Yardbarker: Christopher Volstad

Pitching Leaderboards - Starters

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:01:24 -0500

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP Why won't anyone swing at this stuff? Browse more photos » Returning to some PITCHf/x derived pitching stats, starting with 2009 baselines. Qualified leaders (1000+ pitches available in PITCHf/x) after the jump. Each category has the Top 10 leaders and Bottom 10 trailers. # 293,491 Swing 0.442 Whiff 0.191 In Wide Strike Zone (IWZ) 0.525 ...

Around the NL East

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:32:13 -0500

Check out the latest news on the Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals, and Phillies. Click on URL for full article of recent activity of each club.

NL Dogfight: September 21st

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:35:20 -0500

With eight days left in baseball's regular season, the playoff races have yet to be settled. While the Cubs have wrapped the National League Central, and the Dodgers are on the verge of taking home the National League West, the National League East and the Wild Card remain up for grabs. With only two spots available, three teams have their sites set on October baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies all find themselves within three games of each other with just over a week of baseball left to play. Recap of Saturday's Action: Both the Mets and Phillies got a boost on Saturday. The Cincinnati Reds scored 3 runs in the sixth inning off CC Sabathia (pitching on three days rest), as they beat the Brewers for a second consecutive day 4-3. Rickie Weeks went 3 for 3 with a home run, triple, and two RBI's in the Brewers loss. The Mets also lost last night against a Braves team looking to play spoiler. Pedro Martinez did his part, allowing 4 runs and 9 hits over six innings. He also contributed at the plate, driving in 2 with a double in the fifth. Josh Anderson went 3 for 4 for Atlanta with a clutch RBI off Martinez in the sixth inning. The Phillies found themselves in a nail biter facing a hot Marlins team, winners of nine in a row. Greg Dobbs bloop single in the sixth inning plated Ryan Howard, and the bullpen pitched four shutout innings as the Phillies beat the Marlins 3-2. The bullpen came up big for the Phillies getting out of jams in the eighth inning (second and third, no outs), and the ninth (man on second, one out), but Brad Lidge shut the door for his 39th save of the season. After last night's action, the Phillies lead the NL East by a half-game over the Mets, and a three game lead over the Brewers. Magic Numbers: Phillies - 5 Playoffs, 8 Division Mets - 6 Playoffs, 9 Division Brewers - 11 Playoffs Sunday's Preview: Brewers @ Reds ? The Brewers need a win and they need it bad. Their September collapse has run to 4-14 and the firing of Ned Yost didn't motivate the team to play inspiring baseball. Seth McClung (5-6, 4.22), takes the mound for the Brewers. McClung, who is filling in for an injured Ben Sheets, has been used as a reliever for a good part of his career. He last started on July 21st where he allowed two runs over five innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, while not factoring in the decision. Taking the mound for the Reds is Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo (5-10, 4.57), has had a disappointing season in the Queen City, but has turned it around lately. He's only allowed 3 earned runs in the month of September (20.1 innings). Mets @ Braves ? Given the up and down season the Mets have had this season, they have to be proud where they are. With the cushion they have on the Brewers, there is some comfort and a loss wouldn't be the end of the world. Last season's collapse is still in the mind of the Mets and every game is a must win. While winning the Wild Card could be nice, taking the division form the Phillies would be sweeter. Mike Pelfrey will take the mound this afternoon for the Mets. This season has been a success for Pelfrey as he's started to show the Mets why he was once a top prospect. His 13 wins and 3.67 ERA rank both second on the Mets behind Johan Santana. Rookie James Parr will start for Atlanta. Parr has had success in his limited action this season going 1-0 with a 2.20 ERA. He began his Major League career with a 12 inning scoreless streak. In his last start Parr got roughed up, when he allowed 10 hits and 4 runs over 4.1 innings against the Phillies. Phillies @ Marlins ? The Marlins are not mathematically out of contention, but four and a half games out of the Wild Card is a slim chance. In saying that the Marlins believe they can do what the Rockies did at the end of last season and make it a four-team race. The Phillies plan to put and end to that. Jamie Moyer starts for the Phillies, who is a career 10-1 with a 3.07 ERA against the Fish. His lone loss came in his last outing against the Marlins where he went five innings, allowing 2 runs. Top pitching prospect Chris Volstad will take the mound for the Marlins. Volstad (5-3, 3.07), has looked more like a seasoned veteran this season, then a 21 year-old rookie. Volstad has faced the Phillies twice this season and is 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA.

