Deadline has come and gone but that doesn't mean efforts to upgrade the team have come and gone.

Starting tomorrow, teams will ask waivers on certain players.  If a player clears waivers, he can then be moved to another club.  Every afternoon, a confidential bulletin comes to our Baseball Operations Department from Major League Baseball listing the players who have cleared waivers.

Jamie Moyer, Jeff Conine and Cory Lidle were all obtained by us after the deadline in previous years. 

Next "deadline" is August 30.  Players added to the roster by that date will be eligible for the post season.  On September 1, rosters can be expanded for the last month but those players cannot be put on a post season roster.  Well, under some circumstances, there are exceptions.  Too complicated to worry about right now.

Shutting the door
Five batters, three runs.  That was Washington's first inning last night and it looked as if we might be in for a long winter's nap.

Jamie then shut the door...big time as he allowed no more runs on two hits through six innings.  He truly is the epitome of a true professional.  He has so much experience on which to lean.

Shane has 7 homers and 17 RBI this month.  Unless he hits 7 tonight, he will fall way short of Chuck Klein's record for the month....14 set 79 years ago.  Klein drove in 40 runs that July and it, too, still stands as the club record.

Not downplaying 7 homers for Shane.  He's game is speed and not pop but he's on a long ball roll lately. 

Minor League Notes
Adam Eaton gets a start tonight for Lakewood against visiting West Virginia Power (Charlestown, WV, hometown).  He'll shuttle between Lakewood (A ball), Reading (AA) and Lehigh Valley (AAA) for his starts. That's one of the real benefits of having three minor league teams within two hours of Citizens Bank Park.  

Speaking of Lakewood, my apologies to the BlueClaws.  A couple of days ago, I wrote that hitting coach Greg Legg of Lakeland would be joining the big league Phillies while Roly de Armas is away for the Olympics.  I knew it wasn't Lakeland.  It obviously was a malfunction of the keyboard! 

Thanks to Laura for posting the error.

RHP Kyle Drabek, No. 1 selection two years ago, had Tommy John surgery on July 25, 2007.  It usually takes a year before a pitcher can get back on the mound.

The 19-year-old right-hander started and went 3 scoreless innings yesterday for the Gulf Coast League Phillies.  "Threw ball great for first time out," reported pitching coach Carlos Arroyo.

No Harry
Because of his recent eye surgery, Harry Kalas is grounded from airplane flights.  So, he will not be with the team in St. Louis for the weekend series that begins tomorrow night.

National TV
The original schedule says day game in St. Louis on Sunday.  But, it has been changed to an 8:05 game (EDT) for an ESPN Sunday Night telecast.

Good to see Brett and Chase come through last night in DC. 

Brett threw strikes and that was the difference.  Of the 88 pitches, 63 were strikes.  He had only two strikeouts but nine ground ball and nine fly ball outs.  He is the key pitcher on the staff.

Chase delivered the long ball and also hit the ball hard in his other at-bats.

Tim Redding tonight.  He's been tough on us.

J-Roll numbers
Scott Lauber had an interesting note in Sunday's Wilmington News-Journal, which has been updated.

When Rollins scores a run, the Phillies are 26-8 this season.  Last year: 67-34.  In his career: 405-195. 

Rollins was on base for Chase's homer.

Players of the Week
A pair of first-year players are the winners of last week's Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Week in the Phillies system:
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/downloads/y2008/072908.pdf

This Date
In Phillies history..........
1995 Richie Ashburn and Mike Schmidt are inducted in Hall of Fame in Cooperstown before estimated 25,000, a record.  That was a day that will be forever etched in our memory.
 The ceremony looked like the red sea with so many Phillies fans wearing red.  Downtown Cooperstown was also overwhelming red.

