Yardbarker: John Lannan

Game chat: Phillies, Moyer take aim at division title

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:37:06 -0500

Jamie Moyer (15-7, 3.78) was on the mound a year ago against the Nats when the Phillies clinched their first post-season appearance since 1993. The 45-year-old left-hander tries to repeat history this afternoon against John Lannan (9-14, 3.86) and the Nationals. First pitch is 3:55 p.m.

NL Playoff Run Breakdown

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:28:27 -0500

3 teams, 3 games left, 2 spots remaining. So who gets in, who is out? Or will there be some extra baseball played on monday? Let's take a quick look at some key questions.

Schedule
Brewers
Fri Sep 26 Cubs 8:00 PM Suppan (10-10) Dempster (17-6)
Sat Sep 27 Cubs 3:55 PM Bush (9-10) Lilly (16-9)
Sun Sep 28 Cubs 2:05 PM Sabathia (16-10) Marquis (11-9)
Mets
Fri Sep 26 Florida 7:10 PM Pelfrey (13-10) Volstad (5-4)
Sat Sep 27 Florida 1:10 PM Niese (1-1) Nolasco (15-7)
Sun Sep 28 Florida 1:10 PM Santana (15-7) Olsen (8-11)
Phillies
Fri Sep 26 Washington 7:05 PM Blanton (8-12) Balester (3-6)
Sat Sep 27 Washington 3:55 PM Moyer (15-7) Lannan (9-14)
Sun Sep 28 Washington 1:35 PM Hamels (14-10) Perez (7-11)

Will the Cubs Lay Down?
The Cubs didn't exactly put their best lineup out there last night against the Mets and I doubt they will over the course of the next few days. With Zambrano's recent struggles, either Lilly or Dempster will likely be their #2 starter which means both will likely be taken out around the 100 pitch mark leading to Sweet Lou doing some bullpen experimentation. I expect the Cubs to do exactly what they did against the Mets, rest some starters and anyone who is dinged up (ie DeRosa) and play with 75% of their A squad.

Sheets or Bush?
Ben Sheets is very questionable for Saturday but could potentially replace Bush on the mound if he's good to go. Personally I don't think that's going to happen, but Bush has been under the radar good this season so I don't think it's the worst possible situation.

Do the Nats Have Any Life?
The Phillies staff sucks but outside of Myers they have the three pitchers going this weekend they would like to go and they are playing a team they would like to play. As bad as the Nats are at least Odalis Perez and John Lannan can be tricky at times. But still at home against a 100 loss team the Phillies should be able to get it done this weekend. It will be interesting to see if the Phillies can win the first two and manage to save Hamels for game 1 of the NLDS.

Weather Forecastin
First off living in CT I know that's it's been pouring and pouring and pouring all day long and chances are high that the Mets game will end up getting postponed which most likely will lead to a double header on Sunday. This would be optimal for the Mets. The Mets have the option of bringing Santana back on 3 days rest on saturday if need be, but the man threw a career high in pitches his last start so that seems like it might not be the best idea, but pitching Niese isn't a good idea either. If the game tonight is canceled then the Mets get a bail out. They can pitch Pelfrey tomorrow, throw Santana on full rest on Sunday and pitch Ollie P on short rest rather than Niese.

Can the Marlins Do It 2 Times?
The Marlins knocked the Mets out of the postseason last year and ironically they get the same opportunity this year. Outside of making the playoffs themselves the Marlins would like nothing better than to watch the Mets stare blankly onto the field on sunday after their playoff hopes have been eviscerated.

Do You Rest Your Ace If You're a Game Up?
If the Mets/Phillies/Brewers are a game up on sunday what do they do with their staff aces? Do they go for the throat and pitch their top guys to clinch the spot, or do they roll the dice pitch a lesser guy hoping for a win in order to save their ace for hopefully the ALDS or at worst the Play-In game.

Who's In / Who's Out
I expect all teams to go 2 and 3. I expect the Phillies to win their first two games and go into Sunday up 2 games on the Brewers and Mets with the ability to rest Cole. I expect the Mets and Brewers to be forced throw Santana and Sabathia in Sundays game and I expect both to win which sets up a monday showdown where the Mets have nobody to pitch and the Brewers pray for Sheets to be ready. I have a feeling that Sheets will giddy it up on monday afternoon against a Mets pitcher of your choice (Niese maybe, Petey on 3 days rest doubtful, Maine back from the dead doubtful) and in the process send the Brew Crew to October baseball.

