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Several reports popped up Wednesday evening stating that the Phillies have elevated their pursuit of Placido Polanco, to fill their void at third base. In the past three seasons with Detroit combined, Polanco has been a .310 hitter. His season average over those three seasons was 9 homers, 65.7 RBI and 92.3 runs scored. By comparison, departed Phils third baseman Pedro Feliz has hit .256 over the past three seasons and has averaged 15.33 homers, 70.7 RBI and 55.3 runs. Feliz is roughly 6 months older than Polanco, but both are age 34. Other teams are interested in Polanco also. Teams interested in Polly include former Phillies GM Ed Wade's Houston Astros. The Astros, also rumored to be in the mix for free agent Brett Myers, may continue to lengthen their list of ex-Phillies (Mike Bourn, Chris Coste, Jason Michaels, Geoff Geary & Yorman Bazardo). Other options for the vacant third base spot are still the same list of usual suspects...Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa and Miguel Tejada....

The Phillies have reportedly put free agent Mark DeRosa atop their wish list to fill the team's void at third base. Reports state DeRosa could sign with Philadelphia by the end of the week. The 9 year Major League veteran, grew up in New Jersey and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He was originally a 7th round draft selection of the Braves in 1996. DeRosa, a right handed batter, is a career .275 hitter with a .767 OPS. A versatile fielder, he has played 6 different positions in the majors, including all four infield spots. In 311 career games at the hot corner, DeRosa has a .955 fielding percentage. Comparatively, the Phillies' previous third baseman Pedro Feliz had a .254 career batting average and a .715 OPS. He also had a .964 fielding percentage in 899 career games at third base. Great defense aside, Feliz's offensive production has been on a steady decline. Feliz's OPS has dropped in each of his past six seasons. Phillies management obviously...

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...

Just like last year, the World Series arrives in Philadelphia tied 1-1. Wet weather threatens the start time of game 3. Rain is expected from 4pm Saturday throughout the evening. Game 3 was delayed by weather last year also. Read ahead for reviews of the upcoing pitching match ups and other key details... Saturday, 7:57pm. Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16 ERA in regular season) vs. Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA in regular season). Pettitte has 16 career postseason wins. Pettitte is 4-2 with a 3.89 ERA over his last 8 starts. In 7 career games against the Phillies, Pettitte is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA. On the road this year, Pettitte was 8-4 with a 3.71 ERA and a .230 batting avg. against. Jayson Werth, Matt Stairs, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are a combined 3-for-38 (.079 avg.) against Pettitte in their careers, with just 2 RBI. Colbert is 3-3 with a 5.09 ERA over his last 8 starts. Hamels at home this season was 7-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 17 starts. Derek Jeter, Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon are a c...

Finally, the World Series has come back to New York City! The Phillies are in New York to defend their World Championship against a new challenger, the Yankees. Read on for pitching match ups and other key notes from this series. Wednesday, 7:57pm. Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39 in the National League this regular season) vs. CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37 ERA in regular season). Lee is 2-0 with a 0.74 ERA in 3 starts this post season. In 2 starts against the Yankees this year, Lee is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings pitched. Lee is 3-2 with a 4.94 ERA in 5 career starts in New York. Derek Jeter is 11-for-27 (.407 avg) with 3 doubles against Lee in his career. Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 3 post season starts this year. Last year, in the division series, Sabathia lasted just 3 2/3 innings, giving up 5 earned runs to the Phillies while with the Brewers, including a grand slam to Shane Victorino. In Yankee Stadium this year, including the post season, Sabathia is 9-2 with a 2.93 ERA. Thursday, 7:...

The Phillies (87-61) are in Florida for a three game series with the second place (tied, 80-70) Marlins. The Phillies' magic number stands at 6 with 6 games against the Marlins remaining among their 14 games left in the season. Read on for details on pitching match ups as well as other key notes on this series. Tuesday, 4:10pm. Joe Blanton (10-7, 3.97 ERA) vs. Josh Johnson (15-4, 3.01 ERA). Blanton in his career against Florida is 3-1 with a 3.42 ERA in 4 starts. Nick Johnson is 7-for-13 (.538 avg) against Blanton with 1 HR and 3 RBI and 3 walks. Josh Johnson is 4-1 in his career against Philadelphia with a 3.38 ERA in 9 games. At home this season, Josh Johnson is 7-2 with a 2.45 ERA in 15 starts. In 14 starts against NL East opponents this season, Josh Johnson is 7-1 with a 3.11 ERA and 80 K's in 86 2/3 innings pitched. Tuesday, after first game. Jamie Moyer (12-9, 5.05 ERA) vs. Anibal Sanchez (2-7, 4.50 ERA). Moyer is 13-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 16 games against the Marlins in ...

