Wednesday, July 31, 2013

No trades, no wins.

July 31, 2013


By Zach Geibler



After a horrible road trip, the Phillies won their first game back in Philadelphia against the Giants. They hoped the momentum would carry on through the rest of the series, but sadly the Giants offense returned with a vengeance, beating the Phillies 9-2.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Phils break eight-game losing streak, beat Giants.

July 30, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler


The Phillies needed a win and they needed it badly. Their playoff hopes had been all but shattered with the recent eight-game losing streak.  But the win was still needed though, to remind everyone that they, as a team, were still breathing. That win came Tuesday night when the Phillies beat the Giants 7-3.

Top prospect Asche to get call up, Young trade could be coming

July 30, 2013

By Nick Tricome


UPDATE: Michael Young will only waive his no-trade clause for a trade back to the Texas Rangers, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal via Twitter.

MLB.com originally reported that sources told them a reunion with the Rangers was not happening, but now it's possible that Texas could be the Phillies' only trade partner.

Stay tuned...

ORIGNAL
This is probably the heads up that Michael Young is on his way out of Philadelphia.

Third baseman Cody Asche is getting called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will join the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park for their series against the San Francisco Giants.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Like it or not, Papelbon has a point

July 29, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Before the Detroit Tigers handed the Phillies their eighth consecutive loss on Sunday afternoon, Jonathan Papelbon made opinions known.

"I definitely didn't come here for this," he said to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

It's understandable, when he signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the team prior to the 2012 season, he was supposed to help what was a winning team in the five years before, continue to do so.

The Phillies missed the playoffs in 2012 and after a deflating road trip coming back from the All-Star break, it looks like they will be missing October again.

When Zolecki asked him about the direction of the club, Papelbon responded with, "Oh, man. We could be here all day."

However, Papelbon also has an idea on what it will take for the Phillies to get back in the right direction.

After a frustrating road trip, what's next?

July 29, 2013

By Nick Tricome



At this point, the season gets more and more frustrating by the day.

The Phillies lost Sunday's series finale to the Detroit Tigers 12-4 to get swept for the second straight series and lose their eighth straight game.

So far, the second half of the season has been a disaster, putting any last hopes of making the postseason out of reach at this point. The Phillies are third in the National League East, sitting seven games below .500 with a 49-56 record.

They are now 11 games back of the first place Atlanta Braves (60-45), who now sit comfortably at the top of the division after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend. They are also 9.5 games out of a wild card spot.

With the non-waiver trade deadline just two days way, it's safe to say the Phillies are sellers at this point.

It's understandably tough for fans to see a team that has had so much success in recent years fall like this, but it's tough for the team as well.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Phils shutout 10-0, losing streak hits seven games

July 27, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome


The downward spiral the Phillies have been on since returning from the All-Star break just seems to keep going with no end in sight.

The Detroit Tigers shutout the Phillies in embarrassing fashion on Saturday night, winning by a score of 10-0 and extending the Phillies' losing streak to seven games.

Gonzalez signing signifies retool instead of rebuild

July 26, 2013

By Nick Tricome


At this point, the Phillies will probably be sellers at the trade deadline, after losing their sixth straight game to Detroit on Friday night to fall to 49-54.

Although the 2013 season may be lost, that didn't stop the Phillies from spending nearly $60 million while they struggled to get hits off the Tigers.

The Phillies signed Cuban righthander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, 26, to a six-year deal with $48 million guaranteed, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Gonzalez will also have an option for a seventh-year worth $11 million.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Make it six

July 26, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome


It just keeps getting worse.

After getting swept in St. Louis, the Phillies headed to Detroit on Friday night, only to get handed their sixth straight loss in a 2-1 defeat to the Tigers.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

They got swept

July 25, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome



Yup, the headline sums this one up pretty well.

The Cardinals won 3-1 on Thursday night, sweeping the Phillies and handing them their fifth straight loss.

Zambrano given unconditional release

July 25, 2013

By Nick Tricome



Carlos Zambrano, we hardly got to know you.

