Philliedelphia

Get Out of the Cellar: Phillies and Marlins meet in Miami

Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies take on the Miami Marlins in a three-game series this week. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

Usually the months of August and September are expected to feature series where the Phillies are in a battle for first place. Instead, they enter their three-game series with the Marlins in a battle to get out of last place.

In each of the past three days, the Phillies and Miami Marlins have traded places in the standings with the Phillies winning two of three from the Cardinals this weekend and the Marlins losing two of three to the Dodgers.

The Marlins have sold out on the season, making several trades at the deadline that sent familiar faces like Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez, Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante elsewhere.

But, the Marlins still have the powerful Giancarlo Stanton. There is also Greg Dobbs, Emilio Bonifacio and Logan Morrison, who have been fixtures of the Marlins roster for some time now.

Jose Reyes, one of the newest Marlin players, is fresh off a 26-game hitting streak that ended last week in New York.

This series could take on several meanings. The Phillies could push completely out of the last-place picture and be right on the heels of the Mets for third place with a series win or sweep. The Marlins could put the Phillies back in last place by a decent margin with a series win or sweep of their own.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Cole Hamels (12-6, 3.08 ERA) goes against Nathan Eovaldi (3-7, 4.33 ERA) - Hamels pitched a complete-game, five-hit shutout against the Braves his last time out. It was his first win since July 15. In his career against the Marlins (22 starts), Hamels is 6-10 with a 3.68 ERA.

Eovaldi threw five shutout innings against the Mets in his last start, getting his third win of the season and second with the Marlins. He faced the Phillies while with the Dodgers, allowing three runs over five innings in a 3-2 Phillies' win. This will be Eovaldi's second start against the Phillies. 

In the middle game, Kyle Kendrick (4-9, 4.86 ERA) faces Josh Johnson (7-8, 3.88 ERA) - Kendrick was roughed up by the Braves in a 12-6 Phillies loss. Kendrick allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings, but would take a no-decision after the Phillies rallied back to tie the game before eventually losing. Kendrick's last win came out of the bullpen on July 22. His last win as a starter came on June 1 against the Marlins. In his career against the Marlins (17 games, 12 starts), Kendrick is 8-2 with a 4.31 ERA.

Johnson has struggled for much of the season, never quite finding the rhythm he has in past seasons. He lost his last start to the Mets allowing three runs over six innings, dropping to 7-8 on the season. However, Johnson has allowed three runs or less in each of his last four starts. In his career against the Phillies (16 games, 14 starts), Johnson is 6-4 with a 3.53 ERA.

In the finale, Roy Halladay (6-6, 3.80 ERA) gets the start against Mark Buehrle (9-11, 3.80 ERA) - Halladay was dominant in his last start, throwing eight innings of two-hit ball, allowing one run in a win over the Cardinals. It is Halladay's first time posting wins in back-to-back starts since he won his first three starts of the season. In his career against the Marlins (11 starts), Halladay is 5-3 with a 2.40 ERA.

Buehrle continues to be in a bit of a slump, as he lost his last start to the Dodgers allowing four runs in six innings. Buehrle has allowed at least four runs in four of his last five starts and has not won since July 14. In his career against the Phillies (six starts), Buehrle is 4-2 with a 4.76 ERA.

Prediction:
August 13 - Phillies 5, Marlins 2 
August 14 - Phillies 1, Marlins 6
August 15 - Phillies 4, Marlins 1

The Phillies are in great position with Hamels and Halladay both making starts in this series against relievers who have struggled of late. The Phillies will face a tough task in facing Josh Johnson while sending Kyle Kendrick to the mound, but ultimately, the Phillies have the arms to win two of three easily.

Obviously, Hamels and Halladay need to pitch like they did in their last starts for that to happen. But with both coming off of trying times in their season, they appear ready to rebound from quite a bit of adversity and hardship to put together a nice personal winning streak.

Meanwhile, the bats play a role as well. Can they hit these pitchers who have silenced them before? Can they give two of their best starters a lead to work with? It all remains to be seen, but playing with the lead will be important.

Overall, the Phillies have the advantage in this series because they didn't sell as much at the deadline. The Marlins are a much weaker team than the last time the Phillies saw them. They need to take advantage of that if they want to try to make a run at third place in the division and a .500 record.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

The Team That Started It All: Phillies host Cardinals

Cliff Lee, who is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in five career starts against the St. Louis Cardinals, starts the middle game of the Phillies' three-game series against the Cardinals. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

This disaster of a season actually didn't start in 2012. It started on October 7, 2011, when the Phillies were on the wrong end of a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the NLDS. 

Roy Halladay had been out-dueled in one of the great pitching matchups in years. Ryan Howard was carried off the field with a torn Achilles' tendon, derailing the start of his 2012 season. Chase Utley and now former Phillie Raul Ibanez came within inches of spoiling the Cardinals' magical ride.

It wasn't meant to be then, just like it hasn't been meant to be all season. 

This weekend seems fitting for several reasons. The Cardinals are in town for the first time since that devastating loss. The Phillies are also holding alumni weekend.