Roster Moves
As expected, LHP J. A. Happ joined the Phillies in DC today from Lehigh Valley, taking Adam Eaton's spot on the pitching staff.  Happ was 7-6, 3.30 ERA in 20 games this season for the IronPigs.  He's leading the International League with 127 strikeouts (117 innings). J. A. started the season, 0-3, 5.59 in first 4 AAA starts.

That was this morning.

Then, this afternoon, 3B Mike Cervenak was recalled from Lehigh Valley to replace Pedro Feliz, put on the 15-day DL with a lower back inflammation.

Cervenak, a 31-year-old U. of Michigan grad, was hitting .320 in 99 games (23 doubles, 7 HR, 56 RBI) at LV and riding a 14-game hitting streak, .421 (24-56).  After 9 years in the minors, he made his major league debut with the Phillies earlier this month.  He was signed as a minor league free agent last December.

The right-handed hitter is a .298 career minor league hitter.

Greg Legg, hitting coach at Lakeland, has replaced Roly de Armas on Manuel's staff. De Armas is a member of the USA Olympic Team staff.  He's expected back shortly after the August 23 Gold Medal Game.

Deadline
4 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, is the trading deadline on Thursday.

Pat Gillick, Ruben Amaro and Mike Arbuckle have set up a war room in the hotel in Washington, DC.  Of course, the old days of using hotel phones have gone out of the window with cell phones. Their cell phones will be busy between now and then.

Adding a lefty in the bullpen is the primary focus.

Once the deadline line is passed, players can still be moved but have to clear waivers first.  The Phillies have picked up Jeff Conine and Jamie Moyer (both 2006) and Cory Lidle (2004) that way.
So, don't panic if Thursday comes and goes.

Starters
Jayson Stark of ESPN.com had an interesting note about starting pitchers recently.  Of starters traded at the deadline, the last one to win a World Series game was Jeff Weaver of the Cardinals two years ago.

Over in the A. L.?  Try Mike Torrez with the Yankees....30 seasons ago. 

Really
Juan Samuel wore # 8 in his Phillies career.  He is being inducted into the Wall of Fame on 8-8-08.

Happy Anniversary
On this date in Phillies history (1983), we purchased Larry Andersen from our AAA team in Portland, OR.  He was on loan from Seattle's Salt Lake City team in the same Pacific Coast League.  For some reason, Seattle didn't want him on their AAA team.

Once loaned, he's now a fixture in Philadelphia.  Just another heart-warming success story.

Friendly Phillies calendar says no game for this date.  That is correct, except this evening is the annual Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park.

The fun-filled autograph and auction party for all ages is held to try and strike out ALS, the devastating neuromuscular condition for which there is no known cause or cure.

This year's goal is to raise over $800,000 which would put the grand total raised to over $10 million.  Proceeds go toward research at ALS association Centers in Pennsylvania Hospital and the Hershey Medical Center, along with much-needed patient care services.

All the players, their wives, broadcasters, ball girls and entire Phillies staff will participate.  Hopefully some day, we can strike out ALS.

Following the event, the Phillies board an AMRAK train for a trip to Washington, DC, and three night games with the Nationals starting tomorrow.  Then, a weekend in St. Louis.

Weekend Totals
We had a knock-down series with the Braves and came out with two wins which was vital.
The series featured three five-run innings, two seven-run innings and a nine-run inning. 

By the numbers:
Triples   1
Doubles   12
Home runs  12
Number pitchers 33
Left on base  39
Runs   51
Hits   67
Rain delay  117 minutes
Pitches thrown  932
Fans   135,317

Don't know who had the most trips to the mound, Rich Dubee or Roger McDowell.

Who is Osborn?
Wrote yesterday about Doc Miller, whose pinch-hit record of 20 has been tied by Greg Dobbs.  Miller had that number in 1913.  The year before, he had 7, which tied the club record set in 1907 by Wilfred Pearl (Ossie) Osborn, also known as Fred.

A left-handed hitting outfielder, Osborn played three years in the majors, 1907-09, all with the Phillies.  The seven pinch-hits were among his 45 for the season.