Phillies vs. Marlins Series Preview

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:31:18 -0500

The Phillies and Marlins enter this weekend's series separated by 5.5 games, with the Mets sandwiched in between just a half game back of Philadelphia. Despite what appears to be a commanding lead, the Phillies cannot simply disregard the Marlins, winners of eight in a row. Luckily for the Phillies, the Marlins have not made up much ground on them, as they have won seven in a row themselves. The series kicks off Friday night with the Phillies' hottest starter, Brett Myers (10-11, 4.06), facing off against Josh Johnson (5-1, 3.30). Johnson has pitched in just 12 games this season, starting the year on the disabled list. Despite getting a late start, Johnson has pitched quite well for the surging Marlins. In his last outing, against the Washington Nationals, Johnson gave up just two runs on six hits in six innings. He struck out a career high nine batters and has recorded eight straight quality starts. Despite a rough looking record, Myers has been lights out since returning from his mid-season stint in Triple-A, going 7-2 with a 1.80 ERA in 11 starts. Myers pitched this past Sunday on just three days rest and threw his second complete game of the season, holding the Milwaukee Brewers to one run on just two hits. Myers is, however, 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA this season against the Marlins. Saturday's matchup pits Joe Blanton (7-12, 4.82) against Anibal Sanchez (2-4, 5.87). After two straight starts without going more than three innings, Sanchez went seven strong innings in his last outing, matching his season high. He allowed just three runs (two earned) in his first quality start since August 11. On Sept. 8 at Philadelphia, Sanchez was roughed up for five runs in 1 1/3 innings in a loss. Blanton, despite pitching some very shaky baseball since coming over from the Oakland Athletics, has not yet recorded a loss in a Phillies' uniform. He is a striking 2-0 in 11 starts with the National League club, a remarkable tale of blown leads and gritty comebacks. In his last outing, Blanton went seven innings giving up just three runs on five hits, getting yet another no-decision. His only career start against the Marlins came on September 8 in which Blanton recorded his second victory as a Phillie, despite giving up four runs in five innings. The series concludes in a Sunday day game with Jamie Moyer (14-7, 3.86) and Chris Volstad (5-3, 3.07) on the mound. Volstad shut the Houston Astros down his last time out, allowing just one run on five hits in eight strong innings. It was his second longest outing of the season. Despite giving up six runs in two of his previous five starts, Moyer has a 3.38 ERA in his previous 19 outings this season. He has been the epitome of steadfast consistency this season and leads the teams in wins with 14. While things are looking up for the Phillies, they are not in the clear yet. They have played very well in tough contests recently, splitting a four game set with the National League leading Chicago Cubs, took two out three in their final series with the Mets, and recently swept the previously Wild Card leading Brewers. But the Phillies continue to struggle against the teams that they should beat (with the obvious exception of the Atlanta Braves), flailing against these Marlins, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and even the lowly Nationals. The Marlins are likely out of it, but it seems that no one has told them that yet. They are one of the best offensive teams in the majors, and are on the brink of making history. If third baseman Jorge Cantu can hit another two homeruns, the Marlins will be the first team in Major League Baseball history to have all four starting infielders have hit at least 30 homeruns in a season. First baseman Mike Jacobs, second baseman Dan Uggla, and shortstop Hanley Ramirez have all reached or exceeded that mark already. The Marlins are second in the majors to the Phillies in homeruns and can explode for double digits at a moment's notice. The Phillies will need to continue pitching well and hitting the ball, taking advantage of the Marlins' young pitching and very porous defense.

