As New York Mets fans know being in first place in the National League East in September is not the most secure place in recent years.  The mighty Mets fell out of the top spot and eventually relinquished the title to our Fightins each of the last two seasons.  The FIghtins presently hold that leadership perch this season and one would think that with a 5 and 1/2 game lead and a magic number of 16 as of the time of this writing that such lead would be relatively safe………. as the New Yorker’s would tell you, don’t count on it till the fat lady sings!

The Phillies have not played well in September this season, they were swept in a four game series in Houston by the Astros and albeit came back to win two of three against the Nationals in Washington struggled to do so.   Everyone knows that the team offense is predicated on the long ball but recent times have seen that reliance to become somewhat alarming.  The Fightins run production recently has been delivered 60% of the time on home runs !  Too often they have been unable to produce runs with runners in scoring position and less than two outs.   If the team holds on and wins their third straight division title, which I expect them to by the way, the playoff run will be short if they do not figure out how to get back to offense 101 and move runners to score the small ball way also.  Home Runs usually don’t fly against the pitchers you see in the playoffs.

On top of the offensive woes the bullpen has been a real worry, Brad Lidge blew another game in Houston and struggled so mightingly in a game in Washington that skipper Charlie Manuel had to go get him in the ninth in favor of Ryan Madson who eventually closed the win.   Madson, though is not a closer just yet as he displayed against the Mets in yesterday’s game by blowing his sixth save of the season.   Brett Myers also pitched poorly against the Mets yesterday giving up a two run blast himself in the eighth inning set up roll.   Bottom line is this, anyone who does not realize that the Phillies must get Lidge right in the closer roll is blind as a baseball fan, the skipper knows it and will attempt to take the last few weeks of the season to try and get him right. 

In today’s game against the Mets Kyle Kendrick stepped up in a spot start opportunity and threw very well leaving with a 5 to 2 lead.  Matt Stairs doubled in the home eighth and was plated by Andy Tracy with a single to score that fifth run in what may become one of the more important RBI’s of the season.   The skipper brought in Mr. Lidge to attempt to get the game done and he needed every one of those three runs to do so as he converted a save for the 5-4 win.   I truly think that even though he struggled once again with hanging sliders that were hit hard by two Met hitters the fact that he was able to convert with two strike outs may indeed finally be the bridge back to where we need him to be.

I repeat, this team needs Brad Lidge to close, he is the best option we have and the success of the season will hinge on his ability to recover. 

Chatter

Kudo’s to Phillie fans who gave Lidge a very nice ovation when he came into the game today, it was a show of class for a class act, Lidge has never ducked his responsibility this season and does not deserve any boo birds wrath for that, he has not performed on the field but as we saw last season the Phillies home crowd can be a great attribute to the home team if we are behind them, this is a very good team we have, no room to be negative now fellow Phillie Phans, not if we want another title which is indeed in reach!

Pedro Martinez goes tonight against his old teammates in the night portion of the day-night twin bill.  Pedro has been excellent thus far so let’s hope that streak continues.  Has anyone noticed that Jamie Moyer could actually have 15 wins this season if not for the last two games where he left with a lead and the bullpen collapsed, not bad for a spot starter eh!   J.A. Happ is still struggling with a strained obligue and may miss another start, good thing we have Moyer ready to take the ball.   Clay Condrey threw in Reading in a rehab assignment but no word if he is ready to resume big league service, the injury to his obligue has cost the valuable right hander a big chunk of the season, J.C. Romero is still struggling with elbow woes as is fellow lefty Scott Eyre.   If those two guys can’t get back in time to finish the season don’t be suprised to see Mr. Happ in the bullpen as the team has only inexperienced Sergio Escolona and Jack Taschner in the pen presently from the left side.

Magic number is at 16 and Marlins are losing right now to Nats 7-1 in the eighth so there is a possibility that can go to 14 if they lose and the Fightins win behind Pedro tonight.   Good time to be a Phillie Phan folks!

