Friday, October 10, 2008

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Phils Hit Long Ball, Win 3-2 to Take Game 1


The Phillies must like scoring in bunches. In three of their four games against the Brewers, the Phillies runs came all in one inning. Most memorable of this was the five run, 2nd inning against the Brew Crew's ace C.C. Sabathia that culminated in Shane Victorino's first career grand slam. It was no different last night when all three runs came in the 6th inning.


Dodgers starter Derek Lowe was cruising until the 6th, when SS Rafael Furcal made an error on a throw to first. Victorino advanced to 2nd on the error giving Chase Utley a man in scoring position. On the first pitch Utley saw, he blasted it out to the right field seats tying the game at two. The momentum clearly shifted and two batters later it was Pat Burrell's turn for the dramatic. Pat the Bat's solo homer gave the Phils the lead, and in the end, the 3-2 victory.


After being boggled by Lowe's nasty sinker for the first five innings, Utley and Burrell's long balls proved to be the difference. Some irony for Dodgers' fans: before last night's game Utley and Burrell were 0-44 against Lowe in their careers.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

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NLCS SHOWCASE - Dodgers vs. Phillies


NLCS SHOWCASE : A look at the Dodgers: Manny and the Rest

Who know the Pirates would have any impact on the Phils postseason hopes? Well, unfortunately the lesser-PA ball club dramatically changed the dynamic of the NL when they traded Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox. This move allowed the Dodgers and their free-wheeling GM Ned Colletti to bring Manny Ramirez to Hollywood in exchange for Bay and minor leaguers. It is clear the Dodgers would not be where they are now without the gifted, occasionly inept left fielder Ramirez.

Ramirez has hit .396 with 17 home runs since being traded from Boston.

Since no team is one man, it is important to mention the other key parts to the Dodgers attack. Shortstop Rafael Furcal is the Jimmy Rollins for the Dodgers, this according to Phils Manager Charlie Manuel. Furcal missed 125 games this season with a back injury, but a playing Furcal gives the Dodgers a potent leadoff hitter and a threat on the base path.

Catcher Russell Martin, right fielder Andre Ethier, and first baseman James Loney offer protection to Ramirez in the lineup. Here is the stats for the guys before and after Manny in the lineup:

#2 Spot in Lineup: C Russell Martin - .280 Avg, 13 HR, 69 RBI, .385 OBP

#3 Spot: Manny Ramirez

#4 Spot in Lineup: RF Andre Ethier - .305 Avg, 20 HR, 77 RBI, .375 OBP

#5 Spot in Lineup: 1B James Loney - .289 Avg, 13 HR, 90 RBI, .338 OBP

The fate of the series could rest on these Dodgers if the Phillies refuse to let Manny beat them.

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Back, Just in Time

If the Phillies can make it this far, I can get back in front of the computer to tell you about it.