Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies Series Preview
by SCrebel10 on Sep 5, 2011 12:16 PM EDT
in Series Previews & Recaps
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PrintAfter beating the Dodgers on Sunday to avoid a sweep, Atlanta heads to Philadelphia for a three-game series.
Philadelphia has a commanding lead in the National League, sitting 7.5 games ahead of Atlanta with a record of 88-48, while Atlanta has a 8.5 game lead over St. Louis in the wild card race.
While Braves/Phillies games are always great baseball, this series really doesn't mean a whole lot.
Offense:
As a team offensively, the Phillies rank ninth in the National League in batting average, (.253), tied for fifth in on-base average (.324), seventh in slugging percentage (.401), tied for sixth in wOBA (.319), and fifth in wRC+ (97).
Individually, the Phillies have been led by Shane Victorino, who is having an incredibly productive season. Victorino is hitting .304/.379/.532 and leads the team in wOBA (.399) and wRC+ (152). He also has 15 home runs and 17 steals on the season.
Since being traded to Philly before the trade deadline, Hunter Pence has played very well, posting a triple slash line of .303/.380/.521 in that 31 game period. Chase Utley is also playing well, hitting .263/.346/.433 with a 119 wRC+.
In only 233 plate appearances, John Mayberry Jr. has provided the power, sporting a line of .264/.326/.524 and has launched 13 home runs with a .259 ISO. Placido Polanco has hit for average, but not much else. He's at .274/.327/.333.
Ryan Howard leads the team in home runs with 30, but is only hitting .251/.343/.489, while Carlos Ruiz is hitting .281/.374/.385.
With Jimmy Rollins on the disabled list with a groin strain, Wilson Valdez has played short. On the season, Valdez is hitting .249/.288/.345.
Also, Raul Ibanez is very very bad.
Pitching matchups and the Philies bullpen after the jump.
Monday September 5th, 7:05 PM EDT
Game one of the series features Derek Lowe (9-12, 4.52 ERA, 3.60 FIP, 3.61 xFIP) against Cliff Lee. Not that it needs to be said, but Lee is incredibly good. So far in 2011, Lee is 15-7 with a 2.59 ERA, 2.68 FIP, and a 2.77 xFIP. He strikes out a lot of hitters, 9.15 K/9, and walks only a few with a BB/9 of 1.85. This year, he sports he a K/BB of 4.95, which isn't too shabby. In his last start against Atlanta, Lee went eight innings, giving up only three hits and one run, while walking two and striking out nine. The Braves have hit Lee pretty well in the past, so this one will be interesting to watch.
Tuesday, September 6th, 7:05 PM EDT
In game two, Tim Hudson (14-8, 3.05 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 3.51 xFIP) goes up against Vance Worley. On the year, the rookie is 10-1 with a 2.85 ERA, 3.17 FIP, and a 3.66 xFIP. Worley strikes out a good number of batters, 7.76 per nine innings, while walking 2.85 in that same span. He doesn't throwing incredibly hard, with the average velocity of his fastball just over 90 miles per hour. His slider is his favorite off-speed pitch. In his last start, Worley went six innings, giving up eight hits and four runs while walking one and striking out seven in a win over Cincinnati.
September 7th, 7:05 PM EDT
In the series finale, Brandon Beachy (7-2, 3.37 ERA, 3.39 FIP, 3.29 xFIP) takes on Roy Oswalt. Oswalt has battled injuries all year, and lately has struggled to find consistency with his velocity. On the season, he is 7-8 with a 3.80 ERA, 3.50 FIP, and 3.98 xFIP. Oswalt has posted the lowest K/9 of his career this season, as it sits at 5.95, but his control has still been very good as evidenced by a 2.07 BB/9. In his last start, he went 6.1 innings against Florida, giving up eight hits and three runs while walking one and striking out seven.
Bullpen:
Ryan Madson -RH (CL)
Antonio Bastardo -LH
Brad Lidge -RH
Michael Stutes - RH
David Herndon -RH
Michael Schwimer -RH
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Tonight's the pivotal game if we want to put any kind of pressure on the division
I like our matchups tomorrow and Wednesday. Hopefully the offense continues it’s success against Lee and Derek keeps building on his past few starts. Very excited for this series to begin. Go Braves
It's September
Hopefully somebody reminds DLowe that it’s now September and he’s supposed to actually be good.
If we sweep, then this series matters...
