Phillies/baseball

July 19 -- MYERS RETURNS, BLANTON ARRIVES

2008-07-19T14:00:00.006-04:00

MIAMI -- Lots to get to today for The Paper, but before I start typing away, wanted to pass along that Brett Myers has resurfaced in the Phillies' clubhouse, two lockers away from the just-arrived Joe Blanton. Myers, who feigned kisses with good friend Ryan Madson, was asked if he believes his 20-day, head-clearing and mechanics-altering mission to the minors worked.

"I guess we'll see next time I pitch," he said. "It's kind of hard to tell right now."

Next time Myers pitches will be Wednesday night against the Mets at Shea Stadium, and if Myers went to the minors to recover some of his lost mojo, a return engagement against the Phils' biggest rival in the City That Never Sleeps may help him reacquire that swagger, too.

"I couldn't think of a better team for me to come back against," Myers said.

Why?

"Because I don't like 'em," he continued. "We're not supposed to like 'em. Nothing against those guys. They're our rival. We like beating them. They like beating us."

More from Myers and Blanton in your Sunday News Journal.

***
Today's lineup against Marlins LHP Scott Olsen (5-4, 3.77 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.273/6/31), CF Shane Victorino (.278/5/29), 2B Chase Utley (.294/25/70), 1B Ryan Howard (.234/29/85), LF Pat Burrell (.274/23/57), RF Jayson Werth (.270/12/36), 3B Pedro Feliz (.266/12/45), C Chris Coste (.279/7/21), RHP Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.47).

Blanton has been added to the roster. RHP Joe Bisenius has been optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Myers hasn't been activated yet. When he is, expect INF Mike Cervenak to be headed back to Lehigh Valley.

July 18 -- MYERS LOSES

2008-07-18T19:36:00.002-04:00

MIAMI -- Quick update on Brett Myers, who started the first seven-inning game of a double-header tonight for Class A Clearwater.

Myers allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits, walked one and struck out six in 6-2/3 innings and took the loss in a 3-2 setback against Brevard County. With the game tied 2-2 in the seventh, Myers allowed a leadoff double to Charlie Fermaint, who went to third base on an error by Clearwater center fielder Quintin Berry. After a groundout, Myers intentionally walked Stephen Chapman to set up a possible double play. Fermaint was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice grounder to shortstop, but Chapman scored from second base one batter later on Jimmy Mojica's line-drive single to left field.

If you keep track of such things, Myers has lost at every level he has pitched this season (he's 3-9 with the Phillies, 1-1 at Class AAA Lehigh Valley, 0-1 at Class AA Reading and 0-1 at Class A Clearwater).

Since Myers is in Florida, I'd expect to see him here at Dolphin Stadium tomorrow.

July 18 -- EATON TO BULLPEN

2008-07-18T17:32:00.004-04:00

MIAMI -- Adam Eaton is moving to the bullpen.

Try not to contain your excitement, Phillies fans.

"Anything to help the team," Eaton said about an hour ago in the Phillies' clubhouse here at Dolphin Stadium. "I'd like to be a starter, don't get me wrong. But I'm on one of the best teams in the big leagues. We're going to win this thing."

Eaton, 3-8 with a 5.71 ERA in 19 starts this season, has made two career relief appearances, both with the Padres in 2005. He tossed a scoreless ninth inning Aug. 2, 2005, in Pittsburgh, then allowed four runs in the ninth inning two days later against the Pirates.

Joe Blanton, who will take Eaton's rotation spot, is expected to join the team later tonight or Saturday. The Phillies haven't determined when he'll make his debut, although Tuesday night against the Mets at Shea Stadium remains a strong possibility.

***
Get well soon to Harry Kalas, who underwent surgery this morning on a detached retina in his left eye. Harry is expected to miss at least 5-10 days.

July 17 -- HAPP ON BLANTON

2008-07-17T22:59:00.003-04:00

Not to distract from your opinions about the Joe Blanton trade (please, keep 'em coming), but good friend Chad Jennings from the Scranton Times-Tribune passes along these thoughts from J.A. Happ, who tossed seven no-hit innings and struck out 12 in the resumption of a suspended game tonight at triple-A Lehigh Valley. Before the trade, Happ was told that he may start Tuesday night against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Now, that start likely will belong to Blanton.

"I tried to block it out, obviously, and go out and try to do what I can do," Happ said. "I haven't had a lot of time to think about it, but I guess, obviously, I would like to be in their plans immediately."

Asked if he expected the trade, Happ said, "I knew it was a possibility, let's put it that way."

***
Meanwhile, courtesy of loyal reader RutgersESQ, here's a link to Blanton's blog on MLB.com. The most recent entry is fairly appropriate. And here's a breakdown of his career statistics.

