Philadelphia Phillies @ Pittsburgh Pirates GameThread, Apr 25, 2008 7:05 PM EDT

Harman

worked the count full, then flew out to center.

He’s playing 2b, by the way—Utley is at first base tonight.

The Phils scored their two runs in the first when Coste doubled in Werth and Utley, both of whom had walked.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

As Whitey used to say...

...’those darn base on balls!’

by Cluttered_JML on Apr 25, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

The Pittsburgh Announcers...

Sounded excited about the fact that Adam Eaton has hit three career homeruns. He’s alright, but he ain’t exactly Carlos Zambrano or Mike Hampton at the plate.

by Cluttered_JML on Apr 25, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions

From what I know of the Pgh announcers, we should just be glad they’re more or less watching the game. I was really hoping we’d get Harry & Co tonight, but twas not to be.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Second inning ends on the old 3-6-1 DP. Utley started it, Bruntlett turned it nicely and just beat the runner when Eaton caught it at the bag. End of 2, 2-0 Phils.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

I am excited to see Harman, I think he can do some good things for us in a year or two…

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:38 PM EDT reply actions

This was a good spot to give him the start. Would be great to see him get a knock or two before he goes back down… Donald is in the lineup tonight for the R-Phils.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Werth

Crushes a 3-1 BP fastball out of the yard to right-center. 3-0 Phils.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

...really deserves a full time gig in my opinion. After Victorino comes back, I think Jenkins gets relegated to pinch hit opportunities and the occasional start for both Pat (he will need some breaks once he cools down) and Werth.

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

I agree, though I guess that depends on what you mean by “full-time.” The big concern with Werth is durability. As that’s also the case IMO with Vic, there’s a good easy job share to be had.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions

I mean he should be the RF starter. I think he deserves his chance as he has done nothing but perform for the past year now.

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I see him as a 1993-Incaviglia. Platoon-plus. Even though he’s the RH half, he gets more than half the AB.

Unless Jenkins’ downhill slide has accelerated to a rate well beyond what you’d normally expect, he’s better than what we’ve seen.

by taco pal on Apr 25, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Also

This will allow STG to be the very occasional pinch hitter, but more often a pinch runner/defensive replacement for our slow footed machine…

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Phils add another run on a Burrell “double”-it should have been a single, but Bay screwed up the relay-and Coste “single” on a ball that probably should have been an inning-ending groundout.

You see why the Pirates have even more errors than we do. Either way, it’s now 4-0 Phils.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

These Pittsburgh announcers really sound like Harry Shearer and Hank Azaria doing an impression of a boring announcing crew on “The Simpsons.”

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

”...aaaaand he’s scratching himself AGAIN”

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Eaton getting a goodly number of swings and misses tonight.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply actions

If Duke had hit that ball to Taguchi, it would have clanked off his glove.

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions

"antediluvian"

Forget Shearer and Azaria; these guys are doing bong hits on the commercial breaks.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

‘Preposterous means you are stealing’

by Cluttered_JML on Apr 25, 2008 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Harman delivers!

RBI double scores Bruntlett, who had singled. Nice first hit for the career. 5-0.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

I LOVE IT!

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Just Thinking...

I was thinking today about Pat Gillick’s greatest accomplishments as the Phillies GM. I came up with a few, and they are as follows… (note, I realize some of these aren’t exclusively PG). Anyway, at number one, I have the replenishing of the farm system. Number two, the signing of Utley. Number three, the signing of Werth. And his fourth best decision was/is not signing Howard long term. Anybody have anything else to add?

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

The Phillies still have one of the worst farm systems in baseball.

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Disagree

I absolutely disagree. Three years ago, at the end of the Ed Wade era, we had one of the worst, if not the worst, farm system in baseball. However, Gillick put an end to signing unnecessary type A free agents. This has given us a lot of picks over the past three years. Now, I agree that Gillick has had nothing to do with the actual draft selections, however, I think he has placed an importance back on player development. Also, our farm system has many legitimate prospects who are both exciting and climbing the ladder. Most of our talent is still in the low levels, but as a whole, the farm system is continuing to rise in regards to the other 31 teams in baseball. Many, many legit prospects that I suggest you check out Camels as they are the future!

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting topic.

I’d put the Moyer trade in there-he’s given them innings and whatever off-the-field stuff you’d like to credit-and in general I think it’s been good that he’s moved young players more aggressively.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know that our rate of prospect acquisition has increased appreciably since Gillick took over. We had a couple of terrible drafts when Wade was signing all those unnecessary free agents, but other than that it doesn’t seem to me like much has changed. I guess you can give Gillick credit for not signing as many unnecessary FAs though.

by taco pal on Apr 25, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

How does this lineup score 5 runs? Seriously?

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

‘Cause it’s the Pirates.

(It hurts to say it, as a part-time Pirates fan. And I hate to be that guy, as a fan of the Phillies, who have historically been even worse…)

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

They usually play us pretty well, but it’s been ugly for Pittsburgh in this one, for sure.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

And Eaton with 3 shutout innings.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

jinx

Bucs put up a 3-spot in the bottom half I bets ya.

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions

damn dude

You shouldn’t be watching the game—you should be busting your ass to AC.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Me thinks Camels is watching the Pirates/Phillies broadcast instead of mlb.tv and had some help with his psychic ability… maybe not, though.

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Just hope it’s only three runs…

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

JONK

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

That really was inexcusable.

by taco pal on Apr 25, 2008 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

BAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHH!!!

