What happened?

Ricky Nolasco shut down the Phillies offense as the Marlins took the first game of the series.

Who did what?

Joe Blanton (L, 7-6) gave up three runs in 6.2 innings on eight hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Raul Ibanez went 2 for 4 with a run.

Ben Francisco went 1 for 4 with a homer (1) and 2 RBIs.

Ricky Nolasco (W, 8-7) gave up two runs on four hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out seven.

Nick Johnson went 2 for 3 with a homer (7) and an RBI.

Hanley Ramirez went 2 for 5 with a double (31) and a run.

Dan Uggla went 1 for 4 with a double (18) and an RBI.

Cody Ross went 1 for 4 with a homer (19) and an RBI.

What does this mean?

First and third with nobody out, and yet the Phillies were unable to score.

That was the story in the bottom of the second, when a leadoff double from Ryan Howard, followed by an infield error that allowed Raul Ibanez to reach and moved Howard to third base, put men on the corners with no outs and the Phils trailing by three.

A popup, a line-out, a walk, and a ground out followed, resulting in three men left on base and nary a run in sight.

That was how things went for the Phillies in the first game of the series with the second place Florida Marlins. Despite another solid outing from Joe Blanton, who has allowed more than three earned runs just once since May 26th, the offense was held in check by the Marlins.

While this might just qualify as one of those “shrug your shoulders and say oh well” losses, it looms large that the Marlins are only six games out, and the Phillies have a huge opportunity to bury them in the standings. Granted, a three game sweep would far from end their season, but it lessens the pressure on the Phillies the rest of the way.

All things being equal, the Phillies are still pitching well, and the six game lead in the east is quite a cushion. At least for now.

What’s next for our heroes?

In game two of the series, Cole Hamels (7-6, 4.68) takes on Sean West (3-4, 4.91.)

What happened?

Cliff Lee won his Citizens Bank Park debut as the Phillies extended their lead in the National League east to seven games.

Who did what?

Cliff Lee (W, 2-0) gave up one run on six hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out nine.

Jimmy Rollins went 3 for 4 with a double (28), a triple (3) and two runs.

Chase Utley went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Paul Bako went 2 for 3 with a homer (1) and an RBI.

Brad Lidge (S, 21) gave up one hit and struck out two to earn the save.

Aaron Cook (L, 10-4) gave up three runs in five innings. He allowed seven hits and didn’t walk or strike out a batter.

Dexter Fowler went 2 for 4 with a double (24) and a run.

Todd Helton went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

What does this mean?

For the second straight day, a Phillies starter shut down a high powered Rockies offense, as Cliff Lee was solid over seven innings in his debut at Citizens Bank Park.

Despite a rocky first inning, Lee controlled Colorado for seven innings before handing it over to the familiar combo of Ryan Madon and Brad Lige, who coasted through the eighth and ninth innings without incident.

We are just two starts into the Cliff Lee era, and already he’s more than made up for the four prospects that were traded away. He didn’t give the San Francisco Giants much of a chance, and he was perhaps more impressive against Colorado, whose offense is among the best in the National League.

The offense did what it needed to do by giving him just enough run support to earn the win. It wasn’t a rout like last night, but a 3-1 win is in many ways far more important than a 7-0 victory.

The Phillies are now sitting on a seven game lead over the Florida Marlins in the National League east, and with the fish in town for a three game set, this gives the Phils ample opportunity to put the division to rest.

What’s next for our heroes?

The second place Florida Marlins come into town for a three game series. In game one, Joe Blanton (7-5, 4.02) takes on Ricky Nolasco (7-7, 5.00)

What happened?

J.A. Happ tossed his second shutout of the season as the Phillies cruised to a win over the Rockies to move to 60-45 on the season.

Who did what?

J.A. Happ (W, 8-2) allowed four hits and struck out 10 in the complete game shutout. He walked two. At the dish, he went 1 for 3 with a double (1).

Jimmy Rollins went 1 for 5 with a homer (13) and two RBIs.

Shane Victorino went 1 for 4 with a double (28).

Chase Utley went 1 for 3 with a double (21) and a run.

Ryan Howard went 1 for 4 with an RBI.

Raul Ibanez went 1 for 3 with a run.

Jayson Werth went 1 for 4 with a homer (23) and three RBIs.

Pedro Feliz went2 for 4 with a homer (7) and 2 RBIs.

Carlos Ruiz went 2 for 4 with a double (15).

And of course, you know what that means!

EVERYBODY HITS!

To celebrate this momentous occasion, here is a picture of a Phillies fan in a bear suit. Yes, a bear suit.

Jorge De La Rosa (L, 9-8) lasted five innings, giving up seven runs on ten hits. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out three.

