Citizens Bank Broads
Just another g9sports sitePhillies vs. Yankees – Spring Training Game #1 Highlights
Posted on February 26, 2011
Image c/o mlb.com
A potential World Series matchup was the featured spring training game today between the Phillies and the Yankees.  The score aside, we can make some regular season predictions based on today’s game:
Ben Francisco is a beast in the outfield and at the plate.  With some solid catches and posting a hit and a run on the scoreboard, he certainly started spring training with a bang.  His competition for right field, Domonic Brown, did not fare so well, with one walk and one strikeout at his at-bats.  If Francisco keeps it up, he’ll be making himself right at home in Jayson Werth’s former spot.
Hamels put up a respectable appearance: two strike outs balanced out the hit, run, and walk he gave up.  While we have the rest of spring training to see what numbers the rest of the aces put up, I’m comfortable saying that the number 4 spot looks to be the right spot for Hamels – but time will tell.
Minor league recruit Jason Grilli was called up to pitch the final inning – and he didn’t disappoint.  Despite giving up two hits, his one strike out and good fielding maintained the Phillies lead through the rest of the inning.  If he continues this performance during the rest of spring training, I could see him pitching relief alongside Lidge and Kendrick.
Wilson Valdez, John Mayberry Jr, and Pete Orr all impressed me with their batting performance.  Responsible for 3 out of the 5 Phillies runs and playing fair defense, I look forward to see what these three are made of during the rest of Grapefruit League play.
Even though it’s just spring training, a win is a win.  Follow me on Twitter during game commentary, and also follow the G9 Sports Yankees on Twitter to heckle them 
Catcher Preview – Carlos “Chooch” Ruiz
Posted on February 16, 2011
Image c/o Getty Images
Carlos Ruiz doesn’t get a lot of love – especially in the wake of the Cliff Lee excitement.  But the man behind the mask (and one of the league’s most underrated players) is one of the team’s best assets – both offensively and defensively.
And if there’s one thing you need to know about Ruiz, it’s this: he keeps getting better.
His fielding percentage is deadly – consistently over .990 for the 4 years.  His defensive chances and putout numbers are steadily growing this year – and coming off 880 chances and 814 putouts from the 2010 season, it’s not out of the question to expect him to exceed 900 in both stats this season.  With the Phab Phive pitching to him this season, expect some defensive magic this season.
Chooch is one of the Phillies’ most reliable offensive players.  Consistently improving each year, Ruiz had a record highs in plate appearances (433), batting average (.302), on base percentage (.400), and on-base+slugging percentages (.847).  Jayson Werth’s absence from the lineup will require everyone to step up their game – and Ruiz’s consistent improvement can prove to be another record year.
His position in the lineup plays a huge factor in his hitting success – Bleacher Report’s Ryan Wolcott projects Ruiz batting eighth, after the right fielder hitter (still TBD).  He posts respectable numbers hitting in both positions, with slightly better performance hitting in the 7th spot (BA of .337  instead of .263, OBP of .407 vs .398, SLG of .524 vs. .351).  The lineup favors giving the potential big run-maker Francisco or Brown a higher spot, so it’s expected that Ruiz will bat 8th – and still put up significant numbers.
Late season and post-season is when Ruiz comes alive (with the exception of last year’s NLCS).  His World Series BA is a sick .353, with an OBP of  .488 and SLG of .706.  He maintains a superb defensive performance, keeping the pitchers calm and calling the right throws at the right time.  Given that he’s helped each of the Phab Phive pitchers produce big wins in the post-season (Halladay’s 2010 no-hitter, Lee’s two wins in the 2009 WS, WS-winning games with Hamels & Blanton), you can expect some pitcher-catcher magic this season.
Chooch – we’re expecting a lot from you this season.  And we can’t wait to watch you deliver.
Recap: Phillies Starting Pitchers Press Conference
Posted on February 14, 2011Image c/o The700Level.com
Don’t ask Cliff Lee about the details of his trade back to the Phillies.  Don’t call them any nickname with the number four.  Don’t talk about the 2011 World Series.
The Phillies’ 5 starting pitchers have only a few things on their mind: spring training, playing fast and aggressive, and preparation.