In years past, the Wall of Fame inductee has been somebody from a time when the Phillies were champions of some sort: John Kruk, Darren Daulton, Juan Samuel. This season's inductee is Mike Lieberthal. Lieberthal played for the Phillies from 1994-2006, otherwise known as the 13 seasons in between the Phillies' World Series appearance in 1993 and their first of five straight division titles in 2007.

So, for a player that has caught more games in Phillies history than anyone else, and was a superstar for the team in an era when they were - for lack of a better term - irrelevant. He was never part of a winning team that could call itself a champion. He never played a playoff game. Thus, it is fitting that he enters the Phillies' Wall of Fame in a year that has been so much like the 13 years he was a part of Phillies' baseball.

The Cardinals, however, aren't the team they were last season. They have a solid 60-51 record and are in third place in the NL Central. But it will take another strong, late-season run for them to have a chance to defend their World Series crown. 

It certainly is a different team from that of last season. Out with injury for the remainder of the season are Chris Carpenter, the hero of Game 5, and Kyle McClellan. Also on the DL are pitcher Jaime Garcia and first baseman/outfielder Lance Berkman. 

But the Cardinals still have one of the best lineups in baseball with Carlos Beltran, Jon Jay, Allen Craig, David Freese, Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina. 

Their pitching has been excellent too. The Phillies will see their top three pitchers this weekend.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Roy Halladay (5-6, 4.02 ERA) goes against Kyle Lohse (12-2, 2.79 ERA) - Halladay was brilliant in his last start, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just three hits to the Diamondbacks. Since his return from the DL on July 17, Halladay has been solid for the most part. Aside from allowing six runs to the Brewers on July 23, Halladay has allowed three runs or less in each of his three other starts. In his career against the Cardinals (five starts), Halladay is 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA.

Lohse is having the best season of his career, and continued that in his last start by beating the Brewers with six shutout innings. Lohse hasn't lost a game since June 15, but the Phillies did manage three runs (two earned) off Lohse in 6 1/3 innings on May 25. In his career against the Phillies (11 starts), Lohse is 3-4 with a 3.38 ERA. 

In the middle game, Cliff Lee (2-6, 3.78 ERA) faces Jake Westbrook (11-8, 3.76 ERA) - Lee allowed four runs in eight innings in his last start, good enough to earn a no-decision despite allowed all four runs on three Diamondbacks' home runs. He allowed three runs over seven innings in a no-decision on May 25 against the Cardinals. In his career against the Cardinals (five starts), Lee is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA. 

Westbrook allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a win, against the Giants. He was hit hard by the Phillies on May 24, when he allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings in the Phillies' 10-9 win over the Cardinals. In his career against the Phillies (four starts), Westbrook is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA.

In the finale, Vance Worley (6-7, 3.83 ERA) gets the start against Lance Lynn (13-5, 3.52 ERA) - Worley struggled in his last start, giving up four runs in 3 2/3 innings to the Braves in the Phillies' 6-1 loss. Worley has made one career start against the Cardinals, allowing one run over six innings in a no-decision.

Lynn suffered his first loss since June in his last start, allowing four runs in six innings to the Giants. Prior to that, Lynn had won three of his last five starts. Lynn has never made an appearance against the Phillies.

Prediction:
August 10 - Phillies 5, Cardinals 4 
August 11 - Phillies 6, Cardinals 3
August 12 - Phillies 2, Cardinals 5

The Phillies seem to have a perfect recipe for a win in the middle game and a perfect recipe for a loss in the finale. Cliff Lee has excellent numbers against the Cardinals and the Phillies have had success against Westbrook which bodes well for the Phillies.

Meanwhile, Worley has struggled lately, while Lynn, who does allow his fair share of runs, is an unknown pitcher to the Phillies' lineup.

The first game comes down to two factors: which Roy Halladay shows up and which Kyle Lohse shows up. The Phillies can hit Lohse, there's no question about that. Halladay also hasn't been the same pitcher he was in season's past this season. But, he showed signs that he was returning to form in his last start. If this start is anything like that, the Phillies will win.

This won't be a three-hit shutout, but if Halladay can hold the Cardinals off the board for most of the night, the Phillies should be able to do some damage against Lohse, enough damage to pull out a win.

The Phillies are playing to be spoilers and playing for pride. Plus, you have to think guys like Halladay and Lee have a chip on their shoulder for the way last season ended. Even if they won't get to redeem themselves in the Postseason this year, they can still take it out on the opponent that ended the 2011 season. Perhaps a couple of great pitching performances are in store.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Phillies continue homestand by facing Braves

Chase Utley and the Phillies face Dan Uggla and the Braves in a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies have been swept in their last two series against the Braves. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

There are two teams competing for the Postseason in the NL East. In years past, the Phillies have been contenders. This August, they are not. But in the past week, they will have faced both of those teams.

The Phillies took two of three games from the Washington Nationals last week. This week, they get to face the hard-charging, second-place Atlanta Braves for the third time in just over a month.

The Braves swept the Phillies in the final series of the first half of the season in early June. In a critical three-game series in Atlanta at the end of the month, just before the trade deadline, the Phillies were swept again, all but ending their attempt at a sixth straight division title and playoff appearance.