The Phillies (77-58) continue their road trip tonight when they visit the Nationals (47-90) to begin a 3 game series. These two teams have not met since May 31st. The Phillies currently have their longest road losing streak of the season intact...5 games. The Phillies are 5-1 this season at Nationals Park. Read on for details on pitching match ups and other notes from this series. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Pedro Martinez (3-0, 3.52 ERA) vs. John Lannan (8-10, 4.09 ERA). Cristian Guzman is a career .375 hitter (9-for-24) off of Pedro. Martinez has a 2-0 record with a 5.73 ERA in 2 road starts for the Phillies. Lannan is 0-5 with a 5.89 ERA in 7 career starts against the Phillies. At home this season, Lannan is 5-1 with a 2.62 ERA in 14 starts. Pedro Feliz is 7-for-14 with a homerun and 5 RBI against Lannan. John Lannan is the pitcher who broke Chase Utley's hand with a pitch in 2007. Wednesday, 7:05pm. Cliff Lee (5-2, 2.81 ERA) vs. Garrett Mock (3-7, 5.63 ERA). Lee's ERA in his last 2 ...

The Phillies (77-54) visit Ed Wade and the Houston Astros (63-70) this weekend for a four game series. This will mark the first time these two teams have faced each other this season. Read below for pitching match ups and important notes from this series. Friday, 8:05pm. Cliff Lee (5-1, 1.80 ERA - NL) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (12-9, 2.93 ERA). Cliff Lee is 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA on the road this season. Batters are hitting .211 off of Lee since he joined the Phillies. Lee's last start, a loss to the Braves, was only the second time all season that Lee has surrendered more than one homerun in a game. Wandy Rodriguez is 3-8 with a 4.63 ERA in 18 career games in September. At home this season, Wandy is 7-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 12 starts. Wandy has given up 6 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings against the Phillies in his career. Jimmy Rollins is 3-for-5 against Rodriguez with a homerun. Saturday, 7:05pm. Joe Blanton (9-6, 3.77 ERA) vs. Roy Oswalt (8-5, 3.80 ERA). In his last 12 starts, Joe Blanton i...

The Chicago Cubs (47-43) make their only trip of the season to Philadelphia (51-38) starting tonight. The three game series will pit the World Champs against the team many people thought should have been the World Champs. Below is a look at the pitching match ups for the series and other game notes. Monday, 7:05pm. Ted Lilly (9-6, 3.18 ERA) vs. Rodrigo Lopez (1-0, 3.18 ERA). Lilly has a 2.11 ERA over his last 3 starts. In 4 career starts against the Phillies , Lilly is 1-3 with a 4.88 ERA. On the road this season, Lilly is 3-5 with a 4.66 ERA in 9 starts. Pedro Feliz against Lilly is 4-for-13 with 2 homers and 7 RBI. RoLo will be making his third start of the season for our Phillies . In 4 2/3 innings (1 start) in his career against the Cubbies (a June 2007 start), RoLo gave up 8 earned runs (15.43 ERA). Alfonso Soriano is a career .343 hitter (12-for-35) against RoLo with 3 homers and 5 RBI. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Rich Harden (6-6, 5.06 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (6-4, 4.44 ERA). The f...

Charlie Manuel announced his starting lineup for the National League all star team this morning. Here's a glance at the lineup... Hanley Ramirez SS Chase Utley 2B Albert Pujols 1B Ryan Braun RF Raul Ibanez LF David Wright 3B Shane Victorino CF Yadier Molina C Tim Lincecum P Don't be surprised to see Manuel remove Ryan Braun from the game around the 3rd of 4th inning, to substitute Jayson Werth into the game in order to play the three starting Phillies outfielders in the game, at once, for an inning or two. ---------------- In the MLB Futures Game on Sunday in St. Louis, Reading Phillies pitchers Yohan Flande and Kyle Drabek each threw a scoreless inning...Flande for the World Team, Drabek for the USA Team. Click here for some video highlights of both pitchers in the All Star Futures Game. Click here for PhoulBallz.com's exclusive interview with Kyle Drabek. --------------- The Phillies completed a 9-1 homestand on Sunday with a sweep of the Pirates. Over the 10 games str...