Now, you can sleep better tonight knowing this piece of Phillies history.  If you still can't sleep, see your doctor!

Emotions were plentiful in yesterday's come-from-behind win over the Braves.

Emotion # 1: comfort, a 3-0 lead for Cole after three innings. 

Emotion # 2: shock, as the Braves scored 9 times in the top of the fourth.

Emotion # 3: euphoria, when Greg hit that three-run homer in the fifth to give us a 10-9 lead.

Emotion: 4: relief.  After Cole departed, the bullpen blanked the Braves the rest of the way with Brad setting a club record with his 23rd consecutive save.  Bill Wagner's 22 in a row is now off the Phillies books.

While dining at a restaurant with my wife last night, I overhead an obvious Phillies fan at a nearby table say, "The Phillies won today. Life is good."

Indeed

Who Is Doc Miller?
Dobb's homer was his 20th pinch hit, tying a Phillies record that stood for 94 years.  Doc Miller will soon be number two on the Phillies season pinch-hit list.

Anticipating a million inquiries as to who in the world is Doc Miller, here's the answer:

Roy Oscar (Doc) Miller was an outfielder with a five-year, big-league career (.295 for 1,171 games) in the National League: Chicago (1910), Boston (1910-12), Phillies (1912-1913) and Cincinnati (1914).

Miller, a left-handed hitter, established the Phillies club record with 20 pinch hits in 54 at-bats (.370) in 1913.  He played only 12 games in right field that year and was 10-33 (.303) as a non-pinch hitter.  In 69 games, he hit .345 with 6 doubles (all as a pinch hitter), no homers and 11 RBI.

His pinch hits by the month: April 1, May 2, June 5, July 8, August 2, September 2.

Born in Chatham, Ontario, Miller died in Jersey City, NJ, in 1938 at age 55.

His best season was 1912 with Boston.  He led the league with 192 hits and was second to Honus Wagner, .333-.332, for the batting title..  The Phillies acquired him from Boston the next summer for OF John (Tight Pants) Titus.  They sold him to Cincinnati following the 1913 season.

Miller also had seven pinch hits in 1912 for the Phillies and that tied the club record set in 1907 by Wilfred Osborn.  Who in the world is Wilfred Osborn?  Tune in tomorrow.  You may lose sleep by having to wait a day but you will survive!

Beijing Bound
SS Jason Donald and C Lou Marson of the Reading Phillies leave for San Francisco tomorrow for two days of orientation as part of the USA Olympic Baseball Team. The Reading Phillies held some emotional post-game send-off ceremonies last night.  The Olympics falg will fly at the Reading ballpark throughout the China games.

Phillies coach Roly de Armas is on the staff of the team that will be managed by Davey Johnson, a former Phillie (1977-78).

A week ago today, Donald and Marson played in the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium.  The next day they were told confidentially that they had been selected to the USA Olympic Baseball Team. On Tuesday, they were in the Eastern League All-Star Game in Manchester, NH.

Speaking of emotions.

Alumni Batting Challenge
Two weeks from today, a Phillies Alumni Batting Challenge will take place at 1 p.m.
 
Three teams will compete: Ricky Jordan and Ricky Bottalico . . . Milt Thompson and Mitch Williams . . . Tyler Green and Ozzie Virgil.

It is also Ryan Howard Home Alternate Jersey Day for fans 14 and under, courtesy of Keystates Chrylser Jeep.

This Date
In Phillies history....
1950 RF Del Ennis doubles and homers, drives in seven runs in a 13-3 win at Wrigley Field.
1966 LHP Sandy Koufax strikes out 16 as Dodgers edge Phillies, 2-1, in 12 innings.  Phillies starter Jim Bunning fans 12 in 11 innings.

Today's Lineup
Rollins, SS; Victorino, CF; Utley, 2B; Howard, 1B; Burrell, LF; Werth, RF; Bruntlett, 3B; Coste, C; Hamels, P.