What does this mean?

The short version: The Phillies broke out of their offensive slump to rout the red-hot Rockies behind a J.A. Happ’s second shutout of the season.

The long version: Forget everything that happened when the Phillies were batting tonight. Forget the homers, forget the trouncing of Jorge De La Rosa, and forget the slump that they were going to break out of sooner or later.

Forget all of those things, because this is all about J.A. Happ.

What else can you say about him? I’m afraid that “wow” doesn’t suffice anymore, “He’s got guile” won’t cut it, and “He isn’t easily rattled” seems passe. What he did tonight was a feat. It was incredible. Sure, it wasn’t a perfect game, but it might as well have been. This game in August might felt like game seven in the NLCS, because Happ was pitching like the season depended on it.

And in a way, his did.

With Pedro Martinez likely to make his Phillies debut in the next go-round the rotation, it was looking like Younger James was bound for the bullpen, with Jamie Moyer rounding out the back end of the rotation. While Happ has had success in the ‘pen earlier in the season, he made his mark as a starter. He is among the best rookie pitchers in the game, and you can’t have a discussion about the N.L. Rookie of the Year without mentioning his name. When the rest of the rotation was faltering, only he and Joe Blanton were consistent. He became a stopper. A winner.

But all those things couldn’t change the fact that Happ was the freshman trying to earn a spot on the varsity team. No matter how good he does, the seniors are going to have precedence. After all, there is always next year for the kid. And while Pedro Martinez could be a viable option for the bullpen, he came to the Phillies to be a starter. And despite Moyer’s struggles this season, he just isn’t a good fit for the ‘pen. And unless the Phillies go with a six-man rotation, Happ is the odd man out.

But all that changed when J.A. owned the Rockies for nine innings. A Rockies team that has lately been among the best in the majors. A Rockies team that has been hitting the hell out of the ball. A Rockies team that finds itself in the hunt for the playoffs, despite seemingly being out of contention just two months ago.

In other words, J.A. Happ ran into a buzz saw, and he broke all the damn blades.

Were you watching, Charlie?

What’s next for our heroes?

In the series finale, Cliff Lee (8-9, 3.02) makes Citizens Bank Park debut against Aaron Cook (10-3, 3.88).

What happened?

The Phillies lost their third straight game as the offense continues to struggle.

Who did what?

Jamie Moyer (L, 10-8) gave up six runs in six hits in five innings. He walked four and struck out three.

Jimmy Rollins went 2 for 5 with a homer (12) and two RBIs.

Raul Ibanez went 2 for 4 with a double (22).

Carlos Ruiz went 1 for 3 with a double (14) and a run.

Jason Hammel (W, 6-6) gave up three runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings. He struck out six.

Dexter Fowler went 2 for 5 with a double (22) and an RBI.

Ryan Spilborghs went 2 for 4 with two runs and an RBI.

Garrett Atkins went 2 for 3 with a double (10), a homer (2) and four RBIs.

Chris Iannetta went 1 for 3 with two RBIs.

What does this mean?

What do Jamie Moyer’s struggles, the offense’s ineptitude, and the Rockies’ hot streak have in common?

If you answered “They were all on display on Tuesday night,” then you win.

After returning home for a much needed off day, the Phillies were still unable to muster much offense as they dropped three straight for the first time in over a month. Jamie Moyer didn’t go the team any favors, as he was knocked around early and often after what appeared to be a promising start for the veteran pitcher.

The Phils squandered their best chance to score in the third inning, when Ryan Howard struck out with the bases loaded and two outs. It would prove to be their only real scoring threat of the game, as their three runs came on a two-run shot from Rollins and a sacrifice fly from Pedro Feliz.

Despite this loss, the Phillies still maintain their five game lead over the Florida Marlins, who blew a four run lead in the eighth inning in their loss to the Washington Nationals.

What’s next for our heroes?

In game two of the series, J.A. Happ (7-2, 2.97) takes on Jorge De La Rosa (9-7, 4.68).

When we last checked in on our beloved Fightin’ Phils, they were 11 above .500 and three ahead of Florida for the division lead. They were just coming off a disappointing four game split with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and were about to embark on the gauntlet known as interleague play.

How did our heroes do? Read on ATJ…

Read more »

What happened?

Cole Hamels struggled through five innings as the Phillies lost their first series since being swept by the Braves to begin the month of July.

Who did what?

Cole Hamels (L, 7-6) allowed up seven runs (six earned) over five innings. He gave up 10 hits and intentionally walked and struck out two.

Jimmy Rollins went 2 for 4 with a homer (11) and an RBI.