Note :  The Fighins have four guys with 30 or more home runs this season, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez and Chase Utley……..  those four guys have more than many entire teams including those lowly Mets, indeed a great time to be a Phillies Phan !

Let me begin with stating that what I write in this article is only my opinion, I have no facts to base it upon nor any insight into what has been discussed.   I think that most internet “opinions” should start with that statement.  That being said this is what I think will happen before the trade deadline passes this week.

Roy Halladay

I think, after reading many articles, that Toronto is in a position of “must trade” regardless of what they say.  It seems to me that management there has determined that cost reduction is key to the franchise future and that buildout of a relatively thin minor league feeder system is optimal.  I also believe that the extent of “suitors” for Mr. Halladay is somewhat limited in ability to provide the Blue Jays with what they need to accomplish such buildout.

The two statements made by the Toronto GM that stick in my mind are;  1.  He must get a “potential” all-star in return for giving up existing all-star Halladay and  2.  He must get a major league ready player in return.   That being said I think that Toronto has two options then with the Phillies as a trade partner.

A.  J.A. Happ, Dominick Brown, and the choice of two of three out of Jason Donald, Carlos Carrasco, Lou Marson.    ( Brown being the “potential” all-star and Happ being the major league ready)

B.  Kyle Drabek, Anthony Gose, Carlos Carrasco and either Jason Donald or Lou Marson.  ( Drabek or Carrasco being the major league ready and Drabek/Gose being the “potential” all-star)

My guess is that option A will be taken and that Doc Halladay will be a Phillie by week’s end wearing number 33 ( Wayne Twitchell didn’t perform well enough to have that number retired like a certain Lefty did to get # 32 on the wall!).

George Sherrill

Rumblings are the Phillies are also scouting the Oriole’s closer and that a deal may be made there as well.  I think that the bullpen is thin right now with the injury bugs that have hit and am of the opinion that our closer Brad Lidge is still dinged a bit.   I think that Baltimore may bite on some lower level prospects such as Drew Naylor, Yohan Flande or Joe Savery and that Mr. Sherill may also be a Phillie by weeks end.

Right Handed Bench Help

Don’t discount the possibility of Kevin Millar or Marco Scutaro coming the Phillies way as part of any Halladay deal as the team does need a veteran right hand bat akin to lefty Matt Stairs.   Ty Wigginton could be that guy also in any Orioles exchange.

Time will tell………. perhaps nothing gets done at all !

The Phillies lost the most recent three game series against the Florida Marlins in what has become the not so friendly confines of Citizen’s Bank Park in 2009.   The Marlins took two of the three games and sunk the Phillies home record to 9 wins and 14 losses.   Home Cooking has to improve if the boys are gonna have any chance of repeating.

Game 1 – Monday, May 25th – Florida 5 Phillies 3

Jamie Moyer made his fifth attempt to gain career win number 250 and once again came up short.  Moyer did not pitch badly as he went six innings and limited the Marlins to four runs on seven hits.   The only problem was that Chris Volstad was better for Florida.   Ryan Howard accounted for all three of the Phillie runs as he blasted two home runs giving him 12 for the season.  Pedro Feliz also had a two hit game but the duo accounted for two thirds of the Phillies offense as they could only muster a total of six hits.  Chan Ho Park pitched well in relief for the Phillies as he tossed the final three frames but the Fightin’s came up short in this one.  Ex Phillie Wes Helms had a huge game offensively for the Marlins as he homered and knocked in four of the five runs.