The Phillies gave the 32-year old righthander his unconditional release on Thursday, after signing him to a minor-league deal back in May.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Phils lose fourth straight

July 24, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome



So, there are now five games left until the trade deadline and the Phillies' situation has only gotten worse.

The Cardinals handed the Phillies their fourth straight loss in an 11-3 defeat on Wednesday night, taking away that much more hope that the Phillies would be able to go on one more run to the postseason.

UPDATED: Brown to seven-day DL

July 24, 2013

By Nick Tricome



UPDATE: Domonic Brown has been placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list and won't be able to return by Friday as he originally hoped.

The Phillies called up outfielder Steve Susdorf from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and moved reliever Jeremy Horst to the 60-day DL in reaction to Brown's DL placement.

Susdorf, 27, was drafted by the Phillies in the 19th round of the 2008 MLB Amatuer Draft. After 70 games with Lehigh Valley this season, he is hitting .335 with a .419 on-base percentage and 25 RBIs.

Susdorf has a .304 batting average and a .380 on-base percentage in two seasons (154 games) at the Triple-A level.

ORIGINAL
Domonic Brown is out of the lineup for Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The All-Star leftfielder is being tested for a concussion according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki (via Twitter).

Martinez recalled, Quintero designated for assignment

July 24, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Seriously? Again?

Alright... Michael Martinez has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, while Humberto Quintero has been desiganted for assignment.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Phils lose to Cardinals, time is running out

July 23, 2012

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome



The Phillies were in a pretty good situation coming back from the All-Star break.

They were at the .500 mark and looked to make up some serious ground on the National League East leading Atlanta Braves, after finishing off the first half of the season with a good homestand.

But man, have the Phillies not capitalized on a good opportunity. They dropped two of three to the Mets and were handed their third straight loss via a 4-1 defeat against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.

Savery to DL, Valdes recalled

July 23, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Reliever Joe Savery is heading to the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his left elbow.

The Phillies recalled Raul Valdes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Savery's spot in the bullpen.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Phillies lose series to Mets

July 21, 2013


By Zach Geibler


The Phillies tried to win their series against the Mets on Sunday Afternoon, but they ran into offensive woes and a dominant Matt Harvey. The Phillies were shut out 5-0.

Kratz is back

July 21, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Erik Kratz is back in the lineup and will be catching for Cliff Lee this afternoon.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Rollins, Utley homer in Phillies loss

July 20, 2013


By Zach Geibler



After thrashing the Met’s offense the night before, the Phillies had an early game at Citi Field on Saturday afternoon. They lost the game by a score of 5-4.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Phillies start second half with a bang

July 19, 2013


By Zach Geibler



Citi Field hosted the All Star game festivities earlier in the week. On Tuesday night the league’s best mustered up a meek 3-0 game, the win going to the AL. On Friday night at Citi Field, the offense of these National League teams was quite the opposite. The Phillies out-slugged the Mets 13-8.

This is it

July 19, 2013

By Nick Tricome



A World Series title, back-to-back National League pennants and five straight division titles.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball over the past few years. But after missing the playoffs last year and having some core, yet aging, players in the final year of their contracts this season, 2013 could very well be the Phillies' last shot at October for a while.

The first half of the season has had its up and downs and ended with the Phillies at the .500 mark, but now they have to take full advantage of the second half to make one last run to the postseason.

It won't be easy.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Cliff Lee is not amused

July 16, 2013

By Nick Tricome




Mets fans booed Cliff Lee at the All-Star game during introductions. His reaction? None at all.

(GIF from Bill Baer of Crashburn Alley)

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Phillies take series, reach .500 for All Star break

July 15, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler 




The Phillies tried to take the series against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The win would give them a .500 record at the All Star Break.

The Phillies beat out the White Sox in 10 innings by a score of 4-3.

Losing Revere is an injury the Phillies couldn't afford

July 14, 2013

By Nick Tricome


UPDATE: Revere will have surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

ORIGINAL
Ben Revere didn't get off to the best of starts in April. He hit .200 and had a .234 on-base percentage for the month, causing many fans to speculate or even give up entirely on the idea of having the 25-year old as the Phillies' centerfielder for the long-term future.