Personally, I think this was a gamble worth taking for the Phillies. Adrian Cardenas may turn out to be a .300 hitter in the majors, but it was hard to see that happening with the Phillies. Any time that I asked a team official about Cardenas, I was told that his best position was second base, which Chase Utley has pretty well-occupied. Assistant GM Mike Arbuckle told me Cardenas didn't have the arm to play third, and his offensive numbers, projected to be above-average for a second baseman, would've been ordinary for an outfielder (there also is no telling if he could handle the defense in, say, left field). Josh Outman had struggled as a reliever, and after being shifted to the bullpen by the Phillies, a fresh start with a new organization may be what he needs.

So, what do you think of the deal? Like it? Don't like it?

More from me tomorrow from Florida.

July 17 -- PHILS GET BLANTON

2008-07-17T20:28:00.005-04:00

In about 10 minutes, Joe Blanton, the Phillies' newest pitcher, will hold a conference call with reporters. The Phillies have traded three minor-leaguers -- second baseman Adrian Cardenas, lefty Josh Outman and outfielder Matt Spencer -- to Oakland to acquire Blanton, a 27-year-old right-hander. While we wait, I wanted to pass along a few stats about Blanton, who likely will start Tuesday night in the opener of a series against the Mets at Shea Stadium (Adam Eaton or J.A. Happ would've made that start).

1. Blanton has thrown more than 194 innings in each of the past three seasons. Last year, he threw a whopping 230 innings. No idea if that has contributed to his 5-12 record and 4.96 ERA in 20 starts. We'll try to find out.

2. He went 16-12 in 2006 and 14-10 in 2007. Last year, he posted a 3.95 ERA, which is particularly stellar in the American League.

3. Blanton has received only 3.48 runs per game in his starts this season. In seven of his 20 starts, the A's scored less than two runs. They scored more than four runs only seven times.

4. When Blanton receives four or more runs, his career record is 37-5. With the Phillies' offense, that should bode well.

What do you think of the deal?

July 16 -- MARSON, DONALD HEADED TO OLYMPICS

2008-07-16T15:20:00.006-04:00

NEW YORK -- Just wanted to pass along that a pair of Phillies prospects -- catcher Lou Marson and shortstop Jason Donald -- were among the players named today to the 24-man U.S. Olympic baseball roster. They will compete in Beijing next month.

Donald, 23, is batting .301 with 12 homers and 47 RBIs for Class AA Reading.

Marson, 22, is batting .321 with four homers and 45 RBIs, also for Reading.

The U.S. team will be managed by Davey Johnson. The teams will play four pre-Olympic games against Canada before heading to China. The first Olympic game is Aug. 13 against Korea.

July 16 -- A LOOOOOONG NIGHT

2008-07-16T09:52:00.006-04:00

NEW YORK -- Morning, all. Hey, quick question: Is the All-Star Game still going on?

Oh, that's right. The AL finally scored in the 15th inning against Brad Lidge, the NL's appointed closer, on a sacrifice fly by Michael Young. It should be noted that NL right fielder Corey Hart made a strong throw to the plate, and Justin Morneau nearly was tagged out. In fact, from my seat in the press box, it first appeared that he might have been. But, after 4 hours and 50 minutes, the longest All-Star Game in history ended, mercifully, and we can sit here and review a fairly incredible night at Yankee Stadium.

Lidge said he'll never forget a pre-game ceremony that was positively awesome. Nearly 50 Hall of Famers stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the present All-Stars on Yankee Stadium's hallowed ground. Willie Mays was there. So was Hank Aaron. Upon being introduced, Willie McCovey strained to stand. Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage threw ceremonial first pitches to Joe Girardi, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera. George Steinbrenner, apparently so frail that he's unable to stand up, was driven to the mound and received a standing ovation.

It was enough to give Chase Utley goosebumps.

"It was overwhelming," Utley said later, in the NL clubhouse. "Being on the field with all those greats. I had a chance to stand next at second base next to Rod Carew and Ryne Sandberg. It was pretty neat."

Said Lidge, "The introduction of the Hall of Famers was unbelievable. I'll never forget that. I tried to take a mental snapshot so I know I never will."

***
In an online version of the notebook (deadlines!), Lidge said he warmed up in the ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th innings before finally getting into the game in the 15th. How many pitches did he throw? His best guess: A dozen to two dozen in each inning. Lidge said he didn't have any cell-phone messages from Charlie Manuel or Rich Dubee last night, but I'm sure he'll get a few calls from them today.

What would've happened if the game had continued? Well, Lidge said he might've been able to throw one more inning, though he wasn't certain. NL manager Clint Hurdle said he already talked to Mets star David Wright about pitching. Wright was ready to go.

***
Barring an unexpected trip back here, it was my last visit to Yankee Stadium. And in The Paper this morning, I waxed sentimental about The House That Ruth Built. Know this: The first game I ever attended was at Yankee Stadium. So was the second, the third, and so on. As a kid, it was the biggest place I'd ever seen, with its blue seats, its white frieze facade, its monuments to Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle beyond the left-center field fence. There were countless father-son moments for me in that building, and although the new Stadium rising across the street looks like quite the palace, I'll miss it when it's gone. I suspect -- in fact, I know -- I won't be alone.

