NEW YORK -- The sun still hasn't come out at Shea, and The Apple continues to buzz over last night's game. During the 10-minute drive over here from the hotel, a variety of frustrated callers on WFAN were yelling about a) Johan Santana not coming out for the ninth inning, b) the motley crew of relievers filling in for Billy Wagner not being able to hold a three-run lead with the bottom of the Phillies' lineup coming up and c) Jose Reyes getting beaten to the bag by Shane Victorino and not getting the out at first base either. There were even a few callers who said last night's game reminded them of the Mets' collapse last September.It's all music to every Phillies fan's ears.
Anyway, a few pregame notes today:
1. Spoke to Pat Gillick before yesterday's game, and he said it's a "good possibility" that the Phils will make another trade before the July 31 deadline. He said pitching remains the priority, although he's pursuing a bat, too. The Pirates may be dangling outfielder Xavier Nady and lefty reliever Damaso Marte. What would you give up for them?
2. Tom Gordon continues to play catch in Clearwater, and pitching coach Rich Dubee said it'll likely be 7-10 days before he throws from a mound. So, don't expect to see Gordon in a game for the Phillies until late August-ish.
3. Santana threw 105 pitches last night. He hadn't thrown more than 100 since June 28 against the Yankees, and his season-high was 116. So, while Mets fans would've liked to see Santana start the ninth inning, especially with Wagner unavailable (he supposely can pitch tonight, by the way), the real issue is that the Mets relievers couldn't protect a three-run lead with the bottom of the Phillies' lineup coming up.
4. Mets third-base coach Luis Aguayo had two runners thrown out at the plate last night. No truth to the rumor that Willie Randolph advised Aguayo not to answer his phone at 3 a.m.
5. With his ninth-inning single last night, Greg Dobbs collected his majors-leading 19th pinch-hit, the most in a season for the Phillies since Greg Gross had 19 in 1982.
6. Brad Lidge recorded his career-best 25th consecutive save dating to Sept. 25, 2007, with the Astros. He has converted 22 saves in as many chances for the Phillies, which ties Wagner for the franchise record for consecutive saves in a single season.
7. It's all about Brett Myers tonight. Assuming the rain holds off and the filming of a Geico commercial (yes, the Caveman is here) concludes in time, Myers will make his eagerly anticipated return to the mound. How do you think he'll do?
More later.
3 comments:
What about the rumor Ken Rosenthal mentioned about Matt Kemp? I'd give up more for Kemp than I would for Nady, who always seems injured. Marte wouldn't be bad either. Maybe trade Myers to the Dodgers, where he could close in lieu of Takashi Saito, and possibly J.A. Happ if they decide Happ can't do anything for Philly.
Kemp would be a much more exciting (offensively and defensively) outfielder than anyone currently on the Phils roster. He could bat leadoff, and Jimmy could be moved down in the order, as his numbers this season with men on base indicate that he can be a run-producer. Maybe Jimmy would be a good #2 hitter, maybe he'd be a very good #6 hitter, it's hard to tell, but he can certainly drive in runs and Kemp has speed and power that could be a huge asset at the top of our lineup.
I'm convinced that Myers is completely done. His fastball is still only 91mph. His only effective pitch is his curve but it's so hittable! Tell the Pirates that Myers is a closer and send him to them. We'd even pay this year's salary!
Honestly though we need a bat in the lineup that can hit for average. I would honestly give the Rockies EVERY prospect in our farm system for Matt Holiday. I'm tired of the coveted "prospect". I'd rather take the one bird in the basket versus the six birds in the bush "league". Wouldn't you?
Myers to the Blue Jays for AJ Burnett?
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