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On this week's edition of Phillies Nation Ian Riccaboni joined hosts Rachel Micali and Corey Seidman to talk about the Phillies dealing ace hurler Cole Hamels and All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon . Minor league insider Jay Floyd also joins the panel to talk about the organization's rising prospects like Aaron Altherr , Andrew Knapp and Roman Quinn as well as members of this year's draft class such as Cornelius Randolph and Kyle Martin . Also, Timothy Parker joins the show with a profile piece on the local youth baseball RBI program. Check out this week's episode in the media player below. Look for new episodes each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network with replays throughout the week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet.

The Phillies got into the action approaching the non-waiver trading deadline on Tuesday, dealing closer Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations to the Washington Nationals for righty pitching prospect Nick Pivetta. Pivetta was the Nats' 4th round draft selection in 2013 out of New Mexico Junior College. The British Columbia native stands 6'5" and is listed at 220 pounds.  He is described as an innings eater and has clean arm action. This season, the 22-year-old tallied a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA and a 6.9 K/9 mark in 18 games (17 starts) at Class A Advanced and Double-A. The youngster's repertoire features a sinking fastball that ranges from 92 to 95 MPH, a decent curve ball and a developing change up that he's building consistency with.  The Phillies often make adjustments to their pitchers' grips and deliveries, so expect the organization's coaches to take on Pivetta's offerings and mechanics as a new challenge.  Papelbon, who posted a ...

On this week's edition of Phillies Nation, Corey and Rachel are joined by Phillies beat writer Kevin Cooney. The trio chats about the Phils' extremely poor record though the opening half of the season, Maikel Franco being the team's bright spot and possible upcoming trades. PN's minor league insider Jay Floyd caught up with Reading hurler Mark Leiter Jr. and also joins the panel to discuss some rising prospects such as Aaron Nola , J.P. Crawford , Andrew Knapp and Rhys Hoskins . The episode, featured in the media player below, also includes a segment with hitting instructor Kevin Wilson, fantasy baseball tips and more. New episodes of Phillies Nation premiere each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network and replay throughout each week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet.

On the latest edition of Phillies Nation, Pat and Corey discuss the latest on Aaron Nola , Maikel Franco as well as Jonathan Papelbon and chat about the Phils' early round draft picks. Also on the program, Ryann talks with Phillies reliever Kenny Giles , Jay catches up with outfield prospect Carlos Tocci and Natalie enjoys some unique tailgating food at Palladino's in Philadelphia. Check out this week's episode in the media player below and look for new episodes premiering each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast SportsNet.

Despite being known across baseball as "the lowly Phillies", the team heads across state to take on the Pirates in an effort to change their recent poor luck with tacking on digits in the win column. With a record of 22-39 and losers of 13 of their last 16 games, the Phillies have a major league worst .361 winning percentage. Their seven road wins are fewest of any big league team by a considerable margin as well. Meanwhile, the Pirates (32-27) , who have been to the National League wild card play-in game in each of the past two seasons, are trying to make their way in a tough NL Central. In game 1 of the three-game set, the Phils will send former Pirate Kevin Correia to the mound to make his debut with his new club. Correia last pitched in the majors with the Dodgers last August. He'll be opposed by Pirates lefty Jeff Locke , who is a terrific performer against the Phils in his career. The two clubs split their four-games series in Philadelphia last month. F...

The PhoulBallz Podcast is back with episode 71. On the latest edition of the show, Tug and Jay are joined by Phillies rookie hurler Mario Hollands , who discusses his first season in the big leagues, his days in the minors, Jonathan Papelbon as a leader and plenty more. The guys also discuss the rookie campaigns of David Buchanan and Kenny Giles as well as Cole Hamels ' remarkable year. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

We're back with episode 40 of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast.  On this week's edition, Jay and Tug are joined by Phillies righty pitching prospect Shane Watson who discusses his recovery from a shoulder issue and playing with diabetes.  Topics also include Cameron Rupp , Freddy Galvis , Jonathan Papelbon and the entire Phils organization failing to place a single team in the postseason. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

We're back with a brand new edition, episode 31, of the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast.  This week Jay and Tug talk with reigning Phillies minor league pitcher of the week Mario Hollands , who is having an excellent season with Class A Advanced Clearwater.  The guys also chat about the Phils' All-Star Futures Game representatives Jesse Biddle and Maikel Franco , J.C. Ramirez 's big league debut, Jonathan Papelbon 's recent struggles and the future of the Phillies' managerial position. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

On the 30th edition of the PhoulBallz Podcast, Jay and Tug discuss the South Atlantic League All-Star events out in Lakewood, Jonathan Papelbon 's recent missteps, Severino Gonzalez 's tremendous efforts with Class A Advanced Clearwater and plenty more.  Plus the guys have a couple exclusive interviews with Mitch Williams and Mickey Morandini from Lakewood. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

On the 28th edition of the program, Jay and Tug are joined by Phillies relief pitcher Justin De Fratus who talks about seeking guidance from Phils closer Jonathan Papelbon , having a place in team history, his weight lifting prowess and much more. The guys also discuss Domonic Brown 's hot month, Michael Martinez 's lack of big league impact, Cesar Hernandez 's call up and plenty more from the bottom to the top of the Phillies organization. Use the media player below to stream the full episode, or simply download it by clicking HERE . You can also check out previous episodes and subscribe on iTunes .