Marlins vs Phillies Series Preview

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:34:26 -0500

Here we are, the last series of the 2008 Major League Baseball season for the Philadelphia Phillies. The Fightin Phils find themselves one game up on the New York Mets in the National League East. The Mets, on the other hand, find themselves tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League Wild Card. The Phillies end their regular season this weekend at home against the Washington Nationals. Despite being the worst team in the National League at 59-99, the Nationals have played the Phillies very tough this season, winning six games so far in the season series. The series kicks off on Friday night with Collin Balester (3-6, 4.83) on the mound for the Nationals facing off with Joe Blanton (8-12, 4.79). Balester gave up five runs on nine hits in just five innings his last time out against the San Diego Padres. The short venture was one of the worst outings of Balester's young career. Despite lasting seven innings only three times since joining the Phillies earlier this season, the club has posted an 8-4 record in games which Blanton has started. He has not recorded a single loss as a member of the Phillies. John Lannan (9-14, 3.86) takes the mound Saturday against Jamie Moyer (15-7, 3.78). Lannan went seven innings and gave up four runs, one earned, his last time out. Moyer is 2-0 with a 2.82 ERA against Washington this season. More significantly, however, is how Moyer fared against the Nationals last season, in which he took the ball on the final game of the series and went 5 1/3 innings as the Phillies clinched their first division title since 1993. The starter for this year's season finale has yet to be named by manager Charlie Manuel. The Nationals will be starting Odalis Perez (7-11, 4.27) Sunday afternoon. The veteran lefthander notched another quality start last Sunday, but the Nationals were unable to get him the victory. He gave up three runs on five hits in six strong innings. This is the last time I will say this all year, this is the most important series of the season for the Phillies. With a game up on the Mets, they control their own destiny. Let's hope it's Brad Lidge throwing his hands up in joy on Sunday afternoon, celebrating the Phillies' second divisional title in a row. Go Phils!

Here It Comes Again?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:22:13 -0500

Well, that didn't go as we might have hoped huh? At least we've got Brandon Knight starting on Wednesday. Uhh, yea. This can't be happening again. Can it?

Mets lead in East down to one-half game with loss vs. Lannan, Nats

WASHINGTON -- There was no late-game meltdown by the Mets this time, no real reason to point fingers at the relievers. This was a start-to-finish loss, New York's third loss in four games, and there will be no escaping the references to September 2007 now.

Washington's John Lannan limited New York to one hit over seven innings, Anderson Hernandez delivered a two-run single off a tiring Pedro Martinez, and the Nationals beat the fading-again Mets 7-2 Monday night.The Mets' lead over idle Philadelphia in the NL East fell to a half-game; New York held a 3 1/2-game cushion as recently as Wednesday. The Mets have 13 games left, Philadelphia has 12.Last season, the Mets led the Phillies by seven games with only 17 to play before a historic collapse ceded the division title and kept New York out of the playoffs altogether."It's, unfortunately, just a part of who we are, as long as we're in a race and competing," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said before the game. "Until we win it or get into the playoffs, that's something we have to deal with."Trailing 7-1 Monday, the Mets threatened to make things interesting once Lannan (9-13) left the game. The rookie left-hander gave up a double in the third to Brian Schneider, who wound up scoring on Jose Reyes' RBI groundout -- and that was it.New York's Nos. 3-5 hitters -- David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado -- went a combined 0-for-11 with four strikeouts on the night.It was quite a contrast to Lannan's previous outing, also against the Mets: He allowed five runs and eight hits in three innings.Garrett Mock entered for the eighth and immediately gave up Luis Castillo's double, a walk and Reyes' RBI single. Mock was replaced by Mike Hinckley, and Ryan Church greeted him with a single that loaded the bases.That brought up Wright, he of the 31 homers and 114 RBIs and MVP candidacy. But Hinckley got him to ground into an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play.Martinez (5-5) went six innings, allowing four runs and eight hits.He looked good in the fifth, setting down the Nationals in order. He looked weary in the sixth, when his pitch count for the night rose above 100 and seven batters came to the plate.A single, a walk and a groundout put runners at second and third with two outs. That brought up Hernandez, who was hitting .203 at Triple-A New Orleans when the Mets sent him to the Nationals last month to complete a trade that sent reliever Luis Ayala to New York.Hernandez bounced a two-run single through the hole on the right side of the infield to put Washington ahead 4-1.Elijah Dukes padded the hosts' lead with a three-run homer off Duaner Sanchez in the seventh.It's mainly been bullpen trouble that has hounded the Mets. They have blown 27 saves, including 11 in the ninth inning. But there were other, more glaring, issues on this night.Game notes
Nationals third-base coach Tim Tolman missed the game to attend to a family matter. Rick Eckstein, brother of 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein, filled in. ... RHP Brandon Knight will start Wednesday for the Mets. ... Nationals LF Willie Harris robbed Fernando Tatis of a hit by making a diving catch in the second inning. ... Mets RHP John Maine (DL, right shoulder) tossed a ball 35 times on flat ground Monday and said he hopes to return during next week's homestand. Maine said he'd be willing to work out of the bullpen -- maybe even as the closer.