July 16 -- THE GAME THAT WON'T END

2008-07-16T01:11:00.003-04:00

NEW YORK -- Sitting here in the bottom of the 14th inning, and there are surprisingly a lot of folks left in the stands. Don't these people have jobs! They just had the "14th Inning Stretch," believe it or not. It's been a while since I've seen that.

So, remember how I said Brad Lidge would close this game? He has been designated as the NL closer by manager Clint Hurdle, and while that's a nice honor, it also means he has warmed up in the ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th innings to be ready in case the NL gets a lead. They haven't. Wonder how many pitches Lidge has thrown in the bullpen?

Finally, Brandon Webb, the NL's last starting pitcher, is in the game. Think it's too late to get Cole Hamels on the All-Star team?

July 15 -- UTLEY'S NIGHT DONE

2008-07-15T22:27:00.004-04:00

NEW YORK -- Chase Utley has been replaced by Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla in the sixth inning, spelling an end to Utley's third career All-Star appearance. Utley, by the way, finished 1-for-3 with a sixth-inning single that moved Hanley Ramirez to third base. Ramirez eventually scored on a sacrifice fly to give the NL a 2-0 lead.

If the NL holds the lead, look for Brad Lidge to pitch the ninth. Remember: The NL hasn't won an All-Star Game since 1996 at the Vet.

July 15 -- OLYMPIC ANNOUNCEMENT TOMORROW

2008-07-15T22:22:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK -- Sorry for the lack of bloggage today. Lots to tell, including some nuggets from a few Hall of Famers, commish Bud Selig and some of the All-Stars. But we'll get to that later, after I finish hacking away for The Paper.

For now, as the NL leads 2-0 in the sixth inning, I wanted to let you know that the U.S. Olympic team will be announced at 2:30 tomorrow. Three Phillies prospects -- catcher Lou Marson, center fielder Greg Golson and shortstop Jason Donald -- are among the 60 players under consideration for the 24 roster spots. Tomorrow they'll find out if they're spending part of their summer in Beijing.

So, stay tuned for that.

Much more later.

July 14 -- OOPS!

2008-07-14T23:57:00.006-04:00

NEW YORK -- You wanted Chase Utley to show more emotion?

Well, you got it.

In case you missed it (and that seems impossible, considering it's all over YouTube already), Utley used some not-so-nice language tonight during the player introductions for the Home Run Derby. Seemingly surprised to be booed by the sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium (Mets fans, presumably), Utley ran onto the field, stood next to Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla and said, "Boo? [Expletive] you."

One problem: Utley was mic'd.

Oops!

And while that may make him even more popular among Mets-hating Phillies fans, Utley was embarrassed by the incident.

"I do want to apologize. It was a poor choice of words," he said later from outside the National League clubhouse. "I didn't really mean anything by it. I was just joking around with my buddy [Uggla]. But it definitely was not the best choice of words."

Bigger question: How does something like this happen?

According to MLB spokesman Pat Courtney, networks are supposed to have a delay that enables them to prevent inappropriate language from being aired. Trekked out to the ESPN trailer to find Nate Smeltz, the network's manager of communications. After reviewing the telecast, Smeltz tells us via e-mail that ESPN had a 5-second delay in place for the Home Run Derby. But because Utley's gaffe took place during the pre-Derby introductions, the delay wasn't in effect. Seven of the eight Derby contestants agreed to wear the mic (Milwaukee's Ryan Braun declined, and you can bet Utley will next time, too).

"It was an unfortunate mistake," Smeltz said in a statement. "We apologize to our viewers."

***
Meanwhile, if you'd like to get a little flavor for the media session earlier today, here are some of Utley's (cleaner) comments to myself and other reporters. Click here to listen:
R09_0049.mp3, R09_0050.mp3.

***
It's hard to find a more well-respected All-Star than Utley.

July 14 -- ALL-STAR MONDAY

2008-07-14T15:45:00.002-04:00

NEW YORK -- Greetings from Yankee Stadium.

Crazy day here. To give you an idea of how things work here, today's All-Star festivities began on 42nd Street at the Grand Hyatt, next door to Grand Central Station. AL manager Terry Francona and NL skipper Clint Hurdle announced their starting lineups for tomorrow night's game (listed below), and the eight contestants in tonight's Home Run Derby shared their thoughts on hitting home runs in The House That Ruth Built (more on that in a bit).

There were two 50-minute media availability sessions with both All-Star teams. Think about Super Bowl media day, and you get the picture. Each player sat at a table in a big ballroom and answered the same questions over and over from media types like me. Weirdest question I heard: Someone asked Rays rookie third baseman Evan Longoria what's on his iPod. I'm sure there were far stranger inquiries than that, especially in the pack that surrounded Alex Rodriguez.