Granted, highly unlikely, but if we come out of this series only 4.5 games back of the Phillies the division is still in play. With the next likely positive scenario being 6.5 games out…and a double-header jammed into where an off day should have been…we rest up everybody and gear up for game 1 in the NLDS in Milwaukee.
by TBuzz on Sep 5, 2011 12:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
This.
Winning 2 of 3 and putting some pressure on them down the stretch, forcing them to keep their regulars in the lineup and put extra innings on their starters’ arms, is probably about all that is feasible at this point.
More important is just continuing to play well, getting some of our bats (e.g., Heyward & Prado) going, and being as rested and healthy as possible heading into the playoffs.
Braves would be 4.5 games back in the standings, but they would need to make up 6 games in the loss column
The latter being the number of more importance at this stage. Even with a sweep of this essentially meaningless series, the Braves would have a long way to go in order to catch the Phillies in the NL East.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Beachy has been great
But he has to get over the hurdle and beat the Phillies eventually. I hope it finally happens this week.
"First!"...Who gives a damn if you are first
Beachy has the “Phillies clause” in his contract (like how Livan had(s) the “Braves clause” in his)
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
"Wang, my third at-bat, he threw me a 1-0 fastball that I fouled straight back, and he came back with another heater, which surprised me." - Freddie Freeman
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 5, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol, this series means alot to me =)
Provided Mother Nature actually allows us to play…….what a Bitch.
Oh, and strike down Victorino and Ruiz with lightning bolts, while you’re at it. Thanks.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
"Wang, my third at-bat, he threw me a 1-0 fastball that I fouled straight back, and he came back with another heater, which surprised me." - Freddie Freeman
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 5, 2011 1:15 PM EDT reply actions
Phuck the Phillies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by PhuckthePhillies on Sep 5, 2011 1:38 PM EDT reply actions
Thirded!
I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game. It will take our people out-of-doors, fill them with oxygen, give them a larger physical stoicism. Tend to relieve us from being a nervous, dyspeptic set. Repair these losses, and be a blessing to us. ~Walt Whitman
Pivotal series
Game 1 is the key. A win tonight gives us a possibility of the division. That being said the phillies would have to lose to the brewers or the cards with those teams losing to eachother as well. Unfortunately a lot is out of the Braves control.
I would like a big series from Prado and continued patience from Sea Bass. Let’s go Bravos!
At the age of six I wanted to be a chef. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. My ambition has been steadily growing ever since. -Salvador Dali
by Kushagi on Sep 5, 2011 1:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Weather doesn't look good.
Looks like they should be able to start on time but I’d expect a delay at some point. Just hope we can get it in
Geez Cliff Lee, look's like the here's Johnny guy lol
while D-Lowe looks like he’s posing for a glamour shot or something lol.
With that being said, I see the Bravos taking 2 of 3 taking both game 2 and game 3 of the series.
Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.
they should’ve started this shit early…..
the last thing these guys need is any more multiple days off
by Followed_By_Helly_Sf_Gnat_Bikers on Sep 5, 2011 2:36 PM EDT reply actions
as for the division.. its 9 back in the loss column..
by Followed_By_Helly_Sf_Gnat_Bikers on Sep 5, 2011 2:37 PM EDT reply actions
I think most people realize the division is out of the question. We would need to take 5 of 6 or possible sweep both series left
And then still need some help. But until they’ve clinched it’s fun to think about
This I do not understand
Tonight’s lineup @PHI (7 pm Peachtree/FS South): Bourn 8 Prado 5 McCann 2 Uggla 4 Diaz 9 Freeman 3 Gonzalez 6 Constanza 7 Lowe 1
why does Chipper need 2 days off in a row?
other than George in for him, it’s about what I expected
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
With Chipper you never know. Maybe he felt a twinge somewhere.
I realized that he’s been unhurt for like the last month yesterday, so I figure he’s due for some kind of nagging something.
by Ivan the Great on Sep 5, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe CHipper has flu symptoms
will not be back until Tuesday….err tomorrow. Funny how that happens when the Braves face Cy Young winners….at this point it is way more than coincidence.
All while Fredi is surrounded by a bunch of orangutans, trying to teach them how to bunt the rocks and coconuts that angry 300 lb gorillas are throwing at them,
by royhobbs on Jul 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT
Strong Side / Weak Side: Chipper Jones
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chipper-jones,8431/
Diaz is pretty much going to play against lefties, period. At least until his arms fall off, and even then he’ll probably find ways to get a hit. The Uggla-Diaz chain may not be great for later in the game if they put in a righty reliever, but that’s why we can use Heyward/Chipper off the bench to slot in there. And if Lee has to face Uggla/Diaz back-to-back, that’s not a bad thing.