Call it what you like, it feels like a collapse to me..

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:38:18 -0500

Once again the Mets are finding ways to lose must-win games against inferior teams. The Braves and Nationals shouldn't be able to play the role of spoiler because their not good enough. That's not elitist talking, it's factual based on the records, the Mets haven't lost one fluky game they've allowed three games to slip through their hands. If you don't see the similarities to last year, you and David Wright are completely fooling yourselves. This slide even started at the exact same time with 17 games left to play. This is in the core group of players heads and they can deny it all they want but when they play back-to-back games like this there's no doubting the demons have come back to haunt them. Now the media will descend upon them like wolves on a carcass and every question will be about collapsing, they were pressing before I can only imagine what they'll look like tomorrow.

After you lose a game in the ninth inning to the Braves while the Phillies are sweeping the Brewers and talking about it feeling like '07', you have to come out like gangbusters. The best word to describe the Mets offense tonight was flat which is absolutely un-acceptable based on the circumstances of the situation. In seven innings the Mets recorded one hit off John Lannan. It's appalling to see the Phils play clutch, aggressive and hungry winning ball while we come out looking flat. When the offense finally did mount a rally which seemed to be too little to late, it was ended by a D-Rod double play as he swung at balls off a wild pitcher who was begging to give up walks. Again the pen contributed to the loss as Dunaer Sanchez put two runners on with two outs and then gave up a three run bomb. Pedro was lucky to limit the damage and I really hope they don't bring him back......

Here's an interesting comment by a guy who's in the clubhouse, John Delcos responding to a comment about the flaws with the Phillies team had this to say.....

All that you're saying is true, but which team is dealing with the choke demon? It's the Mets. I think the Phillies believe they can win. I'm not so sure the Mets are convinced of the same thing. Last year is very much alive in their minds. source JD
NY Mets Report

MLB Punchlines: Is Firing Your Manager in the Middle of a Playoff Race a Good Idea?

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:50:45 -0500

As the Rays slide out of the lead in the AL East they could surely use BJ Upton and Carl Crawford. (Tampa Trib)

It is hard to tell, is Andy Pettitte saying he needs "offseason" surgery on his shoulder? (NY Post)

Jorge Posada sounds off on Joba's role for next season and Pudge Rodriguez's future as a Yankee. (NY Post)

John Maine is ready to pitch for the Mets if called upon. The Mets lead is down to 1/2 game after being one-hit last night by the Nats' John Lannan. (NY Post)

Is firing your manager with two weeks left when your in the middle of a playoff race a good idea? We will find out by using the Brewers as a case study. (Journal Sentinel)

The Marlins have brought up some of their top prospects to finish the season, including blue chip outfield talent, Cameron Maybin. (Miami Herald)

Any article headline that incorporates a Seinfeld reference will get linked on this blog. (L.A. Times)

Just as Seinfeld will get you a link, any headline reference to a beer will do the same. (Houston Chronicle)

Kenny Rogers might have pitched his last game as a Tiger. (Detroit Free Press)

Jeremy Guthrie is on the DL with a shoulder impingement. (Baltimore Sun)

Call it what you like, it feels like a collapse to me..