And that is rightfully so. The Braves are a dangerous team. Perhaps one of the reasons they are making a run is because this is Chipper Jones' last season before retiring. Maybe this is because of the bad memory from last season's end, especially for young stars Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward. And in the middle, there are several veterans. Brian McCann, Michael Bourn and Dan Uggla are just a few to name.

The Braves also added two pieces at the trade deadline: pitcher Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson.

This dangerous bunch faces the Phillies with three pitchers who have had their share of success against the Phils this season.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Vance Worley (6-6, 3.63 ERA) faces Ben Sheets (3-1, 1.46 ERA) - Worley allowed two unearned runs over seven innings and picked up the win in the Phillies win over the Nationals last week. In his career against the Braves (five games, three starts), Worley is 1-0 with a 2.37 ERA.

Sheets allowed three runs, his highest total of the season, to the Marlins and suffered his first loss of the season in his last start. In his career against the Phillies (nine starts), Sheets is 3-4 with a 4.50 ERA.

In the middle game, Cole Hamels (11-6, 3.34 ERA) goes against Mike Minor (6-7, 5.01 ERA) - Hamels looked much better in his start against the Nationals, but still suffered the loss as the Phillies could not find a way to score. Hamels allowed just three runs over seven innings in the 3-0 loss. In his career against the Braves (26 games, 25 starts), Hamels is 11-7 with a 3.75 ERA.

Minor didn't allow a run over 3 2/3 innings in his last start to the Marlins. He has won three of his last five starts, going 3-1 in that time. In his career against the Phillies (three games, two starts), Minor is 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA.

In the finale, Kyle Kendrick (4-9, 4.45 ERA) gets the start against Tim Hudson (11-4, 3.45 ERA) - Kendrick filled in admirably for Joe Blanton after he was traded on game day to the Dodgers against the D'Backs, allowing three runs in four innings of work. He would suffer the loss in a game the Phillies would lose 4-2. In his career against the Braves (17 games, 11 starts), Kendrick is 6-1 with a 2.28 ERA.

Hudson allowed one unearned run in 7 1/3 innings in a winning effort against the Astros. Hudson has won four straight games and hasn't lost since July 1. In his career against the Phillies (24 starts), Hudson is 9-8 with a 3.52 ERA.

Prediction:
August 6 - Phillies 7, Braves 6
August 7 - Phillies 5, Braves 2
August 8 - Phillies 1, Braves 4

I'm giving the Phillies a chance to win two games this week. Cole Hamels bouncing back is to be expected regardless of what happened in his first start since re-signing a huge deal against the Braves. Worley has also looked better of late and is facing a pitcher who, despite taking his first loss in his last start, is still due to be hit around a bit.

The Phillies offense needs to be the driving force. They have done very little damage against Braves pitching, and that has led to their six straight defeats.

The Phillies role now is to be spoilers. They can certainly do that against the Braves just as easily as they kept the Braves on the forefront on the NL East picture with their wins against the Nationals last week.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Phillies meet Braves for key three-game series

Ryan Howard and the Phillies will face Brian McCann and the Braves in a crucial three-game series this weekend. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

The Phillies are 9-10 in July, with a win total matching their month of June. If not for a recent stretch of magic and fantastic finishes, it would be way worse, and the Phillies would still be driving themselves further into the ground.

In the beginning of July, the Phillies finished a three-game series with the Marlins, where they were swept, faced the Mets on the road, where they lost two of three games, and hosted the Braves, where they were also swept.

Nine games against division foes; just one win. If there is anything that has caused the Phillies problems this season, it's losses in winnable games to division opponents.

The Braves are in second place in the NL East. The Phillies are a half game out of fourth and three games out of third. They are 9 1/2 behind the Braves. You could argue that this is a series the Phillies must sweep. I'm still going to hold to the winning series method. If the Phillies can take two of three games this weekend, there's a good chance that they won't be in last place in the NL East anymore.

But that is a task that is easier said than done with a lineup that features Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Dan Uggla, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Martin Prado.

Additionally, the Braves have been a tough pitching team this season. The Phillies get to see three tough matchups this weekend.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Cole Hamels (11-4, 3.23 ERA) goes against Ben Sheets (2-0, 0.00 ERA) - Fresh off his new contract, Hamels makes his first start since last Saturday against the Giants. He allowed five runs in 7 1/3 innings in a no-decision, allowing three home runs including one to pitcher Matt Cain. He also hit his first career home run in the game. In his career against the Braves (25 games, 24 starts), Hamels is 11-6 with a 3.69 ERA.

Sheets has been excellent since returning to the majors after a near two-year break. In his first two starts, he has combined for 12 scoreless innings and two wins. In his career against the Phillies (eight starts), Sheets is 2-4 with a 4.88 ERA.

In the middle game, Joe Blanton (8-8, 4.70 ERA) faces Mike Minor (5-7, 5.49 ERA) - Blanton allowed three runs in his last start over eight innings, two on home runs. In four of his last five starts, Blanton has limited the opposing offense to three runs or less and is 2-2 in that stretch. In his career against the Braves (13 games, 12 starts), Blanton is 2-5 with a 4.87 ERA.