Pedro Feliz fell asleep on the bases last night...again. During a potential Phillies rally in the 6th inning, a mental lapse by Feliz prevented the Phillies from scoring on a fly out to centerfield by Eric Bruntlett. Feliz, was on first base, while Matt Stairs was on third base, forgot there was only one out, got too far off first and was doubled off, on a throw by BJ Upton, before Stairs could score on a sacrfice fly. Did you notice the part earlier when I mentioned "again"? Yeah, well Feliz pulled this same pile of horse crap in the first game of a double header with the wild card leading Brewers last September. The Phillies won that game, and swept the series, so Feliz's mental slacking never made the impact it would have if it had killed a rally or cost the team a run, like last night. The game on September 14th was a similar enough situation, with Feliz on first base, in the midst of a rally. A routine fly out to Milwaukee right fielder Cory Hart turned into an embar...

Interleague play continues this week in Philadelphia, as the Toronto Blue Jays come to town, to visit the first place Phillies. The slipping Blue Jays are 0-6 in interleague play so far this season. Toronto began the season with the American League's best record at 27-14 on May 18th, but since then, their record is the worst in the league at 7-17. The Phillies have 15 more runs scored than the Blue Jays this season, despite having 71 less hits. Below, check out the pitching match ups and more notes about this 3 game series. Tuesday, 7:05pm. Ricky Romero (3-3, 3.71 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (4-2, 4.62 ERA). Romero, the Blue Jays' first round draft pick in 2005, on the road this season is 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA. Cole has not lost a decision since April 28th. Cole against American League teams in 2008, including the post season, was 3-1 with a 3.44 ERA in 5 starts. Wednesday, 7:05pm. Scott Richmond (4-3, 3.90 ERA) vs. Jamie Moyer (4-5, 6.11 ERA). In 7 games since May 3rd, Richmond is 0-...

Interleague play returns in a meeting of the current Eastern Division leaders from both leagues and the last two World Series champs. The Red Sox are coming to Philadelphia. Pitching match ups and more notes follow... Friday, 7:05pm. Jon Lester (5-5, 5.09 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (4-3, 5.46 ERA). Lester on the road this season- 6 starts, 2-3 record, 6.14 ERA. Pedro Feliz, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez are a combined 7-for-12 (.583 avg.) in their careers against Lester. Blanton is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts, after going 2-3 with a 7.11 ERA over his first 8 starts this season. Blanton, in his career, is 3-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 8 starts against Boston. Saturday, 7:05pm. Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-4, 7.33 ERA) vs. Antonio Bastardo (2-0, 2.45 ERA). "Dice-K" has not pitched more than 5 2/3 innings in any outing this season. Matsuzaka has never faced the Phillies in the regular season. Raul Ibanez is 2-for-11 (.182 avg) with 3 RBI in his career against Matsuzaka. Matt Stairs is ...

It may not be as bad for the Phillies at home as we all think it is. While the Phillies' record at home (10-14) is not very great, and the results on the current homestand have been just 2-2, some individuals on the team have excelled in Philadelphia this season. Pedro Feliz at home in 24 games- .321 avg, .904 OPS, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 15 RBI. Carlos Ruiz at home in 12 games- .333 avg, 1.136 OPS, 7 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI. Raul Ibanez at home in 24 games- .357 avg, 1.172 OPS, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 23 RBI. Chase Utley at home in 24 games- .256 avg, .943 OPS, 3 doubles, 8 HR, 17 RBI. Clay Condrey in 13 home games- 2-0, 1.80 ERA, 13 K's, 2 walks in 15 IP. Cole Hamels in 5 home games- 1-1, 3.38 ERA, 30 K's, 6 walks in 26 2/3 IP. In addition, Shane Victorino on this home stand, so far, is batting .563 (9-for-16) with 2 walks, 1 steal, 2 doubles and 2 runs scored through 4 games.

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...

