Game Five: Eaton vs. Harang
by dajafi
on Apr 5, 2008 12:00 PM EDT
Philadelphia @ Cincinnati
Mismatch time in the Buckeye State, right? Well, not necessarily. Reds ace Harang has poor career numbers against the Phils (1-3, 7.39), while Adam Eaton has never lost to the Reds in five career starts (2-0, 4.36).
Mostly what the team needs from Eaton today is six innings. The bullpen has pitched 10.1 frames--allowing just one run--in the last 48 hours. Chad Durbin and Tom Gordon were held out of last night's contest (that's why Romero pitched the 9th, evidently), so they're available today--as is closer Brad Lidge, who probably has been activated by the time you read this.
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Lahey, we hardly knew ye
The Phils designated Tim Lahey for assignment to clear roster space for Lidge. So the bullpen now seems to be as follows:
Closer: Lidge (he's going right into the role, per Manuel)
Setup: Gordon, Seanez, Romero
Middle: Madson, Durbin
Various: Condrey
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 12:19 PM EDT 0 recs
Speaking of the Bullpen...
Rumors have it that one Adam Eaton will be starting tonight against the Reds. Now, I have been one of the biggest supporters of Eaton having a season closer to his career averages, however, it never hurts to expect the worst. So, in case Eaton only last 3-4 innings tonight, who will be available in the 'pen? Madson has pitched 3.1 innings the past two games, so I would assume he is on the shelf for tonight. Romero has pitched the past three days, so he might be gone as well. Lastly, Seanez, 39, has pitched one inning in each of the last two games, thus eliminating him tonight (probably, I mean the guy is 39). So, we are left Lidge, Gordon (gulp), Durbin, and Condrey. Hopefully, Durbin and Condrey have their long arms primed for today, seeing as they may be needed for 2 innings a piece.
by Neduol Caz on
Apr 5, 2008 12:43 PM EDT
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My guess at Eaton's line for the day:
4.1 IP, 6ER, 11H, 3BB, 1K
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 1:11 PM EDT 0 recs
Interesting
I would think that Charlie would want the best possible defense behind Eaton, but he has decided to give Dobbs a start over Feliz.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 1:11 PM EDT 0 recs
tendencies
Eaton's a flyballer. I like giving Dobbs the start here.
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 1:12 PM EDT
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sad to say, but this would actually make me REALLY happy.
by FuquaManuel on
Apr 5, 2008 1:16 PM EDT
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Announcers
Why do they have this idea in their heads that Burrell was both a third and a first baseman. Frustrating...
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 1:24 PM EDT 0 recs
wow. that first pitch from Eaton hit the grass.
This is gonna suck. As I type this, Eaton gives up a leadoff 4 pitch walk.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 1:25 PM EDT 0 recs
to Corey Patterson!
So much, presumably, for my six-inning wish.
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 1:26 PM EDT
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I am actually pleased with that inning from Eaton, maybe it is just me.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 1:32 PM EDT 0 recs
wonder if
after today's game, he'll give us the usual "My stuff was good... they hit some good pitches... nobody's more frustrated than I am."
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 1:46 PM EDT 0 recs
TY Fuqua I didn't want to be the only one expressing that thought.
by Steve-O- on Apr 5, 2008 1:46 PM EDT 0 recs
I am the lone Eaton Backer... Let's go buddy, you and me to the sixth. We can work some magic together.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 1:50 PM EDT 0 recs
When Howard locks in
it's gonna be fun and I think he's about there.
by Steve-O- on Apr 5, 2008 1:58 PM EDT 0 recs
Listening to McCarthy and Sarge talk about the history of the underground railroad is hilarious. They might as well be talking about the theory of relativity.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:11 PM EDT 0 recs
leadoff success
Three of four Reds to lead off innings reached base; the first two scored. My "I watch the games" instinct is telling me this was a big part of Eaton's problem last year, too; then again, it's probably tough to come up with a split in which Eaton's Phillies numbers are particularly good.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Coste!
Not the third guy, though: Coste guns Phillies down trying to steal second.
Now Dunn grounds out into the Howard shift. Two down.
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 2:15 PM EDT
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um
That's "Phillips," not Phillies. Mine fingers have minds of their own...
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 2:15 PM EDT
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Anybody starting to feel the love? The Eaton bandwagon will always have vacancies.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 2:17 PM EDT 0 recs
Hey what is this a 'comedy central' chat room? Feel the love...Oh God.
by Steve-O- on
Apr 5, 2008 2:20 PM EDT
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now i'm totally confused
Two runs through five innings for Eaton? I've watched it, but I don't believe it.
He made a nice play to end the 5th.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:26 PM EDT 0 recs
Eaton might actually log a "quality start". Anyone have any idea when was the last time he did that?
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:27 PM EDT 0 recs
"I like it. I love it. I want some more of it." That is for you, Steve-O. How about our bats come alive this inning and give Eaton some runs to work with.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 2:28 PM EDT 0 recs
In my heart I really want Eaton to pitch to the potential but he just can't get on a consistant roll. The bats will come alive but Harang is tough so maybe when the BP takes over.
by Steve-O- on
Apr 5, 2008 2:32 PM EDT
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pitch count
Harang had 68 pitches coming into this inning. I think he's in the low 80s now. Maybe Burrell/Jenkins can use him up enough that we get multiple cracks at the Reds bullpen. But Harang often has gone well over 100-plus pitches, and that was before Dusty Baker came to town...
