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The Phillies (16-19) will try to get on a roll and win consecutive games for the first time this month as they host the Astros (15-19) for a quick two-game series at Citizens Bank Park. In the series opener, the Phillies will sent righty hurler Joe Blanton , who has not lost at Citizens Bank Park since May 14th, 2011, to the mound.  The Astros will counter with right-hander Lucas Harrell , who has never faced the Phillies before. The Astros were swept by the Phillies in their 3-game series in Philadelphia last year. Read ahead for more details on the pitching match ups for this series as well as plenty more statistical info. Monday, 7:05 PM.  Lucas Harrell (2-2, 4.58 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (3-3, 3.24 ERA). Harrell has posted a 0-2 record with a 6.23 ERA in 4 road starts this season.  Harrell is 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA in his last 4 starts.  In 24 career big league games, opponents have posted a .300 batting average against Harrell.  Blanton is 1-0 with...

With Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence making returning back to where they became households names in the baseball world, the Houston Astros (49-97) will play host to both fan favorites for the first time ever, as they face the Phillies (94-49) for a three-game series. Prior to a trade that sent Oswalt to Philadelphia in July, 2010, he became a two-time 20 game winner and a three-time All-Star. Pence, who joined the Phillies after another trade with Houston in July this season, was a two-time All-Star as a member of the Astros. Houston, having dealt away multiple noteworthy players, for prospects, have the worst record in the Majors by 10 games over the closest cellar dweller. Read ahead for more details on the pitching match ups as well as other key info on this series. Monday, 8:05 PM. Roy Oswalt (7-8, 3.72 ERA) vs. Brett Myers (4-13, 4.66 ERA). In his last 4 starts, Oswalt has a 2-1 record with a 3.33 ERA. Oswalt has served up a .314 batting average against in 11 road starts this seas...

To open the 2011 season, Ed Wade's Houston club that regularly features many ex-Phillies heads to Philadelphia for a three game series. Wade, of course is the current Astros general manager who used to hold that same position in the Phillies' front office. On opening day, the Phillies will be led by Roy Halladay, who got his very first taste of the postseason last year in his initial season with Philadelphia. The Astros will send former Phillies opening day starter Brett Myers to the hill to challenge the defending National League East division champions. In their history, the Phillies are 57-69-2 on opening day. Read ahead for analysis of the pitching match ups and plenty more details from this series. Friday, 1:05pm...Brett Myers (14-8, 3.14 ERA in 2010) vs. Roy Halladay (21-10, 2.44 ERA in 2010). Myers, the Phillies' first round draft pick in 1999, was one of the most consistent starting pitchers in all of MLB last year when he pitched at least 6 innings in his first 3...

Ed Wade's Houston Astros swept the Phillies in Philadelphia this week. The defending National League champions did not look like contenders as they struggled to score runs and let a team that was 15 games under .500 run all over them. Former Phillies Brett Myers, Michael Bourn, "Jay" Happ and Jason Michaels all performed well to help Houston sweep the Phillies. It was the first time since 2002 that the Phillies were swept at home in a 4-game series. In game 1 of the series, Brett Myers earned the win, holding the Phillies to just 2 runs over 7 innings while striking out 9 batters. Mike Bourn had 8 hits in the series. He gets up against his former team and is a career .337 hitter against the Phillies (and just a .260 overall in his career). Bourn and Jason Michaels combined for 5 runs scored in the series, while the entire Phillies team scored just 7 runs. Last season's Sporting News Rookie of the Year, "Jay" Happ, who was recently sent to Houston in a pac...

Former Philadelphia general manager Ed Wade's collection of former Phillies, and their Houston teammates, visit Philadelphia to begin a 4-game series on Monday night. The Astros (54-69) are in 4th place in the NL Central and hope to disrupt the Phillies' (70-53) efforts to win their 4th straight NL East title, by sending Brett Myers to the mound to face his former team for the first time. Myers was a 1st round draft pick of the Phillies in 1999 and played 8 seasons with Philadelphia. The Phillies will counter with right-hander Joe Blanton After a rash of injuries, the Phillies hope to have their 8 positional opening day starters in the lineup for the first time in 3 months. Phillies players Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, Placido Polanco, Chase Utley and most recently Ryan Howard have all missed significant time with injuries this season. The Phillies and Astros split four games played at Citizens Bank Park last season. Continue reading for details on the pitching...

