Aight Joe Blanton. It's your turn to get it together. Pappy Moyer put up a solid enough start last night, although there were a few Tums moments, and the statute of limitations on Ruben Amaro's promise to Chan Ho Park has run out. Blanton hasn't been sharp lately, giving up 4 and 6 ER in his last two starts. Not good enough, Joey... But we have faith.
He'll face Micah Owings of the Reds, who is as well known for his bat as anything else. You'll no doubt hear mention of this in the broadcast, and deservedly so. Dude has six career homers, one already this year, and he's a career .312 hitter. He's having a solid season on the mound, most recently lowering his ERA to below 4 by pitching 5.2 innings of relief work last Saturday. Owings has been hot and cold though, alternating 1 ER performances with several of the 4 or 5 ER variety. The good news is, the splits favor the Phils, who will toss an even more lefty-heavy lineup at the righthanded pitcher today. Owings' numbers against lefties are not particularly good, with southpaws hitting .333 against him so far in '09.
Jimmy will lead off, followed by Utley, Ibanez, Howard, Stairs, Victorino, Dobbs, Chooch, and Blanton. J-Werth gets the day off to nurse what we hope is a sweet 30th Werthday hangover, and Feliz gets some rest as well.
After last night's limp showing at the plate, there should be some pop in the bats in today's matinee. Gametime is 12:35.
Original Story:
http://www.the700level.com/2009/05/ph...