Game 2 – Tuesday, May 26th – Phillies 5 Florida 3

Joe Blanton was dominant in this game as he had by far his best outing in a Phillie jersey.  Blanton threw shutout ball thru seven innings and struck out 11 batters, a new career high.  He limited the Marlins to only five hits and also only walked two batters.  Blanton attacked the strike zone in this one with little regard for the hitters as he trusted his stuff and it worked very well!   Offensively Shane Victorino had a big day as he collected four hits and Pedro Feliz stayed hot by stroking another two hits.   The game got interesting in the ninth as Chad Durbin loaded the bases with only one out and forced skipper Charlie Manuel  to go to closer Brad Lidge after the Marlins scored three runs.  Lidge was given a very warm reception by the fans as he entered the game and did the job as he recorded the final two outs to earn his ninth save.   He is the closer and Charlie has made it very clear that it will remain that way, that is the beauty of the skipper and of this team, they do not panic and stay the course even if sometimes the fans divert course!

Game 3 – Wednesday, May 27th – Florida 6 Phillies 2

Brett Myers started the game and pitched effectively thru five frames but was knocked out in the sixth.   It was later reported that Myers left the game due to soreness and discomfort in his hip, he has been pitching very well lately and an injury is not something the team can really afford at this point.   Myers was tagged for home runs by Dan Uggla and Cody Ross and gave up five runs.   Old reliable Clay Condrey took the hill after Myers and held the Marlins at bay for two and 1/3 innings.   The Phillies struggled offensively as they tallied eight hits, two of which were off the bat of Ryan Howard.  Matt Stairs blasted a solo pinch hit home run to right field in the home eighth.  Jack Taschner gave up the sixth run in the ninth and is the most likely candidate to be released at this point when J.C. Romero returns to the active roster on June 3rd.

Chatter

Rumblings are that the Phillies are very interested in acquiring another starting pitcher.  If Brett Myers is indeed injured and goes on the disabled list then that search may intensify.  Names being bandied about as potential acquisitions are Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn of the Mariners,  Jason Marquis of the Rockies, Brad Penny and perhaps Clay Bucholtz of the Red Sox and Roy Oswalt of the Astros.   Any of those trades would require the Phillies to give up a portion of the minor league talent they have accumulated, folks like Jason Donald, Lou Marson, Carlos Carrasco, Sergio Escalona, Joe Savery, Kyle Drabek, Drew Carpenter, etc.  would have to be dangled so G.M. Ruben Amaro must be cognizant of not mortgaging the entire future.  It is refreshing though that the team realizes they have a great nucleaus and is willing to go for it now!  Time will tell what happens.   Keep in mind also that old standbys like Paul Byrd and Pedro Martinez are also still out there as free agents.   Oswalt would be my choice if you could get him but the others would be very good additions as well.  Reports are that the team does not plan to sign Myers this offseason so whomever they might trade for would be figured into 2010 plans as well.

Been away in Clearwater, FLA for a week celebrating my daughter’s wedding and have not updated the old blog since I left……….thanks Bernalda for the nice comment, see us Phillie and Mets fans can get along!  In any regards here is a summary of the week I missed while down in rainy florida……yes rained everday I was there!  The one week I show up happens to be the week they get a steady stream of much needed agua across the whole bloody state, oh well……. at least the Fighthin’s didn’t play soggy for the week.  Here is the recap.

Saturday, May 16th – Day/Night Double Header in Washington

Game 1 : Phillies 8 Nationals 5

Brett Myers had a really nice game going seven innings allowing only three hits and two runs to earn his third win of the season.  Ryan Madson got hit around a bit in the eighth giving up three runs which created a save situation in the ninth which Brad Lidge converted for his sixth of the year.  Raul Ibanez continued his all-star pace by blasting two home runs in the game and Jayson Werth also hit a dinger.  The Phillies pounded 14 hits in total including three from Ibanez and Werth and two each from Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Chris Coste.

Game 2 : Phillies 7 Nationals 5

Rookie Drew Carpenter was recalled from Triple A Lehigh Valley and made his major league starting debut in this one which was shortened by rain.  The game was stopped in the top of the sixth inning and play never resumed.  Carpenter only pitched 4 and 1/3 innings but was credited with the win due to the shortened game.   Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez each blasted home runs in the game to lead the Phillie offense.  The Phillies accumulated nine hits in the five full innings of play,  Chase Utley was 3 for 3 and Jimmy Rollins, Ibanez and Howard each had two hit games.  No coincedence that when J-Roll gets multi hit games the Fightins’ score alot of runs!