A few observations:

-During the press conference with the managers, honorary AL president Jackie Autry introduced Francona by listing his accomplishments with the Sox. Sitting two chairs down, honorary NL president and Phillies chairman Bill Giles listened quietly to all of the great things Francona has done as a manager since being fired by the Phils. That had to sting a little.

-Chase Utley will be batting second in the NL lineup. The NL is winless in the last seven All-Star Games.

-The All-Star Futures Game was held here yesterday. Phillies pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco tossed a scoreless inning for the World team and was credited with the victory. Other Phillies who participated: Center fielder Greg Golson (0-for-2, 2 strikeouts), catcher Lou Marson (0-for-1), shortstop Jason Donald (1-for-2, single).

-NL starting lineup: SS Hanley Ramirez (Marlins), 2B Chase Utley (Phillies), 1B Lance Berkman (Astros), DH Albert Pujols (Cardinals), 3B Chipper Jones (Braves), RF Matt Holliday (Rockies), LF Ryan Braun (Brewers), CF Kosuke Fukudome (Cubs), C Geovanny Soto (Cubs). And starting for the NL, Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets.

-AL starting lineup: RF Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners), SS Derek Jeter (Yankees), CF Josh Hamilton (Rangers), 3B Alex Rodriguez (Yankees), LF Manny Ramirez (Red Sox), DH Milton Bradley (Rangers), 1B Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox), C Joe Mauer (Twins), 2B Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox). And starting for the AL, Indians lefty Cliff Lee.

-On a personal note, Yankee Stadium is where I saw my first major-league game. With help from www.baseball-reference.com, I've figured out that it was June 6, 1982. My dad took me to the game, and the Yankees lost to the Royals, 14-1. I'm surprised I ever wanted to come back.

So, who you got in tonight's Home Run Derby. Utley, Braun, Berkman and Dan Uggla (Marlins) for the NL or Hamilton, Longoria, Justin Morneau (Twins) and Grady Sizemore (Indians) for the AL.

More later.

July 13 -- THE COMEBACK CLOSER

2008-07-13T14:20:00.002-04:00

At some point Tuesday night -- maybe even in the ninth inning if the NL is leading -- the bullpen door will swing open, and Brad Lidge will jog to the mound at Yankee Stadium.

Sitting in front of his television, Tim Purpura will smile.

There are plenty of great stories involving this year's All-Stars, many of which we will tell you about from New York over the next few days. One of the best, though, belongs to Lidge, who went from the depths of losing the closer job in Houston to the height of reaching his second All-Star Game in four years. Entering today's game, he is 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA, 53 strikeouts in 39 innings and 20 saves in as many chances for the Phillies. He breaks bats with his fastball, buckles knees with his slider and gives hitters almost no chance. As longtime teammate Eric Bruntlett told me last week, "Guys never have a comfortable at-bat against him."

But, were it not for Purpura, Lidge may not even be pitching.

In 2001, Lidge was stuck in neutral with the Astros. A former first-round pick in 1998, he'd already undergone four surgeries, one for every win he had racked up in the minors. He told his wife, Lindsay, that he was thinking of going back to Notre Dame to finish his degrees in economics and marketing.

That's when Purpura, then the Astros' assistant GM, mailed Lidge a copy of Robb Nen's bio. Nen had overcome several injuries to become an All-Star closer. Lidge, newly inspired, continued his rehab from shoulder surgery and was in the majors by the end of the 2002 season. By 2004, he was the Astros' closer. In 2005, he struck out the side in the All-Star Game.
And, after a dreadful 2006 and a rocky 2007, plenty of people are thrilled to see Lidge succeeding with the Phillies.

"It's going to be fun to see in the All-Star Game throwing against those guys," D-Backs reliever Chad Qualls, Lidge's former teammate in Houston, told me. "I remember in '05, he made guys look stupid. I don't think anybody even touched the ball. It's going to be fun to see if he can top that."

***
After getting rocked yesterday by Arizona, Adam Eaton is 3-8 with a 5.71 ERA, numbers that aren't dissimilar to the 3-9 mark and 5.84 ERA that Brett Myers lugged to the minors two weeks ago.

Can Eaton be far behind?

"I don't know what needs to be done," exasperated Charlie Manuel said yesterday, leaving open the possibility. "We think about any way to help the team. Any way to get somebody going, I wouldn't rule it out."

But, like Myers, Eaton would have to agree to a minor-league assignment. And the Phillies' $24.5 Million Man doesn't believe it's necessary, despite being pounded for 16 runs (14 earned) on 17 hits in 6-1/3 innings over his last two starts for a 19.89 ERA.

"I think the changes I need to make aren't dramatic by any means," Eaton said. "I think I can do it here."

I'm guessing y'all disagree?