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:08:53 -0500

Once again the Mets are finding ways to lose must-win games against inferior teams. The Braves and Nationals shouldn't be able to play the role of spoiler because their not good enough. That's not elitist talking, it's factual based on the records, the Mets haven't lost one fluky game they've allowed three games to slip through their hands. If you don't see the similarities to last year, you and David Wright are completely fooling yourselves. This slide even started at the exact same time with 17 games left to play. This is in the core group of players heads and they can deny it all they want but when they play back-to-back games like this there's no doubting the demands have come back to haunt them. Now the media will descend upon them like wolves on a carcass and every question will be about collapsing, they were pressing before I can only imagine what they'll look like tomorrow.

Here's an interesting comment by a guy who's in the clubhouse, John Delcos responding to a comment about the flaws with the Phillies team had this to say.....

All that you're saying is true, but which team is dealing with the choke demon? It's the Mets. I think the Phillies believe they can win. I'm not so sure the Mets are convinced of the same thing. Last year is very much alive in their minds. source JD
NY Mets Report

Here It Comes Again?

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:23:31 -0500

Well, that didn't go as we might have hoped huh? At least we've got Brandon Knight starting on Wednesday. Uhh, yea. This can't be happening again. Can it?

Mets lead in East down to one-half game with loss vs. Lannan, Nats

Mets Pitching Matchups vs Nationals (9/15 - 9-18)

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:28:01 -0500

Monday, September 15

Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Pedro Martinez, RHP (5-4, 5.44)
Mets (83-65)

John Lannan, LHP (8-13, 4.09)
Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report:

Mets: After allowing six runs in four innings against the Phillies on Sunday, Martinez said that he had greater flexibility that he had in other recent starts. But the high run total points to a disconnect between physical condition and his performance. He could have escaped Sunday's first start with three runs if not for a few misplays in the outfield. He hasn't opposed the Nationals this season and has had minimal exposure to their regulars in his career.

Nationals: The last time he took the mound, Lannan had one of his worst starts of the season. Against the Mets on Tuesday, the 23-year-old lasted just three innings for the first time since May 2 and gave up five runs on eight hits in the process. After the game, Lannan insisted his arm is fine, even though he's pitched a career-high 163 innings. Over his last five starts, Lannan has posted a 7.82 ERA.

Tuesday, September 16

Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Mike Pelfrey, RHP (13-9, 3.77)
Mets (83-65)

Odalis Perez, LHP (6-10, 4.48)
Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report:

Mets: Pelfrey was credited with a no-decision during the Mets' high-scoring affair with the Nationals on Wednesday, surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings. Although the duration was less than average -- he hadn't been pulled before the sixth frame since a 4 2/3-inning outing against the Marlins on Aug. 10 -- Pelfrey still threw 96 pitches (56 strikes). His control was streaky, though, especially with Elijah Dukes in the batter's box. Dukes homered in the second inning and was nearly hit in the fourth, causing Dukes to yell at Pelfrey. Dukes was hit by Pelfrey in the fifth, but took first base without incident. Pelfrey will face the Nationals for the fourth time this season in this start, having compiled a 1-1 record against them, with a 2.75 ERA.

Nationals: Perez's worst outing of the season came on Wednesday against the Mets, when he gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in just three innings of work. The six earned runs tied a season high -- which he has set two other times this year -- and over his past seven starts, the 30-year-old has given up 22 runs in 36 2/3 innings (a 5.40 ERA).

Wednesday, September 17

Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

To be announced
Mets (83-65)

To be announced
Nationals (56-93)

Thursday, September 18

Nationals Park | 7:10 PM ET

Johan Santana, LHP (13-7, 2.70)
Mets (83-65)

Tim Redding, RHP (10-9, 4.54)
Nationals (56-93)

Scouting Report:

Mets: Though Santana's no-decision on Saturday came only after he allowed two straight hits to open the eighth, it was hardly his fault. A shaky bullpen permitted both runs to score, and so Santana was unable to win his seventh straight decision. Pitching with a fastball that he said was "all over the place," Santana did shut out the Braves for seven innings before losing the lead. In two starts against the Nationals this season, he is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA.

Nationals: It looked like it was going to be a rough night for Redding on Saturday against the Marlins. But after the 30-year-old gave up four runs in the first two innings -- on a couple of two-run shots -- he settled down, keeping the Marlins scoreless on just two hits in his next four innings. With his six-inning performance, the seventh-year veteran set a new career high for innings pitched in a season with 176 1/3. Redding is 1-1 against the Mets this season.