Minor suffered a tough-luck loss after allowing just two runs in seven innings to the Marlins in his last start. In his career against the Phillies (two games, one start), Minor is 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA.

In the finale, Roy Halladay (4-5, 4.32 ERA) gets the start against Tim Hudson (9-4, 3.71 ERA) - Halladay allowed six runs in six innings to the Brewers on Wednesday, but managed to avoid taking the loss thanks to a four-run ninth-inning comeback. In his one start against the Braves, Halladay allowed eight runs over 5 1/3 innings in the Phillies' wild 15-13 loss in 12 innings. In his career against the Braves (eight games, seven starts), Halladay is 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA.

Hudson was having an up-and-down season before a start against the Phillies on July 6, where he fired seven shutout innings, started him on a hot streak. He has not lost since July 1, winning three of his last four decisions including his last start against the Marlins. In his career against the Phillies (23 starts), Hudson is 8-8 with a 3.54 ERA.

Prediction:
July 27 - Phillies 5, Braves 2
July 28 - Phillies 4, Braves 6
July 29 - Phillies 3, Braves 5

The Phillies need to win this series. They may even need to sweep this series. But I just don't think they can do either.

They may have some life from their sweep over the Brewers, but the Braves are very different from the Brewers obviously. If the Phillies want the rest of the league to believe that they are a force to be reckoned with in the second half, this series could define that. But much like anything else right now, they have to prove themselves.

The Phillies should be able to beat Ben Sheets, honestly because he's due for a rough start. But the other two pitchers for the Phillies, much like the remaining two for the Braves, are hit-or-miss this season.

Minor and Blanton are both lower-end rotation guys that could surprise at any time. Blanton is coming off a strong start and facing a lineup that has his number, so I'm not confident. But, Blanton has also shut out this lineup this season. 

Meanwhile, Roy Halladay isn't the pitcher he's been in the past this season. It could just be a rough year for Doc, but that likely won't cut it against Tim Hudson, who dominated the Phillies in a start earlier this month. The Phillies have been able to hit Hudson around before, but that doesn't mean he's not capable of repeating the performance he had earlier this month.

The outlook isn't good if my prediction holds. But for the Phillies to make a run, they're going to have to prove people wrong. They can start by proving me wrong.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

After series win in Colorado, Phillies head to LA

Ty Wigginton and the Phillies are in LA for a three-game series with the Dodgers. The Dodgers swept the Phillies in a four-game series in Philadelphia in June. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

The Phillies not only won a series this past weekend, they won two games in a row for the first time since entering June 27, the night Chase Utley returned.

It may be too early to officially proclaim the Phillies are back on the right track, but for the first time in nearly a month, the Phillies appeared to play the final two games of the Rockies series with a purpose that has been missing for most of the season. Now, they need to keep that up against a dangerous Dodgers team.

The Dodgers have slipped since their hot start which also featured a four-game sweep of the Phillies from June 4 to June 7. They did have to endure time without their two biggest bats, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Both are back just in time for this series with the Phillies.

But also don't forget some of the other players that are making the Dodgers contenders this season. A.J. Ellis and James Loney are two of them, and don't forget about newly formed Phillie killers Dee Gordon and Elian Herrera. The Phillies miss out on Gordon who is sidelined with injury. Herrera will likely see a solid amount of playing time this series.

The pitching may be what has hurt the Dodgers the most recently. With Chad Billingsley hitting the DL, the Dodgers have to shuffle their rotation. Just in time for the Phillies to get their ace back.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Joe Blanton (7-8, 4.98 ERA) goes against Nathan Eovaldi (1-5, 4.21 ERA) - Blanton was unable to hold a 3-1 lead against the Braves last Saturday, taking the loss and allowing six runs (five earned) in 6 1/3 innings. In his career against the Dodgers (five starts), Blanton is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA.

Eovaldi picked up his first win of the season in his last start, allowing one run in six innings to the Diamondbacks. Prior to that, Eovaldi had lost three straight starts. This is his first career start against the Phillies.

In the middle game, Roy Halladay (4-5, 3.98 ERA) starts for the Phillies. The Dodgers have yet to announce a starter. - Halladay is making his return from the DL since giving up four runs in two innings to the Cardinals in a loss on May 27. In his career against the Dodgers (five starts), Halladay is 4-1 with a 1.95 ERA.

In the finale, Cliff Lee (1-6, 3.82 ERA) gets the start against Clayton Kershaw (7-5, 2.84 ERA) - Lee was cruising through his last start when he ran into some trouble in the sixth. He allowed three runs in six innings in taking another loss on this rough season. In his career against the Dodgers (four starts), Lee is 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA.

Kershaw has had an up-and-down season immediately following his Cy Young season in 2011. He won his last start allowing one run over six innings. In his career against the Phillies (seven starts), Kershaw is 0-4 with a 4.95 ERA.

Prediction:
July 16 - Phillies 3, Dodgers 5
July 17 - Phillies 5, Dodgers 2
July 18 - Phillies 6, Dodgers 4

The Phillies winning this series comes down to two people on the mound and the lineup is one game. If Joe Blanton can pitch well in the opener, the Phillies have the potential to win it. I don't think that will happen.