Sunday May 17th : Phillies 8 Nationals 6 – Washington, D.C.

Chan Ho Park pitched himself out of the rotation in this one as he only lasted 1 and 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks.  Park was terrible in this one and dug the Phillies a early hole after they had even spotted him a three run lead in the first inning!  Five Phillies relievers limited the Nationals to only one run and four hits the rest of the way and rookie Sergio Escalona picked up his first major league win, he replaced Drew Carpenter on the roster who was optioned back to Lehigh Valley prior to the game.   Scott Eyre earned his sixth hold of the season and Brad Lidge pitched in the ninth to gain his 7th save.   Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz and Jayson Werth led the offense with two hits each as the Fightin’s swept the four game series from Washington.

Tuesday, May 19th : Phillies 4 Reds 3 – Cincinatti, Ohio

Cole Hamels pitched six strong innings to earn his second win of the season and Ryan Howard belted his ninth home run of the year as the Phillies defeated the Reds in the series opener.  Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson each earned holds and Brad Lidge notched his eighth save of the season.

Wednesday, May 20th :  Reds 5 Phillies 1 – Cincinatti, Ohio

Jamie Moyer pitched better in this one but still suffered his fourth loss of the year.  Moyer went six innnings giving up three runs on nine hits.  It was all Reds starter Aaron Harrang needed as he tossed seven frames striking out nine while stopping a hot Phillie offense.  Raul Ibanez did hit his major league leading 14th home run in the game to account for the Phillies lone run.  Ibanez is making Phillie faithful state “Pat who ?”

Thursday, May 21st :  Phillies 12 Reds 5 – still in Ohio!

Joe Blanton was the happy recipient of the strong Phillie offensive showing as he went only five innings to earn his second win of the season.  Blanton gave up five runs in the fifth frame as he had shut the Reds out to that point.  Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park and Sergio Escalona finished the game and held the Reds scoreless.   Chase Utley, Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and superman Raul Ibanez each belted home runs in the game for the Phillies.  Jimmy Rollins had a four hit game and continues to raise his average.

Friday, May 22 : Phillies 7 Yankees 3 – Yankee Stadium, NYC

Brett Myers threw his best game of the season going eight strong innings against the Bronx Bombers limiting them to three runs on eight hits.  Ryan Madson tossed a scoreless ninth to finish the game.  Jimmy Rollins belted a home run in his first at bat in the new Yankee stadium to get things started for the Phillies.  Jayson Werth also homered and Raul Ibanez hit his 16th home run of the season as well.  Carlos Ruiz had a three hit game batting out of the nine hole for the Phillies. Matt Stairs served as the DH in the first interleague game of the season for the FIghtins.

Saturday, May 23rd :  Yankees 5 Phillies 4 – NYC

J.A. Happ pitched really well in his first start of the season since replacing Chan Ho Park in the rotation but came up with a no decision as the Yankees mounted a ninth inning comeback to win.  Happ threw six innings only giving up 2 runs and 4 hits.  Chad Durbin and Ryan Madson each earned holds but Brad Lidge could not hold the Yankees in the ninth and was credited with both his second loss of the season and third blown save.   John Mayberry, Jr. belted a three run home run in his first major league at bat !  Mayberry was recalled from Triple A to add a right handed bat for interleague play, Sergio Escalona was optioned back to Lehigh.  Raul Ibanez blasted his 17th home run of the season in this one as well………… the man is on fire!

