. Coste is one of my personal favorites on the club!

Joe Blanton is a very unassuming young man. He stepped into a very assuming role however as he took the ball for game four of the 2008 World Series. Blanton stepped up big time by pitching six plus strong innings only allowing two runs and even belting a home run to earn his first world series win!

Jimmy Rollins got things started offensively for the Fightins as he usually does when they succeed with a lead off double in the first inning. Rollins advanced to third on a ground out and was actually out in a run down on a ball hit back to the mound by Ryan Howard but was called safe by the ump! Rollins scored on a bases loaded walk by Pat Burrell. The Phillies went up two to zero as Pedro Feliz stroked a two out single to plate a run. The Rays scored their first run on a Carl Crawford solo home run in the third inning.

Ryan Howard put the Phillies up by four with a three run home run in the fourth inning. The big man took a curve ball out to the left field seats! Pinch hitter Eric Hinske took a Blanton fastball out to center field in the fifth to make the score 5-2 but Joe Blanton the hitter got it back by turning a Edwin Jackson 95 mph fast ball into a left field tater in the Phillies fifth ! It was Blanton’s first ever major league home run!

The Rays threatened in the seventh putting two runners on but skipper Charlie Manuel played bullpen shuffle bringing in Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre and Ryan Madson in to get out of the inning with no damage. Madson pitched a perfect eighth striking out both Carlos Pena and Evan (Eva) Longoria in the midst.

Jimmy Rollins got his third hit of the game in the eighth as he doubled off the wall. He could have been credited with four but the official scorer gave the Rays second sacker an error on a ground ball in the hole earlier in the game. Pretty simple equation for the Fightins, J-Roll gets on they win!! Jayson Werth belted a home run to score Rollins and put the Fightins up by six! Ryan Howard belted another bomb after teammate Chase Utley reached to make it 10-2 Fightins. Howard ended up with five RBI’s in the game! J.C. Romero pitched the ninth to finish the game.

Chatter

Cole Hamels goes in game five in a rematch of game one as Scott Kazmir throws for the Rays. Jamie Moyer’s performance in game three was even more remarkable considering he was battling a three day stomach virus that had kept him up most of the prior night! The man is a real pro! One win away boys from being known as the best of 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, kudos to the Phillies advance scouts in supplying the team with a great advance plan on these young Ray hitters. The game plan has been perfect thus far……….one more big one to go !

Jimmy Rollins started game three in a different way, he stroked a single to center! Rollins advanced to second on a walk to Jayson Werth, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a ground out by Chase Utley to put the Fightins up by one. The Rays tied the score in the top of the second as Carl Crawford scored.

Carlos Ruiz hit a solo home run in the Phillies second to put the home team back ahead. That score held till the bottom of the sixth when Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back to back home runs to make the count 4 to 1.

The Rays scored two in the seventh to chase Phililes starter Jamie Moyer. Moyer was outstanding and gave the young Rays a schooling by hitting spots consistently. He actually made a great play on a bunt by Carl Crawford in the seventh but the first base umpire blew the call. Crawford would score one of the runs.

Ryan Madson was touched for one run in the eighth as the speed of B.J. Upton scored the tieing run. Upton beat out an infield hit, stole second and third and scored on a errant throw to third by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz.

The Phillies won the game in the bottom of the ninth as Eric Bruntlett was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Shane Victorino was attempting to bunt Bruntlett to second but a wild pitch did it for him as Bruntlett went to second and even advanced to third as the Rays catcher threw the ball into center field! Rays skipper Joe Maddon then elected to walk both Victorino and pinch hitter Greg Dobbs to load the bases. He brought his right fielder in behind second base and dared hitter Carlos Ruiz to be able to hit a fly ball! Ruiz hit a squibber down the third base line and Bruntlett scored the winning run!

Chatter

Jamie Moyer was outstanding in this game and showed how a true professional plays the game. The game did not start till after 10 pm EDT due to heavy rains in the Philadelphia area all day and early evening Saturday. The game concluded around 1:30 AM!! Philly fans stayed thru the whole thing though and showed their faith in the Fightins! Joe Blanton will go for the Fightins on the mound Sunday night. Give the Rays credit, they are a very good team and have alot of fight in them………sounds like our Phililes! All three games thus far could have went either way, these two teams are matched very well!