Phans and media alike are fairly excited about the Phillies' Grapefruit League match up on Thursday. The Houston Astros are slated to start Brett Myers, while the Phillies plan to start Kyle Kendrick. That's a comical pitching match up for those who recall the famous prank that Myers once pulled on a young Kendrick during spring training. Roy Halladay is scheduled to pitch on Thursday also, but will compete in a minor league game instead of against Houston. There is simple reasoning behind that. The regular season schedule pits the Astros and Phillies against one another during the first week of the season, so rather than give Houston hitters opportunities to see Halladay and get used to his pitches before it counts, they are keeping Roy under wraps. The decision could also be telling as to where the team is leaning with the 5th starter, or their intentions to use the 5th starter in that first week or not, if the Phils aren't shy about the Astros seeing Kendrick. Carlos Rui...

Phillies baseball returned on Thursday and, for the most part, it was all that Phillies phans wanted. The team's big time lefty hitters sat out, as their opponents, the Yankees, had started a tough lefty pitcher CC Sabathia. Aside from that though, the phans of the good guys in Clearwater, Florida left the park having seen a very positive spring debut by the defending National League champions. Roy Halladay's Phillies pitching debut went great. Roy threw 2 innings, striking out 3 while surrendering no walks, no hits and no runs. Halladay threw 21 strikes out of his 24 pitches, showing that his command is in mid-season form. Kyle Kendrick also turned in a solid outing with 2 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 1. Jose Contreras and Andrew Carpenter also turned in pairs of scoreless innings. Sergio Escalona was not so lucky. The young lefty followed up 8 shut outs innings, by pulling a '09 Lidge move and blowing the save. But, Sergio quickly went from bein...

Brett Myers finalized his 1-year/$5.1 million contract with the Houston Astros on Tuesday. Myers made clear his desire to return to the Phillies, the team that chose him as a first round draft pick in 1999. However, the Phillies did not make any effort to re-sign Myers, thus he had to seek other options. Myers told the media, "I wanted to go back to Philadelphia, but they didn't show an interest, they had other obligations, which is fine with me." He then asserted that he planned to "stick it" to the Phillies whenever he gets an opportunity. This new rivalry could be quite interesting for the upcoming season. I can't remember the last homegrown player who promised revenge on the Phillies for letting him go. Perhaps it has never happened. Usually when opposing players pledge their desire to beat the Phillies they are guys like Scott Olson or Carlos Beltran, who play for a division rival. The Astros visit Philadelphia in August...Monday the 23rd through Thursd...

As Brett Myers departs from the Philadelphia Phillies organization, has another bust of a first round draft pick been secured in team history? Myers was the second highest paid Phillie in 2009. With the Phillies locked into the $12 million range on Myers, there was no chance of him returning. I can easily concede that Myers was successful at times and will forever be cemented in team lore for closing down the 2007 East Division title and for his efforts in the 2008 postseason, but were a few shining moments enough to prove him worthy of a top draft spot? This makes two consecutive offseasons where the Phillies will have cut ties with former first round picks, with last year's casualty being 1998 #1 overall pick Pat Burrell. Letting these players go before they could evolve into the faces of the franchise that Phillies phans hoped they'd both become, in the late 90's, got me wondering if they were busts. That then got me reflecting on all the top draft pick busts I grew up f...

It's been a brief offseason so far. But in the two short days since the Phillies' race to repeat ended, there have been a lot of happenings with the team. It was a sure thing that after the Yankees recorded the final out to win their 27th World Series Championship that the 25 men representing the Phillies at that time would never play together again, but as the days pass, the truth in that statement is increasingly clear. Brett Myers was informed on Friday that he will not return to the Phillies. Myers' was not surprised by the news, and looked forward to returning to Philadelphia as an opponent. Myers filed for free agency after being notified. Myers, a former first round draft pick, should draw plenty of interest around baseball. His future is most likely as a reliever. Also filing for free agency on Friday were Miguel Cairo and Pedro Martinez. The official free agency period begins 15 days after the end of the World Series. Two players had contracts who were finished unl...

Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown reported , following the Phillies World Series game 5 victory, that Phillies pitchers Cole Hamels and Brett Myers had a confrontation in the team's clubhouse that was only verbal and was defused before it escalated further. The exchange stemmed from Hamels' comments to a reporter after his game 3 loss on Saturday. Hamels, in regards to his rough and rugged season said, "I can't wait for it to end." The remark was taken somewhat out of context, as Hamels meant to speak of his struggles, not necessarily about his team's season. The story Brown reports says that Myers asked Hamels, "What are you doing here? I thought you quit." Hamels then responded with a profane remark. Before the encounter became worse, a team official escorted Myers away. Cole's comment to the media apparently has angered some teammates. Myers was warming up in the bullpen during the ninth inning of Monday night's game 5 win, while Ryan Madson ga...

It will be too late for many people's liking, but it's really about time to NEVER USE BRAD LIDGE IN A SAVE SITUATION ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Lidge in 2009 road games- 0-6, 8.10 ERA, 15 saves, 10 blown saves. One of my favorite statistics that I regularly update here on PhoulBallz is the percentage of games that Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in this season, compared to the 18% he allowed in 2008. This year, Lidge has allowed earned runs in 43% of his outings. And, as a reminder, in 2007 Brett Myers allowed earned runs in just 21% of his relief appearances. Considering Lidge's season-long struggles, what is the solution when Brett Myers is ailing with a back muscle/shoulder injury, when Chan Ho Park has an injured hamstring, when Ryan Madson looks just as inept in the 9th inning as Brad Lidge seems and when JC Romero is still unavailable to pitch due to a forearm injury? Well, on Wednesday night, with Hanley Ramirez batting with two outs and the tying run on 3rd base, your an...

Brett Myers warmed up in the Phillies bullpen on Friday night, but was not called upon to pitch in his first game since May 27th. The Phillies chose instead to use Tyler Walker and Jack Taschner. Myers is expected to pitch in a 6th or 7th inning middle relief role, upon his return to game action. Raul Ibanez continues to slump and that made it easier for manager Charlie Manuel to give Ibanez a night off against a tough lefty like Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez. Ben Francisco got the start on Friday in Houston. Francisco got one hit in four at bats and is batting .217 since joining the Phillies. Raul, meanwhile, has become Pat Burrell, performance wise. Burrell made a name for himself, as a Phillie, by being inconsistent, but generally averaging things out with good offensive totals by seasons' end. Over the first two months of the season, Raul had a .332 batting avg. Since then, Raul has a .222 batting avg. In 64 first half games, Ibanez had 22 HR and 60 RBI. In 42 second half game...

I don't recall the last time I wrote something positive about BAD Lidge. What's worse...his performances this season or the fact that Charlie Manuel won't consider removing him from the role of closer? Brad Lidge has blown 9 games this season...8 of those were on the road. Lidge on the road this year- 28 games, 0-4 record, 14 saves, 8 blown saves, 20 earned runs in 23 innings pitched. That comes out to a 7.83 ERA. Lidge's road ERA in 2008 was 0.79 in 34 games. Last week, I compared Brad Lidge to the past 20 World Series winning closers. Click here to check that out. Quick update on that article...Lidge's ERA is currently 3.44 higher than the worst ERA of the past 20 World Series winnings closers (1997, Robb Nen, 3.89). To update a stat that I regularly address, Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in 22 of his 53 games this year. That's earned runs allowed 42% of the time. Last season, Lidge only allowed earned runs in 18% of his outings. Brett Myers should be ba...

Anthony Gose, on left, with teammate TJ Warren, during warm ups Monday Anthony Gose, the minor league baseball steals leader, always wears his ball cap just a bit askew. A guest rehabber took issue with it, during his visit to Lakewood. I asked Anthony about that and some other things following the BlueClaws' double header Monday night. Here's how that went down. Anthony, you were praised by Baseball America last week, with a survey they conducted of South Atlantic League managers, when they named you as best base runner, fastest base runner, best defensive outfielder and most exciting player. How do you feel about those accolades? It feels great, actually. To have all those accolades coming from the managers, I mean, of all the players in the league, for them to recognize me as one of the top players, and to give me that high of recognition, it feels great. Is there anyone on the BlueClaws team that you would describe as underrated? Troy Hanzawa. Most underrated player in the...