Chatter

While in Florida we took in a Rays game as they played Oakland in an afternoon game on Thursday, the 21st.   We got soaked trying to get into the stadium as it was raining like crazy, so soaked that I had to buy a Ray’s T-shirt to wear and take off my World Champion Phillies T-shirt I had worn to the game!    Only a security guard politely chided me about the Phillies shirt,   they announced 13,000 as the attendance but I think it was far more sparse than that.  The stadium is not horrible but is still a  far cry  from the newer parks like CBP in Philly.   The fans jumped on reliever Troy Percival in earnst and booed the hell out of him when he could not throw strikes, turns out he was hurt and was put on the DL the next day……… never will understand what booing does for folks!  The Rays bid for a new stadium by the waterfront in St. Pete was rejected so I am not sure what the next move is for the franchise, the core Rays fans seem loyal but I don’t know if there are enough of them!   In any regards the Rays have a good young team and should be supported, if not in Tampa then I am sure some other city will welcome them.  By the by the Rays won the game 5-4 with a ninth inning rally sparked by a Carl Crawford single, like him as a player but his buddy in center, B.J. Upton is a dawg in my opinion, doesn’t run out ground balls and half assed a fly ball to center field that he could of caught with a bit of effort,  Charlie would have eaten him alive if he were one of his players and did that!

Jayson Werth stole four bases in the opening game of the Phillies three game home series against his former  team, the Dodgers.   Included in his four steals was an electric swipe of home in the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the bases juiced.   Werth timed the throwback to the pitcher from catcher Russell Martin perfectly and sprinted immediately thereafter  for home sliding under the return throw from the pitcher!  Alot of guts to even try it but one of those plays when successful leaves folks talking about it for a long time!

Chan Ho Park had his second consecutive strong outing by going six innings allowing only seven hits and two runs.  Park started out a bit shaky in the first inning as the Dodgers hit some bullets but they were only able to score one time, he settled in nicely thereafter and earned the win.   Werth led the Philie offense with two hits as the team could only muster six in the game.  Raul Ibanez had the only extra base hit for the Fightins as he doubled to knock in one of the runs.   Pinch hitter extraordinaire Matt Stairs added another pinch single to his tally with by delivering in the bottom of the eighth.

The bullpen did the job once again as Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge closed the game behind Park.  Orlando Hudson had three hits in the game for the Dodgers.  Lidge struggled a bit in the ninth but held on to earn his fifth save of the season.

Chatter

Werth’s four steals tied a team record for steals in a game, the last time a Phillie did so was in 1978 when Garry Maddox stole four in a fourteen inning game.  Balking Bob Davidson had a tough nite as first base umpire and he missed a couple calls that were not so close for a professional umpire to make.  Skipper Charlie Manuel mildly protested a call in the eighth just to let him know.   Jimmie Rollins batted out of the fifth slot in the lineup in this one as he is battling a season long slump, J-Roll hit the ball hard a couple times and ended up one for three with one walk.  Rollins will be fine, just gotta stick with him.  The TV crew got a great shot of ex Phillie Larry Bowa  in the Dodger dugout after a double steal was pulled off by the Phillies in the seventh, Bowa tossed his sunflower seeds and stomped into the clubhouse entry in disgust!  Gotta love his intensity. 

Chan Ho Park appeared to tweak a hamstring running out a bunt in his first at bat, the trainer was brought onto the field in the top of the fifth to check him but Park stayed in the game.  Time will tell I suppose if the injury is something that may cause down time.

Good pitching usually beats good hitting every time, that indeed was proven again this weekend as the Fightin’s dropped the last two games of the three game home series with the Atlanta Braves.  On Saturday Javier Vazquez threw 7 and 2/3 innings of stellar pitching against the Phillies, he only allowed four hits and two runs in that span.    With the exception of a few badly placed pitches Joe Blanton also pitched well going eight innings, the difference being that Blanton gave up two two run bombs, one to Brian McCann and the other to Yunel Escobar.   The Phillies were limited to five hits in the game, two of which were delivered by Chase Utley.  Utley homered in the game as did Raul Ibanez.    Final count :  Atlanta 6 Phillies 2

