If Charlie Manuel had a plan for his hitters to get to Dodgers pitcher Derek Lowe and his snake-level sinker in Game 1 of the NLCS, it probably was as simple as the good ol’ boy’s mannerisms: Patience, boys, patience.
And, boy, did Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell follow the Charlie manual perfectly.
Lowe cruised through the first five innings, allowing four hits and a walk. But something about the at-bats Howard and Burrell put together the first two times through the line-up gave a hint at things to come.
They patiently laid off Lowe’s out-of-the-zone sinker, making him work hard during each of their at-bats through four innings.
To that point, 14 Phillies had come to the plate, with Howard and Burrell combining for four of the 14 appearances (28%). However, they saw 25 of Lowe’s 57 pitches—a whopping 43% to just two hitters.
And it wasn’t because Lowe was loading up the pitch count on strikeouts; Howard had none and Burrell collected a single and a five-pitch strikeout.
The payoff to waiting out Lowe’s low balls came in the sixth. Lowe was tiring after throwing 75 pitches through five innings, and with the fatigue and the need to throw strikes, he wasn’t as fine with his location.
Suddenly—boom, home run on a sweet-spot pitch to Chase Utley, another home run to Burrell on a 3-1 pitch that had to be a strike, and just like that the home team was on its way to a 3-2 comeback win.
The same pitcher who had been 5-0 with an 0.85 ERA in his previous seven starts against the Phillies got the boot with one out in the sixth, down 3-2 after 90 pitches.
For the game, Howard averaged 5 pitches an at-bat, Burrell 6—both team highs by far. Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino, the top-of-the-order guys whose job is to work the pitcher, each saw just 3.25 pitches per at-bat.
Looks like they need to borrow Howard and Burrell’s Charlie manual.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Phillies’ All-Time Best Opponents
Oh man, oh man, enough with almighty Manny already.
With all the dread about Manny and his dreads, you’d think Ramirez will single-handedly beat the Phillies in the NLCS, or that the Phillies had never played anyone so good in their postseason history. You’d be wrong on both counts. If baseball history shows anything, it’s that pitching wins, and rarely can one man do it alone. (And what ever became of the beast from the last series, C.C. Sabathia, anyway?)
For further proof, just look at the Phillies’ own brief postseason history. The team has faced 14 opponents in 11 different postseason appearances; the Dodgers will be the 15th foe. And while Manny certainly ranks among the better players the Phillies have faced, he’s not at the top of a powerful list.
Here are the best players the Phillies have faced in the postseason, by position, listed in my order of preference at each spot. Got an opinion? Send it along!
The list certainly brings up a few questions: With so few ’08 Dodgers listed—and Maddux and Kent way past their primes—anyone else think the Phillies should take this series easily? How did the Phillies lose to the Rockies in ’07? How did the ’93 Phillies beat the 104-win Braves? And can anyone name two pitchers from the dominating 1976 Reds—who swept the Phillies and Yankees? Ahhh, I sense future blog topics….
C: Johnny Bench, ’76 Reds*
C: Yogi Berra, '50 Yankees*
C: Gary Carter, ’81 Expos*
1B: Eddie Murray, ’83 Orioles*
1B: Tony Perez, ’76 Reds*
1B: Johnny Mize, ’50 Yankees*
1B: Steve Garvey, ’77, ’78 Dodgers
1B: Todd Helton, ’07 Rockies
1B: Fred McGriff, ’93 Braves
2B: Joe Morgan, ’76 Reds, '80 Astros*
2B: Roberto Alomar, ’93 Blue Jays
2B: Jeff Kent, ’08 Dodgers
SS: Cal Ripken, ’83 Orioles*
SS: Phil Rizzuto, ’50 Yankees*
SS: Dave Concepcion, ’76 Reds
3B: George Brett, '80 Royals*
3B: Pete Rose, ’76 Reds
3B: Pedro Guerrero, ’83 Dodgers
3B: Terry Pendleton, ’93 Braves
DH: Paul Molitor, ’93 Blue Jays*
OF: Joe DiMaggio, ’50 Yankees*
OF: Tris Speaker, ’15 Red Sox*
OF: Manny Ramirez, ’08 Dodgers
OF: Rickey Henderson, ’93 Blue Jays
OF: Andre Dawson, ’81 Expos
OF: Harry Hooper, ’15 Red Sox*
OF: George Foster, ’76 Reds
OF: Tim Raines, ’81 Expos
OF: Joe Carter, ’93 Blue Jays
P: Greg Maddux, ’93 Braves, ’08 Dodgers
P: Nolan Ryan, '80 Astros*
P: Tom Glavine, ’93 Braves
P: Whitey Ford, ’50 Yankees*
P: Jim Palmer, ’83 Orioles*
P. John Smoltz, ’93 Braves
P: C.C. Sabathia, ’08 Brewers
P: Fernando Valenzuela, ’83 Dodgers
P: Don Sutton, ’77, ’78 Dodgers*
P: Vic Raschi, ’50 Yankees
P: Tommy John, ’77, ’78 Dodgers
P: Steve Rogers, ’81 Expos
P: Jeff Reardon, ’81 Expos
P: Pat Hentgen, ’93 Blue Jays
* - Hall of Famer
With all the dread about Manny and his dreads, you’d think Ramirez will single-handedly beat the Phillies in the NLCS, or that the Phillies had never played anyone so good in their postseason history. You’d be wrong on both counts. If baseball history shows anything, it’s that pitching wins, and rarely can one man do it alone. (And what ever became of the beast from the last series, C.C. Sabathia, anyway?)
