Yardbarker: JC Romero

Say Hello To Second Place

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:47:01 -0500

All you people out there telling me that the Phillies have one of the best offenses in the league and have no need for Matt Holliday (.343 AVG, 17 HR, 60 RBI, 60 R, 13 SB), I want you to look me in the eye (figuratively of course) and tell me you still think that. I agree with you that this is one of the best offenses in the league, on paper. A team composed of reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins (career* .277 AVG, 16HR, 62 RBI, 96 R, 35 SB), former MVP and Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard (.279 AVG, 42 HR, 97 RBI, 83 R)*, this year's MVP front runner Chase Utley (.299 AVG, 21 HR, 83 RBI, 85 R, 11 SB)*, and Pat Burrell (.260 AVG, 29 HR, 96 RBI, 75 R)* should be leading the league in offense, and somehow, this team still does. Despite having an awful almost two months of baseball, the Phillies are still second in the National League in runs scored, behind Chicago. To show you just how Jekyll and Hyde this offense has been this year, let's look at the numbers. Since June 1st, the Phillies have scored 181 runs. They have given up 182. Now let's take out the game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 13th in which the Phillies won 20-2. With that game out, the Phillies have scored 161 runs and given up 180. That figure says a couple things. First off, they were really good in the beginning of this year. In April and May they scored 302 runs and only gave up 236. That is the run differential of a playoff team. Second, the fact that they are still the second highest run scoring team in the NL also shows just how weak the NL is this year. You can't say it's the pitching, because the Phillies have given up less runs in June and July then they did the first two months. Granted July isn't over yet, but even the Phils will be hard pressed to give up more than 50 runs in one week. This team just is not hitting. They aren't hitting with runners on base, with runners in scoring position, with no runners on. They aren't hitting. During the month of July, Utley has two home runs and five RBIs; Rollins hasn't had a home run since June 16th, and has seven RBIs this month; Geoff Jenkins has 16 hits since June 1st, with six of them coming in the first six days of that month; Jason Werth has six RBIs in July and Pedro Feliz has seven. The team's Jekyll and Hyde nature was never more evident then this past series with the Mets. The Phillies were the Kings of the Come From Behind Win last year and they showed that Never Say Die attitude on Tuesday when they scored six runs in the 9th inning to beat the Mets 8-6. After getting manhandled by Johan Santana through the first eight innings, this team showed an incredible amount of character (which they have lacked for the better part of the past two months) and grit and did not give up. Then they dropped the ball and let the momentum gained from that inning fade off and played like garbage the next two days. Despite a rocky outing by Brett Myers on Wednesday, the game was still tied at three coming into the sixth inning. The Phillies were very much in a position to win when the bullpen gave up three runs and you could just see the air go out of this team. They just laid down and conceded. Thursday the Phillies absolutely blew a beautiful gem thrown by Jamie Moyer and once again made the erratic Oliver Perez look like a Cy Young Award winner. Moyer went seven strong innings giving up only one run. J.C. Romero came into the 8th inning and gave up two runs. Romero has unequivocally been the Phillies best reliever this season aside from closer Brad Lidge. He has also pitched more innings than any other reliever and it is starting to show. Romero gave up a total of six runs in all of April, May and June. He has given up five so far in July, which is still remarkable and I am not dumping on him at all. But he needs some help; he needs another lefty in the bullpen that cane take on some of the situational responsibilities. This was the biggest series of the season and the Phillies blew it, despite having the biggest inning of the year. They had the momentum; they had first place; and I still believe they have a better team. The Phillies have just been way too inconsistent this season and the Mets have gelled together since the firing of manager Willie Randolph. This is going to be a very tough road over the remaining 60 or so games, but I still think the Phillies can pull it out. They have to start this weekend against the Atlanta Braves. * When calculating the career stats, I took out the player's first season and this season, as neither were full seasons.

What Have You Done For Me Lately Phillies?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:15:29 -0500

New York Mets 1st place, Philadelphia Phillies 2nd place. Get used to that, with a note that the Phils may be displaced in 2nd by the Florida Marlins plopping them sourly in 3rd place. What have you done for me lately?: *Since June 10th, a span of 37 games, the Phils have scored 3 runs or less 16 times. That's unacceptable. Record during that time, 15-22, not what a 1st place team is made of, or a second place, or a third place, or a... For a tirade about Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste, Jimmy Rollins, Pedro Feliz, Adam Eaton, Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick, Brett Myers, RJ Swindle, Rudy Seanez, and JC Romero click on URL. Also, I promise a tantalizing picture of Janet Jackson.

