The Rubber Match: Hamels Finally Takes the Mound

Coming out of the All-Star Break in a near dead heat with the Mets and Marlins, we're greeted with the instant gratification of facing both of them right out of the chute. Why then, was Cole Hamels saved until the third game of the first series, ensuring that he wouldn't face the more imminent threat in the Mets? Had he started on Friday, the ace would have faced both teams.

Perhaps Charlie liked the idea of extended rest for one of the most used arms in baseball this year, and I'm just being a little impatient. It's a long season, and we'll need Hamels healthy down the stretch. But there's definitely a very real chance that this division could come down to a handful of games or less.

Hamels will face Florida's Josh Johnson in his second start since undergoing TJ last year. Johnson was impressive in 2006, getting the W in 12 of his 24 starts. He turned in a 3.10 ERA that season, and lost three of four starts in 2007 before getting hurt. He returned to action July 10th against the Dodgers, throwing five innings and allowing three earned runs on six hits and six Ks.

Johnson has started twice against the Phillies and appeared in two other contests. In 14 innings, he's allowed nine earned runs, good for a 5.52 ERA. The Phils have hit .290 against him.

Comments

[ricky]

I agree that Cole needs rest, but I also think that he absolutely needs to start against the mets.

Its all about what you value more, wins against the mets now or a healthy Cole at the end of September, I honestly don't know.

[Dave]

I'm not surprised if they did that to ensure he would pitch on Friday the 25th-The Christmas in July game where they give out the Cole Hamels t-shirts

[Liam]

This guy johnson doesn't seem to have the best or fastest fastball and seems to be leaving a lot over the middle of the plate. Not only that he hasn't used many pitches other then the fastball. Sooner or later the phils should start catching up to it and he is gonna get into some trouble.

[Liam]

The more I see jenkins play the more I pray the phillies don't make a dumb move and trade away victorino or werth. The guy is just not a good hitter, and doesn't come through in the clutch. According to espn's stats he is hitting .196 with runners in scoring position and .156 when the game is close and late. The bottom of the lineup worries me that if the top goes cold they won't be able to come through

[Nick B.]

Why can this team not score when Cole is on the mound?

[Rich]

pathetic

[steve]

Can we please discuss how this team can never back Hamels. The kid's had eight starts allowing three runs or under in his last nine games and he only has four wins (he won the game he let up four runs). For being on the best offensive teams in the league it's really sad how they can't back their best arm.

[DCGreg]

So f*cking tired of this team wasting Cole Hamels' starts. Enjoy him while it lasts, he is gone at the first opportunity.

[Liam]

This is getting quite ridiculous with this club. Whenever Cole pitches they give him absolutely zero support. How many games has he lost or not gotten a decision giving up only 1,2, or 3 runs? The phillies managed to leave 17 runners on base, whereas the marlins only left 5. This offense needs to wake up. The bottom of the line up is a black hole and barely contributes any runs.

Also I didn't like how charlie handled the bullpen this game. Madson pitched a quick 123 inning but was yanked after that. Romero faced 1 batter, and durbin. This led to bringing in awful condrey who lets way too many men on base. He then preceded to all four batters he faced reach and gets the loss. I would much rather charlie had saved durbin and madson to be able to eat up some innings. Quite frankly the coaching over the year in my eyes has been sub par. I don't think they need to make a change, but if this team wats to be taken seriously as contenders everyone in the organization needs to step it up.

[Joe]

If we continue to fail against division rivals, we're fucked. And guess what? We still have most of our division games left to play. The offense needs to get their shit together.

[Liam]

God the reds are fucking terrible. Their bullpen gifted the mets two wins this series.

[Warren]

I'm sick and tired of this offense just sputtering at the wrong times. Trade the farm for Holliday and Fuentes, I don't care anymore.

[Wolf]

@Warren
I agree HARVEST THEM'S CROPS

[Justin]

First Place Showdown in Queens!! C ya Tuesday Filthydelphia

[joe l]

@Liam - agreed. Cholly rides his starters as if the game is gonna go 15 innings, but once he starts making changes, he burns through his bullpen and bench as if no game will run past 10 innings.

[V K Pandya]

good one...