For further proof, just look at the Phillies’ own brief postseason history. The team has faced 14 opponents in 11 different postseason appearances; the Dodgers will be the 15th foe. And while Manny certainly ranks among the better players the Phillies have faced, he’s not at the top of a powerful list.
Here are the best players the Phillies have faced in the postseason, by position, listed in my order of preference at each spot. Got an opinion? Send it along!
The list certainly brings up a few questions: With so few ’08 Dodgers listed—and Maddux and Kent way past their primes—anyone else think the Phillies should take this series easily? How did the Phillies lose to the Rockies in ’07? How did the ’93 Phillies beat the 104-win Braves? And can anyone name two pitchers from the dominating 1976 Reds—who swept the Phillies and Yankees? Ahhh, I sense future blog topics….
C: Johnny Bench, ’76 Reds*
C: Yogi Berra, '50 Yankees*
C: Gary Carter, ’81 Expos*
1B: Eddie Murray, ’83 Orioles*
1B: Tony Perez, ’76 Reds*
1B: Johnny Mize, ’50 Yankees*
1B: Steve Garvey, ’77, ’78 Dodgers
1B: Todd Helton, ’07 Rockies
1B: Fred McGriff, ’93 Braves
2B: Joe Morgan, ’76 Reds, '80 Astros*
2B: Roberto Alomar, ’93 Blue Jays
2B: Jeff Kent, ’08 Dodgers
SS: Cal Ripken, ’83 Orioles*
SS: Phil Rizzuto, ’50 Yankees*
SS: Dave Concepcion, ’76 Reds
3B: George Brett, '80 Royals*
3B: Pete Rose, ’76 Reds
3B: Pedro Guerrero, ’83 Dodgers
3B: Terry Pendleton, ’93 Braves
DH: Paul Molitor, ’93 Blue Jays*
OF: Joe DiMaggio, ’50 Yankees*
OF: Tris Speaker, ’15 Red Sox*
OF: Manny Ramirez, ’08 Dodgers
OF: Rickey Henderson, ’93 Blue Jays
OF: Andre Dawson, ’81 Expos
OF: Harry Hooper, ’15 Red Sox*
OF: George Foster, ’76 Reds
OF: Tim Raines, ’81 Expos
OF: Joe Carter, ’93 Blue Jays
P: Greg Maddux, ’93 Braves, ’08 Dodgers
P: Nolan Ryan, '80 Astros*
P: Tom Glavine, ’93 Braves
P: Whitey Ford, ’50 Yankees*
P: Jim Palmer, ’83 Orioles*
P. John Smoltz, ’93 Braves
P: C.C. Sabathia, ’08 Brewers
P: Fernando Valenzuela, ’83 Dodgers
P: Don Sutton, ’77, ’78 Dodgers*
P: Vic Raschi, ’50 Yankees
P: Tommy John, ’77, ’78 Dodgers
P: Steve Rogers, ’81 Expos
P: Jeff Reardon, ’81 Expos
P: Pat Hentgen, ’93 Blue Jays
* - Hall of Famer
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Strange Bedfellows
With the Phillies' success and the Eagles being the early-season Eagles (2-3 for the third time in five or six seasons), I haven't focused too much on them yet. But a friend, BBoz, brings up an interesting observation about the Eagles, the Cowboys, the Super Bowl, and political history. All of what follows comes from him:
Who will you vote for on November 4, 2008?