***
Within the notebook, Phils catching prospect Lou Marson talks about hearing trade rumors. Plenty of scouts are at Yankee Stadium today to watch Marson, center fielder Greg Golson, shortstop Jason Donald and pitcher Carlos Carrasco. They are among the elite prospects competing the annual Futures Game.

***
Is A.J. Burnett the best available pitcher on the trade market? We explore in our Sunday MLB notes.

Enjoy your Sunday. Talk to you tomorrow from the Big Apple.

July 13 -- YOUR BASIC LINEUP

2008-07-13T11:16:00.009-04:00

Buddy Hurlock reporting from Citizens Bank Park today. The Phillies do not have any wrinkles in today's starting lineup. They're going with SS Jimmy Rollins (.270/6/30), CF Shane Victorino (.279/5/29), 2B Chase Utley (.292/25/69), 1B Ryan Howard (.233/28/84), LF Pat Burrell (.275/22/54), RF Geoff Jenkins (.240/7/24), 3B Pedro Feliz (.263/11/44), C Chris Coste (.278/7/21), LHP Cole Hamels (9-6, 3.18 ERA).

They'll face Brandon Webb, who's 13-4 with a 3.27 ERA. He was winner in the Diamondbacks' 8-3 win against the Phils in Arizona on May 8.

UPDATE

LHP R.J. Swindle was sent back to Class AAA Lehigh Valley today, with RHP Joe Bisenius recalled. The IronPigs were in Syracuse, N.Y., last night, with Bisenius staying there last night before flying in this morning.

Additionally, pitching coach Rich Dubee said today that Jamie Moyer will start in Florida on Friday, the Phillies' first game following the All-Star Break. Kyle Kendrick will start Saturday, with no starter officially slated for Sunday, though Dubee gave a strong indication that it will be Hamels. Beyond that, Dubee said nothing else is decided (such as, if Adam Eaton's time in the rotation is done, if J.A. Happ will be recalled, or when Brett Myers will next pitch for the Phillies).

The second batter of the game, Arizona left fielder Conor Jackson, popped up foul and Howard had it in his glove before bobbling it. He was charged with an error. Hamels went on strike out Jackson, and when second baseman Orlando Hudson flew out to right to end the inning, the question in the press box was this: Can Hamels (at this point) still pitch a perfect game?

There's no consensus. Some say yes, because Jackson did not reach base. Some say no, because the idea of game being perfect means that the pitcher's team made no errors whatsoever. Maybe we won't have to worry about it. But maybe we will. (In the top of the second, Arizona's Chad Tracy makes this point moot when he sends a one-out no-doubt homer to right field)

July 12 -- NO UTLEY, NO WORRIES

2008-07-12T15:53:00.004-04:00

Chase Utley isn't in the Phillies' lineup today against the D-Backs, and Charlie Manuel said it's because he has some "knocks and bruises." Fear not, though. Nothing is seriously wrong with Utley. It's just wear-and-tear, a fairly normal thing for a guy who has started all but one game this season.

The rest of the Phils' lineup against D-Backs LHP Randy Johnson (5-7, 5.18 ERA): CF Shane Victorino (.272/3/26), RF Jayson Werth (.276/12/36), SS Jimmy Rollins (.270/6/30), 1B Ryan Howard (.236/28/84), LF Pat Burrell (.279/22/54), 3B Pedro Feliz (.267/11/44), 2B Eric Bruntlett (.232/2/12), C Carlos Ruiz (.205/2/20), RHP Adam Eaton (3-7, 5.20 ERA).

Enjoy the game. More later.

July 11 -- BLAME BRETT FAVRE

2008-07-11T20:05:00.004-04:00

So, I was talking before tonight's game with Phils outfielder Geoff Jenkins, who was named to the NL All-Star team in 2003 via the online "Final Vote" competition. Jenkins, at the time, played for the Brewers, just like Corey Hart, who edged Pat Burrell in this year's "Final Vote." Still, Jenkins was surprised that Hart won, considering Milwaukee is a much smaller market than Philadelphia or New York. Mets third baseman David Wright was the second-place finisher.

My theory: Wisconsin natives were glued to the Internet all week to monitor the Brett Favre saga, and when they took a break from surfing for more Favre rumors, they cast a vote for Hart.

MLB doesn't release the vote totals, giving us no way of knowing how far behind Hart and Wright that Burrell finished. Regardless, I think Burrell has played well enough to merit an All-Star roster spot. Here are his numbers relative to Hart and Wright, entering tonight's games:

Hart: .292 AVG, 15 HR, 57 RBI, .842 OPS
Wright: .288 AVG, 17 HR, 70 RBI, .897 OPS
Burrell: .279 AVG, 22 HR, 54 RBI, .993 OPS

Burrell, who typically doesn't show much emotion, is bumming. "There are more important things, but I can't lie. I would have loved to have gone," he said today. "You get an opportunity to have a chance to go, you want to go. ... I don't have anything planned. I don't know what I'm going to do now. We have to focus on winning the next three games and enjoying three days off. I'd gladly have not taken the three days off, though."