As Cliff Lee said, ”We haven’t thrown a pitch yet, so it’s premature to call us the best pitching staff ever.”
This team is focused on the end goal – win multiple World Series championships.  Cliff Lee said that he felt his best chance to win championships is with the Phillies.  For Roy, the biggest thing left to do in his stellar career is win a ring.  Amidst trade rumors, Blanton is focused on facing the other teams’ lineups (not their number 5 pitcher) and winning another championship.  Hamels notes that all starting pitchers have post-season experience – a great feature to have.
But all know the long road that lies ahead: 162 games, a 7-month season, and playing games with all 25 guys.
Preparation was the buzzword of this conference.  Oswalt mentioned that preparation was the best thing he picked up from Pettitte and Clemens – and he even picked up a few technical tips from watching Halladay pitch last year.  Lee said that the season’s success depends on the whole team’s preparation: “if everyone comes prepared, good things should happen.”
Fast, aggressive – that’s how all five of these aces pitch.  All have post-season experience.  Hamels notes they all share the same values.  They certainly are the best of the best – but no one aims to be the best of this group.
“I want to play my best, put up as many zeros as possible.  I’m not competing against these guys, I’m competing against the other team.  I’m going to go out and play my best, regardless of what the guy ahead of me did,” says Lee.
They ignore any talk of the Fantastic Four, the Four Aces.  They’re a starting lineup of 5, and will welcome any nicknames that include big Blanton.  Despite rumors, Blanton has one thing on his mind – winning.  ”Winning is the biggest part.  I like where I’m at.  And I’m focused on winning another World Series with the Phillies.”
Humble, focused, and determined, these pitchers also credit their fans.  A lot.  Lee notes them as a contributing factor in his decision to return to Philadelphia.  Hamels recounted how they’ve kept up with his career as a Phillie, from his first pitch at Citizens Bank Park to his 2008 World Series MVP title.  All pitchers agree that the fans will come up with a suitable nickname that embodies these five aces.
These guys are itching to throw their first pitches and get the 2011 season underway.  And we fans can’t wait to watch the magic.
Pitchers and Catchers and Florida, Oh My!
Posted on February 14, 2011
Image c/o ISPORTACUS
Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday to training camp in Clearwater.  The expected dynasty of this Phillies’ lineup is about to begin.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee is probably the most excited of us all.  But the man is also a realist.
“We have to curb our excitement a little bit, too.  We still have to play baseball. I mean, we are absolutely thrilled with our starting rotation. You can’t downplay that. I don’t think anyone who has ever seen baseball would downplay it. But the fact of the matter is we have to play 162 games and play up to our potential.â€Â
No doubt, we have a long season ahead of us. But opening day and the warm(er) weather of spring is all we frozen phaithful fans have to look forward to.
With training camp starting, what can we look forward to from our pitchers?
Dubee notes the improvements made by the lineup last year – Hamels’ cutter, both the Roys’ improved changeups, and the continuous improvement of all the pitchers’ ridiculous strikes.
Forget the top 4 for a minute – the presumed number 5, Big Blanton, is looking good – and Dubee recognizes it.
“He’s a very good, quality pitcher in the big leagues. He’s a horse. When you look at Joe Blanton’s track record, he’s a 200-inning-a-year guy. Last year was the first year he came up short because he fought the oblique injury coming out of spring training.â€Â
Blanton has always been a solid member of the Phillies lineup – it would be a loss to see him go, and it’d take a season or two for Kyle Kendrick to fill Blanton’s shoes.  Keeping the top 5 lineup with Kendrick (who’s stretching out as a starter at camp, along with Vance Worley) with Madson and the 2008 lights-out Lidge pitching relief keeps the team in great shape.
Championship shape, one would think.