If Cliff Lee can pitch well in the finale and get some run support, the Phillies can beat Kershaw and the Dodgers in this series. The Phillies really don't have a choice anymore. They have to win series and finish the games they are in position to win.

That being said, the Phillies may just have everything lined up the way they want for this series against the Dodgers. It would be best for their season, if they have any hopes left in it, to take advantage of it now.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet. 

Phillies hope to avoid rocky start to second half

Troy Tulowitzki remains out with an injury as the Phillies head to Colorado to face the Rockies. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

If there is going to be a huge comeback from the Phillies, it has to begin now. In the short term, the Phillies drew a good opponent.

The Colorado Rockies are in fourth place in the NL West with a 33-52 record, one of only a handful of teams below the Phillies.

While the rest of the month featured teams with positive records, the Phillies don't have a choice right now. They need to win games and series. Simple as that.

The Rockies are without star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. But they do have All-Star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez in the lineup as a dangerous threat. Additionally, Dexter Fowler, Michael Cuddyer and Todd Helton are recognizable names that pack a punch as well.

In a recent series with the Phillies, players like Tyler Colvin, Chris Nelson and Wilin Rosario had solid success as well. So, this Rockies lineup is no walk in the park for pitchers, especially in the bandbox that is Coors Field. But the Rockies have struggled with pitching, shuffling their rotation several times.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Cliff Lee (1-5, 3.98 ERA) goes against Christian Freidrich (4-6, 5.98 ERA) - Lee finally picked up his first win of the season against the Mets on July 4. It was the only win on the Phillies nine-game stretch against division opponents. In his career against the Rockies (one start), Lee is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA.

Freidrich continued to struggle in his last start, allowing six runs over 4 1/3 innings to the Cardinals on July 5. Since start the season 4-1, Freidrich has lost five of his last six starts. He has never faced the Phillies in his career.

In the middle game, Vance Worley (4-5, 3.54 ERA) faces Jeremy Guthrie (3-8, 6.05 ERA) - Worley picked up a no-decision in his last start, allowing three runs over six innings. In his career against the Rockies (two games, one start), Worley is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA.

Guthrie took a no-decision in his last start, allowing two runs over six innings to the Nationals. This is just Guthrie's third start since returning from the bullpen, where he pitched in long relief since June 20. Guthrie's last win came on May 31. In his career against the Phillies (two games, one start), Guthrie is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA.

In the finale, Cole Hamels (10-4, 3.20 ERA) gets the start against Drew Pomeranz (1-3, 3.06 ERA) - Aside from his perfect inning in the All-Star Game, Hamels last pitched on July 5. He was in line for the win after seven innings allowing four runs before Jonathan Papelbon blew the save and took the loss in a two-run ninth inning for the Mets. Hamels last win came on June 19. It was against the Rockies. In his career against the Rockies (four starts), Hamels is 2-1 with a 4.21 ERA.

Pomeranz picked up his first win of the season in his last start allowing just one hit in 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Nationals. Pomeranz has never made an appearance against the Phillies in his career.

Prediction:
July 13 - Phillies 6, Rockies 2
July 14 - Phillies 3, Rockies 5
July 15 - Phillies 4, Rockies 1

The Rockies are a perfect team for the Phillies to open their second half against. With the Phillies needing wins to build some confidence, they have a great chance at three of them. In fact, they should get three of them.

That being said, the starters will have to do quite a bit to ensure that. This is still the same team as before the All-Star Break, so the bullpen can not be completely trusted until the results warrant such a thing. 

Still, there's no reason the Phillies don't take two of three with pitchers like Lee and Hamels on the mound. Hamels was denied a win because of the bullpen in his final first-half start. Lee finally got his first, which could finally get him into a similar groove as last season.

The time is now for the Phillies, and they have a great chance to get off to a good start in Colorado.

Kevin Durso is a contributor to Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Phillies look to head into break with success as they host Braves

Ryan Howard is expected to make his season debut for the Phillies in Friday's series opener against the Braves (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

There's really no sense in going through the numbers again. You all get it by now. The last-place Phillies have a lot of work - probably too much work - to do to keep their streak of division wins alive.

That being said, the way to begin that work is by beating division opponents. Their last six games have been against the Marlins and Mets. Their record: 1-5. So, things continue to spiral downhill.

And believe it or not, the Phillies probably have yet to play the best team in this stretch of division foes. They don't face the NL East leading Nationals, so that team would be the Braves, who make their first trip to Citizens Bank Park this season.

The Braves are resting comfortably in third place in the NL East with plenty of time left to erase their six-game deficit. 

The Braves lineup certainly is not suffering right now. All of the pieces are in place and will be factors in this series for sure. You can start with All-Stars Dan Uggla and Chipper Jones. There is still a chance that Michael Bourn could be added to the All-Star roster as an injury replacement after losing out on the Final Vote.

Add in players like Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann, Martin Prado and Jason Heyward and this is a loaded Braves lineup.

