Washington Bailout: Nationals at Phillies, 9/26/08
by WholeCamels on Sep 26, 2008 7:00 PM EDT
135 comments
Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies, Sep 26, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
The Phillies magic number to clinch a postseason berth on Monday night was 3.
It's still 3.
After dropping 2 of 3 to the Atlanta Braves earlier this week, and seeing the Wild Card rival Brewers sweep a hapless Pirates squad, the Phillies enter this last weekend needing to win 2 of 3 to guarantee at worst a one-game play-in for the postseason.
And tonight, the fate of the team rests on the meaty shoulders of Joe Blanton. Rookie Collin Balester goes for the Nationals.
The Phillies absolutely cannot take these games for granted. And neither can we. This is a Nationals team sitting on 99 losses... do you really think they want to lose #100 this weekend? Me neither. They've got nothing to lose, and they'll be dangerous.
The weather, looking ominous for the last couple of days, appears decent enough to get a game in tonight.
MEANWHILE, the Mets welcome the Marlins for the final (regular season?) games at Shea Stadium. The Mets get a slight edge in the pitching matchup, with Mike Pelfrey taking on Chris Volstad, but as we saw last year, nothing would make the Marlins happier than to knock the Mets out of the playoff race. Anticipate three hard-fought games.
The Brewers welcome the Cubs to Miller Park for their last three. Hopefully the Cubs won't put their J.V. team on the field tonight (yes, Lou Piniella was well within his rights to do so and in a similar situation Charlie would've done the same thing, but that doesn't mean I have to LIKE IT). Ryan Dempster goes for the Cubs against Jeff Suppan. Expect a short leash for Dempster, the announced Game One NLDS starter; hopefully the Cubs can tattoo Suppan for a buncha runs early and the Cubs 'pen will hold on.
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Let’s go Phillies! If you are really feeling like losing a game this series at least let it be the last one. Assuming the Mets lose one too.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is almost a AA lineup. the phils can’t afford to lose this game.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
shocking what happens when the mets face a real team. Just hope the Volstad can pitch well.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOOOOO RYAN HOWARD!!
I’ve slammed Scott Frantzke all year, but he called that homer perfectly. Didn’t call it too short, had it as a possibility the whole way, waited til it was gone to call it.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Living in NC, I’m prevented from watching these on MLBTV, and TimeWarner refuses to carry MASN…..
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
run #1 donated to the nats.
leadoff walk followed by a passed ball, shouldve been a GIDP w/ 1 out.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That shit is inexcusable. We can’t keep scoring and then turning around and giving ground right back. It’s like this rotation is completely incapable of getting 3 easy outs after scoring. Nothing pisses me off more.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate giving up runs to a batter with a batting average of .077. What was that, his second hit ever?
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mets threaten but come up empty in the bottom half.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Question – is the game being played in rain or is it going to rain?
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, that will make your confidence grow quickly now won’t it.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
per parents in SJ….misty/foggy/occassional drizzle
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m in West Philly, not raining here. Drizzle I guess. Feels like its gonna rain though.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s great to hear. My son lives in West Philly and he’s at the game tonight.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny, I almost went to this one too. But then I decided against it based on 2 factors:
1. I was at the game on Wednesday and I had to force myself not to cry in public. (joking)
2. I didn’t want to spend 3+ hours sitting in this weather.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chase with the bases jacked. Why don’t I feel confident?
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, that will make your confidence grow quickly now won’t it.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we had the nor’easter come through here in the Raleigh NC area and it sucked for about 36 hours. 30 mph winds, intermittent shower. Was supposed to go offshore fishing this weekend, but 8’ seas kinda preclude that. Hopefully I’ll get to watch the phillies clinch a division title instead.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man, fantastic at-bats tonight… really the exact opposite of how I worried they’d come out.
And Howard is on fire. I might have to rethink this whole MVP question.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 7:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Really! Where would we be without Howard going bonkers this month? Probably somewhere around Marlins territory I would think.