July 11 -- BURRELL, HOWARD SNUBBED

2008-07-11T15:25:00.004-04:00

It appears that both Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard will be home for the All-Star break.

Mets third baseman David Wright has been named to the NL team today by Rockies manager Clint Hurdle as an injury replacement for Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano. So, barring another injury this weekend, Howard will be the first player to be leading his league in home runs and RBIs at the All-Star break who doesn't make the All-Star team since Hank Sauer in 1948.

After talking to Howard about it the other day, I got the impression he'd just as soon relax over the All-Star break. But if you're so inclined to get worked up about such things, go ahead and vent. Did Howard and Burrell get snubbed?

July 10 -- SCOUTING BURNETT

2008-07-10T16:29:00.006-04:00

So, as I wrote in an early edition of The Paper today, the Blue Jays have had one of their pro scouts at The Bank this week. And while that's hardly a rarity for this time of year (most teams have scouts canvassing the country and filing reports on players that may be discussed in potential deals), Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi reportedly has dispatched his top personnel advisor, Tony LaCava, to Reading to watch some of the Phillies' prospects.

And we know the Phillies have interest in Jays starter A.J. Burnett.

How much interest? Well, that all depends on how much they'd have to give up for Burnett, who always has had electric stuff but has never quite harnessed it. There's also the matter of Burnett's contract. He has two more years and $12 million remaining, but he can opt out of his deal after the season and choose free agency, a gamble that he will take if his agent Darek Braunecker believes Burnett can make more than $24 million over the next two years by negotiating a new multiyear contract. If Burnett stays with the Blue Jays, it's believed he will opt out, which could net them two compensatory draft picks next June. Thus, the Jays likely will be asking for two prospects in any trade for Burnett.

The Jays reportedly like center-field prospect Greg Golson, and they also are looking at right-hander Carlos Carrasco and catcher Lou Marson. The impression I've been getting is the Phils may be willing to trade one of those three, but no more than one, and they have serious reservations about moving Carrasco or Marson. Toronto may also be interested in infielders Jason Donald or Brad Harman. All of those players are in Reading, and Golson, Carrasco, Marson and Donald have been picked to play in the Futures Game on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

Something else to consider: Burnett's pitching coach in Florida was Rich Dubee, and he still talks to Dubee often during spring training. Also, Burnett's offseason home is in the Baltimore area. Those two factors make it plausible that Burnett may stay with the Phils beyond this season, rather than opting out of his contract. If they view Burnett as more than a two-month rental, the Phils may be willing to make a more attractive offer to the Jays.

Anyway, here's a look at Burnett's career numbers. Would you want to see the Phils acquire him? If so, how much would you be willing to give up?

Discuss. I'll be back later with my thoughts.

July 10 -- D-DAY FOR BURRELL

2008-07-10T10:42:00.004-04:00

So, Pat Burrell will find out after 5 p.m. if he has made the All-Star team. As of last night, he was still trailing the Brewers' Corey Hart and the Mets' David Wright in the online balloting for the final NL roster spot. Burrell hasn't been campaigning for the vote, although he is playing like he wants to spend Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. He has a 10-game hitting streak during which he's batting .371 (13-for-35) with three home runs and five RBIs. He also has reached base safely in 15 consecutive games.

And, like a presidential candidate, Burrell has plenty of surrogates stumping for him.

"Philadelphia's got to get it done for him," Jim Morris, Burrell's former coach at the University of Miami, told me over the phone yesterday. "It's a major city. They've got to get out and vote for their guy. ... He tries not to show much emotion, but I know it would mean a lot to him. Every player wants that All-Star vote, no question about it. It would be great to see him get there."

Even if Burrell doesn't win the vote today, he could still be named as a replacement for injured Alfonso Soriano. Carlos Lee, another final vote candidate, could also be considered as an injury replacement.

July 10 -- HAPP OUT, CERVENAK IN

2008-07-10T08:52:00.004-04:00

Quick turnaround for the Phils after last night's late ending. Quick turnaround for J.A. Happ, too.

After pitching well enough to earn his first major-league victory, but settling for a no-decision, Happ has been optioned to triple-A Lehigh Valley. The Phillies have recalled 31-year-old infielder Mike Cervenak in a move that makes some sense since they won't need Happ to start again before the All-Star break. Cervenak, who has never played in the majors, is batting .310 with seven homers and 52 RBIs for Lehigh Valley. He will give Charlie Manuel an extra bat off the bench during the final four games before the break, and Happ can be recalled next week to start at least once more before Brett Myers is ready to return from the minors.

On that note, please don't forget to chime in to the question below about whether Happ deserves a longer look from the Phillies based on how he has pitched in two starts since replacing Myers.