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers threw a rehab assignment in Lakewood today with the single A BlueClaws. Brett pitched a scoreless inning, walking one and striking out one, while throwing all his pitches from the stretch. His fastball touched 94 on the generous Lakewood speed gun. Fox 29, Asbury Park Press, Comcast Sports Net, and other outlets were also in attendance. The following is a list of varying topics that Brett spoke on during his time spent speaking with the media. CSN was live on air and ran the first several questions. Brett spoke on his assignment for the day being a one inning outing, but seemingly lobbying after the one inning, to go out for another... Yeah. I wanted to go out for another one just, 'cause it went by too quick for me. Wanted to try to get another inning in there, but, hey- I'll take what I can get. Ya know, I feel good. That's the main key. Brett spoke about the velocity on his pitches... It's coming along. I'm up a couple miles an hour...

There's a whole lot going on in Phillies land today! Pedro Martinez got his first win as a Phillie last night, over the Cubs. Pedro looked solid through his first 4 innings, but gave up 2 earned runs in the 5th inning. Pedro's complete line, after 99 pitches- 5 innings, 7 hits, 3 runs all earned, 1 walk, 5 k's. TheFightins has a review of the Victorino/Cubs fan/beer incident. NQTC offers some thoughts on Wrigley bleacher fans, last night's mishap and if the Cubs had anything to do with it. TricoSuave has a look at Shane's beer shower fun as well. The double A Reading Phillies' locker room reaction to the beer tossed into Shane's face: "Nice timing." Cubs manager Lou Piniella was disappointed that it happened, stating, "It’s not good sportsmanship. … We apologize to Victorino and the Phillies for that." Brett Myers threw two more simulated innings yesterday in Clearwater, FL. Myers is hoping to pitch a rehab assignment soon. Phillies o...

Brad Lidge blew his league leading 7th save of the season, his 6th on the road, Tuesday night in Chicago. Lidge has surrendered earned runs in 20 of his 46 outings this season....that is 43% of his games. In 2008, Lidge was only scored on in 18% of his outings. Lidge's ERA is up to a MLB worst 7.29. Reports out this week state that Brett Myers is still ahead of his initial schedule for a return to the majors, following his simulated game, thrown on Sunday. When Myers was the Phillies' closer in 2007, he was only scored on in 20% of his relief outings. Manager Charlie Manuel continuing to state that 'Lidge is the closer' and refusing to deal with the sheer uncertainty that is Lidge the closer, needs to stop. With Brett Myers en route to a return, perhaps a change can be made, although it may not be soon enough. -------------------------------- BJ Rosenberg locked down his first double A save Tuesday night for Reading in a win against Trenton. Rosenberg, was promoted tw...

The Phillies (22-17) head up to New York to take on the Yankees (24-17) in their new digs this weekend. It should be a fun Memorial Day weekend at the new Yankee Stadium. A record 75 homeruns have been hit at Yankee Stadium in the first 20 games there. The Phils haven't visited the Bronx since 2000. Read on for pitching match ups, game times, and plenty more notes. Friday, 7:05pm. Brett Myers (3-2, 4.50 ERA) vs. AJ Burnett (2-1, 5.02 ERA). Myers has had one career start against the Yankees. He won that game, in June 2006, by throwing 6 2/3 innings, striking out 11 and giving up just 2 earned runs. Myers is 3-0 on the road this season. Burnett has a 5-7 record in 16 career games against the Phils with a 4.57 ERA and 2 complete games. Burnett at home this season has no record in 4 starts, with a 4.15 ERA. Greg Dobbs is 4-for-6 in his career against Burnett with a double and 2 RBI. Matt Stairs is 2-for-8 off Burnett...both hits are homeruns . Saturday, 4:10pm. "Jay" Hap...

Fresh off being swept in two games by the Metropolitans, our Phillies head home to begin a three game weekend series with the Atlanta Braves. The Phillies are 6-8 at home. The Braves are 8-6 on the road. Check out the pitching match ups and notes that follow. Friday, 7:05 pm. Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1, 5.00 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (0-2, 7.27 ERA). Reyes has 5 career appearances against the Phillies and has not done well. His record against the Phils is 0-2 and his ERA is 6.94. Jimmy Rollins is 0-for-13 off Reyes, while Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz combine for a .340 batting avg. (17-for-50). In 11 career starts against the Braves, Hamels is 6-3 with a 3.45 ERA with 73 innings pitched. Brain McCann is a .381 career hitter (8-for-21) off Hamels. McCann has been on the disabled list since April 25th, and is eligible to be activated on Friday. Saturday, 3:40 pm. Javier Vazquez (2-3, 4.19 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (1-2, 6.84 ERA). Vazquez is 10-7 with a 4.55 ERA ...