Moreover, where would we be without the Mets’ bullpen?
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice power to left by Howard. Except for Thome I can’t think of any other lefty power hitter who does that so well.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if he leads both leagues in homers and RBIs and the phils win the division, he’s a shoo in, average be damned.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mets threaten AGAIN and fail to bring them in. Nice.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you’re beating me to all the mets updates….so I’m going to stop paying as close attention to that game and let you fill me in from here on out.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll try to provide a little color commentary (though I’m not watching it either—just the box score).
What I see from that is Volstad living dangerously: 2 hits, 2 BB, HBP (on Pelfrey) thus far, and he’s thrown 41 pitches thru 2. But so far, so good.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it raining hard there or just a bad picture on mlb.tv?
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing it’s just a bad pic.
Here’s a link to the philly area radar. I’m guessing you know where CBP is.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not seeing any umbrellas, so that’s probably right.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
uneventful inning there. Would’ve been nice to get blanton out of the way.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve often wondered whether turning the lineup over makes that much of a difference compared to letting the pitcher have a few minutes to rest before taking the mound again. Assuming Blanton makes an out in the fourth he would have a chance to sit while the top of the lineup bats before taking the mound for the fifth. Might be a better deal for the big guy than having to go straight to the mound after batting.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So much for my theory of a better inning with more rest for Blanton!
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mets are just having an LOB fest right now.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
id prefer florida put a few more runs on the board…say 15 or so.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good thing manuel gave him that lesson on hustling.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Pelfrey’s pitch count is mounting up there. Wouldn’t mind seeing that Mets bullpen with a lot of time logged this evening.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
says hes @ 51, but I don’t know if that was at the start of the inning, or with 1 out
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
63 through 4 innings….that’s actually pretty good.
Remember – the Marlins batters are aggressive.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cubs Lineup Tonight
Apparently – they care about beating the Brewers. I guess they want to face the Mets…
A. Soriano lf
M. Fontenot 2b
D. Lee 1b
M. Hoffpauir rf
G. Soto c
J. Edmonds cf
R. Theriot ss
R. Dempster p
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
guess in my deletion of stats between batters I deled Ramirez batting after Lee.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool. I was hoping he was in (given my fury that he sat last night… not that I’m bitter or nuthin)
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
uh oh. Come on fat ass. Settle down.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe this game is even 7-3. Blanton is really that bad. Sure, Howard didn’t help him, but he is giving up hits to a AA team.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
howard is the epitome of david bell in the field.
Thankfully, he’s a little better than Howard at the dish.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Three hits to the Little Leaguers but Guzman is a quality player.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did. And for a second I thought it was going to be a two-run mis-call.
More runs needed.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with chasing the starter early is that once the bullpen comes in, inevitably we are unable to score again.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
C’mon Dobbs – pretend you’re pinch-hitting!
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
not sure what that’ll accomplish for shane…but maybe they’ll get a PB here.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
7-4…..
c’mon phils. get some insurance back
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Blanton is determined to make this the most uncomfortable game he can. If he keeps bleeding runs like this we are sure to see lidge in the 9th with a 1 run lead. Great.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
for those of you seeing video….what do you think?
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You have got to be kidding me! What do they need to replay?
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
im guessing they’re debating if the fan reached into the field of play to catch the ball (wouldn’t have left the yard).
Since this is a game with playoff implications – they want to get it right, just to be sure. PR nightmare if they blow a call that affects outcome of game.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Willingham HR in Queens puts the Marlins up 3-0.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Woo Hoo!!1
If the Marlins help out enough..I’ll buy some marlins gear. Just to show my appreciation.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Offense needs to step the hell up. Blanton clearly CANNOT be relied on to make this easy.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s up 2nd in this inning—I figure he’s done, unless maybe it’s a clear bunting situation.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wife’ll be home @ 9:!5 for supper, I’ve gotta go start warming it up in about 15 minutes….
hope the lead grows while i’m gone
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
God damnit Ruiz. Why do you all of the sudden decide to stop being patient?
