Philadelphia Phillies

On Wednesday night the Braves hit 3 longballs off struggling righty Brett Myers; last night was an entirely different story. Cole Hamels, the true staff ace, shutdown the Braves for his first career shutout, spreading 4 hits and 2 walks over 9 frames with 6 k's lowering his era to 2.89. On the offensive side, the Phils came firing back with 3 homeruns of their own (Vic, Howard, Feliz) as they chucked starter Chuck James from the game after 4 innings. Every single batter had a hit, with the... Read Full Story

When the Phils open a new series, I like to phlashback to a player that suited up for both teams. This week's honoree: Tim Worrell. Worrell pitched for a few teams (SD, Det, Oak, Cle, Bal, Chi) before stringing together a few good years with SF. He parlayed that into a 2 year, $6 mil deal with the Phils. He had an "okay" 2004 setting up for The Rat, but he is most remembered for his meltdown the following year. After limping to a ERA over 7, he went on the DL for "personal psychological... Read Full Story

Brad Lidge - Dale's Pale Ale I've never drank this beer, but I do know that it costs a lot of money per case (>$30) and more importantly...it comes only in a can! About time the can made a comeback. For many years, most beer was downed from a can. You needed a church key for a while, but then the pop-top came along and really increased the popularity of canned beer. However, the bottle slowly took over. Canned beer was left for dead, only to be consumed by rednecks, tailgaters, and college... Read Full Story

Multiple times this year, the Phils have given victories away with errors and careless play. Well, they got one back on Sunday, after the Giants made three errors and the Phils scored 5 unearned runs to claim a 6-5 victory. Game notes: - Chooch was long overdue. He's only batting .203 but that dinger was huge. (That's what she said...) He needs more of this (and less dropping the ball as Rowand scores the go-ahead run) to maintain his hold on the starting catcher job. - Victorino went 2-5... Read Full Story

The first month of the season is over, which for the Phillies, is always a good thing. Let's take a look at who has impressed and who hasn't. [Stats referenced do not include last night's game.] Exceeding Expectations Pat Burrell - I don't care what any of you say, no one saw this month coming. Chase Utley - We all knew Utley would hit well all year, but double digit homers in April was definitely not expected. Brad Lidge - He looks like a reliable closer, even if he needs a few more days of... Read Full Story

Bottom of the 8th inning, tie game, Ryan Howard at the plate...you can feel the excitement...except for the fact that Tom McCarthy is doing a feel good interview with old-head Jerry Coleman...Howard swings and sends a long drive to right...Jerry Coleman is still talking about something...they break away from the interview and we hear the end of Kalas' homer call. Thanks for nothing CN8. I like Harry Kalas homer calls like Buzz Bissinger likes horses, and CN8 made me miss a game-winner... Read Full Story

In honor of the upcoming series between the State buddies Phillies and Buccos, WSBGM's has decided to pay tribute to a Phucco...hello Gary Varsho! Varsho has spent time in both organizations as a player and coach, currently employed as bench coach for Pittsburgh (also bench coach for Phils as recently as 2006). Gary's playing days lasted 8 illustrious season from the time he started as a Cub back in 1988 until the day he retired a Phillie in 1995. In between Chicago and Philly were two stops... Read Full Story