Phillies Marlins Series Preview

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:46:20 -0500

The Phillies return home for a three game series against the Florida Marlins Monday one game closer first place. After taking two of three from the New York Mets this weekend, the Fightin Phils look to build on that momentum and start their final push for the playoffs. They begin Monday night with Joe Blanton (6-12, 4.79) on the mound against Anibal Sanchez (2-3, 5.54). Sanchez is coming off the shortest start of his career in which he went three innings, giving up six runs on right hits against the Atlanta Braves. His last time out against the Phillies he went five innings and gave up four runs. Blanton is also coming off a rocky start, giving up four runs on six hits in just four innings against the Washington Nationals. Billed as an innings eater when he came east from the Oakland Athletics, Blanton has last seven innings twice as a Phillie. He has just one win since coming to Philadelphia, although to be fair he has yet to record a loss. He has never faced the Marlins in his career. Chris Volstad (4-3, 3.32) will take the mound for the Marlins on Tuesday. His last time out against the Phillies, the 21-year old rookie threw six shutout innings on his way to the victory. He has logged 62 1/3 big league innings this year, the most of his career. Combined with 91 innings pitched in the minors this season, and Volstad has thrown a total of 153 1/3 innings, uncharterd territory for the young hurler. Volstad's opponent on Tuesday is yet to be determined. Kyle Kendrick and J.A. Happ are the two likely candidates, although Kendrick has not faired well at all against the Marlins this season. In two outings Kendrick has a 6.10 ERA, including one game in which he gave up seven runs in just over four innings. He has a 9.14 ERA in his previous five starts. Happ has never faced the Marlins, and has pitched well in his abbreviated time in the big leagues this year, with a 3.27 ERA in two outings. Wednesday's series finale pits Brett Myers (9-10, 4.19) against Ricky Nolasco (13-7, 3.56). Nolasco allowed just one run through seven innings on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals while striking out four and not issuing a walk. Opponents are batting just .240 against him this season as he continues to be another shining young pitcher for the Marlins. If Nolasco is shining, then Myers is emitting blinding light. Since returning from a three week stint in the minor leagues this season, Myers is 6-1 with a 1.55 ERA. He is second to the Milwaukee Brewers' CC Sabathia in ERA and wins since July. Myers continued his dominance on Friday against the Mets, throwing eight shutout innings. This series, as is every series and every game from here on out, the most important of the season. The Mets face a tougher schedule this month than the Phillies do and have two off days this week, giving the Phillies a prime opportunity to erase that two game lead for first place. The Phillies need to do what they couldn't do last week, which is put away teams that are worse than them, namely the Marlins, the Nationals, and the Braves. If they beat the weaker teams, it takes off some of the pressure when playing the elite teams in the National League, such as the Brewers, who the Phillies face later this week. By putting away those inferior teams, competing with the better teams, and a little luck, the Phillies could very well be playing in October.

