Philadelphia Phillies storyline: The next ex-Phillies

Cole Hamels left the diamond with a slender lead for the Philadelphia Phillies.  Is he one of the players who will be traded for prospects?

 

CAP-SIZE HINDSIGHT

 

Penthouse Occupancy for the 3-2 & 7-3 outcomes:  2

                                               The Chrystal Champagne Toast is a salute to King Cole.

He fired 7 scoreless innings, scattering 3 hits and 3 walks in the daylight. He was joined on the top floor by Jimmy Rollins. J-Roll sent the fans a souvenir in the 6th for a 1-0 advantage during the matinee. He went 3 for 5 during the afternoon.

A House Call was ordered for Brian Schneider after a collision near the plate in the 6th under the lights. His sprained ankle might be a DL stint.

The Coffeehouse featured B.J. Rosenberg who was only up for the doubleheader as the 26th man. It literally rained on him during his forgettable appearance.

 

WELCOME, NEWCOMERS:

I will publish after every battle that is not washed out.  I will have many season-long highlights of puzzle pieces, especially important after drubbings and defeats.  If you were directed here by a feed and this review does not mention yesterday’s contest, please go to my author archives or Phillies page for my most recent coverage. (Early morning readers may arrive before the latest post.) Scroll down to Tal’s Handy Links at the bottom. Thank you.

 

Check out:  Philadelphia Phillies storyline: Thome’s impact

 

 

 

NITECAP INSIGHT

 

 

Only If:

 

Firstly, I don’t believe the club will be sellers. I will point out that division competition will return shortly with the Fish, Mets and Braves. It is in that order and the strength level increases with each series. However, in the unlikely case of a lost campaign, I will illustrate the pruning from the roster that awaits Rube Amaro.

 

Rube will try to build from his arm strength. He came into 2012 with the best 3 aces in the bigs, and he now has the top closer.  Plus, Vance Worley has solidified the 4 slot.  He will, at least, try to re-sign Hamels.  That means that stars in their final contract year would be available to barter.  Shane Victorino ($7.3M), Joe Blanton ($8M) and Polly Polanco ($6M) are the most likely to be dealt.  Hunter Pence ($10.4M) is arbitration eligible and might be wearing another uniform.  Amaro will mostly free up 2013 payroll space, and save $10.5M in 2012 dollars, which is for 2 months of the 4 financial arrangements.  Only if they prove they are a last place team, will that happen.

 

 

PRECAP PITCH

 

 

Joe Blanton:

 

He has lasted into the 7th in his recent outings, which is more out of necessity due to a porous bullpen. You can anticipate a solid first 6 frames and a hold-on-to-your-hat finish.

 

	STARTER	RECORD	TM	STARTER	RECORD	DAY & TIME
1	RHP Vance Worley	4-4, 2.92 ERA	@ Mets	LHP Jon Niese	6-3, 3.55 ERA	Tuesday, Night
2	LHP Cliff Lee	0-5, 4.13 ERA	@ Mets	RHP Chris Young	2-1, 3.30 ERA	Wednesday, Day
3	LHP Cole Hamels	10-4, 3.08 ERA	@ Mets	RHP R.A. Dickey	12-1, 2.15 ERA	Thursday, Night

 

 

 

Jeff Karstens:

 

He has just returned after being placed on the disabled list in mid-April with right shoulder inflammation. He did have a 7-inning rehab at Double-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

 

DELIVERY = PITCHER’S 2012	DEFINITION OF SEASON
Over The Top	Excellent
3-Quarter Sidearm	Good
Sidearm	Above Average
Short Arm	Approximately Average
Submarine	Below Average

 

 

Quality number of the pitcher:  1 – 5

Slot on his club:  1 – 5

Ranking is 1 to 5 & 15 for the less adventurous.

* = Breaking Ball & ** As a starter

 

HURLER	Joe Blanton	Ian Kennedy
NUMBER	A Four	A Three
CLUB SLOT	Five	One
FOR 2012	Short Arm	Short Arm
'12 RANKING	4th of 5 Categories	4th of 5 Categories
LAST START	Split Finger	Sinker
LAST HIGH OR LOW	4th of 15 Categories	6th of 15 Categories

 

 

	PITCH	INN	ER - R- H		PITCH	INN	ER
1	Gyroball	9 (CG)	0 - 0 - 3	10	Screwball	6	4
2	Fastball	9 (CG)	0 - 0	11	Knuckleball	5	3
3	Cutter	9 (CG)	3	12	Forkball	0 - 4.2	Monstrosity
4	Split Finger	7	2	13	Eephus Pitch	0 - 2.2	Disaster
5	Curveball	7	3	14	*Palm Ball	Ejected
6	Sinker	6.1	3	15	*Spit Ball	**Ejected+
7	Slider	6	2		*Breaking Ball	Injured
8	Changeup	6	3		*Fosh	Rain Interrupted
9	Slurve	5	2		*Knuckle Curve	Pitch Count
	** = Suspended				* = A 2nd Pitch Also

 

 

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