The Phillies (16-19) continue their roadtrip as they head to Phoenix's Chase Field to take on the Diamondbacks (19-15) in a four-game series.  Winners of three straight, the Diamondbacks will send 23-year-old left-hander Patrick Corbin to the mound for the series opener.  Arizona has won all six of Corbin's starts this season.  The Phillies will counter with three-time All-Star Cole Hamels, who has a 3.38 ERA in five career starts at Chase Field.  Last season, the Phils won four of six meetings with Arizona, including two of three in Phoenix.  Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and plenty more stats from this series. Thursday, 9:40 PM.  Cole Hamels (1-4, 4.34 ERA) vs. Patrick Corbin (4-0, 1.80 ERA).  Hamels is sporting a 2.31 ERA over his last five starts.  In seven career starts against Arizona, Hamels is 4-1 with a 3.47 ERA.  The lefty Hamels is 1-1 with a 3.71 ERA three road starts this season.  In h...

Interleague play is back, as the Phillies (12-14) head to Cleveland to take on the Indians (10-13) in a two-game series at Progressive Field. In the series opener, the Phils will send veteran righty Roy Halladay to the mound. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has a 2-0 record with a 1.71 ERA in his last three starts after beginning the season 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA in his first two starts of 2013. The Indians will counter with 25-year-old Zach McAllister, who has never faced the Phils in his career. The last time these two teams faced one another was in June of 2010, when the Phillies swept the three-game set. Read ahead for full details on the pitching match ups and other key notes from this series. Tuesday, 7:10 PM.  Roy Halladay (2-2, 5.08 ERA) vs. Zach McAllister (1-3, 3.52 ERA).   In 13 career outings against the Indians, Halladay has a 6-2 record with a 3.52 ERA and two complete games.  Halladay is 2-1 with a 3.45 ERA in five career starts at Progressiv...

A pair of division rivals face off this weekend as the Phillies (62-69) travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves (74-57) in a 3-game series beginning Friday night at Turner Field. In the opener, the Phils will send ace right-hander Roy Halladay, who is 0-1 with an 8.74 ERA in 2 starts against the Braves this year, to the mound. Atlanta will counter with 2009 1st round draft selection Mike Minor, who has won just once in his past 5 home starts. Read ahead for more details on the pitching match ups and loads of key statistics from this series. Friday, 7:35 PM. Roy Halladay (8-7, 3.88 ERA) vs. Mike Minor (7-10, 4.71 ERA). Halladay has posted a 4-1 record with a 2.75 ERA over his last 5 starts. On the road this season, Halladay is 3-4 with a 4.31 ERA in 9 starts. In 5 career starts at Turner Field, Halladay is 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA and a .259 batting average against. Chipper Jones is 10-for-19 (.526 avg) with 3 doubles and 3 HR in his career against Halladay. Minor, a lefty, has a 1-2 record...

The Phillies (52-62) have hit the road to begin a three-game series in Miami against the Marlins (52-63) on Monday night, as the two clubs, separated by a 1/2 game, battle to stay out of last place in the National League East division. Overall, the Phillies have lost their last five contests against the Marlins, who, much like the Phillies, are playing well below the high expectations of media and fans alike this season. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and other statistical info on this series. Monday, 7:10 PM. Cole Hamels (12-6, 3.08 ERA) vs. Nathan Eovaldi (3-7, 4.33 ERA). In 11 road starts this season, Hamels has posted a 6-3 record with a 3.43 ERA. In 22 career starts against the Marlins, Hamels is 6-10 with a 3.68 ERA. The righty Eovaldi is 1-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 5 home starts this season. In 5 starts since the All-Star break, Eovaldi has a 2-2 record with a 4.57 ERA. Tuesday, 7:10 PM. Kyle Kendrick (4-9, 4.86 ERA) vs. Josh Johnson (7-8, 3.88 ERA). In 14 gam...

The Phillies (42--54) continue their homestand on Monday when they host the Milwaukee Brewers (44-50) for a three-game series. Of late, the Phillies have struggled at home, as they have not won back-to-back games at Citizens Bank Park since June 26th. Additionally, the Phillies are a league worst 18-29 at home this year. In 7 meetings with the Brewers last year, the Phils were victorious on 4 occasions, but dropped 2 of 3 in Philadelphia. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and loads more statistical info on this series. Monday, 7:05 PM. Randy Wolf (3-6, 5.60 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (4-5, 3.96 ERA). Wolf has a 1-2 record with a 6.86 ERA in 8 road outings this season. In 29 career starts at Citizens Bank Park, Wolf has an 11-7 record with a 4.09 ERA. Wolf's win in his last outing, when he allowed 2 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings against St. Louis, was his only victory since April. In 4 career starts against the Brewers, Halladay is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA. Halladay i...

