Impresive Debut, Birthday

Antonio was impressive last night. 

Anyone making his major league debut has to have butterflies. Especially a 23-year-old.  His composure on the mound was as good as his fast ball.  He almost got to bat before he got to throw a pitch.  The four-spot in the first inning had him on deck before Chooch made the last out.

Taking the mound for the first time with a four-run lead had to help chase some butterflies.  It didn’t look that way as he fell behind Tony Gwynn Jr., 3-0, before striking him out.  Just think he can tell his grandkids he struck out Tony Gwynn, the first batter he faced.

While he was encouraging, Charlie pointed out he basically threw one pitch, a fast ball.  You can’t live in the big leagues that way.  So, let’s not rush and give him a Cy Young Award.

He’s penciled in for his next start Sunday in LA against the Dodgers, an 8 o’clock (ET) national telecast on ESPN.  Big stage.

His last three wins have come on the road, last night in San Diego, May 28 in Buffalo (AAA) and May 6 in Norwich, CT (AA).

Birthday Present
Generally, a person receives gifts when he or she has a birthday.

Raul gave his team a gift on his 37th birthday last night, double, two homers (# 18-19), five RBI.   Everybody said Citizens Bank Park would help his power production.  Well, folks, he’s hitting .346 on the road with 11 home runs.

The man can hit.

Another Debut
RHP Kyle Drabek, number 1 pick three years ago, is making his AA debut tonight at Reading.  Generally, media numbers total five for a Reading Phillies home game.  It is doubled tonight and may go higher.