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A brand new edition of Phillies Nation hit TV's throughout the region on Tuesday.  On the latest episode, I joined Pat and Corey on set to discuss several top Phillies prospects, namely Maikel Franco , Aaron Nola , J.P. Crawford and Jesse Biddle . The episode also features segments with former Phillies Curt Simmons , Tommy Greene and Matt Stairs , plus the usual insight and analysis that your expect from the hosts. If you missed it on TV or would like to watch it again, check out this week's Phillies Nation in the media player below.  New episodes premiere each Tuesday at 6PM on The Comcast Network

If you missed it on television, check out the latest edition of Phillies Nation TV.  On this week's edition, Pat and Corey chat about Jimmy Rollins and Jake Diekman , Natalie talks with Matt Stairs , and I visit the set to discuss Kenny Giles , top draft pick Aaron Nola, Roman Quinn as well as J.P. Crawford . Check it out in the media player below. New episodes of Phillies Nation TV can be seen each Tuesday at 6PM EST on The Comcast Network with replays throughout each week on TCN and Comcast Sportsnet.

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 .

Once again, the Dodgers used Jonathan Broxton to try to lock down a game against the Phillies and once again, the Phillies were the ones actually closing things down. After Carlos Ruiz smashed the double that scored Jayson Werth and Ben Francisco to lock down another dramatic comeback win, he seemed to have a more difficult time surviving the celebratory barrage delivered by his teammates than he did catching up with the pitch from Broxton that Ruiz drove high off the left-centerfield wall. Ruiz was chased down by Phils players between first and second base, after the winning run crossed homeplate, to congratulate him. Broxton, who has struggled in the second half, has a 10.13 ERA in 8 outings since the All-star break. Philadelphians have no intentions of hiding their growing love for Broxton, whose reputation as a Phillies punching bag gets larger each time he faces them. The implosion marked the third straight season that the Dodgers experienced a memorable collapse to the Phillies w...

Many of you know that I appear weekly with Mike Krenek and Joe Giglio on The Shore Sports Report to discuss Phillies baseball. Many of you also don't get to listen in live, so, today Shore Sports producer Frank and yours truly bring the segment to you in a manner that can fit your schedule. Split into two parts, here's Wednesday's segment, where we discuss everything from Jayson Werth & Charlie Manuel having some conflict to how cool Matt Stairs still is. Click play on the videos below to listen to Joe, Mike and me discuss those Fightin' Phillies. ______________________________________ Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE . Share on Facebook

Six days after his last outing, Roy Halladay will take the mound again for the Phillies. Last time out, Halladay was perfect against the Marlins. The slumping Phillies needed that sort of effort from their ace pitcher as they won just 2 games on their recent 9 game road trip and haven't scored more than 3 runs in a game since May 21st. The Padres will counter with Mat Latos, to start the series opener. Latos has won 4 straight decisions for San Diego. The Phils will attempt to change their bad offensive luck. The core of the batting order, the 3, 4 & 5 hitters (Utley, Howard & Werth), have been the main culprits, combining for just 5 RBI over the past 11 games. Read ahead for details on the pitching match ups and loads of other key stats from this series. Friday, 7:05pm. Mat Latos (5-3, 3.08 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (7-3, 1.99 ERA). Latos, a right-hander, has a 1.54 ERA over his last 6 starts. In 5 road starts this season, Latos is 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA. Opponents are hitting ....

Both Phillies split squad games were rained out today. It's a nice day off for all players in major and minor league camps to shop, spend time with family, catch up on rest, hit a movie or do whatever else they like. Looking forward, tomorrow's home game against Jim Thome's Twins will be televised in the Philadelphia area on PHL 17 and will be broadcast on the Phils' radio network. Clay Condrey is also now with Minnesota. Speaking of former Phillies, let's take a look around spring training baseball and see how some of our favorite ex-Phils are doing thus far. Minnesota- Nick Punto...4 games, 2-for-9, 3 walks, 1 triple, 2 runs, .222 avg. Jim Thome...3 games, 0-for-6, 2 walks, .000 avg. Clay Condrey...2 games, 2 innings pitched, 1 hit allowed, 0 runs allowed, 0.00 ERA. Cleveland- Carlos Carrasco (traded in July Cliff Lee trade)...has not pitched Lou Marson (traded in July Cliff Lee trade)...3 games, 2-for-6, 3 runs, 1 RBI, .333 avg. Jason Donald (traded in July Cliff...

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...

The story of the night, leading into game 2, was certainly Pedro Martinez facing his long time enemies, the Yankees. Much was made of Martinez's history against New York. Pedro was excited for the big stage, saying this is why he chose to sign with Philadelphia...so he could pitch in the World Series. Martinez was on point in game 2 using a slower, crafty approach to keep the Yankees' lumber in check. Martinez was strong, despite not lighting up any speed guns. His fastballs usually hung around the mid-80's, but who needs velocity, when you've got MARVELocity, like Pedro has? The only damage the Yankees did for the first five innings was a solo homerun by Mark Teixeira in the 4th inning, which tied the game. Phillie Matt Stairs had driven home Raul Ibanez in the 2nd inning to give Philadelphia the lead. With 2 outs in the 6th inning, Pedro allowed the Yankees to take the lead in game 2 when Hideki Matsui hit a homerun to right field. Matsui drove a low pitch out of the...