Chase Utley went 1 for 4 with a run.

Eric Bruntlett went 1 for 2 with a double (6) and a run.

Carlos Ruiz went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Barry Zito (W,7-10) gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits in six innings. He struck out five.

Eugenio Velez went 2 for 5 with two RBIs.

Freddy Sanchez went 2 for 4 with a double (29) and two RBIs.

Aaron Rowand went 2 for 4 with a triple (29) and an RBI.

Randy Winn went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

What does this mean?

If the two-nil loss last night against Tim Lincecum last night could be considered a “good loss,” then today’s sloppy, pitching-challenged loss against Barry Zito would be the antithesis: An awful, terrible loss that makes you feel like you just got punched in the stomach.

Things started off well for the Phillies, as they handed a 3-1 to Cole Hamels, who allowed one run over the first four innings and had retired eight in a row coming into the frame. He set down the first two hitters with ease before allowing a two out hit to Barry Zito, which set into motion a series of unfortunate events, leading to the Giants scoring three runs on three hits and an error by Ryan Howard.

If that was the extent of the damage, it would have been a small task for the Phils to rally to retake the lead. However, Hamels was never able to get back on track, and the Giants scored three more in the bottom of the sixth to effectively put the Phillies away for good.

In the grand scheme of things, this series isn’t going to have serious implications for the rest of the season. The Phillies still have a five game lead over the Florida Marlins, and the issue on the 3-4 road trip was hitting, and not pitching. Granted, Hamels laid and egg today and Rodrigo Lopez didn’t do himself any favors in game one against San Fran, but the arms weren’t the cause of the four losses. Had the Phillies brought the bats out for the series finale in Arizona and against Tim Lincecum last night, then this could have easily been a winning road trip.

However, Cole Hamels has got to get on track down the stretch. He’s been superb as of late, but today’s performance was abysmal. In reality, the addition of Cliff Lee does little good if Cole Hamels can’t right himself. I think we are taking for granted how good he was in the postseason last year, and I get the impression that some think it’s a foregone conclusion that Hamels is going to revert back to his 2008 ways once October rolls around.

Hopefully, today’s start was just an abberation. His next start is a crucial one, because the division is far from won. A five game lead is nice when there are seven games left, but there is still a ton of baseball to be played.

For now, the Phillies head back home for their first off-day in what seems like forever before taking on the streaking Colorado Rockies.

What’s next for our heroes?

After an off-day on Monday, the Phillies host the Colorado Rockies, with Jamie Moyer (10-7, 5.32) facing off against Jason Hammel (5-6, 4.66).

What happened?

Tim Lincecum out-dueled Joe Blanton to lead the Giants over the Phillies.

Who did what?

Joe Blanton (L, 7-5) gave up two runs in seven innings in the loss. He allowed seven hits and struck out five.

Tim Lincecum (W, 12-3) pitched eight shutout innings to earn the win. He allowed seven hits and walked one, while striking out eight.

Travis Ishikawa went two for four with a run.

Aaron Rowand went 1 for 2 with a double (26) and a run.

Juan Uribe went 0 for 1 with two RBIs.

Brian Wilson (S, 27) pitched a perfect ninth for the save.

What does this mean?

Despite the lackluster play by the Phillies since the last game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, this is one of those losses that you can file under the “Oh well” column. The Phillies went up against one of the best pitchers in the National League, and Joe Blanton had the unenviable task of having to face the reigning Cy Young winner.

The Phillies are 1-3 in their last four games, and they’ve been shut put twice in that span. Is this something to be concerned with? Honestly, I don’t think so. The pitching, with the exception of Rodrigo Lopez’s start in game one of this series, has been solid. The offense is going to hit a rough patch every now and again, and having to face Tim Lincecum isn’t going to make things any easier.

Heading into the final game of the series, the Phils are still in control of the National League east with a six game lead over the National League east.

What’s next for our heroes?

In the series finale, Cole Hamels (7-5, 4.42) opposes Barry Zito (6-10, 4.54).

What happened?

Cliff Lee went the distance to lead the Phillies to the W in his first start with the club.

Who did what?

Cliff Lee (W, 1-0) tossed a complete game of four hit, one run ball. He walked two and struck out six. At the dish, he went 2 for 4 with a double (1) and a run.

Jimmy Rollins went 1 for 4 with a run.

Ben Francisco went 1 for 4 with a double (2) and an RBI.

Chase Utley went 1 for 3 with a run.

Jayson Werth went 2 for 5 with a homer (22) and three RBIs.

Ryan Sadowski (L, 2-4) gave up one run in four innings in the loss. He allowed three hits and three walks, while striking out three.