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
blanton done…only 1 ER for the night…not sure that’s the best idea.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
God damnit Jenkins. Why do you suck now like you have all year?
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am starting to get the feeling that this isn’t gonna end nicely for some reason.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it’s that whole negadelphia thing. I’m guilty too. Rather be up 3 runs than down 3 runs.
Rather be up 1 game than back 1 game.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing Jenkins PH last inning was like nostalgia’s fat, obnoxious, flatulent girlfriend.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Parnell now pitching for the Mets in the 7th, trailing 3-1.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes you just have to wonder about Victorino’ s patience. Not much on working a walk, I imagine.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wild pitch—run scores!
Huge insurance run. Vic now at 3rd.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Those last two runs – NY and Philly – were really nice. Breathing a little easier now.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 9:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Madson and Romero hold.
Meanwhile, loaded for FL with one out…
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh man, I am gonna hate myself for this, but GO MARLINS!!!
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They want Ruiz in for defense. I think that’s understandable.
That said, it was pretty damn dumb for him to run there.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who the hell is sending Ruiz there? wtf?
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i consider ruiz a savvy baserunner. it disturbs me that he was thrown out on a pitch in the dirt. but if you’re gonna send him….you oughta use golson and catch coste next inning
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ruiz probably beat that throw, but the pop-up slide always looks bad…
Lidge is up, and he’s ready to come in. Colome’s just taking his sweet time finishing this inning.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
C’mon Lidge, no monkey business tonight. Bring the nasty!
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i hope he feels like this is a save.
some closers don’t do well in non-save situations.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
so how boned are the phils getting by check swing calls and appeals to corner umps tonight?
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think that was a worthwhile argument….
Larry Anderson is getting peeved about Lidge having to sit idle on the mound.
This also isn’t going to help in the next two games either.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Manuel just furious here.
We’ve still got a 4-run lead, none on, three outs left. Just take a seat, big fella.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, that was a f’in awful call.
Anyway, strike three.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
from the announcement it appeared to be the correct call, but you don’t let the batter make the appeal call to third.
I think that’s something Charlie brings up after the game, not in the middle of it.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
okie dokie.
gonna go watch the fish-mets now…
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Koyie Hill PHing for Soto in the Chicago game.
Though then again, I’m not quite as sure what I want to happen there now.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gonna open up a scoreboard watching thread?
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i can watch the other games on mlbtv…just not the nats
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good to know Arthur Rhodes can get someone out besides Utley and Howard.
by phillyinportland on Sep 26, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i have minimal faith in losucka
but i know the mets don’t like him either… so maybe he can twist the knife
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
let's just use this thread the rest of the way
Three outs left in Shea.
Brewers lead 2-1 in the 7th.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I meant the rest of the way tonight, of course…
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting decision for Jerry Manuel, as the SNY guys keep mentioning… use Santana tomorrow on three days’ rest, after throwing 125 pitches? Or save him for Sunday with the knowledge that if they lose tomorrow and the Brewers win, they’re eliminated?
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It is an interesting decision indeed. I would start him. And hell, if you are so unconcerned about his wellbeing that you will start him on 3 days rest after throwing 125 pitches you have no incentive to even track his pitch count.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so is that sarcasm? you’ve kinda contradicted yourself.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’d save santana.
you need a win from him either way. you’re more likely to get it on 4 days rest.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the win by the phils tonight was very important. next two nats pitchers are lefties. Coupled with the anticipated NY loss tonight, they’d at worst be in a position to tie for the division.
by Bilzo on Sep 26, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hanley Ramirez is a straight-up mofo’in baller.
by dajafi on Sep 26, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That makes me feel a lot better. Win 1 out of 2 and we are in.
by FuquaManuel on Sep 26, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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