Who will you vote for on November 4, 2008?
A vote for a Republican President is a vote for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have appeared in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XV on January 25, 1981, and Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005. In both of those years, the President was a Republican: 1981 – Ronald Reagan; and, 2005 – George W. Bush.
Conversely, a vote for a Democrat for President is a vote for the Eagles' nemesis, the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have played in and won a Super Bowl during every Democratic presidential administration in the Super Bowl era. The Cowboys have appeared in eight Super Bowls: Super Bowl V (1971), VI (1972), and X (1974) were played during a Republican administration.
However, subsequent to 1974, the Cowboys were in Super Bowl XII (1978), XIII (1979), XXVII (1992), XXVIII (1993), and XXX (1995). In those five years, the President was a Democrat: 1978/1979 – Jimmy Carter; and 1992/1993/1995 – Bill Clinton.
Remember, when you throw that switch for President this November, you are deciding more than the direction of the nation, you are sealing the fate of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles:
| Super Bowl | Opponents | Score | Date | President |
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| XV | Oakland Raiders (win) vs. Philadelphia Eagles | 27-10 | January 25, 1981 | Ronald Reagan, Republican |
| XXXIX | New England Patriots (win) vs. Philadelphia Eagles | 24-21 | February 6, 2005 | George W. Bush, Republican |
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|
|
|
Dallas Cowboys:
| Super Bowl | Opponents | Score | Date | President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| V | Baltimore Colts (win) vs. Dallas Cowboys | 16-13 | January 17, 1971 | Richard M. Nixon, Republican |
| VI | Dallas Cowboys (win) vs. Miami Dolphins | 24-3 | January 16, 1972 | Richard M. Nixon, Republican |
| X | Pittsburgh Steelers (win) vs. Dallas Cowboys | 21-17 | January 18, 1976 | Gerald Ford, Republican |
| XII | Dallas Cowboys (win) vs. Denver Broncos | 27-10 | January 15, 1978 | Jimmy Carter, Democrat |
| XIII | Pittsburgh Steelers (win) vs. Dallas Cowboys | 35-31 | January 21, 1979 | Jimmy Carter, Democrat |
| XXVII | Dallas Cowboys (win) vs. Buffalo Bills | 52-17 | January 31, 1993 | Bill Clinton, Democrat |
| XXVIII | Dallas Cowboys (win) vs. Buffalo Bills | 30-13 | January 30, 1994 | Bill Clinton, Democrat |
| XXX | Dallas Cowboys (win) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | 27-17 | January 28, 1996 | Bill Clinton, Democrat |
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Monday, October 6, 2008
The Magic Number: 103
It’s safe to say no one considered the 2008 Phillies a threat to tie a franchise record for victories in a season after the Marlins beat them, 7-3, on September 10. The Phillies were 3.5 games behind the Mets and clinging to hopes of a wild-card berth at 79-67.
That was then, this is now: “We can get to 103. That’s the number.” That’s what Jimmy Rollins said after the Phillies’ NLDS victory over Milwaukee, which just happens to be the opponent that kick-started the Phillies’ turnaround a month ago.
The Phillies are 16-4 since that four-game September sweep of Milwaukee. And, even more amazingly, if they beat the Dodgers in the NLCS and then win the World Series, a team that looked dead in the water on Sept. 10 will go down as the winningest in team history, tied at 103 with the 1993 Phillies.
After 92 regular-season wins and the three playoff victories over Milwaukee, the Phillies are on the trail of the ’93 team that won 97 regular-season games, four NLCS games over the Braves, and two against the Blue Jays in the World Series. Their 103 tops the 102 total wins of the 1976 and 1977 Phillies, who each won 101 regular-season games and then just one NLCS game.
Now, granted the 2008 Phillies picked up three wins in a divisional series that earlier playoff teams didn’t get to play in. But it’s amazing what the Phillies have pulled off within the last month.
103 wins? Who’da thunk it, Harry?
That was then, this is now: “We can get to 103. That’s the number.” That’s what Jimmy Rollins said after the Phillies’ NLDS victory over Milwaukee, which just happens to be the opponent that kick-started the Phillies’ turnaround a month ago.