Aaron Rowand went 1 for 3 with a double (25) and a run.

What does this mean?

Just one day after being acquired from the Cleveland Indians, Cliff Lee took the mound in the bottom of the first and didn’t relinquish that spot until Benji Molina grounded into a double play to end the game to lead the Phillies to a win over the San Francisco Giants.

In fitting fashion, the Cliff Lee era has begun.

He struck out the first batter of the game on three pitches, and he didn’t slow down from there. His control was great, as if he seemingly controlled the flight of the ball after it left his hand. And despite starting the bottom of the seventh off with seven balls out of the strike zone, he threw 76 of his 109 pitches for strikes.

While the offense appeared to break out of its mini-funk that led to their first two-game losing streak since the beginning of July, including a big night from Jayson Werth and a surprisingly good plate approach from Lee, the big story of the night is our new southpaw.

Welcome to Philadelphia, Cliff.

What’s next for our heroes?

In game three against the Giants, Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11) takes on Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30).

What happened?

Rodrigo Lopez lost his first game of the season as the Phillies dropped two in a row for the first time since the beginning of July.

Who did what?

Rodrigo Lopez (L, 3-1) gave up seven runs (three earned) in four innings of work. He allowed eight hits and walked and struck out two.

Jimmy Rollins went 1 for 4 with a double (27).

Chase Utley went 1 for 3 with a homer (23) and an RBI.

Ryan Howard went 1 for 4 with a double (23) and an RBI.

Jonathan Sanchez (W, 4-9) gave up two runs in 5.2 innings. He allowed three hits and three walks, while striking out seven.

Eugenio Velez went 3 for 5 with a double (3) and three RBIs.

Pablo Sandoval went 2 for 4 with a double (3), a homer (16) and 4 RBIs.

What does this mean?

You know the last time the Phillies lost two in a row? It was on July 2nd, when they lost the third game in a sweep against the Atlanta Braves. Since then, they’ve gone 19-5 and cemented themselves as the best team in the National League.

(My apologies for the brief recap. The late games plus early work make for a very, very tired and irascible Dash Treyhorn.)

What’s next for our heroes?

In game two, Cliff Lee (7-9, 3.14) makes his Phillies debut again Ryan Sadowski (2-3, 4.81).

While J.P. Ricciardi was trying to trade Roy Halladay’s salary for Hanley Ramirez, Joba Chamberlain and Clay Buchholz in what can only be described as an elaborate game of poker where the goal is to make yourself look like a dumbass who has no idea what he is doing, our intrepid G.M., the now-great Ruben Amaro, Jr. was busy putting the final touches on a deal which has implications that affect the National League, and in a grander scheme, all of baseball.

When news broke this morning that Carlos Carrasco and Michael Taylor were pulled from the starting lineup for the 11AM (ain’t the minors great?) game against the Columbus Clippers, the Twitter machine exploded into a veritable breeding ground of rumor and speculation. Every third tweet was about Roy Halladay. Was it true? Did the Blue Jays relent and accept Carrasco instead of Happ? Within minutes, it became clear that Michael Taylor, one of Amaro’s Potential Untouchables, was in the lineup. However, Lou Marson and Jason Donald were absent from the starting nine. They were both coming off of injuries and Marson caught in last night’s game, but it added fuel to the fire nonetheless. It was too late to stop what had already been set in motion, and before too long, everyone knew what was happening: Cliff Lee, not Roy Halladay, was coming to Philadelphia.

And so it goes, Clifton Phifer Lee is now a member of the Phillies, and all for the low, low price of four prospects that will likely not be missed. It goes without saying that Amaro made like George Clooney and pulled off the biggest heist of 2009. While some are inexplicably calling this a coup for both sides, the Indians clearly got the short end of the stick. They got a handful of mid-level prospects and one with a cathedral like ceiling of talent that will likely take a few years to ferment. The Phils, on the other hand, added the reigning Cy Young winner and a right handed bat (a very underrated Ben Francisco) without giving up any players that could have an significant impact by the end of 2010. (Sorry, Lou Marson fans.)

But while Cliff Lee’s left arm and Francisco’s bat from the right make this team better in more ways than one, the deal changes the outlook of the entire league. The balance of power, which had been leaning slightly towards the west coast, has shifted east. The Phillies offense, which had been carrying them for most of the season, has given way to a pitching staff that has dominated in the month of July. The staff is second in ERA (3.26) and BAA (.236). Their 57 walks and 1.14 WHIP are tops. This is all with a rotation that was downright awful for most of the first part of the season. And with the acquisition of Cliff Lee, they go from recently very good to short-series very great.

But what makes Cliff Lee such a great acquisition? Find out, ATJ…

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