The National League West division leading Giants (51-41) head to Philadelphia this weekend to take on the Phillies (41-52) in a 3-game series. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and other statistical info on this series. Friday, 7:05 PM. Tim Lincecum (3-10, 5.93 ERA) vs. Vance Worley (5-5, 3.47 ERA). In 10 road starts this season, Lincecum has a 1-6 record with a 9.00 ERA. Hunter Pence is 5-for-29 (.172 avg) in his career against Lincecum. In 2 career regular season starts against the Giants, Worley has a 2-0 record and a 2.25 ERA. Worley has a 2-2 record with 4.07 ERA in 7 home starts this season. Saturday, 4:05 PM. Matt Cain (10-3, 2.56 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (11-4, 3.07 ERA). In 8 career regular season starts, Cain has posted a 1-4 record with a 3.42 ERA. Cain has a 1-1 record with a 3.37 ERA in his last 4 starts. Hamels has a 5-3 record with a 2.76 ERA and a .228 BAA in 9 home starts this season. In his last 4 starts, Hamels is 1-1 with a 2.48 ERA. ...

The Phillies (36-45) travel to New York to take on the Metropolitans (43-37) in a three-game series beginning Tuesday night. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and other statistical notes. Tuesday, 7:10 PM. Vance Worley (4-4, 2.92 ERA) vs. Jonathan Niese (6-3, 3.55 ERA). In 7 career outings against the Mets, Worley has a 3-2 record with a 3.60 ERA. Worley has a 1.89 ERA in 6 road starts this season. Lucas Duda is 3-for-7 (.429 avg) with a double and a home run against Worley in his career. The left-handed Niese is 3-1 with a 3.74 ERA in 7 home starts this season. In 11 career starts against the Phils, Niese has a 4-4 record with a 3.86 ERA. John Mayberry Jr. is 7-for-22 (.318 avg) with a double and 3 HR in his career against Niese. Wednesday, 1:10 PM. Kyle Kendrick (2-8, 5.35 ERA) vs. Chris Young (2-1, 3.30 ERA). Kendrick is 4-7 with a 3.68 ERA in 17 career games against the Mets. In 6 June starts, Kendrick posted a 1-4 record with a 6.96 ERA. Young...

MLB announced its 2012 Major League All-Star rosters on Sunday. Starting pitcher Cole Hamels , catcher Carlos Ruiz and closer Jonathan Papelbon will all represent the Phillies in the annual exhibition. The left-handed Hamels has a 10-4 record with a 3.08 ERA through 16 starts this season. This is Hamels' third All-Star selection. The 28-year-old has averaged 9 strike outs per 8 innings in 2012. Ruiz, named as an All-Star for the first time, led the majors in hitting heading into game action on Sunday with a .358 mark. Additionally, the 33-year-old Panama native has slugged 11 homers with 43 RBI. Ruiz will back up starting catcher Buster Posey , who was voted as the NL starter by the fans. Papelbon, a right-hander, becomes an All-Star Game for the fifth time, his first in the National League. The 31-year-old has a 2-2 record with 18 saves and a 3.03 ERA. Papelbon has not allowed a run this season in 14 games away from Citizens Bank Park. The 2012 All-Star game will take ...

This off-season the Phillies improved their offense quite a bit by adding multiple free agent reserve types. One of those acquisitions, Jim Thome , is a familiar face that made the man who is in charge of the team each game day extremely pleased. Phils' manager Charlie Manuel knows what Jim Thome can do and looks forward to the type of contributions Thome will make on and off the field. Manuel coached and managed Thome during the 1990's and early-2000's in Cleveland, and then managed Thome again in Philadelphia in 2005. Thome, who ranks 8th among MLB sluggers all-time in homeruns with 604, solidifies a Phillies bench that lacked power last year, especially from the left side. Manuel, the most winning manager in team history, knew from Thome's days as an emerging power hitter, that the now 41-year-old would become an elite slugger in the sport. "I've been around Jimmy about the first fifteen years of his career. I'll tell you something, when I look at hi...

Another week, another free agent Friday. The Phillies have signed former Boston hurler Jonathan Papelbon to a deal to become their new premiere relief pitcher. The deal is done, pending a physical examination and is reportedly worth $50 million over four years. The contract also has a vesting option to increase the length to five years and the value above $60 million. It would be the largest free-agent contract for a reliever in MLB history. Papelbon, who will turn 31-years-old later this month, has had a more than a solid career to date with the Red Sox. The 4th round pick from the 2003 amateur draft has a career regular season record of 23-19 with a .233 ERA, 219 saves and a .204 batting average against in his 7 year career. In 18 career postseason contests, Papelbon sports an exceptional 1.00 ERA with a 2-1 record and 7 saves. What's even more impressive is that the Mississippi State product has held the opposition scoreless in all but one of those outings. Comparatively, ...