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Werth with a great piece of two-out hitting.

/Wheels?

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply actions

Howard with a permanent spot on the bench after this.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

hmm

Eaton gives up a Bay solo HR to dead center, falls behind 3-0 to Doumit, then surrenders a double.

He lost it so quickly against the Mets on Sunday that I think a word from Coste would be in order.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

"Taguchi didn't miss it by much"

He never does…

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply actions

STG is a disease that you do just enough with a girl to catch, and the antibiotics never miss it by much, but that gosh darn STG just never goes away…

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply actions

Eaton takin' a shower

That’s it.

Second straight start in which he was strong early, then just completely fell off the face of the earth (if “the earth” is taken to mean decent pitching).

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

I was going to write

that I was pissed that I wasn’t there. Now, I am happy that I am not there. But the wife is and she just called and is pissed at Eaton big time.

by Cluttered_JML on Apr 25, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I just don’t understand that guy. It has to be a mental problem, doesn’t it? Guys who just plain suck ability-wise don’t look like this.

by taco pal on Apr 25, 2008 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions

dammit

It’s never easy for the Phils in Pittsburgh, is it?

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

Son of a bitch!

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Mother of God

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Eaton a 4 inning pitcher?

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

Just noticed it was Durbin. I was chasing a naked 3 year old around the house, put the game on the HD tv and I can’t read the name on the back of the jersey.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

bleh

I was having such a nice evening. Now it’s 6-5 through 5.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:42 PM EDT reply actions

Durbin crushes a single to right.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

How does Taguchi not make it to second when Durbin made it first to third?

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

Manischewitz blew that one.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions

Duke done: 6 runs in 6 IP. I’m disappointed the Phils didn’t get more. He really looked awful.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions

1-2-3

Durbin gets the Pirates in order in the 6th, including his unlikely nemesis Luis Rivas (previously 9 for 18 with 2 HR off Durbin).

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

Wheels informs us that the Pirates feel like they can win it. Is dead air that unbearable for you Wheels?

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply actions

BOHN!!!

SWEET JESUS

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

So frickin’ stupid. HE’S GOING TO GET UP AGAIN. AND WE’RE GOING TO NEED TO SCORE AGAIN.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

NO! NOT IN THE SEVENTH CHARLIE!

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

Bohn in for Burrell. Seriosuly, this is Charlie saying Eff you, I win this way and I will continue to do it.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

We need a Steinbrenner or a Cuban to take Charlie aside and say, “Stop freakin doing this you idiot!”

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Feliz and Bruntlett both first ball swinging. Jeez

by Steve-O- on Apr 25, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions

Even Larry Andersen is clamoring for more pitch-taking when it comes to Feliz.

by taco pal on Apr 25, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

So he used all three of the good relievers yesterday. It’s a one run game. We’re going to need to score again. Yet he pulls Burrell.

You guys know I love Cholly, but this is idiocy.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions

Charlie is the Homer Simpson of managers.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

So, is Gordon definitely the 7th inning guy?

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Gordon now in to pitch the 7th. Curiouser and curiouser.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

oh boy

Lead-off walk

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Did Tom McCarthy say that there were 2 outs and that was one of the reasons why the pulled Burrell cause it was likely they wouldn’t get to him again? wtf?

First off, Burrell got on with one out and they changed him out after Coste singled, still with one out. It is a certainty that Burrell’s spot is coming up again.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Dobbs with the nice pinch-walk to lead off the Phils 8th. More patience than he usually shows.

Uh-oh, here comes Howard…

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

And Russell counters with the lefty reliever. Wonder how this will end…

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Dajafi I’d say 40% chace of a K…but you never no tiill after the
fact. Hope I’m wrong.

by Steve-O- on Apr 25, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions

I would have bet a sizable chunk of money-a couple hundred dollars, say-on Howard striking out there. And I’m by no means a rich man.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

K / passed ball

How utterly proper

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply actions

I would say pulling a left handed pitcher for a different left handed pitcher to face a right handed hitter is crazy (especially after the first one just got two outs), but Grabow is actually better against righties.

by christonabike on Apr 25, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions

Werth just missed it.

Phils have stranded 5 over the last three innings.

All the games this week have been great wins or agonizing losses.

I’m less than fully optimistic.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions

HAHA

Dajafi, you just described the past 7 seasons…

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's look at the bright side...

Lidge has been lights out, so lets just get the ball to him and hope he does his job.

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

Cmon Howard, turn it around. Bat righty.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:38 PM EDT reply actions

Someone explain to me the logic of putting Howard INTO a game that you’re already winning. Isn’t this the complete opposite of the strategy with Burrell? Doesn’t Howard jeopardize a game defensively as much or more so than Burrell?

by christonabike on Apr 25, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

Rumor has it his Mom called Charlie and told him to get her son in there. Seriously you make a good point.

by Steve-O- on Apr 25, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions

Paulino is right on these pitches…. n/g

by WholeCamels on Apr 25, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Whew

JC comes through. Inning over.

by dajafi on Apr 25, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Whew, Romero was playing a bit too much there.

For Who? My teammates.

For What? To Win.

How Much? Where do I sign?

by jonk on Apr 25, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

Phew...

On to a more pressing matter… what is Lidge’s nickname? Considering half the closers in this league are named Rodriguez, I say we nickname him L-Rod. Any takers? No? Better suggestions?

by Neduol Caz on Apr 25, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions