Yardbarker: Greg Dobbs

Phillies 2009 Year in Review And a Sneak Peak at 2010

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:11:05 -0500

The Philadelphia Phillies accomplished quite a bit in 2009, despite falling just short of the coveted World Series Championship repeat. In fact, just getting back to the Fall Classic showed quite a bit of determination, and, to make it more impressive, they did it with a team that was inferior to their 2009 Championship squad. In 2008, the stars aligned for the club, as Brad Lidge reached nearly unattainable heights, and role players like Eric Bruntlett , Matt Stairs, and Greg Dobbs performed admirably when called upon. Unfortunately, this past season saw a major falloff in each of these players, and the Philly patchwork bullpen made getting through the late innings tedious at best. But even with a lackluster bench that went a staggering 1-for-31 in the playoffs, and a bullpen that remained in shambles for the entire season, this team persevered, zoned in, and found ways to win.

In the end, they lost to a better Yankee team, but there’s certainly no reason for them to hang their heads. And as disappointing as it is to be on the doorstep of another world title and be turned away, fans around the city are still very supportive and thankful for the team they have, which brings me to my next point.

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In addition to the scrappy, never-say-die attitude this team has brought to their city in the past couple of years, they also managed to pull off an equally impressive feast – they turned Philadelphia into a baseball town (again). For about as long as I can remember (I’m 27 years old), I’ve represented the minority in Philly – a Phillies fan first and an Eagles fan second. Philadelphia, until the past 2-3 years, had always been obsessed about the Eagles. The Phillies almost always took a back seat to their football counterparts. But because of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino , and company, everything has changed. The baseball season has been over for weeks now, and the Eagles are in playoff contention at the midway point, but you wouldn’t know it if you turned on the local sports radio. Fans want to know what changes are in store for the Phillies as they make a push to get back to the World Series yet again with their impressive core of talented players primed to win another title. They want to know what radio hosts think about prospective trades and how many days remain until pitchers and catchers report. And although this might seem like an insignificant change to national onlookers, let me tell you this – it’s astounding. But then again, winning changes a lot of things.

Image via Wikipedia

So, what is in store for the NL-defending champs? Will they trade Hamels for Halladay? The fan base is surprisingly split on this after a subpar year from the young southpaw, but GM Ruben Amaro assures everyone that, should the Phillies actually make a move to acquire Halladay, it won’t cost them the young lefthander. The Phillies will also be searching for bullpen help, although it seems to be too early to speculate on who is on their radar, as they are likely waiting for the market to develop. Finally, management has made it clear that they are seeking an offensive upgrade at third base after declining Pedro Feliz’s option. Early signs point to Mark DeRosa , although Chone Figgins , Adrian Beltre , Placido Polanco , and even Miguel Tejada are on their radar as well.

Expect for this team to make some necessary adjustments to set up a third consecutive World Series appearance, because Ruben Amaro, Charlie Manuel, and company are quite familiar with the phrase “strike while the iron is hot,” and that’s exactly what they intend to do.

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The Wrong Focus: Why the Phillies Should Focus on Offense Off the Bench

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:40:19 -0500

Ruben Amaro Jr. is reportedly so content with the offense that Ben Francisco and Greg Dobbs can provide off the bench next year that he thinks that the Phillies should focus on defense with their other bench positions. Here's the Inquirer's introductory take on the matter: The Phillies will emphasize defense when working to improve their bench this off-season, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday. While the team would love to add part-time players who can hit f...

Very early 2010 Phillies roster

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:07:00 -0500

Pitchers and catchers don't report for another 90 days or so but the Hot Stove is just starting to heat up for the defending National League Champions (doesn't have the same ring, does it?). The Phillies don't figure to make a ton of moves this offseason, though after the recent announcements of the removal of Eric Bruntlett and the declining of Pedro Feliz's 2010 option, there are a few holes that need to be filled through free agency and trades for the upcoming season.With f...