The Solution for Myers

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:06:37 -0500

Well it seems Brett Myers three weeks in the minors didn't do much good. He said he worked hard on his fastball. He said how he realized a lot of things about himself. He said he found his swagger. He might have talked a good game, but after walking four consecutive batters in the first inning, he told me he's the same old Brett. Like Myers has done in 13 of his 18 starts this season, he gave up runs in the first inning and the Phillies found themselves playing from behind early on. A pattern has developed where his first innings set the tone for the Phillies, and the outcome is rarely good. If the Phillies realistically expect to contend this season, and have any dreams of going deep into the post season, Myers cannot be part of this rotation. It's not that I don't think Myers has the talent; I don't doubt his ability. Unfortunately it's his head that gets in the way. Somewhere in Myers head is the idea he's a closer. He's stated on more then one occasion he likes closing and referred to himself as a "rockstar closer" (take that for what it's worth). Since he got a taste of closing last season, he can't shake the idea that he's better off in the back of the bullpen. As a result, he'll never be successful in the rotation. Unfortunately for him (and the Phillies), with Brad Lidge just signing a three-year contract extension, the chances of him closing games are remote. So what can the Phillies do with Myers? They cannot keep him in the rotation, letting him set the Phillies back before they even step to the plate. He's probably not going to accept another demotion. He already found his swagger. Unfortunately it's in the bullpen. How I see it, the only solution is to give him what he wants. Send him to the bullpen. Let's face some facts. If Brett Myers isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. If he sees the slightest shred of hope that he will get a save opportunity, he'll become a new pitcher. With Tom Gordon eternally on the DL (and while he was still active), the Phillies do not have a consistent set-up man for Lidge. The rotation of Ryan Madson, Chad Durbin, & J.C. Romero has worked for now, but you can see all three pitchers beginning to wear down some. Throughout Myers career, he's been a much better option out of the pen (5-6, 2.98 ERA), then as a starter (57-50, 4.58). A Myers/Lidge combo at the back of the bullpen could be one of the best in the National League. This move also serves a duel benefit. Myers has no real future with this team if he's not in the rotation, meaning he'd most likely be dealt at some point. As a set-up man, he would be showcased to other teams who could use a closer. If the Phillies really wanted to deal him, they probably wouldn't have to wait until the off-season, as Myers would probably clear waivers with no team wanting to automatically pick up his contract. Of course you'd have to ask yourself who would replace Myers in the rotation. Now I can't see the Phillies adding another pitcher before the trading deadline, so the move would have to come internally. The best option for that would be to bring back J.A. Happ. In Happ's brief time with the Phillies this season, he's 0-0 with a 3.27 ERA (four earned runs in eleven innings). His first start against the Mets his nerves definitely showed, but his final start against the Cardinals he was strong, allowing two runs in six-and-a-third innings. Since being sent back down to Triple-A, Happ has been on fire going 2-0 (including a seven no-hit innings in relief), with a 2.08 ERA. He also recorded 20 strikeouts over those two appearances. While Happ is a gamble in the rotation, due to his lack of experience, it's safe to say he's an upgrade over Myers. The bigger question is who would Myers replace in the bullpen. The obvious answer would be Adam Eaton. Championship teams don't have dead-weight like Eaton in their bullpen. Eaton has been long-overdue his release by the Phillies, but unfortunately they really don't want to eat his salary. It's become obvious, they'd rather him earn a paycheck by losing games (that's a whole different discussion). In saying that, Clay Condrey would probably be the guy who would be let loose, which would be a shame. Condrey has been strong as of late, and has been used in more clutch situations. He's only allowed one run in the month of July (nine appearances, 9.2 IP). How I see it this is the only viable move if the Phillies plan on make a playoff run. The longer Myers remains the rotation, the longer the Phillies rotation questions will continue to linger.

