Home plate rule needs further review

April 21, 2014

By Steve Bohnel
@SteveSportsGuy1

The Phillies were in the second of a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies. In the bottom of third inning, a play at the plate illustrated one of the key additions to the MLB this season: expanded instant replay.

But this play was different. Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who had singled to start the inning, was on his way home trying to score the first run of the game. Chase Utley fired the ball home. Ruiz blocked the plate, and Arenado was out...for a few minutes.

Phillies Week in Review 3/17-3/23: Rollins on the hot seat, Asche wins out, and more injuries

March 23, 2014

By Andrew Sifari

@Wild_Sifari

Record: 2-2-1

                   3/19                           3/20                   3/20                        3/21                          3/23

                     L                               W                      L                              T                             W

Games:  PHI @ TOR           PHI @ HOU      PHI vs.  TOR            PHI vs. BOS            PHI vs. MIN 

                  6     -   11              6    -      3           1       -    3                 2     -    2                  5   -      1           

This week was eventful for the Phillies, whose chances for winning have gotten no better as of late. Speculation swirled after a report from ESPN’s Buster Olney suggested that the Phillies are open to trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins. General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. vehemently denied this shortly afterwards. Rollins would do the same later, citing his full no trade clause.

It was announced in the beginning of the week that Cliff Lee would start on Opening Day for the Phillies. This would be the second opening day start of Lee’s career, the other coming in 2009 as a member of the Indians. Lee went 14-8 with a 2.87 ERA for the Phillies last season so, with Cole Hamels out, it probably wasn’t a hard decision to go with Lee.