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In other news from the LV, Kris Benson allowed seven runs on eight hits in only four innings last night. So now, in three triple-A starts, Benson is 0-2 with an 11.77 ERA. Yikes.

July 10 -- HAPP-Y ENDING?

2008-07-10T00:08:00.006-04:00

When J.A. Happ was called up from triple-A Lehigh Valley last week, he was the pitching equivalent of one of those Academy Awards seat-fillers. Happ was supposed to plug Brett Myers' vacated spot in the rotation, make a few starts, and after Myers spent 20 days in the minors to clear his head and fix his mechanics, head back to Allentown.

Well, maybe not.

Happ held the Cardinals scoreless for six innings last night before permitting two runs in the seventh. Charlie Manuel was impressed by Happ's poise. Brad Lidge liked his stuff, comparing it favorably to Cole Hamels'. And after allowing a single to Cesar Izturis and a ground-rule double to Skip Schumaker, Happ walked off the mound to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd at the Bank.

"That was probably the best experience of my life and something I'll never forget," Happ said. "It's something I've never felt before. I definitely appreciate it. It gave me chills. Hopefully, I'll have a few more of those."

That will depend on Myers. After two starts for Lehigh Valley, he'll pitch Saturday for double-A Reading and likely once more for Lehigh Valley on July 17. Depending on how the Phillies structure their rotation after the All-Star break, Happ could make another start during a series at Florida next weekend. But Manuel will have to discuss that with pitching coach Rich Dubee before making a decision.

"He's pitched good, and we need pitching," Manuel said. "The two starts he's had he's been very good. When a guy pitches good like that, that stands for a whole lot."

I think Happ deserves another shot. Agree? Disagree?

***
A couple postgame notes that didn't make The Paper:

1. With his decisive solo homer in the eighth inning, Ryan Howard collected his league-leading 80th RBI and eclipsed Greg Luzinski for the most RBIs before the All-Star break by a Phillies player. Luzinski had 79 RBIs in 89 games in 1975. Howard also stretched his hitting streak to a season-long 12 games. He's batting .340 (16-for-47) with six homers and 15 RBIs during the stretch, raising his average to .231, the highest it has been since April 5. "If you step back and really look at it, what he's doing is knocking in some pretty big runs," Manuel said. "How can you knock a guy that leads the league in RBIs and has 25 homers at the break?"

2. Lidge got nemesis Albert Pujols to fly to right field en route to his 20th save in as many chances. Lidge, the only regular NL closer who hasn’t blown a save, has converted 23 consecutive saves dating to last season. That's one shy of his career-best streak of 24 consecutive saves from June 21 to Sept. 28, 2005. The Phillies record for consecutive saves converted in one season belongs to Billy Wagner, who notched 22 straight in 2005.

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Check out Bill Bretzger's photo gallery from last night's game.

July 9 -- MEET ALYSSA MILANO & LINEUP

2008-07-09T14:35:00.004-04:00

We're all about public service here at The Blog, so I feel compelled to let y'all know that former "Who's The Boss" and "Charmed" star Alyssa Milano will be at the Bank tomorrow to promote her MLB-licensed women's fashion collection, Touch. She will be signing autographs and meeting and greeting folks at the Majestic Clubhouse Store from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Alyssa is a big baseball fan (loves the Dodgers). So, feel free to drop by, introduce yourself and, you know, talk baseball for a while.

***
Tonight's lineup against Cards LHP Mark Mulder (0-0, 13.50), who is making his first start of 2008 after two surgeries on his left shoulder: SS Jimmy Rollins (.268/6/29), CF Shane Victorino (.267/3/24), 2B Chase Utley (.294/25/68), 1B Ryan Howard (.227/24/78), LF Pat Burrell (.281/22/54), RF Jayson Werth (.276/12/35), 3B Pedro Feliz (.266/10/43), C Carlos Ruiz (.204/2/20), LHP J.A. Happ (0-0, 3.86).

July 9 -- BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD-EN PLACE

2008-07-09T00:07:00.006-04:00

So, a few minutes before last night's game started, Phillies officials learned that the Athletics traded Rich Harden to the Cubs in a six-player deal.

Bummer?

You bet.

Assistant GM Mike Arbuckle said the Phils had Harden ranked below CC Sabathia on their wish list, mainly because of his long injury history. But they did inquire about him, especially after he shut them out for eight innings June 26 in Oakland. And while Arbuckle said the Phils were "aggressive" in their pursuit of Sabathia, they couldn't offer the power-hitting outfield prospect (Matt LaPorta) that the Indians coveted. They also couldn't dangle a major-league-ready pitcher like Sean Gallagher as bait for Harden. It's great to be aggressive in trade talks, but if you don't have the bullets, you can only shoot so high. Thus, in a three-day span, the Phils saw Sabathia, the only available pitcher on their "A-list," and Harden dealt to the Brewers and Cubs, both NL playoff contenders.