Open Letter To Pat Gillick: Bring Holliday To Philly

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:33:29 -0500

July 22, 2008 Pat Gillick, Senior Vice President & General Manager Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148-5249 Dear Mr. Gillick, With the recent trade for Joe Blanton from the Oakland Athletics, it has become apparent that the Phillies are not going to acquire an "A List" starting pitcher. I understand that the Phillies just did not have the prospects to get the deal done with the Cleveland Indians for CC Sabathia, and it seems that the Seattle Mariners' asking price for Erik Bedard is just too steep. Rich Harden is obviously no longer available as he was recently traded to the Chicago Cubs, although I do not understand why he is not a Phillie right now considering the Athletics received better prospects for Blanton than Harden. Regardless of why the Phillies were unable to land Harden, it is now irrelevant. What is important now is that we focus on the deals that can be made, and that means Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes. It has been widely reported that the Colorado Rockies are interested in dealing the pair to the Phillies for centerfielder Shane Victorino, top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco, catching prospect Lou Marson, and pitcher JA Happ. That certainly seems like a lot to give up, and it is. With Victorino, the Phillies would be losing a quality defensive centerfielder, as well as a switch hitter with some serious speed. Victorino, despite not having as good a season as we all would like, is still a very versatile player that can lead off, hit second, or deeper in the lineup when needed. Most people balk at the idea of trading away a catching prospect because Chris Coste is already in his mid 30's and Carlos Ruiz has been an all around disappointment. This is not an area of serious concern, however, as one of the Phillies' other big prospects is Jason Donald, also a catcher. The Phillies can afford to trade away Marson. Happ was good in his brief stint in the majors this season, but has also had his share of ups and downs. He is a promising young pitcher, but is the type of player you have to give up to get players the quality of Holliday and Fuentes. The obvious big chip here is Carrasco. I can understand your reluctance to part with the top pitching prospect in the organization, especially since there is not a lot of pitching depth in the minors, or the major league club for that matter. Carrasco, however, is the key to the deal. By trading him you lose a lot, but you also stand to gain a lot. Rather than dwell on Carrasco and what the Phillies lose by trading him, I'd rather focus on what they gain by acquiring Holliday and Fuentes. Let us begin with Brian Fuentes. For starters, Fuentes provides the Phillies with that much needed second left arm in the bullpen. As the only left hander in the pen, J.C. Romero is relied upon more than is probably healthy. Fuentes will be able to carry some of that load and take the pressure off Romero. Likewise, with 101 career saves, Fuentes can step in and get a save once or twice a week to give some time off to all star closer Brad Lidge. He would also take the pressure off of Tom Gordon as the 8th inning set up man. Fuentes is arguably more important to the Phillies right now than Holliday. That's not to say that Matt Holliday wouldn't be a huge acquisition for the Phils. As you already know, Holliday is batting .338 this year with 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. Add on top of that 13 stolen bases and you have one of the most complete players in the major leagues. Holliday has hit over 30 home runs in each of the last two seasons and is well on his way to eclipse that mark again this season. The most impressive aspect to Holliday's game is his ability to hit for average despite being one of the premiere power hitters in the league, hitting above .300 in every season of his career except his rookie year in 2004, when he hit a paltry .290. Since it is apparent, as I said before, that the Phillies are not going to be able to land that ace starting pitcher, then you need to position this team to outhit their opponents. This team currently has the type of pitching that will at the very least keep them in every game. With the addition of Holliday, it would give you a starting lineup that looks like an all star roster. Here's an example of what a Phillies' batting order could look like: SS Jimmy Rollins 2b Chase Utley RF Matt Holliday 1B Ryan Howard LF Pat Burrell CF Jason Werth 3B Pedro Feliz C Chris Coste P Cole Hamels Mr. Gillick, I think that that lineup speaks for itself. This is the year that the Phillies have to go for it as the National League is the weakest it's been in year. The only contenders this year are the Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and by default the Arizona Diamondbacks. That's not a list of teams that are going to make the playoffs; that's a list of teams that are any good in addition to the Phillies. The Phillies need to put themselves into a position to make it to the World Series this year and not worry about four or five years from now. With the aforementioned lineup, and the number of talented pitchers eligible for free agency this coming off season (including Sabathia and Ben Sheets), the Phillies can put themselves in a position to win and compete for the World Series for at least three more years. That is why you need to pull the trigger on this deal and bring Matt Holliday and Brian Fuentes to Philadelphia. Sincerely, Jonathan Atwood HSP Senior Writer

Eaton to the Bullpen

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:04:05 -0500

Joe Blanton hasn't even thrown a pitch as a member of the Phillies, but they are already see positive results. The Phillies have announced that Blanton will take Adam Eaton's spot in the rotation, meaning he will be relegated to the bullpen. Eaton obviously isn't happy about this news, but will do what is necessary to stay a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. "As long as I can help this team win, I'm going to do that, regardless of what role it is," Eaton said. "I've got three wins as a starter. J.C. Romero has four or five. I can rack up some wins that way and help the team, as well, fill some gaps to help these guys out, too." Arguably the worst pitcher in baseball over the past season-and-a-half (13-18, 6.06 ERA), Eaton will now spend his nights in the bullpen, eating sunflower seeds and lighting "hot Foots". He'll be called to pitch a few innings when the game is out of reach or when other guys need a rest. Essentially he's become Clay Condrey. Unfortunately this is still the wrong move in handling Eaton's situation. By keeping him in the bullpen, the Phillies now short themselves in that area, and now might have to use Eaton in a crucial spot. Championship teams don't keep guys in the bullpen strictly for mop-up duty. There's only three ways Eaton can truly help this team. 1 - Take a trip to the disabled list 2 - Accept a demotion to Triple-A 3 - Be designated to assignment Eaton isn't going to "work his issues out" in the bullpen and as long as he's on the active roster he's a liability to the team.