I’ve also pretty much accepted that Heyward is not playing against lefties anymore. It’s probably not the best idea, but it’s not upsetting considering this isn’t exactly a Fredinnovation at this point.
So aside from that, the only weird thing I see is no Chipper.
by Ivan the Great on Sep 5, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you for the most part. Main gripe is definitely Chipper
Matty’s been good so far just not comfortable with him in the 5 hole I guess. Not sure what to think about Jason/George any more
I'll wait and see what the beat guys say on Chipper before I start griping
I am surprised he’s not in there considering it’s pretty much the biggest series we have left as of now, but I’d rather have him in October if it’s anything that’s really bothering him
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
This series may not mean a lot in the standings.
But I think it means a lot. Good chance to send a message that we’re not impressed. Also make these guys work for the division title. Id love for the braves to stop them from resting guys and stacking their rotation for the playoffs during the final week. Odds of that are slim, but let’s give em hell.
looks like proctor found his way back to the yankees
they know he cant bat in the AL right?
yes he can
he may be a better DH than Jorge Posada at this point.
All while Fredi is surrounded by a bunch of orangutans, trying to teach them how to bunt the rocks and coconuts that angry 300 lb gorillas are throwing at them,
by royhobbs on Jul 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT
Strong Side / Weak Side: Chipper Jones
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chipper-jones,8431/
2 inning, and gave up a HR (no surprise there)
but also got 2 Ks
by LEastCoastBears on Sep 5, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I like our matchups this series.
I realize everyone believes these games “don’t matter”, I just really, really hope the Phillies feel that way. Maybe they will rest as many starters as possible. If the Braves sweep this series, we will be 4.5 games back with 23 left to play, 3 of which are against the Phillies. I feel something special about to happen. All year long all we have heard is how it is over and the Phillies have won the division and the Braves will be the wild card. Well, I am saying right here that I believe we are about to sweep the Phillies and this season is gonna get interesting real fast. I believe we can make up another 2-3 games over the next 19 games after this series, putting us 1.5 – 2.5 games back going in to the final 3 games against the Phillies. I believe we will go in to those last 3 games with destiny in our own hands and have a chance to win the division. I predict the Braves will win the division by one game on the last day of the season. DLowe is gonna kick off our amazing run to the finish line tonight by throwing 7 strong innings and giving up one run. The pen will nail down the rest. Over the next 3 days the Braves are going to steal all of Phillies mojo. Philly will not be the same team after this series!
GO BRAVES!! GO BRAVES!! GO BRAVES!! GO BRAVES!! GO BRAVES!! GO BRAVES!!
I don't know about THIS
But I hope you are right
surprised we haven't had any Philly trolls on here yet
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
Everyone bitched at me for my TGP post earlier this year, but it worked. Outside of a troll or two, the moron levels have stayed down for the most part.
"It's not about me, it's about the team." - Martin Prado
Twitter: @scottcoleman55
by Scott Coleman on Sep 5, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
we did....kind of
see Justin (no, not you justin) above
All while Fredi is surrounded by a bunch of orangutans, trying to teach them how to bunt the rocks and coconuts that angry 300 lb gorillas are throwing at them,
by royhobbs on Jul 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT
Strong Side / Weak Side: Chipper Jones
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chipper-jones,8431/
there is a difference between Philly fans engaging in logical and rational conversation
and trolls… he is the former, until he proves otherwise
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
thats true, he wasn't really trolling
but he was implying that the braves would never catch the Phillies at this point…not that I would consider that definitely trolling….but it is kind of nah-nah-nah-nah boo-boo
thats why I only said “kind of”
All while Fredi is surrounded by a bunch of orangutans, trying to teach them how to bunt the rocks and coconuts that angry 300 lb gorillas are throwing at them,
by royhobbs on Jul 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT
Strong Side / Weak Side: Chipper Jones
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chipper-jones,8431/
I was simply implying that if the Braves sweep the Phillies, the deficit is 4.5 games in the standings but 6 in the loss column
Just meaning the Braves would have to do more work than 4.5 games. Wasn’t anything other than that. But if that comment is considered trolling, it is safe to say you will not see more around here anymore. TTFN ta ta for now.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Did Chipper catch the Philly Flu?
