By Bob ScanlanImage may be NSFW.
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During a long season, there is nothing better for players than to have a day off, especially when it comes after a satisfying series-winning victory like the Padres posted in their 12-3 thumping of the Brewers Wednesday. With the day game win, the fellas got to enjoy the evening and have the entire day yesterday to savor their successful series triumph while basking in the San Diego sunshine. Life’s been good for them for the past 36 hours and now it’s time to get back to work.
The Phillies are rolling into town tonight for a three game set against the Friars, and here’s what you’re going to want to know about this series with the Fightin’ Phils …
PRE-FIGHT HYPE:
- Phillies – In the red corner, they enter the series with a 50-60 overall record, weighing in at 15 games out of first place. They currently rank 14th in the N.L. in runs scored, next to last in batting average, and dead last in MLB in on-base percentage. They have very little power in their punch, ranking second to last in HR, and have the fewest walks of any team in the league. They’re in the bottom half of the pack when it comes to pitching, with both the rotation and bullpen hovering just below the midpoint in ERA. They’re coming off a series win against the Giants, but have played Image may be NSFW.
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below .500 ball since the All-Star break and are in the middle of an organizational rebuild. Ladies and gentleman, wearing pinstripes, from the City of Brotherly Love, home of the Italian Stallion, the former Champions of the World…the Philadelphia Phillieeeees! - Padres – In the blue corner, owning a 47-61 season record, they also measure in at 15 games out of first place. They currently rank 7th in the league in runs scored, although have been in the top three run producers each of the last three months. Their pitching ranks 12th in the N.L. in ERA on the season, but are currently sitting in the third place position for August. As noted above, they are fresh off a series win, and have played just under .500 ball (9-10) for the second half. They’ve made a lot of changes to their offensive and defensive attack throughout the season, so they are not the same opponent in the ring the Phillies faced back in April. Wearing their home threads and representing America’s Finest City, America’s Team of the Military: the San Diego Paaadreeeees!
WHO’S LANDING PUNCHES:
- Phillies – He throws a lot of haymakers and misses with them a lot, but when he does connect it’s Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.lights out. Ryan Howard has been connecting lately with 5 hits in his last 10 at bats, including 2 doubles and a home run, and is batting .345 since the All-Star break. By far, though, their most consistent offensive weapon has been 2B Cesar Hernandez, who’s been reaching base 43% of the time in the second half of the season, and hitting .404 over his last 12 games. On the mound, Jeremy Hellickson will toe the slab in the opener and has been lights out recently, allowing 3 runs or fewer in seven of his last eight outings with the team winning all of those games. Edubray Ramos has been their unsung hero out of the bullpen, appearing in 10 games since the break, allowing only 1 run while posting a 0.87 ERA and 3 holds. - Padres – He had been pinned in the corner taking body blows the past few weeks, but Wil MyersImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. came out swinging, landing some jabs against the Brewers last series with 5 singles. Hopefully some knockout blows are soon to follow. Travis Jankowski has also been winning some rounds lately, hitting .467 over his modest 4-game hitting streak, which has also included 3 walks and 6 runs scored. The most awaited home run of the Padres season finally arrived when Jabari Blash connected for his first MLB round tripper in the series finale with the Brewers. Everyone is hoping that first bomb can ignite the reservoir of power that many believe is awaiting inside to explode. On the hill, Christian Friedrich was finally able to put together a solid outing and hopefully can parlay that into returning to the dependable arm that he was during his first half dozen outings.
WHO’S LYING ON THE CANVAS:
- Phillies – There are several Phils who’ve been taking it on the chin recently, but the guy who’s beenImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. taking the worst beating is Cody Asche. The left fielder has a total of 7 hits over his last 63 at bats (.111). Meanwhile OF Jimmy Paredes is 5 for his last 38 (.132), 3B Maikel Franco is hitting .178 since the break, and SS Freddy Galvis is also under the Mendoza line in the second half at .194. In other words, there are plenty of potential places in the lineup for the Padres pitchers to escape the big inning. On the mound, Game 3 starter Jerad Eickhoff, has lost 4 of his last 5 outings, and logged a 5.08 ERA over that stretch. - Padres – He was just named the Rookie of the Month for his power surge in July, but RyanImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Schimpf has been cooling off recently, with only 5 hits in his last 32 at-bats with 0 HR and 3 RBIs. Jose Rondon is getting his first playing time in the big leagues, and although handling himself quite adroitly in the field, is experiencing an early learning curve at the plate with only 2 hits in his first 17 plate appearances. Then there is Derek Norris…no need to pile on.
THE BALBOA FACTORS:
There are always factors that can affect a fight and a series that are unpredictable.
- The Padres are coming off a day and a half of rest. Not a small issue at this time of the season, especially for bullpen arms that are starting to feel the grind of the season and getting hot a few dozen times without getting into the game. The Padres pen should be fresh.
- The Phillies, on the other hand, are coming straight off a long series with the Giants that included two extra inning contests. That takes a toll on everyone, but especially bullpens. The Phils pen took the brunt of it the past three days, sucking up 16 innings of work after none of the starters got pastImage may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![cosart]()
the 5th inning and having to carry the extra frames mentioned. It could provide an opening for the Padres offense to take advantage. - Jarred Cosart’s blister caused an early departure in his Padres debut. Sometimes blisters can go away quickly, but they often can linger and be problematic for several outings. Hopefully his is under control and doesn’t crop up again at an inopportune time in Game 3.
- Jake Thompson will get the ball in Game 2, and it will be for the first time in his life on an MLB mound. One of the key pieces the Phils received from the Rangers in return for Cole Hamels, the 21-year-old right hander dominated in Triple A this season. Unfamiliarity is on his side, while natural debut nerves and adrenaline could be on the Padres side. It will be fun to see how it plays out.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