On the mound, the Braves also have a relief core that can dominate. Craig Kimbrel is an All-Star as well as the closer, and despite missing an injured Jonny Venters, they still have Eric O'Flaherty and Kris Medlen providing strong relief.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series:

In the opener, Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.35 ERA) goes against Tim Hudson (6-4, 3.87 ERA) - Kendrick allowed five runs in the first inning before settling in to hold the Pirates scoreless through his last six innings. He suffered the loss anyway, marking his fourth loss in his last five starts. In his career against the Braves (15 games, 10 starts), Kendrick is 6-1 with a 2.53 ERA.

Hudson allowed six runs (five earned) over six innings in a loss to the Nationals. Hudson had won three of his previous four starts before that, allowing three runs of less in each. In his career against the Phillies (22 starts), Hudson is 7-8 with a 3.71 ERA.

In the middle game, Joe Blanton (7-7, 4.85 ERA) faces Tommy Hanson (9-5, 3.70 ERA) - Blanton allowed three runs over six innings to keep the Phillies in their finale with the Marlins on Sunday. He would take the loss, his first since June 3. In his career against the Braves (12 games, 11 starts), Blanton is 2-4 with a 4.65 ERA.

Hanson suffered the loss in his last start allowing four runs over seven innings to the Cubs. Hanson had picked up the win in four of his last five starts and had not suffered a loss since May 28. In his career against the Phillies (eight starts), Hanson is 1-2 with a 2.93 ERA.

In the finale, Vance Worley (4-5, 3.46 ERA) gets the start against Jair Jurrjens (2-2, 5.19 ERA) - Worley only lasted four innings and allowed six runs in a loss to the Mets on Tuesday. Worley has just one win in his six starts since coming off the DL. In his career against the Braves (four games, two starts), Worley is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA.

Jurrjens allowed three runs, all unearned, in five innings in a win against the Cubs on Monday. Since losing two of his first four starts, Jurrjens has limited opponents to six runs (three earned) in his last three starts. In his career against the Phillies (11 starts), Jurrjens is 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA.

Prediction:
July 6 - Phillies 5, Braves 3
July 7 - Phillies 3, Braves 7
July 8 - Phillies 2, Braves 4

This is a must-sweep series for the Phillies. But with the way their season has gone, it's hard to see them sweeping anybody at the moment.

I'll give the opener to the Phillies for two reasons. One, the return of Ryan Howard should be a spark. Two, Kyle Kendrick has a good track record against the Braves. If Howard's return starts similarly like Chase Utley's did last Wednesday, at the very least the Phillies have Kendrick going instead of using the bullpen for an entire game.

The next two games are tough to judge. First off, it's unknown if the Phillies will rest Howard and Utley on the same day, but both will see a day off during the series whether it's Saturday or Sunday.

Still, even though they are must-wins for the Phillies, they have yet to deliver in that spot this season. At this point, it's tough to think they will do that with the break looming. Perhaps the break is the best thing for this team, but that remains to be seen as well. For now, set expectations low and hope for the best. That's the best advice for Phillies fans this morning. 

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

 

Phillies host Bucs trying to salvage homestand

Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies host the Pirates to close out their 10-game homestand. (Philliedelphia/Kevin Durso)

The make-or-break homestand that was to determine where this team stood as June came to a close has not been pretty so far. After winning two of three from the Rockies, the Phillies took the momentum from a magical walk-off off the bat of Jim Thome and crushed by being swept in yesterday's day/night doubleheader with the Rays.

Now, the second-place Pirates are in town, next in line for a Phillies team that has to get it together.

There are three names you should know when it comes to the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup: Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker. These are their run producers.

McCutchen will likely be an All-Star this season, leading the Pirates with a .340 average, 13 home runs and 45 RBIs. Alvarez also has 13 home runs and has driven in 35. Walker is next highest on the team with 30 RBIs.

The Pirates also have a strong bullpen led by former Phillie castaway Jason Grilli, set-up man Chris Resop and closer Joel Hanrahan.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Joe Blanton (6-6, 5.04 ERA) goes against Jeff Karstens (0-1, 4.50 ERA) - Blanton took a no-decision in his alst start in a game that the Phillies won on a walk-off against the Rockies. He allowed five runs in seven innings. In his career against the Pirates (five starts), Blanton is 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA. 

Karstens is making his first start since April 17 after suffering right shoulder inflammation. He came out of the game after one inning in that start. He allowed one run on five hits in six innings to the Phillies on April 7. In his career against the Phillies (six games, four starts), Karstens is 0-0 with a 3.09 ERA.

In the second game, Vance Worley (3-4, 2.78 ERA) faces Erik Bedard (4-7, 4.13 ERA) - Worley pitched well in his last start despite taking the loss. He allowed a two-run home run in his final inning that cost him a win. It was the only two runs he allowed in the Phillies' 4-1 loss. In his career against the Pirates (two starts), Worley is 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA.

Bedard took a no-decision in his last start allowing one run in six innings to the Twins. One of his seven losses was to the Phillies on Opening Day. In his career against the Phillies (four starts), Bedard is 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA.

The Phillies have yet to announce a starter for the third game of the series. The Pirates are starting A.J. Burnett (8-2, 3.24 ERA) - Burnett has pitched well this season, including his last start where he lasted six shutout innings against the Tigers in getting the win. In his career against the Phillies (18 games, 17 starts), Burnett is 5-9 with a 5.13 ERA.