#Braves 3B Chipper out w/ flu-like symptoms
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
kills me for fantasy purposes
since they don’t have to DL him in Sept… I have Strasburg ready to come off the DL, but instead of just flipping him and JJ, I may just have to drop JJ all together
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
LOLMarlins.... Loria too cheap to buy bases now, they probably went to a HS field nearby and stole 3 bases
Speaking of the Phillies’ weekend in the baseball wasteland of South Florida, how appropriate was it that for their final game at Sun Life(less) Stadium, there were reportedly fewer than 3,000 in the seats for the first pitch, and the Marlins ran onto the field before the first inning only to notice the grounds crew had forgotten to put in the bases.
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
I'm gonna be at CBP tomorrow night!
I’ll be as loud and visible as possible. I’ll catch every battery thrown my way and throw it right back.
I’m stoked to see Huddy take down the Phillies.
Freeman isn’t on Heyward’s level in terms of tools, skills, or baseball IQ–but it’s fair to say Freeman has failed to meet the modest expectations in place for him - Capitol Avenue Club (May 28th, 2011)
weather forecast not looking good for much baseball tonight or tomorrow
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
Wow, I've been so busy that I haven't been checking the weather
Buzzkill
Freeman isn’t on Heyward’s level in terms of tools, skills, or baseball IQ–but it’s fair to say Freeman has failed to meet the modest expectations in place for him - Capitol Avenue Club (May 28th, 2011)
Buzz Killington
“have you heard the story about how rain came about”
All while Fredi is surrounded by a bunch of orangutans, trying to teach them how to bunt the rocks and coconuts that angry 300 lb gorillas are throwing at them,
by royhobbs on Jul 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT
Strong Side / Weak Side: Chipper Jones
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/chipper-jones,8431/
if the weather looked more encouraging
I definitely would have considered driving up from DC for the game tonight (I have caught part of the last two Braves trip to Philly this year). Anyhow, I’ll probably just settle for catching the Braves one last time in person (in the regular season) for the next to last series of the year against the Nats.
by LEastCoastBears on Sep 5, 2011 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Cliff Lee
Is he really smiling/smirking as he is throwing the pitch? Looks kinda funny
by PhuckthePhillies on Sep 5, 2011 4:53 PM EDT reply actions
if JJ can't get a start in before we get into the playoffs
I would be shocked if he was on the roster for at least the divisional round… some encouraging news on Hanson is good to hear
DFA Heyward. I'm dead serious
by wpf3211 on Aug 6, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
One thign to keep in mind
is that a player is allowed to be replaced if he gets injured during a round of the playoff. The replaced player is not eligible for the next round, however. I can see the Braves taking a chance with having Hanson and/or JJ in the divisional round since there is a way out if they are not healthy.
by LEastCoastBears on Sep 5, 2011 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Both Cliff Lee and Derek Lowe
had homered this year (Lee’s came off Hanson). Can Lowe homer in consecutive games?
Vance Worley's pic
Looks like he just found out the dungeon master just killed off his level 38 elf.
I will be shocked
if this game can get played tonight. The radar is not looking good.
"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11
On balance, I guess my answer is “yes” since there’s such a big deal of planning required whenever I get to go to a game — and stuff like this kills those trips. But I’d also like it if you couldn’t tell there ever was a roof available when it wasn’t in use. I dunno how you do that, architecturally, but I love the open air feel of a stadium.
"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11
Everytime that is doesn't rain the roof should be open
When it rains roof closed.
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Sep 5, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
That looks nasty. I would love to see the game tonight. I have been waiting to see this game for a while!
At the age of six I wanted to be a chef. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. My ambition has been steadily growing ever since. -Salvador Dali
by Kushagi on Sep 5, 2011 6:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Rain before game 1 of the last series with Philly too.
Sgt.: Pointed stick? Oh, oh, oh. We want to learn how to defend ourselves against pointed sticks, do we? Getting all high and mighty, eh? Fresh fruit not good enough for you eh? Well I'll tell you something my lad. When you're walking home tonight and some great homicidal maniac comes after you with a bunch of loganberries, don't come crying to me! Now, the passion fruit.
I think they will try to get the game in today
If only because according to the forecast now, it will be worse tomorrow.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
It’s actually NOT raining at the stadium right now… but it will be in about 30 minutes… the question being whether the heavy parts of the 2 approaching cells will miss or not.
"Forget Roy Halladay or Clayton Kershaw or Cliff Lee, the NL Cy Young Award should go to O’Ventrel." - David Schoenfield, ESPN.com, 8/19/11
shouldve postponed this one
by Followed_By_Helly_Sf_Gnat_Bikers on Sep 5, 2011 10:06 PM EDT reply actions
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