Since the last time I wrote, a few things have happened with the Phillies.
I was correct that Cole Hamels would be able to get the team back on board. I was worried that I might jinx him, but he came out and threw his first career complete game shutout against the Braves last Thursday. He only allowed 6 baserunners in the entire game. His record is now 5-3 with an outstanding ERA of 2.89.
Looking through my fantasy league’s free agent list on Saturday one name popped out at me as a surprise. Jayson Werth was the 4th ranked free agent in the market, and he was ranked 30th overall (one behind Pat Burrell). Then I realized that Werth went absolutely nuts Friday. He went 3-4 on the day. The amazing thing is that all three of his hits were homeruns. He had an astounding 8 RBIs! Jamie Moyer picked up the win in the first game of interleague play against the Blue Jays.
The Phillies did not fair as well on Saturday losing 6-3. AJ Burnett got the win for the Jays as Adam Eaton got the loss. He pitched 5 innings, but blew up for 4 runs in the second. This is the Eaton trademark. He will pitch well for most innings then give up 3+ in one, and not be able to get out of it. Jimmy Rollins continued to be on fire in his return going 3-5 with 2 RBIs while Ryan Howard went 0-4 with 3 Ks.
Yesterday, the game against the Blue Jays was delayed due to rain after the first inning. Kyle Kendrick and Jay’s starter, Shaun Marcum, pitched only one inning as they did not return after the rain delay. Chad Durbin entered the game and gave up 3 runs over the next 4 innings. Rudy Seanez then gave up three runs of his own in the 6th inning to get credit for the loss. The Phillies trailed 6-4 entering the 9th inning. Despite the best efforts from Pat Burrell, who hit a solo homer with 2 outs, the Phillies went down 6-5. Ryan Howard also homered in the game off of Marcum in the first inning. His first inning homer drove in Jimmy Rollins who was 2-3 on the day with 2 runs scored. He also reached base twice with 2 walks.
As Ryan Howard’s average closes in on .200, Pat Burrell has slipped below .300 after his hot start, and Chase Utley is dropping in on it also.
The Phillies take on the Gnats tonight on the road at 7:10. Brett Myers needs to get his act together. Tonight will be a good showing to see if there is something seriously wrong with his arm, or that he is just not cut out to get back into the starting rotation. He needs to get a quality start tonight, end of story.