Hot Stove Philly Week In Review

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:49:01 -0500

Despite a sputtering offense, the Phillies remained in first place this week, two games up on New York Mets. The Phils' offense continues to look lost, and at one point this week went 23 innings without scoring a run, despite facing less than stellar opposing pitching. The Phillies lost two games to the Florida Marlins, who are just a half a game back of the Mets in the National League East standings, despite facing three pitchers with less than 20 starts between them this season. The Phillies' offense got starting pitcher Jamie Moyer his first career loss to the Marlins, despite allowing only two runs on Tuesday. On Thursday they were shutout by Chris Volstad, who was making his fifth career start. Volstad didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning, when opposing pitcher Cole Hamels lined a single to center with two outs. The Phillies' incomprehensible woes continued on Friday against the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates and Paul Maholm. Maholm went seven shutout innings and struck out a career high 10 batters, including five in a row at one point. He threw a complete game against the Phillies in April and has an ERA of 0.56 this year. For all intents and purposes, the Phillies were shutout in three games this week, as their only two runs on Tuesday's game came on a blown home run call. Outfielder Shane Victorino hit what at first appeared to be a two run home run to left field that just made it past the foul poll, but upon further review it was apparent that the ball actually went foul. The homerun was nevertheless allowed by the game's umpires, not that it ultimately mattered anyway, as the Phillies lost 8-2. It's not that the Phillies aren't hitting, they just aren't scoring. In the six games this week, the Phillies left a total of 68 men on base. That is staggering. Their opponents, meanwhile, only left 55 men on. In their three losses, the Phillies left a combined 36 men on base, while their opponents left 31 men on. As evidenced by the fact that they also left a lot of men on base, the Marlins and Pirates were very beatable teams. The Phillies being in first place is more as a result of the Mets and Marlins being bad teams than it is the Phillies being a good team. In other Phillies' news this week, they acquired that long sought after lefty in Scott Eyre for minor league right-hander Brian Schlitter. The bullpen help comes not a day too soon as it appears that veteran set up man Tom Gordon could miss the rest of the 2008 season and closer Brad Lidge has stiffness in his shoulder. The biggest story of the week was the news that the Eagles and Brian Westbrook finally agreed to a new deal, reportedly adding an additional $13 million to his existing contract. Eagles' offensive lineman Shawn Andrews finally broke the silence and divulged his reasons for not yet showing up to training camp as he battles depression. In Sixers' news, center Jason Smith tour his ACL and will likely miss the entire 2008-2009 season. Speaking of the 2008-2009 season, the schedule for the upcoming NBA season was released and the upstart Sixers have seven nationally televised games scheduled this year. Finally, in Flyers' news, current Phantoms' coach Craig Berube was named as an assistant coach with the big league club, replacing Terry Murray who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Upcoming this week, the Phillies start a four game series Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in California as they look to maintain their lead over the Mets and Marlins in the NL East standings. After LA, the Phillies head down south to San Diego to face off with the Padres this weekend. The Eagles face off against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday in their second pre-season game.

Rookie Report Cards Vol. 2

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:45:59 -0500

A look at this year's crop of MLB rookies and how they are performing from a fantasy standpoint. Find out whose stock is still rising, who's falling off, and possible ROY candidates.

Good pitching + no offense = Phillies lose!

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:25:28 -0500

Yesterday the Phillies got a solid outing from Kyle Kendrick that led them to a win, today they got another solid outing from their starting pitcher, Cole Hamels, but this time they lost. The difference? The offense was MIA today against the Marlins, getting shutout in a 3-0 loss. Hamels pitched well for the Phillies, going 6 and 2/3rds innings and only giving up 2 earned runs. He gave up 7 hits, but also struck out 7 batters to keep runs off the board. That effort should have been enough ...

Phillies - Marlins Series Preview

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:01:57 -0500

The Phillies come in to this week's series against the Florida Marlins two and a half games up in first place and are looking to extend that lead to a possible five and a half games. They begin Tuesday by sending out Marlins' killer Jamie Moyer (10-6, 3.79) to face off against Josh Johnson (1-0, 4.18). Johnson has four starts this season since coming off Tommy John surgery, and despite only having one win, the Marlins have won all four games. He got his first win his last time out when he went 6 2/3 innings, giving up four runs against the New York Mets. In his other start against the Phillies this season, Johnson gave up two runs in 6 2/3 innings, but got a no decision. Moyer, on the other hand, has just completely filleted the Marlins in 10 career starts against them, going 10-0 with a 3.03 ERA. Not only has he factored into the decision every time out, but has gotten the win. His last time out against Florida he allowed two runs over six innings and hasn't allowed more than three runs in a game since June 1. Wednesday night's game is the battle of the young righties, pitting Kyle Kendrick (9-5, 4.59), age 23, against Anibal Sanchez (1-0, 3.18), age 24. Sanchez's last time out was his first start in almost 15 months, in which he went 5 2/3 innings giving up two runs on six hits. According to the Phillies website, Sanchez retired six of the first seven batters he faced, threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 25 hitters and left the game with the bases loaded and two outs after throwing 95 pitches