Puzzle Continues
Kyle kept us in the game with another typical performance from him.  Runners get on base but he controls the damage.  Can't get a better quality start than one run in eight innings.

Brad couldn't throw strikes and the game got out of hand in the ninth.  He's been so super up until last night. 

The puzzle continues with the offense.  It is not just one or two players but multiple.  It is frustrating.  Just got to keep battling, keep working, keep positive.

Salute to Roberts
Two weeks from tonight, Phillies Alumni Night will feature a salute to Robin Roberts, who broke in with the Phillies 60 years ago this past June 18.  Robbie received the highest honor in baseball by being inducted into the Hall of Fame exactly 32 years ago on this date (August 9).
.
Roberts won the final game in 1950 when the Phillies, known as the Whiz Kids, won the pennant in Brooklyn.  He was pitching for the third time in the final five days of that season.
 
Joining Robbie on the field in the 6:30 p.m. pre-game ceremonies will be six members of the Whiz Kids, catcher Stan Lopata, pitcher Curt Simmons, pitcher Bob Miller, infielder Putsy Caballero, outfielder Jack Mayo and coach Maje McDonnell.  Roberts' family will be here: his brother, three sons and grandchildren.
      
In addition to the eight Phillies Wall of Famers, nearly 35 Alumni will be introduced including Gene Garber, Ricky Jordan, Al Holland, Mitch Williams, Tommy Herr, Mark Leiter, Marty Bystrom, Del Unser, Ruben Amaro Sr., Larry Christenson and Ricky Bottalico.

Courtesy of Toyota, all fans will receive a commemorative print of Robbie.  The print includes a painting by Hall of Fame and Phillies artist Dick Perez and a biography of the great right-hander.

This Date
In Phillies history.....
1890 Phillies win 16th straight game, 5-2, at Cleveland.
1987 For only the third time in club history, Phillies hit three consecutive homers in an inning: Milt Thompson, Von Hayes and Mike Schmidt; 8th inning vs. Atlanta at the Vet.
1988 Mike Schmidt plays in 2,155th game at third base to break Eddie Mathews' all-time NL record.

Tonight's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victornio, cf; Utley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Jenkins, rf; Feliz, 3b; Ruiz, c; Kendrick, p.

Silver Lining
There's a silver lining to the gloom of losing two of three in New York.  We're in second place one game out with 60 games left.  We're not 61 out.

A year ago after 102 games, we were tied for second, 4 behind the Mets.

Jamie pitched a whale of a game and once again the offense sputtered.  Our last three runs have been solo homers. 

Yesterday is over.  Got to regroup for the weekend set with the Braves.  Can't worry about the Mets or the Marlins.  We need to take care of our own business. 

Kalas Update
Harry will return tomorrow following surgery for a detached retina a week ago.  He'll be on radio tomorrow (FOX national telecast) and back on TV again on Sunday. 

Kenny Albert and Eric Karros will be the FOX broadcasters.  The "other" game, which gets the "A" announcers: Yankees at Red Sox.  Surprised that those two teams are on national TV. 

Wall of Fame Night
Two weeks from tonight, second baseman Juan Samuel will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.  Ceremonies begin at 7:00 p.m. with game time pushed back to 7:35 p.m.

Previous inductees who will be here for the ceremony include Robin Roberts (1978), Jim Bunning (1984), Steve Carlton (1989), Mike Schmidt (1990), Dick Allen (1994), Greg Luzinski (1998), Tony Taylor (2002), Bob Boone (2005) and Dallas Green (2006).

All fans will receive a commemorative print of Samuel, courtesy of Toyota, the official sponsor of the Wall of Fame display in the Memory Lane section of Ashburn Alley here at Citizens Bank Park.