Mets Notes: Maine, Left field Platoon, Burgos, Wright, Santana, Pedro

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:50:17 -0500

• Jerry Manuel said he wouldn't hesitate to use John Maine in the bullpen if the Mets reach the postseason, but the skipper doesn't envision him returning during the regular season.

• Fernando Tatis is starting over Nick Evans in left field against lefthander John Lannan because Manuel views him as a better defensive player. Manuel indicated Tatis would probably start in left field Wednesday as well against Odalis Perez.

• Ambiorix Burgos, who was arrested for an alleged incident with a woman at the Holiday Inn near Shea, was not in New York on Mets business, a team spokesman said.

• David Wright had an early extra session with hitting coach Howard Johnson and Manuel. Manuel described Wright as "in between" - ready for neither a fastball or offspeed pitch.

• Johan Santana is starting the opener Friday over Pedro Martinez for another reason besides keeping him on standard rest. Manuel thought Santana would be better to set the tone in the series opener against the Braves than Pedro Martinez.

• Ramon Castro (right hamstring) is on track to be activated from the DL on Friday.

Source:Daily News

Mets Pitching Matchups vs Nationals (9/9 - 9-10)

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:17:48 -0500

Tuesday, September 9

Shea Stadium | 7:10 PM ET

John Lannan, LHP (8-13, 3.88)
Nationals (56-88)

Oliver Perez, LHP (10-7, 3.86)
Mets (80-63)

Scouting Report:

Nationals: Lannan had another quality outing his last time out, going six innings and giving up two runs on five hits. It was the top of the third that proved to be his undoing. With two outs, Lannan had a tough time getting the final out. On a 3-1 pitch, Jimmy Rollins drove in Carlos Ruiz with a single to left and advanced to second on the throw from Willie Harris. Chase Utley followed and was behind in the count 0-2, but Lannan couldn't put him away as Utley singled to left-center to score Rollins.

Mets: Afforded a six-run lead before he threw a pitch, Perez still managed to bring drama to his Wednesday start against the Brewers. Five walks in 6 2/3 innings againt a team with right-handed power will do that. Perez now has walked five in three of his last four starts. The Mets have won three of the four, he has won one. Now he faces the pesky Nats, against whom he has produced mixed results -- a 1-1 record and 5.84 ERA in two starts this season and a 2-2 record with a 5.26 ERA in the preceding three seasons. Good Ollie, Bad Ollie lives. You never know with either. He pulled two 50 mph changeups out of his bag of tricks against the Brewers. His own catcher was way out in front, having called for fastballs.

Wednesday, September 10

Shea Stadium | 7:10 PM ET

Odalis Perez, LHP (6-10, 4.19)
Nationals (56-88)

Mike Pelfrey, RHP (13-9, 3.62)
Mets (80-63)

Scouting Report:

Nationals: In his next start, Perez will face the Mets for the third time this season. He is 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA against them this year. The last time he faced New York was on Aug. 12, when he pitched six solid innings, giving up three runs on eight hits. Most importantly, he gave most of the Nationals' relievers a rest.

Mets: Pelfrey delivered a solid performance against the Phillies on Friday, giving up just four hits in seven innings. He recovered quickly after allowing one run to cross the plate in the opening frame. Pelfrey held the Phillies scoreless through the next five innings until he surrendered a two-run homer in the seventh inning, one of his few mistakes of the night. He was tagged for three runs (two earned), striking out four while walking two. It marked his fifth straight start in which he held opponents to three earned runs or fewer. Pelfrey is 1-1 with a 0.69 ERA in two outings against the Nationals. He has given up just one run and eight hits to Washington this season.