The Phillies are 16-4 since that four-game September sweep of Milwaukee. And, even more amazingly, if they beat the Dodgers in the NLCS and then win the World Series, a team that looked dead in the water on Sept. 10 will go down as the winningest in team history, tied at 103 with the 1993 Phillies.
After 92 regular-season wins and the three playoff victories over Milwaukee, the Phillies are on the trail of the ’93 team that won 97 regular-season games, four NLCS games over the Braves, and two against the Blue Jays in the World Series. Their 103 tops the 102 total wins of the 1976 and 1977 Phillies, who each won 101 regular-season games and then just one NLCS game.
Now, granted the 2008 Phillies picked up three wins in a divisional series that earlier playoff teams didn’t get to play in. But it’s amazing what the Phillies have pulled off within the last month.
103 wins? Who’da thunk it, Harry?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Picks of the Weak
Here’s a new regular feature I’ve roped a few of my poker friends into playing. Now, to be fair, I call them my friends—but they’re really only guys who don’t run screaming in the other direction when they see me in public, though that may be only because they’re not coordinated enough to run and scream at the same time.
We each have to pick one weekly winner—straight up, no point spreads, any game, any sport. Sounds easy, right? Not to anyone who has ever played such a pool before; if you get it right for five straight weeks, you’re on a great roll.
So, enough blah, blah, blog, onto the picks and the reactions:
I'll pick the Phillies in Game 3 on Saturday in Milwaukee. Jamie Moyer gets the start and all he's done in big games for the Phillies is win the division title-clinching game in two straight seasons. He's older than me—and that's saying something!—but he still went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA. The Phils were 22-11 in Moyer's starts, and he was 9-1 with a 3.22 ERA over his last 15. Plus, one more big-game stat: He's 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in his four career playoff games. The guy is clutch. — John
Normally I would be all over the Sunday Birds/Skins game, but we've got playoff baseball and for the first time in 15 years the Phils have not blown their first 2 playoff games. However, much as I trust Jamie Moyer in the pinch, he's going to need help on offense and defense, and I just don't think this team has the discipline to run the sweep after winning the first two in such dramatic fashion.
If Larry Bowa were the coach, I wouldn't worry, but Manuel's aw-shucks approach to coaching won't keep the giddiness in check; expect some sloppy play. Get ready for a let-down on Saturday, but—the good news—expect a Mike Schmidt e-mail or dugout visit afterward to inspire the gang one more time, and they'll shut this thing down in Milwaukee on Sunday. — Carnac the Magnificent
Good pick if Hamels is pitching. The Brewers looked like me golfing—big swings at the dirt, but no contact. — John
The Eagles win by at least 2 touchdowns on Sunday. Washington will be very flat after beating the Boys last Sunday.
The Phillies close out the Brewers on Saturday, as they will be swinging like wild at Jamie Moyer’s changeup.
I don't believe St. Joe’s plays this weekend. So my top play is Pennsbury beating Harry S Truman Friday night by 5 touchdowns. Pennsbury will not throw a single pass (just as they didn’t 2 weeks ago in beating Council Rock) but rush the ball up and down the field. Not the prettiest of teams to watch but very efficient.
I need to get a life. — Dave
I'm happy to join in the football discussion, boys.
Things don't look great for Chelsea hosting Aston Villa on Sunday. Several of the Blues' best are injured (Drogba, Deco, Carvalho, and Essien), while Villa has gone five straight Premier League matches without a loss in this matchup. Kiss your sister, we're looking at a draw here between two of the Premier League leaders.
Back in the states, bank on the defending national champions and undefeated Demon Deacons (2-0-0 in ACC, 9-0-0 overall) to easily handle the Hokies (0-3, 3-5-1) Saturday night in Winston.
Cheers! — Phil
Soccer and Wake Forest football? The only thing more boring is golf without Tiger. The things you put your poor kids through.... — John
Um ... both of my predictions are "soccer." Wake doesn't play American Football until next week. I'm thrilled/frightened that you thought Wake's football was "defending national champions!" Nice editing, editor! Sheesh. — Phil
They play for a national championship in college soccer? Wait, someone actually plays college soccer? I thought everyone outgrew that once they turned 11. And I thought you were being delusional about the "national champion" Wake football team. An Orange Bowl appearance every century or so can do that to a guy. — John
John, this is what you get when you “give an inch” and give Phil complete latitude on what he can write about! — Carnac the Magnificent
You guys need to get a life, too. — Dave
I had a feeling the college soccer line would get a reaction from our reigning triathlete champion, Dave. And before anyone asks, yes, they did actually have a hoops team at D-III De Sales. It had the excitement factor of D-II badminton. — John
Am I to infer you don't think badminton is a real sport? — Carnac the Magnificent
We each have to pick one weekly winner—straight up, no point spreads, any game, any sport. Sounds easy, right? Not to anyone who has ever played such a pool before; if you get it right for five straight weeks, you’re on a great roll.