This Date
In Phillies history........
1950 Phillies sweep two in Chicago, 7-0 behind Bubba Church and 1-0 behind Robin Roberts to most into first place, a position they held the rest of the season.
1980 Mike Schmidt homers in 1st inning off Atlanta's Larry McWilliams for his 260th home run, breaking Del Ennis' club record.
1982 Steve Carlton blanks Dodgers, 1-0, in LA, his 275th win and 50th career shutout.  Manny Trillo ties NL record for most consecutive errorless games at second base in one season, 85. Ken Boswell, Mets, 1970, held old record.
2004 LHP Eric Milton had no-hit bid broken by Mike Barrett's double in the top of the 9th at Citizens Bank Park.  Milton finished with a no-decision as Phillies won, 3-2, with a run in the last of the 9th.

Well, we're down to the rubber game this afternoon at Shea.  Winner takes the series and moves into first place.

Offense again was soft last night, other than the two solo home runs.  Brett struggled with his command big-time but was still encouraging.  He bent but didn't break.

Madson had nine consecutive scoreless appearances end.  He hadn't given up a home run since April 29 when Jose took him deep for the game-winner.  He's a big part of a strong bullpen and just had one of those outings.   

After today, the Phillies and Mets meet only twice more, two games in Philly in August and three at Shea during September's first weekend.

Braves Weekend
Back home for three games starting tomorrow night before heading out on the road again.  Seems as if we have way more road games than home games.

Tomorrow and Saturday afternoon are sell outs and a few tickets remain for Sunday's afternoon game.

Chipper left the game last night with a hamstring problem.  Braves don't play today.

National TV
FOX on Saturday afternoon (3:55) and ESPN Sunday Night (8:00) in St. Louis on August 3.

Starting on August 16 (at San Diego), we're on FOX for five straight Saturdays. 

Comment Corner
In response to a comment yesterday, Harry Kalas had some eye surgery during the All-Star break and he's on the same prognosis we use many times for players, "day-to-day."

He's anxious to get back to the booth.

Sputtering, floundering, lethargic, lackluster, sluggish.

Call it what you want, but that's what our offense looked like for the first six innings last night.  Granted Johan Santana is a very good pitcher.  He totally had the bats under control.  That's why he is a number 1 ace.  He's started three times against us this year.  He's won once and had a pair of no decisions in which we won in our last at-bat.

When he left the game after eight innings, we got to the Mets' Wagner-less bullpen big time.  With Taguchi and R-Roll getting key, two-run doubles, we were able to put a six spot on the scoreboard and what appeared to be a downer defeat turned into a giddy victory.

Taguchi has really been struggling as a pinch hitter after leading the majors a year ago with a .407 average on 13 pinch-hits.  He was hitless in 16 pinch at-bats until his double to right.  His teammates were So happy for him, in many ways.

Joe Blanton was hurt by a pair of two-run homers.  Each was preceded by a walk.  He walked three for the night and two scored. 

Now, the ball is in Brett's hands tonight.  We need to get him into a groove because he can be a quality pitcher.

And, hopefully, the offense has found its groove.

Key series starts tonight in Shea Stadium.  By the end of the three days, someone will be in sole possession of first place.  It is important to take this series but there's a long way to go in the season.

Joe Blanton, a low-key person by all newspaper accounts, makes his debut tonight.  Some facts: (1) he hasn't pitched in 13 days; (2) he has 15 career scoreless innings against the Mets), and (3) he hasn't batted since high school. 

Burrell
When Pat homered in St. Louis and Oakland last month, it was the 27th and 28th different ball park in which he's hit a home run, a Phillies record.  He and Bobby Abreu began the year tied at 26.

Pat's top three parks:
Citizens Bank Park 70
Veterans Stadium 44
Shea Stadium  18

All-time Shea HR leaders:
Mike Schmidt  26
Willie Stargell  26
Dick Allen  21
Chipper Jones  19
Pat Burrell  18

Second-half surge
Over the past three seasons, the Phillies have the best second-half record in the NL, 134-91. 