Fan Impersonates Phillies Player At All Star Fan Fest

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:44:28 -0500

Sportingnews.com writer Chris Mottram noticed Monday that one Phillies player signing autographs was not one that he recognized. Upon closer examination, it turns out that #16, C. Yeager, is not actually a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. This was especially evident since #16 is pitcher J.C. Romero. Yeager signed autographs for about 30 minutes before security escorted him off, seemingly without anyone noticing. Yeager was dressed in a full Phillies uniform, with arm bands and shades to help hide his true identity. Check it out for yourself.

Gordon to DL

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:12:56 -0500

The Phillies have placed reliever Tom Gordon on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation. Gordon, who last appeared in Saturday's game against the Mets imploded, allowing all three inherited runners to score (the tying run on a wild pitch), as the Phillies lost 9-4. This isn't the first arm trouble Gordon has had this season. He's been suffering from a sore shoulder, and has only made four appearances since June 26th, where he has allowed 3 runs in 3 innings. After Saturday's game, Gordon said his arm felt fine, so this trip might just be to get some rest without shorthanding the bullpen. The Phillies bullpen, which has been best in the National League, has broken down as of late. Starters not named Cole Hamels have been unable to go deep into games, and a short-handed bullpen means more use for the likes of Ryan Madson, JC Romero and Chad Durbin. Gordon is expected back after the All-Star break, but at this point, if he needs to be shut down until August, let it happen. A healthy Gordon is a valuable asset in the stretch run. An injured forty-one year old isn't. With Gordon on the DL, the Phillies have recalled lefty RJ Swindle.

Flash Gordon to the DL, C.C. to the Brewers

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:16:22 -0500

Tom Gordon has been struggling recently, giving up a run to the Mets on Saturday that helped raise his ERA to 5.16 for the season, but it appears that injuries have been the reason for his poor pitching. On Sunday night Gordon was placed on the 15 day disabled list due to elbow inflammation. In his absence, expect Ryan Madsen and J.C. Romero to take over the 8th inning set-up duties. Perhaps Brett Myers could come up and be the set-up guy? There is no word yet on who will take Gordon's spot on the roster, but it won't be C.C. Sabathia. Philadelphia had been a rumored destination for the 2007 AL Cy Young winner, but the Milwaukee Brewers appear to have won the C.C. sweepstakes. The Brewers have agreed to trade stud prospect Matt LaPorta and probably a few other minor leaguers in exchange for the big lefty. How serious the Phillies actually were in talks for Sabathia we will never know, but the Phils will have to turn their sights now to Erik Bedard or another lesser pitcher, like A.J. Burnett, if they want to shore up their pitching staff.

DL, Retire, or Scrub: Tom Gordon

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 06:36:56 -0500

Tom Gordon was a very successful MLB pitcher (Career stats- 138 w, 158 sv, 122 holds, 1928 k, 3.94 era, 1.36 whip). He's been a quality starting pitcher, closer, and set-up man over his 19 year career. He's pitched for the Royals, Red Sox, Cubs, Astron, Yankees, and currently the Phillies. However, his time in the summer sunshine is coming to an end because he absolutely sucks anymore. For the full article encompassing Gordon's career and current downward spiral, along with a rant about Carlos Ruiz, JC Romero, and Ryan Howard's defense click on the URL to be amused.

Don't Work Too Hard Tom…

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:13:12 -0500

Charlie Manuel has announced that Tom Gordon will be taking a break from the setting up. At least on consecutive days. Is this the right call?

Phillies release Steve Kline

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:09:31 -0500

The Phillies announced today that they released left hander Steve Kline. Kline had been pitching for the Iron Pigs and was thought to be a possible candidate as a second lefty in the bullpen for the Phils. Unfortunately, a 5.16 ERA in Triple A and a suspension for bumping an ump won't get you to the big leagues any time soon.