Offseason Business

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:38:00 -0500

Under Contract:1. Cliff Lee- $9M2. Greg Dobbs- $1.35M3. Ryan Howard- $19M4. Jimmy Rollins- $7.5M5. Chase Utley- $15M6. Raul Ibanez- $11.5M7. Jayson Werth- $7M8. Cole Hamels- $6.65M9. JC Romero- $4M10. Brad Lidge- $11.5M11. Jamie Moyer- $8M12. Ryan Madson- $4.5MTotal= $105M for only half a roster.Arbitration Eligible:1. Joe Blanton- will be back, '09 $5.475M.2. Shane Victorion- will be back, '09 $3.125M.3. Carlos Ruiz- will be back, '09 $0.475M.4. Tyler Walker- possible non-tender,...

One Man Short

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:38:18 -0500

The Phillies lose Greg Dobbs to the flu for game two. With the DH in use, the Phillies need a pinch hitter less than they usually do.

Phillies' utility man Dobbs returns home with flu

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:15:24 -0500

Phillies utility man Greg Dobbs has returned to Philadelphia before Game 2 of the World Series because he has the flu. Dobbs was a candidate to be the designated hitter against Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett in Thursday night's game, but Matt Stairs got the nod in his absence. Dobbs is 0 for 4 in the postseason. The infielder/outfielder hit .247 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 154 at-bats this season.

Greg Dobbs activated from DL

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:22:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Andy Martino is reporting via Twitter that Greg Dobbs has been activated form the DL.

Phillies Magic Number - Greg Dobbs

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:36:00 -0500

Once tabbed as the best pinch hitter in the game of baseball, Greg Dobbs will always carry a piece of every Phillies fan's heart as he played a role in bringing home the 2008 World Series trophy.Today he represents the current magic number for the Phillies, who have finally gotten under 20 for the magic number to clinch the NL East division. The magic number drops from 20 to 19 after last night's action.Kevin Stocker was a runner up.

Dobbs to DL; Cairo Called Up

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:34:51 -0500

Greg Dobbs was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a minor tweak to his right calf. Miguel Cairo was called up from Triple-A. To make room for Cairo on the 40-man roster, Antonio Bastardo was transferred to the 60-day disabled list. In other injury news, Brett Myers is scheduled to throw a rehab appearance today. J.C [...]

Bunts and Balks (8/22)

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:38:00 -0500

The Phillies placed IF/OF Greg Dobbs on the 15-Day DL, with a strained calf. IF/OF Miguel Cairo was recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA). Antonio Bastardo was moved from the 15-Day DL, to the 60-Day DL, opening a spot on the 40-Man roster for Cairo. Dobbs was the fourth outfielder in June (1.008 OPS in 40 PA) and July (.739 OPS in 51 PA), but has been relegated to the fifth outfielder role, since the acquisition of Ben Francisco. Dobbs has only had 15 PA in August, and has struggled in the lim...

Beer nuts: Phillies’ bench gradually collecting dust

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:46:37 -0500

Daily News’ David Murphy notes that a run of hot starting pitching is leaving Greg Dobbs and other reservists cold. Tonight’s game could be a good time to give them some work. [Link] One only needs to revisit Game 4 of the NLCS to recognize the importance of at-the-ready pinch hitting. That is, of course, in reference to Matt Stairs’ game-winning pinch homer, one of the greatest hits in franchise history. If the Phillies are to expect the same type...

From reader BigPhillyStyle, a screencap of the Greg Dobbs "foul" ball the other night. We don't...

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:02:57 -0500

From reader BigPhillyStyle, a screencap of the Greg Dobbs "foul" ball the other night. We don't know much about the camera angle but at the very least this looks reviewable. Probably not enough to overturn the foul call, but just LOOK. Jeez. BOO. Full-size here.

Phils Reach 2-Year Deal with Greg Dobbs

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:16:12 -0500

The Phillies and Greg Dobbs have avoided arbitration by reaching a 2-year agreement worth $2.5 mil.

In a Pinch: Greg Dobbs

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:37:13 -0500

Tip of the cap to Greg Dobbs for a pinch hit 3-run homerun yesterday. Dobbs now has 20 pinch hits on the season. Pinch hit totals: 20-46 (.435 avg), 5 r, 2 dbl, 1 trpl, 2 hr, 14 rbi, 1.112 OPS. That ties a record for pinch hits in a season by a Phillie dating back to 1913 by some elderly statesman known as Doc Miller. For the rest of the rundown on yesterday's game and today's matchup, click on the URL.