So, enough blah, blah, blog, onto the picks and the reactions:
I'll pick the Phillies in Game 3 on Saturday in Milwaukee. Jamie Moyer gets the start and all he's done in big games for the Phillies is win the division title-clinching game in two straight seasons. He's older than me—and that's saying something!—but he still went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA. The Phils were 22-11 in Moyer's starts, and he was 9-1 with a 3.22 ERA over his last 15. Plus, one more big-game stat: He's 3-1 with a 2.43 ERA in his four career playoff games. The guy is clutch. — John
Normally I would be all over the Sunday Birds/Skins game, but we've got playoff baseball and for the first time in 15 years the Phils have not blown their first 2 playoff games. However, much as I trust Jamie Moyer in the pinch, he's going to need help on offense and defense, and I just don't think this team has the discipline to run the sweep after winning the first two in such dramatic fashion.
If Larry Bowa were the coach, I wouldn't worry, but Manuel's aw-shucks approach to coaching won't keep the giddiness in check; expect some sloppy play. Get ready for a let-down on Saturday, but—the good news—expect a Mike Schmidt e-mail or dugout visit afterward to inspire the gang one more time, and they'll shut this thing down in Milwaukee on Sunday. — Carnac the Magnificent
Good pick if Hamels is pitching. The Brewers looked like me golfing—big swings at the dirt, but no contact. — John
The Eagles win by at least 2 touchdowns on Sunday. Washington will be very flat after beating the Boys last Sunday.
The Phillies close out the Brewers on Saturday, as they will be swinging like wild at Jamie Moyer’s changeup.
I don't believe St. Joe’s plays this weekend. So my top play is Pennsbury beating Harry S Truman Friday night by 5 touchdowns. Pennsbury will not throw a single pass (just as they didn’t 2 weeks ago in beating Council Rock) but rush the ball up and down the field. Not the prettiest of teams to watch but very efficient.
I need to get a life. — Dave
I'm happy to join in the football discussion, boys.
Things don't look great for Chelsea hosting Aston Villa on Sunday. Several of the Blues' best are injured (Drogba, Deco, Carvalho, and Essien), while Villa has gone five straight Premier League matches without a loss in this matchup. Kiss your sister, we're looking at a draw here between two of the Premier League leaders.
Back in the states, bank on the defending national champions and undefeated Demon Deacons (2-0-0 in ACC, 9-0-0 overall) to easily handle the Hokies (0-3, 3-5-1) Saturday night in Winston.
Cheers! — Phil
Soccer and Wake Forest football? The only thing more boring is golf without Tiger. The things you put your poor kids through.... — John
Um ... both of my predictions are "soccer." Wake doesn't play American Football until next week. I'm thrilled/frightened that you thought Wake's football was "defending national champions!" Nice editing, editor! Sheesh. — Phil
They play for a national championship in college soccer? Wait, someone actually plays college soccer? I thought everyone outgrew that once they turned 11. And I thought you were being delusional about the "national champion" Wake football team. An Orange Bowl appearance every century or so can do that to a guy. — John
John, this is what you get when you “give an inch” and give Phil complete latitude on what he can write about! — Carnac the Magnificent
You guys need to get a life, too. — Dave
I had a feeling the college soccer line would get a reaction from our reigning triathlete champion, Dave. And before anyone asks, yes, they did actually have a hoops team at D-III De Sales. It had the excitement factor of D-II badminton. — John
Am I to infer you don't think badminton is a real sport? — Carnac the Magnificent
Friday, October 3, 2008
Hooton Hears a Boo
Paging Burt Hooton. Burt Hooton, please pick up the white bullpen phone, you have a collect call from C.C. Sabathia regarding a new outbreak of Phillie fan stress syndrome.