Wake up, pholks...it's been a full year, and it's time to live another October! The second MLB season begins in Philadelphia when the Rockies visit the Phillies to begin a best of five series, with the earliest game time on Wednesday. Read ahead for pitching match up details as well as other key notes from the series. Wednesday, 2:37pm. Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.47 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39 ERA with the Phillies). Jimenez is 2-2 with a 5.06 ERA in his last 5 starts. Jimenez was 6-9 before the all star break and went 9-3 afterward. Pedro Feliz is 3-for-4 off of Jimenez with a HR and 3 RBI. Six Phillies have multiple hits off of Jimenez, none of which have more than 6 at bats. Lee's focus must be to not allow any long balls. Since joining the Phillies, Lee has allowed homers in 4 games...in those games Lee is 0-4 with a 10.07 ERA. In his 8 homerless starts as a Phillie, Lee is 7-0 with a 1.20 ERA. It's obvious that when Lee is on, it's a lock for the Phils, and whe...

For $500 in the category of Slumping Balding Men, the answer is, "The Phillies reserve hitter who went nearly two months without a hit before he reminded phans exactly why they fell in love with his burly behind last October, by hitting a pinch hit grand slam homerun." Who is Matt Stairs? Correct! ---------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

Folks, it is September. The stretch run to the post season is finally here. The wild card leading (tied with Colorado) San Francisco Giants (72-59) visit Philadelphia for a three games series, taking on the first place Phillies (75-53). The Giants are 28-38 on the road, while the Phillies are 34-30 at home. Read on for a review of the pitching match ups and other key notes. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Jonathan Sanchez (6-10, 4.27 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (7-8, 4.52 ERA). Sanchez is 3-2 with a 3.59 ERA in 8 starts since he threw a no-hitter against San Diego. In 6 career games against the Phillies, Sanchez is 2-1 with a 4.60 ERA. Hamels, in 5 career starts against the Giants, has a 3-1 record with a 5.03 ERA. Last season in 5 September starts, Colbert was 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA in 5 starts. Wednesday, 7:05pm. Possibly Brad Penny? vs. "Jay" Happ (10-3, 2.63 ERA). Penny was signed to a minor league deal by the Giants and should be sliding into their rotation this week, as Tim Lincecum was pushe...

The Phillies (72-50) visit Pittsburgh this week for a 3 game series with the Pirates (51-71). Have a look below for pitching match ups and more key details. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Joe Blanton (8-6, 3.86 ERA) vs. Ross Ohlendorf (11-8, 4.15 ERA). Blanton has a 2.31 ERA and a 6-3 record, dating back to May 26th. Blanton's career ERA in August of 2.77 is by far his best month (his next best month is June- 3.35, 3rd best month is July 4.33). Ohlendorf at home this season is 8-2 with a 3.01 ERA in 13 games. Ohlendorf since the all star break is 4-1 with a 2.72 ERA in 6 starts. Wednesday, 7:05pm. Cole Hamels (7-8, 4.78 ERA) vs. Paul Maholm (7-7, 4.74). In two career starts against Pittsburgh, Colbert is 1-0 with a 6.55 ERA. Hamels in August this season is 0-3 with a 6.75 and .326 batting avg. against in 4 starts. Maholm is 3-1 with a 3.71 in 5 career starts against the Phillies. Jayson Werth is the only active Phillie with a homerun against the lefty Maholm. At home this year, Maholm is 4-2...

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...

The NL East leading Phillies (61-48) head to Chicago to face the Cubs (58-51) in a three game series. The Phillies are 3-8 since completing a stretch when they won 19 of 22 games. The Phillies won 2 of 3 in a series with the Cubs in Philadelphia last month. Below you will find pitching match ups and other notes on this series. Tuesday, 8:05pm. "Jay" Happ (8-2, 2.74 ERA) vs. Rich Harden (7-7, 4.41 ERA). Happ on the road this season is 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 12 games. Happ hasn't faced the Cubs before. Harden's ERA is 1.80 over his last 5 starts. This season at home, Harden is 3-5 with a 6.84 ERA in 10 starts. The usual 8 starting position players for the Phillies (Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Ibanez, Werth, Feliz and Ruiz) are a combined 13-for-76 (.171 avg) with 2 homers and 3 RBI against Harden in their careers. Wednesday, 8:05pm. Pedro Martinez (No ML starts this season) vs. Jeff Samardzija (1-1, 6.29 ERA). Pedro will be making his debut at the Major League ...