It is no secret that, right now, Raul Ibanez is making the Phillies look very smart. The Phils ' phormer left fielder, Pat Burrell , is struggling in Tampa with a .238 batting average, 1 homer and 8 RBI, 6 runs scored with a .681 OPS. The new left fielder, Ibanez , is GD wrecking opposing pitchers with a .355 batting average, 7 homers, 17 RBI, 20 runs scores and a 1.142 OPS. Furthermore, Burrell's new club, the Rays, are 3-4 when Burrell drives in at least one run. Our Phillies are 9-2 when Ibanez has at least 1 RBI. Also, Burrell has hit safely in 12 of the Rays' 19 games, while Raul has hit in 16 of the Phillies 19 games. There's no debate, at this stage, that the Phillies made the right call when they let Burrell go, and signed Ibanez to man left field. Hopefully, this will hold true throughout the rest of the season, all the way into the post season. Trends would perhaps suggest that Ibanez will cool off soon, as his career batting average in May is 45 ...

To follow up on the Scott Eyre/frozen assets story, the Phillies have offered to advance Eyre some of his 2009 salary, so that he can pay his bills. Read all about it here . Pedro Feliz has still not begun swinging a bat, despite telling reporters that he feels good this week. Mickey Morandini is in Phillies camp for the first time, this spring, as a guest instructor. His time spent with the team will include a few days at Carpenter Field with the minor leaguers next week. Morandini told The Sporting News recently that he really likes the signing of Chan Ho Park and the contract given to Ryan Madson. He added, "We all know how important the bullpen is, and to have Madson, Park, Scott Eyre and Chad Durbin to get you to Brad Lidge is very important." John Mayberry Jr. and Raul Ibanez, the Phillies' left fielders in the Grapefruit League opener, each drove in a run in the team's loss . Mayberry Jr. could be the righty bench bat that the team was hoping to find. Don'...

A few big news stories in World Championsville today. The first is that Chase Utley will undergo surgery next week on his injured hip. This surgery could take as long as 6 months to recover from. The right hip had troubled "ChUtley" for a good portion of the 2008 season. If Utley misses the start of the 2009 season, this could be a window of opportunity for Jason Donald, or this could fully seal the deal on a return to Philadelphia for Tadahito Iguchi. The second story is phormer phirst round drapht pick Greg Golson was traded to Texas for another first round pick John Mayberry. Mayberry, a 24 year old righty slugger, has already been assigned to triple-A Lehigh Valley, and was added to the Phillies' 40 man roster. The loss of Golson should not be a subject to worry about. Last offseason I was stunned to learn that another top draft pick named Mike Costanzo was sent away, and look how that turned out (Eh-hem, BRAD LIDGE). The Phillies were simply at a point where ...

The Philadelphia Phillies won 24 of their last 30 games and became WORLD CHAMPIONS by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in the 2008 World Series. I have heard Phillies Phans, at the ball park and on TV, say that they don't know what to do. This is what happens when a full generation of Philadelphia sports phans win their very first major sports championship. Cole Hamels was named Most Valuable Player of the World Series. That honor is added to his NLCS MVP hardware. Hamels narrowly missed becoming the first pitcher ever to win 5 starts in a single post season. Game phive was another instance where different players contributed to nail down a victory for the team. Pat Burrell, Pedro Feliz, Geoff Jenkins, Shane Victorino, Brad Lidge....it was classic 2008 Phillies baseball. Speaking of "Lights Out" Lidge, he ended the season perfect in save opportunities. 48 successful saves converted for the phirst year Phillie. Tremendous. Live it up, Phillies phans. This is what ...

One win away from a world championship. I am so silly-insane-outrageously-excited that I can't stand it. The bats were on fire in game 4 at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies pounded 12 hits, 4 of which were homeruns. Ryan Howard slugged 2 homers and had 5 RBI in the 10-2 victory. Even Phillies winning pitcher Joe "I Wear Cool Socks" Blanton mashed a homerun to left field off of Edwin Jackson. It was Blanton's very first major league homer. Blanton pitched 6 solid innings, striking out 7 and allowing only 2 earned runs. Many players contributed in the game 4 victory. In addition to Howard and Blanton...Ryan Madson, Pedro Feliz, Jimmy Rollins, JC Romero and even Jayson Werth all chipped in with key efforts. This has become key for this 2008 Phillies squad to have different heroes and varied contributors each night. When some guys fail to get the job done there's usually someone else coming through with a big performance. And in certain games, like this one...