What's next?

Arbuckle said the Phillies are still targeting two or three pitchers, and they're willing to deal prospects, even for a pitcher who will be a free agent after the season (Toronto's A.J. Burnett). Seattle has made Erik Bedard available. And, with fragile Tom Gordon likely to miss more than two weeks, the Phils may make a run at Colorado's Brian Fuentes, who could combine with Brad Lidge to be a formidable eighth-ninth inning combination. Other lesser pitchers who could be available: Seattle's Jarrod Washburn, Cincinnati's Bronson Arroyo or Cleveland's Paul Byrd.

Any of those pitchers -- especially Burnett, Bedard, Fuentes -- get you excited?

***
Thanks, Matt S., for your link to the Hardball Times study about the lack of a correlation between homer-dependence and offensive inconsistency. I have read it before, and there's certainly credence to their findings. But, in the case of the 2008 Phillies, I respectfully disagree with their premise. Check out these numbers, including last night's 2-0 loss to the Cardinals:

In the 61 games when the Phillies have at least one homer, they are batting .273 with 345 runs, an average of 5.66 per game. In the 30 games when they haven't gone deep, they are batting only .221 with 112 runs, an average of 3.73 per game. When the Phillies homer, they're 37-24 (.607 winning percentage). When they don't, they're 11-19 (.367).

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One note that didn't find its way into The Paper: Cole Hamels gave up two solo homers last night, but he thought he made only one mistake. He didn't regret the pitch he threw to Rick Ankiel in the fifth inning, even though Ankiel powered it over the left-center field fence. "The way he hit it was impressive," Hamels said. "I guess that's why he's a hitter now."

Six of Hamels' last seven outings, including last night's, have been quality starts. He's 4-2 with a 2.35 ERA during that stretch. Hamels also has pitched at least seven innings in seven straight starts, the second time in his career that he has done that.

July 8 -- WHAT'S THE SETUP? ... AND THE LINEUP

2008-07-08T17:16:00.004-04:00

So, setup man Tom Gordon has landed in Clearwater, where he will first rest and then rehab his balky right elbow. Gordon, of course, also has a partial tear of the labrum in his right shoulder, something he has been pitching through for the past few years.

When, then, do the Phillies expect Gordon to return?

Pitching coach Rich Dubee just got through saying that Gordon won't throw a ball for the next five to 10 days. After that, he'll see how his arm feels. Dubee indicated that Gordon will miss more than the minimum 15 days that he must be on the disabled list and likened the injury to last season when Gordon missed considerable time because of his shoulder and even more because of a bout of pneumonia. Dubee said Gordon probably tweaked his elbow last month because he was compensating for shoulder pain. The Phillies had to shut him down for 10 days last month to rest his shoulder.

"I think the rest will do him good," Dubee said. "We're not going to zip him back here. We want to make sure he's feeling right. I think we probably should've just taken the ball away from him the first time [last month]. But him with his stubborness and desire to compete, he wasn't always straight-up with us. I think one led into the other. You overcompensate for one tweak, it put strain and stress on his elbow. We need to get him up and running, and then he'll get back in contributing.

"He wasn't feeling right. You could see it on his face, and even though you'd talk to him, he'd say, 'No, no, it's getting better.' This guy's been in the big leagues 19, 20 years. This guy wants to play for a championship team. He wants to be out there. He's stubborn. At the same time, you can understand that."

Gordon came back from his assorted problems last year, pitched nearly every day in September and went 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in his final 15 appearances. So, what's your level of confidence that he can finish strong again?

***
Tonight's lineup against Cardinals RHP Joel Pineiro (2-4, 4.52 ERA): SS Jimmy Rollins (.272/6/29), CF Shane Victorino (.270/3/24), 2B Chase Utley (.294/25/68), 1B Ryan Howard (.226/24/78), LF Pat Burrell (.277/22/54), RF Jayson Werth (.277/12/35), 3B Pedro Feliz (.264/10/43), C Carlos Ruiz (.207/2/20), LHP Cole Hamels (9-5, 3.22 ERA).

At this point, it's unclear if Rudy Seanez (back spasms) will be available out of the bullpen. Charlie Manuel probably will stay away from J.C. Romero, who has pitched a lot lately and has a cranky groin. Clay Condrey and R.J. Swindle likely won't pitch tonight after logging innings last night.

July 8 -- AUDIOFILE

2008-07-08T16:59:00.002-04:00

It's been a while, so Mike Radano from the Camden (N.J.) Courier Post and I decided to sit down and tape an audio file during batting practice a few minutes ago. Today's topics include a possibly long-term injury to Tom Gordon (much more on that later), Brett Myers' in-flux future with the Phillies, Chase Utley's decision to compete in the Home Run Derby and Pat Burrell's chances of making the All-Star team.

Want to listen? Sure you do. Please click here, and let us know how we sound: R09_0027.mp3