J.A. Happ Gets Game Three Start

I'm pretty ambivalent, but given the Rockies' "struggles" against lefties it might not be the worst move. And you have Pedro Martinez ready to come in if things go bad.

over 2 years ago WholeCamels 15 comments 0 recs |

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Smart move

I like this, although I do wonder how Pedro will react to the switch.

by David S. Cohen on Oct 10, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Pedro OK with it apparently

Linky

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Oct 10, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s good news as well… I especially like that he said he’d like to do some relief work before starting a game since he hasn’t been in in 10 days. I will say this… at the time, I was meh on the Pedro signing. We had no idea what he had left, but it was a low risk move so that was fine. But, in his limited time in a Phils uniform, he’s shown some great character and some good pitching to boot. I always respected what he did throughout his career, but I have new-found respect for him as a person as well… He really does seem like a great guy and is saying all the right things.

"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel

by foos05 on Oct 10, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I wish my team, the Dodgers signed Pedro in April.

Oh, by the way – I’m sorry for being rude, but hello! I think these are my first posts here this year (I can’t remember if I posted anything last year). This is a decent blog, and you all have a lot to be proud of. My father-in-law is a Phillie phan (he grew up in Philly) so I have much respect to you guys.

Anyway, the Dodgers were down to 3 regular starters at one point (Billingsley, Kershaw and Wolf) and had to scramble like mad to fill their 4th and 5th spots. If they had Pedro from the start, it would have made things much, much easier. I saw him pitch in the WBC, and I thought he had at least 150 more innings in him, and what better way than to finish out his career where he started it, in Dodger Blue!? Ah well, I’m glad he landed on his feet with you all.

by Seanny Rotten on Oct 11, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I never really felt that Martinez would mind whatever his role. Throughout his time here he has been pretty much the a straight up team player etc. It is pretty wild looking at the pictures of NL East clinch night, with Pedro celebrating as unreservedly as he did considering he was pulled early from the game etc.

Even if you are a cynic, he has a lot of money riding on being a good team player, as any team that does sign him for 2-3 years will want to be assured that he isnt a distraction if he has to get shut down for a little or sent to a reliever role a year into the contract.

by Whack8888 on Oct 10, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I do kinda wonder where Pedro’s pouty crybaby rep came from. I’m not dismissing it out of hand but he’s been nothing but a good soldier since coming to Philly.

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Oct 11, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Well who didnt see this coming?

Big break for us though. I was not feeling too good about Pedro pitching in such a big game.

by philiafan14364 on Oct 10, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I probably have a dumb question but here it goes.

Cole Hamels didn’t travel with the team to Colorado (which I’m fine with)

Cole Hamels is now most likely the projected starter for a game 5.

Will Hamels be doing his ‘between start’ throwing days while the team is in CO and if not how does that impact him starting…how important are the ‘throwing sessions’ between starts and who can Hamels do them with if the team is in Colorado.

Let’s hope the Cardinals haven’t given up hope and can at least push the dodgers to a game 4 – i still think the phils take this series but I’d like the dodgers not to have too much time to get ready.

Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned

by jemagee on Oct 10, 2009 3:41 PM EDT reply actions

It’s too bad we’re not going to see a Hammel vs. Hamels matchup in this series. Maybe next year.

by taco pal on Oct 10, 2009 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

Instead...

We see JA Happ versus Jason Hammel.

Same first two initials of the first name (sort of) and last name.

by phatj on Oct 12, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Time Slot Change

I know it would be an inconvenience to some folks but considering the open 3:37 time slot, why not move tonight’s game time start or does TBS plan on running another 3 hours of boring-ass, cliche riddled play-off wrap up and analysis again?

by daddieo on Oct 11, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

And “Saved by the Bell” reruns

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Oct 11, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Shuddup, preppy!

by taco pal on Oct 11, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Road Trip

by WanderingMoses on Oct 11, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Game Three Trivia

I was thinking earlier today how both the Red Sox and Twins were down 2-0 and heading for game three at home, and I couldn’t remember if that had ever happened to the Phillies. A little research showed that out of 16 playoff series the Phillies have been in, all going at least three games, only once have they come home down 2-0. And that was in the series that doesn’t officially count in some record books – the 1981 Division Series vs. the Montreal Expos. Of the total series played, the Phillies have opened at home ten times, on the road six times. The other five series they opened on the road were all split 1-1 going into game three. Just for comparison, of the ten series opened at home, three times they won two games (1980 World Series and the DS & LCS last year) and four times they lost both home games (1950, 1976, 1978, 2007).
The team’s overall record in game three is a less than inspiring 3-13. The good news might be that in the two years they won the World Series success in game three was not crucial: they lost a key game three in the 1980 LCS and lost three other times after opening up 2-0 series leads. The only time they won a game three was the last time they were in this position: game three of the World Series, series tied 1-1. The Carlos Ruiz 60-foot walkoff dribbler.

by phillyinportland on Oct 11, 2009 5:49 PM EDT reply actions