Roundup – the Phillies’ news from the week
Posted on February 11, 2011
Image c/o derii.org
- Polanco or Young?  The Phillies have been doing their research on the Rangers’ third baseman.  Getting him would probably mean bidding adieu to Blanton.  My inkling says this probably won’t happen, but I wouldn’t rule it out completely.  (Phillies Nation)
- Speaking of Blanton – with Yankee powerhouse Pettitte newly retired, will Big Blue be making a move for the Phillies’ right hander?  Personally, I think this is more likely than the Phils acquiring Young.  I just don’t want to see it happen. (FanNation)
- Doc Halladay graces the cover of MLB 2K11.  I’m heading to Gamestop to grab my copy now so I can start practicing and have a shot at winning $1 million for pitching a no-no.  (The700Level)
- Three-game packs went on sale this week.  Get them while they’re hot!  (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Worried about who’s going to fill the right field position?  Domonic Brown is hard at work with hitting coach…on his stance.  Time will only tell if this young recruit can fill the huge shoes left by Jayson Werth. (The700Level)
CBP is going HD
Posted on February 01, 2011
Image c/o mlb.com
Come opening day, things will be looking much brighter at Citizens Bank Park.
And we’re not talking about the-future’s-so-bright-they-have-to-wear-shades pitching lineup.  Though they certainly don’t hurt…
Daktronics and Sony Electronics are upgrading the scoreboard display to the largest HD display in the National League.  Size isn’t everything with this new display, as “millions of individual LEDs will illuminate the screen, creating superb image clarity with improved contrast and incredible wide-angle viewing of the action on the playing field.”
The screen, three times larger than the original CBP display, can fit 49 life-size Phillie Phanatics standing next to and on top of each other – and show every strand of shocking green fur.
In addition to the new screen, a dedicated closed-captioning board is being installed for hearing-impaired patients.
The future’s never looked brighter for the Phillies – especially at home.  The new screen will be debuted in the On-Deck Series between the Phils and the Pirates, March 29-30
What’s the deal with Durbin?
Posted on February 01, 2011
Image c/o mlb4all
Chad Durbin, will you stay or will you go?
“I would say that we’re probably not going to resign him,” said Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr on January 31st.
Need more proof?  The Phillies signed Kyle Kendrick to a 1-year $2.45 million deal and have no plans to trade Blanton.  With a potential capacity of 11-12 pitchers and Blanton remaining in the starting lineup, all evidence points to Kendrick taking Durbin’s spot.  Amaro confirms that the fifth spot in the lineup remains Blanton’s and he is not looking for middle relief at the moment.
Though no official word has been released, it looks like Durbin will not be pitching alongside the fearsome foursome of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, and Hamels.  Where he will go is still up in the air…
Charlie Manuel talks Philly, the Phillies, and Phamily
Posted on February 01, 2011
Image c/o 215 Sports
In his recent interview with the Inquirer, the Phillies beloved manager Charlie Manuel opens up on  the upcoming season, Philadelphia, and…his love life?
Here are some highlights from the interview:
On last season: “We felt like we were the best team and we didn’t accomplish our goal…our expectations the last four or five years have been to go to the World Series.”
On the 2011 season: “”When I start thinking of our pitching staff and what it can be, this definitely is the most excited I’ve been in a long time…now that we’ve picked up [Cliff] Lee, that’s a big up for us. That shows where our organization wants to go and how much we’re trying to get back to the World Series and win.”
On Philadelphia: “Everywhere I go, whether it’s to the grocery store or out somewhere, there are people who I can talk to…I definitely feel like in the last six years with the things we’ve done on the field that this is the place I belong, and this is where I want to stay. This is where I want to end my career.”
Manuel also cites noted Philadelphia steakhouses (Capital Grille, Ted’s Montana Grill) as his favorite local spots and dishes on family and long-time love Missy in the interview.  Check out the whole article here.
59 Days Until Opening Day
Posted on January 31, 2011
Image c/o NY Daily News
Like every other phanatical fan, I’ve been counting down the days to April 1st since last year – specifically, December 14th, when Cliff Lee’s shocking return was announced to the world.
59 days until the best pitching lineup in the league takes the mound.  59 days until J-Roll hits it or quits it with the Phillies.  59 days to see how Domonic Brown fills Werth shoes’ (and glove) in right field.
59 days until the Phillies start their potentially best-season yet (knock on wood).
There’s a lot of preseason activity swirling around the Phillies – most notably, the potential additions of Lastings Milledge to the outfield roster and Jason Grilli to a minor league contract.  There will be some noticeable absences in the Philadelphia lineup, with Jayson Werth now in the right field of NL East rival Washington Nationals.
And we’ll get into all of the nitty-gritty here on Citizens Bank  Broads.  Go Phils!