Hot! (Philadelphia Story)

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:20:29 -0500

ESPN has taken notice. Opposing managers around the NL have taken notice. Phans have taken notice. The Philadelphia Phillies are HOT! Over the last 9 games they are 8-1 and have outscored the opponents 78-37 (more than doubling them). During this hot streak we've seen offensive explosions of 20, 15, and 12 runs; and we've witnessed fine pitch performances from Adam Eaton (twice), Brett Myers, and Kyle Kendrick. Shane Victorino had a hitting streak, Brad Lidge continues perfection in save situations, Pat Burrell is more clutch than a stick shift, Chase Utley is a hitting machine, the bullpen continues to shut up all the naysayers from the offseason. Phils are now 10 games above .500 with a record of 35-25, good for a 2.5 game lead over the pesky Marlins. The Phils are on a roll, and it may be difficult to stop them. Enter stage left: Edinson Volquez (aka- difficult), with a MLB leading 83 k's, 1.46 era, and 7-2 record. The Reds got him in the Josh Hamilton trade. That trade is amazing, as Hamilton may go on to the be the MVP of the AL while Volquez the Cy Young of the NL. Last time Volquez faced the Phils he dominated them while his counterpart Brett Myers (also tonight's match-up) fizzled. Should shape up to be a good ball game if the rains permit. *Happy birthday Juan Carlos Romero. JC has compiled a 1.26 era since joiningg the Phils mid-summer last season pitching in 76 games, logging 57 innings, racking up 27 holds, and striking out 49 batters.

Ace Adam Eaton pitches Phillies past Reds

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:58:40 -0500

3 up and 3 down from another Phils win: 3 Up: 1. Eaton's on a roll! Meet your new ace of the Phillies, Adam Eaton. 2. Burrell supplies the offense: Pat Burrell had the big hit on the night, a two-run blast in the 6th inning that proved to be the game winner. 3. The bullpen holds another lead: If Chase Utley is the team MVP then the bullpen has to be a close second. 3 Down: 1. Utley goes homerless: Chase Utley failed in his attempt to break the Phillie record of consecutive games with a homer when all he did was go 2 for 3 with a double, an RBI and 1 run scored. Utley should be ashamed that he didn't hit a homer and was only able to muster a broken bat RBI single. 2. Howard keeps swinging and missing: Like I said before, this team will really take off (as if it hasn't already) when Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard get hot at the same time. Howard went 0 for 4 tonight, striking out 2 more times. 3. Manuel benches Coste: One day after Chris Coste hits his 6th homer of the season, Carlos Ruiz gets the start behind the plate tonight and goes 0 for 4. Hey, Charlie, play the hot bat! Keep Coste in the line-up! Click the link for more on the game, including video highlights.

Unraveling

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:27:28 -0500

How can the Phillies be 21-18? There's no way in hell they actually have a winning record. Was there a misprint somewhere along the line that went unnoticed that lead to this standings gaffe? When I watch this team, or listen to this team, or even read about this team, my initial thought isn't "winner". Winners don't lose series to the lowly San Francisco Treats. Winners don't have 10 million dollar firstbasemen batting a buck seventy-one. Winners don't have a defense with more holes than a golf course (33 errors). Winners don't have 3 out of 5 members of the starting rotation with an era above 5 (Moyer, Myers, and Eaton). Winners do beat up on lesser opponents (Nationals and Giants). Winners face adversity and overcome it. Winners win, and that's simply something the Phils haven't done enough of despite what their record may say. I'm worried about this team, I'm worried they're about to start unraveling because the hot hitters are cooling off (Utley and Burrell) and the other hitters aren't heating up (Feliz, Jenkins, Rollins, Victorino, Howard, and Ruiz). The knit-tight bullpen is starting to unravel as well, JC Romero being the first with others sure to follow. Hopefully this team snaps out of this mini-funk and proves me wrong, but until then I'm preparing for the slow painful unraveling. Oh no, It go, It gone, Bye-bye. Who I, I think, I sink, and I die. If you want to destroy my sweater, Hold this thread as I walk away, Watch me unravel I'll soon be naked, Lying on the floor, I've come undone.

Phillies bullpen fails them in 4-3 loss to Giants

Sun, 11 May 2008 18:36:13 -0500

The usually reliable bullpen came up short today for the Phillies, failing to protect a one run lead in the later innings. Adam Eaton started the game and had major control issues, walking 5 batters in 5 innings, but he managed to keep most of the damage off the scoreboard, holding the Giants to just two runs. With the Phillies up 3-2 in the sixth inning, the game was turned over to the bullpen that has been lights out all season. It wasn't the case tonight. Chad Durbin pitched a scoreless sixth but J.C. Romero, who entered the game with a 0.60 ERA, gave up a two-run home run to Giants rookie Steve Holm (who??). That was all the runs the Giants needed and they went on to win the game 4-3. Click the link for more, including highlights of Ryan Howard's fourth career triple!