The pitching matchup for the series finale has yet to be announced.

Prediction:
June 25 - Phillies 2, Pirates 5
June 26 - Phillies 5, Pirates 4
June 27 - Phillies 3, Pirates 6
June 28 - Phillies 2, Pirates 7

With not a lot of information available on who will be available to pitch for the Phillies on Wednesday and Thursday, here are just a few assumptions. Wednesday will be a bullpen game. Thursday will likely feature Kyle Kendrick, though the Phillies have not announced anything.

Like every other series, the Phillies have a chance to do big things. But the Phillies haven't been able to really break through on a good streak at all this season. The Pirates have been hot of late. It is a recipe for more bad things to come.

Not even the return of Chase Utley will help. The Phillies problem this series is on the mound. They are not the better team in this series. They can try to prove otherwise by winning some of these games. 

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Different Fish to Fry: Rays come to Philly

The last time the Tampa Bay Rays were in Philadelphia, this was how the final out looked. (Photo courtesy of ProSportsBlogging.com)

We all remember it vividly. The moment when the Phillies were crowned champions. The opponent is never forgotten. That team was the Tampa Bay Rays.

The two have rarely crossed paths since then. Aside from an interleague series in Tampa in 2009, the two have not met. This is the first time the Rays will be in Citizens Bank Park for a game that counts since 2008 - the two teams played in the on-deck series at Citizens Bank Park in 2009.

The Rays are still made up of the same core. But, that core is shorthanded at the moment. Evan Longoria has been on the DL with a hamstring injury. He was expected to be ready close to this weekend, when he left a minor-league rehab game early with discomfort. He will be out for the entire series.

Other names on the DL include Luke Scott, starters Jeff Niemann and Jeremy Hellickson and outfielder Sam Fuld.

But in the lineup will be powerful hitters like Carlos Pena, Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton and Matt Joyce. Joyce leads the team with 11 home runs and has 34 RBIs, one behind Scott for the team lead. Pena has nine home runs and 29 RBIs. 

The Rays are a tough offense because of their balance. With high temperatures in Philadelphia, power could go a long way in winning games. Six regulars to the lineup - including DH Scott - have at least five home runs this season. Nine players on the roster have at least 18 RBIs.

Also, for a Phillies team that isn't too good at finding the comeback trail, leads will be important. The Rays have a strong bullpen, headed by closer Fernando Rodney and his league-leading 20 saves. 

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Cliff Lee (0-3, 3.48 ERA) goes against James Shields (7-4, 3.72 ERA) - Lee remained winless after blowing a pair of leads in a 6-5, 10-inning loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. He allowed five of the runs and took a no-decision. In his career against the Rays (13 starts), Lee is 6-5 with a 2.87 ERA.

Shields took a no-decision in his last start, allowing three unearned runs to the Marlins in 7 2/3 innings. 12 of the 50 runs Shields has allowed this season have been unearned. Shields is in a losing funk of his own, winning just once since May 13. In his career against the Phillies (one start), Shields picked up the win allowing four runs in seven innings.

In the middle game, Kyle Kendrick (2-7, 5.29 ERA) faces Alex Cobb (3-3, 3.82 ERA) - Kendrick lost his last start, allowing six runs (five earned) in 6 1/3 innings. Kendrick has lost his last three games, allowing at least five runs in each. This is Kendrick's first appearance against the Rays.

Cobb pitched seven shutout innings to get the win in his last start. Since starting his season 2-0, Cobb has lost three of four starts, allowing at least four runs in each. This is his first career appearance against the Phillies.

In the finale, Cole Hamels (10-3, 3.25 ERA) gets the start against David Price (9-4, 3.08 ERA) - Hamels picked up the win in an excellent start where he allowed two runs over eight innings to the Rockies. Since falling to 8-3, Hamels has won his last two starts. In his career against the Rays (one start), Hamels allowed six runs (five earned) in just 3 2/3 innings.

Price won his last start, allowing four runs (three earned) over seven innings to Washington. He has allowed more than three runs in only three starts this season. Despite being 3-1 in June, two of his starts have only lasted five innings. In his career against the Phillies (one start), Price allowed 10 runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings. 

Prediction:
June 22 - Phillies 4, Rays 2
June 23 - Phillies 3, Rays 5
June 24 - Phillies 4, Rays 3

The Phillies offense is starting to look up - hold for last night's miserable game - and a team that is built around its lineup, which isn't fully intact, should help the Phillies. 

Sooner or later, Cliff Lee does have to win. I think that an American League team does give Lee a better shot at a win solely for familiarity, but that really holds no major bearing. Either way, one of these times, Lee is really going to stun hitter after hitter and be brilliant. Remember that his last opportunity at a win wasn't all on Lee, as a two-run error by Jimmy Rollins proved to be the difference. Maybe things change this time.

The middle game is really a toss-up on the mound. But in a battle of offenses, I'll take the Rays over the Phillies for two reasons. First, Kendrick does not have a good track record of late. Second, the Phillies don't have a good track record at all against pitchers they haven't seen. I have them scoring three runs in the game against Cobb. If they can score five or six, they will be in good shape. But they need the kind of offense that won the first two games of the Rockies series.