Communism, Jim Bowden, Goal Setting and Job Security

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:17:30 -0500

The Nationals are hurting. But, alas, everybody hurts (sometimes). In fact any Major League Baseball franchise that spends time not hurting is accomplishing quite a bit--besides the Franchise that rhyme with Bankees of course. After all, Major League Baseball was never meant to be fair. Unlike Major League Baseballs' parity-obsessed, communist cousin the NFL, baseball teams fight it out like real men do—unfairly! A few rich teams in the northeast use their money to bully the unlucky suckers everywhere else—and we're all better for it. ( I think) Baseball's post season is familiar. You start with a few lucky teams that are just happy to be there, then add a few teams that will only be happy when they cash their World Series bonus checks--and Voila!—the MLB déjà vu is complete. You see, in baseball, there are not many teams that are truly playing for a championship. In baseball there are only four teams in each league that even make the playoffs. In the NFL 12 teams have a shot and in the NBA there are more teams in the playoffs than there are out! The fact that the bourgeoisie and the proletariat of pro baseball dwell so far apart creates a completely different competitive landscape than fans of football and basketball (the Marxist sports) are accustomed to. In the NFL, it is close to a sure bet that in a span of 3 years all 32 teams will have played in at least one playoff game. In the NBA, the majority of the league makes it to the playoffs every year! Which is why, in the NBA and the NFL there are teams that are not championship contenders who still are considered successful. Teams, like my beloved Washington Wizards, are not even trying to win a championship. Rather, they are putting together an entertaining cast of 2nd tier talent to keep their revenue flowing in. If the Wizards solely desired to win a championship, they would trade the players they have now for draft picks and young talent and start again. Like a baseball team. But, as usual, I digress from my point. The point is, Jim Bowden should have job security. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't. He doesn't have job security for the same reason you ate a cold-in-the-center hotpocket for lunch yesterday. People are impatient. Lets look at Jim's job. The Nationals were a team with no prospects—all traded away when the Expos thought they were going to be contracted—that had a few bloated corpses of veteran players that could probably be useful on other teams. Bowden's job was to trade away whatever he could of the old talent (Livan Hernandez et. al) while simultaneously building a core of young talent. Although he has had a few missteps, Bowden has accomplished exactly that. Bowden's time in Washington has been wildly successful if you view the team realistically. Keep in mind it was never his job to create a World Series contender in 2008 (or 2009 for that matter). Since the team has been in DC, the Nats have cobbled together a core of young talent that could be the crux of a World Series team. They stole Lastings Millege for pennies on the dollar from the Mets. They took a chance that looks like it might pay off on Elijah Dukes. They locked up a star third baseman for years to come in Ryan Zimmerman. They have a great looking young catcher in Jesus Flores. Not to mention, John Lannan & co. could be a formidable rotation if given some time to jell. Sure, the team is likely to lose 100 games this year. Sure, Chad Cordero is going to be in traction for the next two years. Sure, Bowden overpaid for Dmitri "20,000 calories a day" Young. Sure, [insert depressing fact here]… But guess what? Losses, injuries and fat guys are a part of the game. Look it up if you don't believe me. Two years ago the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were the doormat of the AL East. Now, with a little cajoling they are in first place in baseball's most competitive division. And they're not alone. Remember the 2003 Detroit Tigers? They were making a push to have the worst record in the history of baseball. Guess where they were three years later? The World Series. See, maybe Bow' does know baseball. So Nationals fans, buck up. If it makes you feel any better start a savings account and put ten bucks in it every month. I bet by 2011 you'll have enough to buy tickets to see the Nats in the October Classic.

Game chat: Phils go back under the lights tonight

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:31:39 -0500

Cole Hamels (11-8, 3.13) seeks his first win against the Nationals this season tonight when the Phillies play the second of three with John Lannan (8-12, 3.92) and the Nationals. First pitch is 7:10 ET. Summary: It's not for a lack of trying. Hamels has held the Nationals to a .164 average and had fanned 17 in 15 innings this season, but the Phils lost both games 1-0. It's possible Hamels will be on a pitch count tonight as a...

Gamenight: Phillies (75-63) At Nationals (53-85)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:12:29 -0500

Headline: Hamels set to step up against Nats The Major Players: Cole Hamels, John Lannan, Chase Utley, Ryan Zimmerman The Venue: Nationals Park, Washington D.C. (...)

Losing Ground- Phillies

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:41:39 -0500

The Mets are in Milwaukee and the Phillies are in Washington, each for a 3 game series. The Brewers are fighting for the NL Central and the NL Wild Card, while the Nationals are fighting not to be the worst team in the NL. Yesterday the Mets won and the Phils lost; now 2 games back. Hoping that the Mets lose is no way to go through September, rather the Phils should make life a lot easier by simply taking care of business themselves and winning and forcing the pressure upon New York instead. Click URL for full article that includes a look a tCole Hamels vs. John Lannan tonight, Ryan Howard's k's, Matt Stairs' debut, Kyle Kendrick's struggles, Jimmy Rollins' power shortage, and more call-ups.