Fantasy Dish: A Dish Served Best Cold

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:02:26 -0500

Alright, I already know what you're thinking. You're in 2nd to last place in your league, about 20 games out of the last playoff spot and you are just waiting for the season to end. Fortunately for you, I am here to help you overcome your deficit in the last 6 weeks of the season and perhaps steal a fantasy baseball championship away from one of your friends. At this point in the season, the focus on acquiring players via trade and free agency should be on a week to week basis, especially in head to head formatted leagues. Certain categories should be focused on to help you chip away at your deficit until you get within striking distance. For example, if you are weak in the areas of Earned Run Average and Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched, focus on Wins, Losses, and Strikeouts. A way to do this is to find starting pitchers who are starting twice this week, especially against weaker opponents. Scott Kazmir owners are in a very good mood this week because he will face off against the Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals. Other guys that are worth taking a flyer on are pitchers such as Toronto Blue Jays SP Jesse Litsch (@ BAL, vs. SEA), Texas Rangers SP Eric Hurley (@ CHW, @ OAK), Washington Nationals SP Jason Bergmann (@ SF, @ LAD), and Florida Marlins stud Chris Volstad (vs. ATL, @ CHC). Volstad is a guy that if not picked up in your league, you should be scouring the waiver wire as we speak. In his major league debut, he was one out shy of a complete game, and only giving up 1 run on 5 hits against the Dodgers. Volstad also struck out 6 and walked 1. If he is picked up, I would offer a veteran starter such as a Jered Weaver for him because his ceiling is so high. At this point, it is worth taking such a risk to try and get your team back in the playoff hunt. On the other side of the ball, hitters should be picked up and dropped faster then Kevin Federline's pitch for a reality show. This is another area in which picking up particular categories per week will help you make up necessary ground. It is important not to hold onto these players for too long and ride their hot streaks for more time than you should. Willie Harris, a 2B, 3B and an OF, is a good pick up at this point. In the last week he is the number 1 ranked player on Yahoo! Sports. He is worth a pick up if he is available but he shouldn't be held onto for much longer. Austin Kearns is a player who may be worth keeping for the rest of the season. In the last week he is .429 with a HR and 6 runs scored. Kearns has always been a producer in the 2nd half of the season and has been tearing the cover off the ball, even when making outs. In 2 out of his last 3 seasons, Kearns has seen positive changes in most of his statistics and with the way he's hitting lately, he should be in for another solid run. Finally, another key component of making a large comeback is by keeping your eye on what closers get injured or lose their jobs late in the season. With the trade deadline coming around in Major League Baseball, it is likely closer roles will be changing based on potential trades that can be made. For instance, Colorado Rockies reliever Brad Fuentes has been the talk of the deadline. This can open up a job for someone like Taylor Buchholz or the incumbent closer from last year, Manny Corpas. Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood may be making a trip the Disabled List (No Way!!!!!) for blister problems. (On a side not here, doesn't Wood look like Leo Dicaprio from "The Departed."When he takes the mound, I can't help but hear the announcer say, "Now coming in to pitch, William Costigan Jr.") This will open up from save chances for youngster Carlos Marmol, who even though he has been struggling lately, is worth being started as an everyday closer. Keep a close watch on more injuries to closers or even their backups to see where you can steal some saves. It is easy to just give up on your season and say "Let's get'em next year," but where's the fun in that? The whole point of fantasy baseball is to rub your conquests in your friends' faces. There is nothing better than getting into an argument with your friend over something non-fantasy related, and when you find yourself stuck in a corner without a point, just bringing up some fantasy sports history. My only advice is too persevere and read whatever tips I may offer in the upcoming weeks.