The finale is a marquee pitching matchup between two aces. Cole Hamels has been the Phillies ace this season. An ace does not always constitute a pitcher who performs well more times than not. An ace is a pitcher who wins most of his starts because of his skill but also what he brings to the field. For whatever reason, Hamels is bringing the best out in the Phillies when he's on the mound.

That bodes well for the Phillies against Rays ace David Price. Price is a talented pitcher, a name that you have to throw into the Cy Young discussion every year during spring training because big things are expected.

This is no easy win. But if the Phillies get their usual pitching from Hamels and the offense can give him a lead, they might just be able to take this game. With the way that the offense has been lately, I'll give the nod to the Phillies.

They are a team that shouldn't win two of three. But they are a team that has to win two of three. This is a series they must take, and it means beating some good pitchers to do it.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.

Phillies try to turn things around against Twins

Jim Thome homered as a member of the Twins in the two teams' last meeting in June 2010. (Courtesy of SportsChatPlace.com)

It's not often this season that you can look at the standings and find a team that the Phillies are supposed to beat. But if there ever was a team, it's the Minnesota Twins.

The Phillies have spent the past three weeks facing teams with winning records only to see their margin for error grow and grow to an 8 1/2 game deficit in the division. There is no room for error anymore, and perhaps worse, the Phillies can't just help themselves. They need help from other teams.

But first, they need to help themselves by winning, a task easier said than done for a team that is 2-8 in the month of June.

But the Twins come in with a rough record of their own, just 24-35 and in last place in the AL Central.  Here's the most important difference between the two teams. The Phillies record in June is 2-8. The Twins record in June is 7-3. The Twins are actually one of baseball's hottest teams at the moment.

That may be primarily due to the return of Justin Morneau. Morneau is among the team leaders in home runs and RBIs despite missing part of the year with an injury. He also sports a healthy .346 wOBA (weighted on-base average). 

There aren't many names you'll recognize on this team. Sure, there are two former MVPs in Morneau and Joe Mauer, who is hitting .302 and has 27 RBIs plus .333 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) and .828 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). Another key to Mauer's game is that he doesn't hit many fly balls. Just 19.5 percent of the time he makes contact it is a fly ball. 

Other players making a name for themselves early in their career like Danny Valencia and Alexei Casilla are struggling this year. Valencia was even sent down to Triple-A at one point this season.

But the offensive star has been Josh Willingham. Not only does he lead the team with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, but he has a whopping .417 wOBA. His OPS is .968, also very good.

Here are the pitching matchups for the series.

In the opener, Kyle Kendrick (2-5, 4.44 ERA) goes against Nick Blackburn (2-4, 7.75 ERA) - Kendrick took the loss in his last start Wednesday against the Dodgers, going 5 2/3 innings allowing five runs. It snapped a two-game winning streak for Kendrick. Kendrick has never faced the Twins.

Blackburn won his last game against the Royals allowing two runs over five innings. It matched his lowest runs allowed total this season. He hasn't lost a game since May 6. In one career start against the Phillies, Blackburn allowed eight runs over 1 2/3 innings.

In the middle game, Cole Hamels (8-3, 2.93 ERA) faces P.J. Walters (2-1, 4.42 ERA) - Hamels surrendered a 3-0 lead in his last start to suffer the loss against the Dodgers. Since starting the season 8-1, Hamels has lost each of his last two starts. In one career start against the Twins, Hamels allowed four runs (three earned) over seven innings and took a no-decision.

Walters allowed five runs in five innings to the Cubs in his last start, taking a no-decision. This is Walters first appearance against the Phillies.

In the finale, Joe Blanton (5-6, 5.40 ERA) gets the start against Scott Diamond (5-1, 1.61 ERA) - Blanton managed to help the Phillies snap their six-game losing streak in his last start, winning despite allowing five runs in 6 2/3 innings to the Orioles. Despite having five wins, Blanton has won only one of his last five starts, allowing at least five runs in each. In his career against the Twins (eight starts), Blanton is 4-4 with a 4.45 ERA.

Diamond pitched six shutout innings against the Cubs in his last start to earn his fifth win of the season. Diamond has allowed no earned runs in four of his seven starts. This is his first appearance against the Phillies.

Prediction:
June 12 - Phillies 5, Twins 3
June 13 - Phillies 4, Twins 2
June 14 - Phillies 2, Twins 5

This is a series that is just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Phillies. Don't get me wrong, the Twins can play tough, and none of these games will be easy. But this is a series that the Phillies must have. And if they want to prove that they are still alive in any race this season, they best get on the right track now with a series win.

The Phillies are sending out one of their aces and two pitchers who probably would fit into the Twins rotation higher than their opposition. This series screams for the Phillies to win it.

The key to the whole series is the Phillies ability against unknown pitchers. The Phillies have made their identity slightly known by being a team that needs to get things done early. If the game doesn't appear to be in the Phillies hands by the seventh inning, any of these games is in jeopardy of going the other way.

So for now, the Phillies simply need to win games. They can make a good start of that with a good series against the Twins.

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.