Joe Blanton went a solid 6 innings on Monday during the Business Person Special at CBP. Blanton started off the game as shaky as he has been in his last few times on the hill, surrendering two runs in the top of the 1st inning. But he settled down nicely, working his way out of a jam in the 3rd keeping the Rockies to just the two runs. The Phillies responded to the Rockies early surge when Brian Schneider tripled to deep left center in the bottom of the 2nd inning, scoring Ross Gload and Greg Dobbs. Jimmy Rollins then grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Schneider, which put the Phillies on top 3-2. Insurance runs were added in the 6th with RBI’s by Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez.
Chad Durbin and J.C. Romero did their job by holding the lead for the 7th and 8th innings, allowing only one hit and one walk combined. But then the dramatics started when Brad Lidge came into the game. After allowing a double to Miguel Olivo to start off the inning, Lidge retired the next two batters. Seth Smith then came to the plate, down in the count 0-1, Lidge left a hanger that Smith pummeled over the right field fence. The next batter, Jonathan Herrera drew a walk and Carlos Gonzalez singled to right. Lidge, obviously shaken threw a wild pitch that advanced both runners into scoring position. Jason Giambi was intentionally walked to load the bases for Ryan Spilborghs. Spilborghs who went 2-4 yesterday, with 2 RBI’s, ensued to ground out to Lidge to end the game.
Just your average Brad Lidge pitching extravaganza.
With the trade deadline now only 5 days away, the rumor mill is churning once again. Jayson Werth was absent from the starting lineup today. Some feared that Werth was packing his things getting ready for a move. But when Werth stepped into the on deck circle in the bottom of the 6th inning, you could hear a certain sigh of relief from the crowd, and those watching and listening at home. With Dan Haren now off their shopping list, Roy Oswalt is now back in the spotlight. But will the Haren deal drive down the Houston Astro’s asking price, or drive it even further up?
There were reports late last week that Oswalt did not want to be traded for the Phillies and would not restructure his 2012 year in which he is owed $16 million. But he was willing to restructure the deal if he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Figure that one out. The Phillies have been to the World Series the past two years, and are always a contender but Roy wasn’t looking to give them any breaks.
I have stated from the beginning that trading Werth for Oswalt would be a mistake of epic proportions. And I still stand by that. Todd Zolecki has reported that there is a possibility the Phillies could trade for Oswalt and still keep Werth. They would have to trade basically everything they have in the farm system, which isn’t that much, besides Dominic Brown, and their A system which is reported to be the best in A. If, and that is a big IF, they were able to some how bring in Oswalt while keeping their Major League team in tact, I would not be opposed to that scenario; though that circumstance seems to be quite far-fetched.
The Phillies will look to deal for another starter if the Oswalt deal does not happen, and possibly look to bolster their bullpen. Adding to the bullpen should be at the top of the Phillies list right now, after another heart attack inducing inning by the one and only Brad Lidge. A right-handed bat off the bench would be a nice addition as well, but don’t look for a star studded name if that happens. Read the rest of this entry >>