If there’s one person who could appreciate what happened to Sabathia in last night’s raucous 5-2 Phillies win—particularly during Brett Myers’ second-inning at-bat—it would be Hooton. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher became similarly unhinged, also in the second inning of a Phillies playoff game, in this case, the 1977 National League Championship Series.
Having attended both games—each now legendary for the unofficial “fans’ interference” that rattled opposing pitchers—I can attest to the eerie similarities.
Last night, down 0-2 in the count, Myers managed to foul off enough pitches and wait out Sabathia long enough to draw a nine-pitch walk. Halfway through the at-bat, as Myers walked back to the dugout to get a new bat after breaking his, the crowd began to reach Hooton-level hysteria, and kept it up until Sabathia had walked Myers, Jimmy Rollins on four pitches, and surrendered Shane Victorino’s grand slam, the first ever in Phillies postseason history.
And somewhere in Texas, where he’s now the pitching coach for the minor-league Round Rock Express, Hooton probably unfurled his never-ending scowl that earned him the sarcastic nickname “Happy” from Tommy Lasorda, and muttered something under his breath about Phillies fans.
What happened to Hooton was worse than what Sabathia endured.
It was Game 3 of the NLCS, the series tied 1-1 after two games in L.A. Hooton had been handed a 2-0 lead when he began the bottom of the second inning. With men on first and second and two outs, Hooton faced weak-hitting eighth-hitter Ted Sizemore, whom he walked on four pitches to load the bases.
Next up, just like for the Phillies last night, the pitcher, Larry Christenson, who promptly fell behind in the count, 0-2. A ball, a foul ball, another ball, and the Vet crowd was in full frenzy as Hooton threw two more balls to walk Christenson and allow a run. Bake McBride drew another walk, which added another run, and, amid absolute bedlam, Hooton then walked Larry Bowa on five pitches to make it 3-2 Phillies thanks to four straight walks.
Hooton, pulled for Rick Rhoden, left the mound just as “Happy” as ever.
If there’s one person who could appreciate what happened to Sabathia in last night’s raucous 5-2 Phillies win—particularly during Brett Myers’ second-inning at-bat—it would be Hooton. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher became similarly unhinged, also in the second inning of a Phillies playoff game, in this case, the 1977 National League Championship Series.
Having attended both games—each now legendary for the unofficial “fans’ interference” that rattled opposing pitchers—I can attest to the eerie similarities.
Last night, down 0-2 in the count, Myers managed to foul off enough pitches and wait out Sabathia long enough to draw a nine-pitch walk. Halfway through the at-bat, as Myers walked back to the dugout to get a new bat after breaking his, the crowd began to reach Hooton-level hysteria, and kept it up until Sabathia had walked Myers, Jimmy Rollins on four pitches, and surrendered Shane Victorino’s grand slam, the first ever in Phillies postseason history.
And somewhere in Texas, where he’s now the pitching coach for the minor-league Round Rock Express, Hooton probably unfurled his never-ending scowl that earned him the sarcastic nickname “Happy” from Tommy Lasorda, and muttered something under his breath about Phillies fans.
What happened to Hooton was worse than what Sabathia endured.
It was Game 3 of the NLCS, the series tied 1-1 after two games in L.A. Hooton had been handed a 2-0 lead when he began the bottom of the second inning. With men on first and second and two outs, Hooton faced weak-hitting eighth-hitter Ted Sizemore, whom he walked on four pitches to load the bases.
Next up, just like for the Phillies last night, the pitcher, Larry Christenson, who promptly fell behind in the count, 0-2. A ball, a foul ball, another ball, and the Vet crowd was in full frenzy as Hooton threw two more balls to walk Christenson and allow a run. Bake McBride drew another walk, which added another run, and, amid absolute bedlam, Hooton then walked Larry Bowa on five pitches to make it 3-2 Phillies thanks to four straight walks.
Hooton, pulled for Rick Rhoden, left the mound just as “Happy” as ever.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A Game for the Ages
Cole Hamels delivered more than just a dominating outing in the team’s 3-1 NLDS Game 1 victory. He pitched arguably the best game in the franchise’s 61-game postseason history.
His two hits allowed were the lowest in Phillies’ playoff history. Curt Schilling, Steve Carlton, Charles Hudson, and Jim Konstanty each allowed four hits in other standout gems, though each of them allowed at least one earned run (see chart below).
Hamels finished with nine strikeouts and only one walk in eight shutout innings, while throwing 101 pitches, 67 for strikes. He retired the first 14 hitters he faced, as well as the last eight, and only one runner reached second base in Hamels’ first postseason victory.
