With the Phillies clinging to a 2-1 lead in the top of the 9th inning this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, the ball was turned over, as it has been for the vast majority of the last 3+ seasons, to Jonathan Papelbon.Much as he has over those 3+ seasons, Papelbon successfully closed out the game, striking out Matt … Continue reading Jonathan Papelbon holding up his end
When the Phillies Cole Hamels deal will get done
In reading along my Twitter feed, following comments on Facebook, and in fielding questions via DM and email, the question keeps popping up, now with a bit more regularity: when are the Phillies going to trade Cole Hamels?There is really a very simple answer to that question, though I doubt that it will be satisfactory to … Continue reading When the Phillies Cole Hamels deal will get done
Jonathan Papelbon must go
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro has tried to deal away closer Jonathan Papelbon. There have been talks with other teams. A couple deals may even have been close to completion. Papelbon is still effective, still has real value. There is interest.For his part, both over the winter and during spring training, Papelbon has played the good soldier. He has remained focused … Continue reading Jonathan Papelbon must go
Phillies arms agreement
Over the last three days, three different Phillies veteran pitchers sat at the dais in Clearwater to answer reporters questions. Cliff Lee on Thursday, Jonathan Papelbon on Friday, and Cole Hamels on Saturday have differences in their individual situations, but also share some important similarities.An unbiased examination, without any agenda regarding the media-driven storyline of distraction and awkwardness at this Phillies spring … Continue reading Phillies arms agreement
Phillies 2015: Glass Half-Full View
Over the last couple of weeks, Michael Stern at That Ball's Outta Here examined the worst-case scenarios for individual Phillies players in the coming 2015 season. I'm going to expand that idea out over two parts: an absolute best and worst-case scenario for the 2015 Philadelphia Phillies as a team.In today's look at a best-case scenario, I'm pulling the … Continue reading Phillies 2015: Glass Half-Full View
MATT VEASEY 