That first place team that is struggling through every series lately plays in Toronto this weekend. Here is some information about the series if you can stand to read about them.... Friday 7:07pm. Cole Hamels (4-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. Ricky Romero (4-3, 3.59 ERA). Hamels' start was moved up one day, switched with "Jay" Happ. The move will project Hamels to make one more start prior to the 3 day all star break. It will also split up the rookie lefties Bastardo and Happ in the rotation. Cole has a 2.57 ERA in 4 starts this month. In 5 road starts this season, Hamels is 2-1 with a 4.85 ERA. Romero, the Blue Jays' first round draft pick in the 2005 amateur draft, has a 2.86 ERA in 4 starts this month. These pitchers faced each other in the June 16th game at Citizens Bank Park, but neither pitcher figured in the decision. Saturday, 1:07pm. "Jay" Happ (4-0, 3.47 ERA) vs. Brad Mills (0-0, 9.82 ERA). Happ is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA and a .192 batting avg. against in 8 games...

The Phillies (20-16) begin a 3 game series in Cincinnati tonight against the Reds (20-17). Read on for pitching match ups and plenty of additional notes. Tuesday, 7:10pm. Cole Hamels (1-2, 5.04 ERA) vs. Johnny Cueto (4-1, 1.93 ERA). Cole was moved up a day ahead of Jamie Moyer, which will allow Hamels to face the Yankees this coming Sunday. In his career against the Reds, Cole is 3-0 in 4 games, with a 0.60 ERA and a .139 batting avg. against. Cole's ERA in his last 4 starts is 2.18. Reds players Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and Alex Gonzalez combine for a 0.48 batting avg (1 for 21) against Colbert. Cueto has never faced the Phillies in his short career. At home this season, Cueto is 1-1 in 3 starts, with a 2.70 ERA. Cueto is third in the NL in ERA. Wednesday, 7:10pm. Jamie Moyer (3-3, 8.15 ERA) vs. Micah Owings (3-4, 3.95 ERA). Moyer, in 7 career appearances against the Reds, is 1-3, in 28 innings pitched, with a 5.46 ERA. Owings has a career 2-0 record and 2.57 ERA ...

VS. It's a big day for your boy, Jay Ballz . No work, X-Men Origins: Wolverine premieres, our Phillies face the Metropolitans for the first time this season and tailgating for BOTH doesn't sound all that absurd to me. Anyway, I surveyed some qualified phans and got several opinions on how exactly a fight might go down if the mutant hero Wolverine faced off against Phillies hero Matt Stairs. Well known blogger, Chris, of I've Made a Huge Tiny Mistake , kept it real and said the following- "Wolverine has adamantium ( indestructible metal substance) claws, so that's a great advantage. Stairs' Wonder Bat is neutralized there. See, the problem becomes Wolverine's ability to recover (he has a regenerative power) faster. Stairs is merely human. Sure, he has a goatee, and goatees are great, but they're great for saving sauce, not for defeating mutants. I think Wolverine takes it in a fight to the death in about 15 minutes because Stairs simply doesn'...

You may have heard that our Phils swept the Marlins this weekend. The two wins on Friday and Saturday marked the first time since September 1957 that the Phillies won back-to-back games after entering the 9th inning at a deficit. The third game of the series, a 13-2 win on Sunday, was the first time all season that the Phillies did not trail in a game. The Phillies are 8-1 when Shane Victorino scores at least one run. The Phillies are 8-2 when Chase Utley has an RBI. The Phillies are 8-3 when Ryan Howard has at least one hit. The Phillies are 7-2 when Raul Ibanez scores at least one run. Jimmy Rollins still has not stolen a base this season. There are three games left in the month, and if Rollins fails to steal a base, it would be the first time in his career that Rollins did not steal a base in the opening month of the season. In 2004, Rollins stole just one base in 19 April games, and ended the season with 30 steals. Last season, when Rollins missed much of April with an injury, he s...

Hey, that Matt Stairs guy is so great! Remember the last time he hit a late inning, game winning, pinch hit homerun? That was a 7-5 win, just like this time. Ryan Madson got the win & Brad Lidge got the save, just like this time. It's fun to reminisce. Thanks, Matt Stairs. You are my favorite Canadian. In case you missed it and don't know exactly what I am talking about, our Phillies overcame another early deficit on Sunday, after Chan Ho Park continued the pitching rotation's lackluster ways. Stairs put the Phillies ahead, for good, in the 9th inning with a 2-run homer. ************* The triple A Lehigh Valley IronPigs are off to a 0-4 start. John Mayberry Jr. is just 2-for-15 (.133 avg.) in the opening 4 games. On the other hand, the guy Mayberry Jr. was acquired for, Greg Golson, is 3-for-10 with the Oklahoma City Red Hawks, the triple A affiliate of the Rangers. ************* The double A Reading Phillies have started the season 2-1, but have yet to hit a homer in t...