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 2:35 PM EDT
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Prior, Wood, Schmidt...yeah Baker rides 'em like rented mules.
by Steve-O- on
Apr 5, 2008 2:37 PM EDT
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Pat Burrell! Fun to see him stick it to the sportswriters and get off to a hot start.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:35 PM EDT 0 recs
Pat always has good Aprils, it seems. But I have a feeling he'll be a bit better than his norm this year--Manuel knows how to use him, I think, and the subs (Werth, STG) are good enough that they can limit him to 145 starts or so which will keep him fresh.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:39 PM EDT 0 recs
good point.
It would be an abomination if we don't manage to capitalize on bases juiced one out.
by FuquaManuel on
Apr 5, 2008 2:40 PM EDT
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terrible AB for Dobbs
three pitches, three swing and misses
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:40 PM EDT 0 recs
terrible inning. makes me sick. again, typical april phillies.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:41 PM EDT 0 recs
30 pitch inning for Harang. So he might be done. Let's hope.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:42 PM EDT 0 recs
Victorino looks nice in CF. Something tells me Rowand would not have made that grab on Griffey's bomb.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:44 PM EDT 0 recs
I see Rowand is already banged up with sore ribs. It's gonna be a long year in SF.
by Steve-O- on
Apr 5, 2008 2:47 PM EDT
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off the hook
Very short inning for the Phils in the 7th--Eaton, Rollins and Victorino saw maybe 6-7 pitches.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 2:51 PM EDT 0 recs
As well as Eaton has been pitching, I still have this lingering feeling that the wheels could fall off at any point...still waiting.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 2:55 PM EDT 0 recs
Eaton the horse...
I feel the slightest bit vindicated for supporting Eaton in the off season. Of course, he will promptly give up 8 ER in his next outing. But until then, I feel good.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 2:58 PM EDT 0 recs
78 pitches thru 7 for Eaton.
Howard just CRUSHED that ball.
3-2 phils.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:00 PM EDT 0 recs
Pitching decisions...
One more for Eaton before going to Lidge? Or, do you bring in a reliever for the 8th?
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:02 PM EDT 0 recs
can't believe I'm writing this, but
I think I let him start the 8th.
Fantastic 3-6-3 turned by Joey Votto on a hard-hit ball to end the inning.
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 3:04 PM EDT
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I agree...
This may sound crazy, and I KNOW Charlie would never do it, but if Eaton goes 1-2-3 in the eighth, I let him start the ninth as well.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:05 PM EDT 0 recs
Eaton's lack of an out pitch hurt him again right there.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:07 PM EDT 0 recs
Double play! wow. it just appears to be Adam's day today.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:09 PM EDT 0 recs
So good to see, kinda takes the sting outta Coles game.
by Steve-O- on
Apr 5, 2008 3:11 PM EDT
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ooops. there it goes. see ya later Eaton...one out short. haha. fitting.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:10 PM EDT 0 recs
left it up
tie game, and now Feliz blows one and the Reds have the lead run in scoring position.
Time to get him out of there.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 3:11 PM EDT 0 recs
looks like it. this game is over if that's the case.
by FuquaManuel on
Apr 5, 2008 3:14 PM EDT
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A job well done...
Here is to Eaton, who I feel has surpassed all of our expectations and kept the Phillies in a game where our offense has been less than stellar.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:14 PM EDT 0 recs
I salute you
for keeping the faith. No way I thought we'd get a performance like that from him.
by dajafi on
Apr 5, 2008 3:15 PM EDT
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Flash
Strikes out a tough hitter in Phillips. Nice work.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 3:18 PM EDT 0 recs
It feels weird to say this, but in a battle of the bullpens, I actually feel fairly confident this year.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:20 PM EDT 0 recs
Well guys win or lose it's gotta give Eaton some positive mojo.
by Steve-O- on Apr 5, 2008 3:20 PM EDT 0 recs
Feliz
why the hell is he swinging 3-1 there?
Oh yeah, he's pedro feliz.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:22 PM EDT 0 recs
typically terrible piece of hitting by Feliz there.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:22 PM EDT 0 recs
I think Dunn is going to end this game really quickly here in the bottom.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:27 PM EDT 0 recs
I think Dunn is going to strikeout really quickly here in the bottom.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:28 PM EDT 0 recs
Durbin
shouldn't be in this game. I see no difference between him and Condrey here, but Condrey has slightly better stuff and a lot more experience pitching in tight situations late in games.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 3:37 PM EDT 0 recs
another miserable loss. Eaton pitched well, unfortunately the offense couldn't help him out and he couldn't help himself when it mattered.
Durbin is just a bad pitcher. We all knew that.
by FuquaManuel on Apr 5, 2008 3:41 PM EDT 0 recs
yecch
Durbin's lousy stuff, bad umpiring, and Rollins' baffling decision to throw to first... that sucked.
by dajafi on Apr 5, 2008 3:42 PM EDT 0 recs
Now my day is shot, not because we lost, but because Rollins' head was so far up his ass he didn't even know where the ball had to go.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 3:43 PM EDT 0 recs
You throw to first, and the game is guaranteed to be over, it was the wrong play and there is no getting around it.
by Neduol Caz on Apr 5, 2008 6:06 PM EDT 0 recs
besides the rollins play
the real problem is, as always, charlie not using his bullpen well. in a tie game, in the bottom of the 9th, with the top of your order coming up in the 10th, and with the opponent's best reliever already used...
...you have to put your best reliever in the game and give yourself the best possible opportunity of extending the game. it's that simple. even if he'd had to use Durbin in the 10th (I'd have preferred Condrey, like dajafi), he might've been coming in with a 5 run lead.
that said, it's not a huge deal--not many other managers do it that way. even BP-lover Manny Acta handed us a game, keeping Colome in when Rauch was available, and walking the bases loaded intentionally.
so I guess it all evens out, it just sucks to drop potential wins like we did today.
by bugbear on Apr 5, 2008 9:43 PM EDT 0 recs