Sunday’s game was more of the same from a pitching dominance perspective, this time the Atlanta hurler was Kenshin Kawakami as he went six innings giving up five hits and two runs.  Three Braves relievers went the final three frames limiting the Phillies to one additional hit and no runs.   The Phillies were thus limited to six hits total, two each by Ryan Howard and Matt Stairs who got the start in right field.   Brett Myers pitched well for the Phils by going six innings allowing only one run on five hits.  Jack Taschner took the loss as he was tagged for two runs and three hits in only two thirds of an inning of relief work in the seventh frame.   FInal Count : Braves 4 Phillies 2

Chatter

With the two losses the Phillies record dropped to 15 and 14 and they fall to third place in the division one and 1/2 games behind the Mets.  The team has an offday on Monday before opening a three game home set with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Chan Ho Park will take the pill against his ex mates in the series opener.  The Phillies lead the majors in both sides of home run statistics !  They have hit more home runs than any team but the pitching staff has also given up more home runs that anyone…….. by far, in fact they are on pace to set a new major league record for home runs allowed! 

The Phillies came into this weekend’s three game series with Florida staggering a bit with a record of 6 wins and 8 losses coming off two straight series losses at home.   The offense was stagnant till the friday night ninth inning wakeup call where they scored seven runs.   On Saturday night they faced another of the Marlin’s young stud starters in Chris Volstad.    Volstad threw seven strong innings and left with a 4 to 3 lead.  The Marlin bullpen, however, once again blew the game as the Phillies tied the game in the ninth and won it in the tenth !   Big late game hits were delivered by Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Matt Stairs and Raul Ibanez.   Ibanez is a true pro hitter and continues to be impressive in his game approach and delivery.   Chan Ho Park belted a solo home run early in the game and actually threw a nice game going seven innings while allowing four runs.

Ryan Madson picked up the win in relief and Brad Lidge earned his fourth save of the season albeit a bit shakey in the outing. 

On Sunday afternoon Jamie Moyer continued his dazzlement of the youthful Marlins as he tossed six innings to earn his third win of the young season.  The Phillies jumped on Florida starter Graham Taylor and knocked him out in the fourth inning.  Shane Victorino had a big offensive day out of the leadoff spot driving in four runs with two hits.  Ryan Howard had a two hit ballgame and Pedro Feliz had three hits in the game.  Chad Durbin and J.A. Happ finished up behind Moyer to close out the victory. 

With the sweep the Phillies increased the early season record to 9 and 8.  Florida has lost six straight and is now 11 and 7.

Chatter

It is true that the Marlins have great young starting pitching but they are lacking in the little things of the game, baserunning, fielding and common baseball sense are all things they severely lack in.   It is a reflection of having a young team that learns the trade in the major leagues rather than at the minor league level.  It is why, in my opinion, they will not win over the long haul of the season. 

Kudo’s to my son, Nolan, for completing his college baseball career this weekend.  He set a school record with 19 appearances this season as a pitcher including throwing in three consecutive games this weekend.  His final college game was an eight inning effort as a starter on Saturday, this after throwing two and 1/3 innings on Friday and 1/3 of an inning in game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday.  He is a tough minded young man, not afraid of any situation or obstacle and always  the ultimate team player………. as his dad I am indeed very proud.  Good job Nolan !

Games two and three of the home series against the Brewers saw the Phillies score only two runs total as they fell to the Brew Crew by counts of 3 to 1 and 6 to 1.   Braden Looper tossed six innings of shutout ball on Wednesday to earn his second win of the season.   The Phillies could only muster 8 hits in the contest, two of which were by Jayson Werth including his second home run of the season.   Joe Blanton pitched relatively well for the Phillies in his start but was tagged for all three runs including a solo home run by J.J. Hardy.