It’s easy to say that his numbers top any previous Phillies playoff performance. The question becomes, does hurling a standout game in the NLDS trump a top pitching effort in the rarefied air of a championship game or the World Series.
It’s hard to look past the two previous top playoff efforts: Steve Carlton’s 1980 Game 6 victory over the Royals and Curt Schilling’s 147-pitch complete game in the ’93 Game 5 win over Toronto. Carlton’s win gave the Phillies their only title, while Schilling’s win came after a bruising 15-14 Game 4 loss that depleted the Phillies bullpen. Incidentally, Schilling’s win was the Phillies’ last playoff win.
My pick: Carlton’s clincher, with Hamels a close second and Schilling third. But isn’t it nice to be mentioning Hamels at 24 alongside the two greatest big-game playoff pitchers in Phillies history?
Here is my ranking of the Phillies’ top 10 postseason pitching outings, with World Series games in bold; all others were in the NLCS or NLDS and all were victories, except Konstanty's Game 1 loss.
1980 Carlton: 7 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 7 K 110 p (72 strikes)
2008 Hamels: 8 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 1 BB 9 K 101 p (67 strikes)
1993 Schilling: 9 IP 5 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 6 K 147 p (99 strikes)
1983 Denny: 7.2 IP 5 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 5 K 109 p (73 strikes)
1980 Carlton: 7 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 3 K 105 p (66 strikes)
1950 Konstanty: 8 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 4 BB 0 K no pitch count
1983 Hudson: 9 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 2 BB 9 K 120 p (84 strikes)
1993 Schilling: 8 IP 4 H 2 R 1 ER 3 BB 9 K 131 p (79 strikes)
1915 Alexander: 9 IP 8 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 6 K no pitch count
1993 Jackson: 7.2 IP 9 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 6 K 112 p (70 strikes)
His two hits allowed were the lowest in Phillies’ playoff history. Curt Schilling, Steve Carlton, Charles Hudson, and Jim Konstanty each allowed four hits in other standout gems, though each of them allowed at least one earned run (see chart below).
Hamels finished with nine strikeouts and only one walk in eight shutout innings, while throwing 101 pitches, 67 for strikes. He retired the first 14 hitters he faced, as well as the last eight, and only one runner reached second base in Hamels’ first postseason victory.
It’s easy to say that his numbers top any previous Phillies playoff performance. The question becomes, does hurling a standout game in the NLDS trump a top pitching effort in the rarefied air of a championship game or the World Series.
It’s hard to look past the two previous top playoff efforts: Steve Carlton’s 1980 Game 6 victory over the Royals and Curt Schilling’s 147-pitch complete game in the ’93 Game 5 win over Toronto. Carlton’s win gave the Phillies their only title, while Schilling’s win came after a bruising 15-14 Game 4 loss that depleted the Phillies bullpen. Incidentally, Schilling’s win was the Phillies’ last playoff win.
My pick: Carlton’s clincher, with Hamels a close second and Schilling third. But isn’t it nice to be mentioning Hamels at 24 alongside the two greatest big-game playoff pitchers in Phillies history?
Here is my ranking of the Phillies’ top 10 postseason pitching outings, with World Series games in bold; all others were in the NLCS or NLDS and all were victories, except Konstanty's Game 1 loss.
1980 Carlton: 7 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 7 K 110 p (72 strikes)
2008 Hamels: 8 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 1 BB 9 K 101 p (67 strikes)
1993 Schilling: 9 IP 5 H 0 R 0 ER 3 BB 6 K 147 p (99 strikes)
1983 Denny: 7.2 IP 5 H 1 R 1 ER 0 BB 5 K 109 p (73 strikes)
1980 Carlton: 7 IP 7 H 1 R 1 ER 3 BB 3 K 105 p (66 strikes)
1950 Konstanty: 8 IP 4 H 1 R 1 ER 4 BB 0 K no pitch count
1983 Hudson: 9 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 2 BB 9 K 120 p (84 strikes)
1993 Schilling: 8 IP 4 H 2 R 1 ER 3 BB 9 K 131 p (79 strikes)
1915 Alexander: 9 IP 8 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 6 K no pitch count
1993 Jackson: 7.2 IP 9 H 1 R 1 ER 2 BB 6 K 112 p (70 strikes)
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