But Revere turned things around pretty quickly, batting .347 since May 1 and becoming one the Phillies' most consistent hitters.

So when Revere broke his foot in the last at-bat of the first game in Saturday's doubleheader, it was a big loss for the Phillies.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Werth gets mad, walks away during post-game interview

July 12, 2013

By Nick Tricome


After Thursday night's 3-1 loss to the Phillies, the game that gave the Phillies three of four in the series, Jayson Werth was in  no mood to talk.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Wins gives Phils series victory over Nats

July 11, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler


The Phillies needed to take this game and the series. They need to gain as much ground as possible in the National League East before the All-Star Break. They needed to prove themselves, and they did. The Phillies beat the Washington Nationals on Thursday night by a score of 3-1.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Phillies offense falters, lose game 5-1 against Nats

July 10, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler


The Phillies came into Wednesday night's game against the Nationals looking for the series win, instead they caught a dominant starting pitcher and an offense with some pop.

The Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park by a final score of 5-1.

Daulton diagnosed with brain cancer

July 10, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Not even two weeks after having both of his brain tumors successfully removed, former Phillie Darren Daulton has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Hamels goes eight in 4-2 win

July 9, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler



The Phillies looked to continue their 2013 success against their fellow National League East teams on Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. They did just that winning the game 4-2.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Lannan, Phillies start series right with 3-2 win

July 8, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Nick Tricome


After taking two of three from the Atlanta Braves to start a crucial 10-game homestand, the Phillies began a four-game series against the Washington Nationals on Monday night. 

It was a close game at the end, but the Phillies, behind John Lannan, got the series started off right with a 3-2 win over their division rivals.

Howard needs surgery, out 6-8 weeks

July 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Ryan Howard will miss six to eight weeks after an MRI revealed that he has a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that will require surgery.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Phillies beat Atlanta to take series

July 7, 2013

Box Score (from ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler


With a 7-3 win the Phillies took the series against the Atlanta Braves, and fought back to 7.5 games out of first place in the National League East.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Cliff Lee and Domonic Brown selected to All-Star Game

July 6, 2013

By Nick Tricome and Zach Geibler


There are two Phillies heading to the All-Star Game. One is no stranger to the mid-summer classic, while the other has earned a well deserved first trip.

Braves score 13, Phils lose game and Howard

July 6, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler and Nick Tricome





The Braves retaliated to say the least in game two of a three-game series against the Phillies. 

Phillies fans left with knots in their stomachs and questions in their heads as the Braves offense lit up the scoreboard, winning the game 13-4.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Phillies win key series opener 5-4

July 5, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Zach Geibler


Going into the three-game weekend series with the Braves, the Phillies may have been holding their heads high, having just beaten what may have been the best team in the Majors in the Pittsburgh Pirates.

This was good accolade and a great confidence boost to the struggling Phillies.  The momentum was now needed in a big homestand that could possibly (once again) save the season. 

For the Phillies, the next 10 games are big

July 5, 2013

By Nick Tricome


After taking two of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Phillies ended a 10-game road trip with a 5-5 record.

The Phillies are returning to Citizens Bank Park with a 41-45 record that is good for third in the National League East, 8.5 games back of first. They will have a three-game series against the division leading Braves--starting tonight-- and a four-game series against the second place Nationals in their last 10 games before the  All-Star break.

These next 10 games are huge.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Phillies take series opener, snap Pirates' win streak

July 2, 2013

Box Score (From ESPN.com)

By Mike Patterson



The Phillies faced the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night in game one of the three-game series. The Phils won 3-1 to snap the Pirates nine-game winning streak.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Weekend Recap: Things aren't looking too good, but maybe there is still hope

July 1, 2013

By Nick Tricome



A blowout win on Friday night, then two deflating losses on Saturday and Sunday.

After losing three of four to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies (39-44) are 9.5 games back of first place in the National League East. Now they have to go play the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have the best record in the NL.

With 13 games left until the All-Star break, the Phillies are in a jam to say the least.

Both tumors removed, Dutch in good spirits

July 1, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Darren Daulton's two brain tumors have been removed, the surgery was a success!