On Thursday afternoon Philadelphia native Dave Bush took a no – hitter into the eighth inning for the Brewers before pinch hitter Matt Stairs broke it up with a solo home home.   Cole Hamels took the loss for the Phillies and was knocked out of the game early by a Prince Fielder line drive off his throwing arm.  Hamels gave up two runs on four hits in 3 and 1/3 innings.  J.A. Happ got tuned for three runs in 1 and 2/3 innings of work in relief of Hamels.   The Phillies only managed two hits in the ballgame.

The Phillies offensive woes continued as they faced the Florida Marlins in Miami on Friday night.  The Fish threw big Josh Johnson against the Fightins and he held them scoreless thru seven innings as he was dominant.   Brett Myers started for the Phillies and threw six innings but gave up a three run bomb to Dan Uggla in the first inning.   The count was 3 to 0 going into the Phillies top half of the ninth when the Fightin’s offense erupted to score 7 times!   Shane Victorino blasted a grand slam home run to plate four and Chase Utley smoked a solo blast in the frame.  Matt Stairs had a big pinch single in the  middle of the inning to start the scoring run.  Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard both belted doubles off the left field wall.  Matt Lindstrom got tuned up pretty well in the inning as he blew the save.    The Phillies brought 12 batters to the plate in the eruption.

Ryan Madson pitched the ninth to close the game in a non-save situation.  He struck out the side.  The Phillies won the game 7 to 3.  The season record now stands at 7 wins and 8 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.

As the season opener rapidly approaches the Fightin’s have made a few shuffles in the roster to finalize the opening 25 man crew.   Outfielder Geoff Jenkins was given his unconditional release, the Phillies still owe Jenkins $8 million for the second year of his contract and will eat that amount.  Jenkins was a good team man and I am sorry to see him go but do realize that with Jayson Werth established as the everyday right fielder that Matt Stairs is better suited than Jenkins as a left handed bat off the bench.  Jenkins should catch on somewhere as I believe he still has good baseball left in him.

The team also designated John Mayberry Jr. to minor league camp as well as Carlos Carrasco. Both are young players and will most likely be future big leaguers.  Chan Ho Park was told that he has won the fifth starter’s job over J.A. Happ.  I have a good feeling that Park is going to have a decent year and am glad to see him win the starting job.  I hope that Happ can adjust to a bullpen role as I don’t think another minor league assignment is in his best interest mentally.  If the team does assign him to Triple A I think they are doing so with the intent of eventually moving him in trade. 

Robert Mosebach was reclaimed by the Angels.  He was a rule 5 draft choice of the Phillies this winter and had to remain on the big league roster or be offered back to the Angels.  Reports are that the Fightin’s are attempting to work out a trade to keep him, he has very good velocity and would be a good insurance policy at Triple A.   Recently acquired Jack Taschner will most likely make the roster but if indeed Happ does as well that will give the team 3 lefties in the pen!  Last season they went almost the entire season with only one before acquiring Scott Eyre.  It would appear that Gary Majewski might be optioned to Triple A but that hinges on the team’s opinion of Happ and whether they want to play with his psyche and send him to Lehigh.

Chatter

Gary Sheffield was released by Detroit, he officially clears waivers at 1 pm tommorrow and apparently the Phillies have interest in signing him as a right handed pinch hitter and part time outfielder.  I think Sheffield is a very good player but do have concerns on his locker room impact, this is a good crew of men that gets along well, not sure we need a Kenny Lofton like influence.  I only know what I read of Sheffield and perhaps the negative reports in this regard are inaccurate.  If the team signs him then Miguel Cairo would presumably be out of a roster spot.  It has also been rumored that the Fightin’s have interest in Andruw Jones but it seems that he will indeed make the Texas Ranger’s opening day roster.   Lastly Marcus Giles was given his outright release, it would appear that his baseball days are over at the major league level but one never knows, perhaps he catches on elsewhere.   Brett Myers will start the season opener as Cole Hamels slight elbow injury will push his first start back to later in the season against Colorado.

Can’t wait for opening day!  Thanks to the folks at Nuemann College for affording me the chance to do a book signing yesterday, did very well with sales and met alot of interesting folks!