During that period of time, the Phillies also lead the NL in runs scored (1,289), an average of 5.73 runs per game, another league high.

Let's hope the trend continues and starts tonight.

Offensive puzzle continued yesterday and resulted in an extra-inning loss at the Marlins.  Cole, despite not having his "A" fast ball, still pitched exceptionally well, the sign of a very good pitcher.

Hate to keep going back to the unlucky Friday the 13th in June, but, since we scored 20 runs that night in St. Louis, the offense hasn't been the same.  Scott Lauber in the Wilmington News-Journal today points out that we have been held to four or fewer runs in 20 of the last 30 games, the 30th game being June 14.  During the 30 games, we are hitting .212 with runners in scoring position.  No wonder Manuel went off after yesterday's 3-2 loss in which 10 runners were left on base.

Two out of three is a huge key to winning a championship..  We missed that opportunity yesterday but it is over and needs to be forgotten.  Time to focus on three in friendly Shea Stadium starting tomorrow night.

Lefty vs. Lefty
The Mets have four lefties in their bullpen.  Wonder how many times they will be called on to face Chase and Ryan in these next three games. 

Comment Corner
The following was posted on Phillies Insider last week: "I was checking out your Phillies blogs and thought you and your readers might be interested to know that Phillies reliever Chad Durbin has his own blog:"
http://www.prolebrity.com/give-me-a-break/#more-311

Players of the Week
Lakewood teammates, RHP Jared Simon and OF T. J. Warren are the Phillies minor league pitcher and player of the week, respectively.

Check out their numbers: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/downloads/y2008/071908.pdf

The hunt for a starter has landed Joe Blanton from the A's, just in time for the second-half hunt for the pennant race.

Yes, we gave up three prospects for him. But consider this: none of the three  would be helping the big club this year and perhaps only Outman next season. 

Blanton, 27, is not a rent-a-pitcher for the rest of the season as he can't become a free agent until 2010. He not only fits in the rotation for 2008 but for the future, a key element.  Giving up prospects for a pitcher just entering his prime is an excellent decision.

He's in his fourth big league season, winner of 12-16-14 games going into this season.  True, 5-12 doesn't look good.  Run support hasn't been there for him.  When the A's scored 4 or more runs, he was 37-5.  Joe will be backed with run support he hasn't seen.

The big man goes to the post (averaged 33 starts for first three big league seasons).  He's an inning-eater, a real workhorse.  His transaction column is free of injuries, another key element.

Rather than waiting for the July 31 trading deadline, we moved quickly in getting Joe.  He'll get two-three more starts by making the deal now.

So, cross of starting pitching from the shopping list.  Still in the shopping cart: another reliever, preferably a lefty, and a hitter. 

If the Manuel V-8 Machine does what it is capable, another hitter many not be necessary.  Lack of consistency has been the biggest problem with the offense.

Clubs under Manuel, both here and Cleveland, have been second-half successes.  The road to October baseball starts tonight in Miami. 

Right out of the shoot, three with the Marlins and then three with the Mets in New York. 
Play ball.

Phillies Insider is going on a one-week All-Star Game break.  Time to bronze this beefy body at the beach (photos, video will NOT be available).

Tune in again on July 19.

Thank you.

Thanks to everyone for pitching in to get Pat Burrell elected to the All-Star Game through the four-day Final Vote online process. 

The results just came in:  Corey Hart was first, followed by David Wright, Pat, Aaron Rowand and Carlos Lee. 

Voting started at 3 p.m. on Sunday and finished at 5 this afternoon.

When the first results were announced on Monday, the order was Hart, Wright, Burrell, Rowand, Lee.  That order never changed over four voting updates and the final results.  Same for the American League.  There it was always Longoria, Dye, Giambi, Roberts and Guillen.

Strange.

Again, a tip of the cap to Phillies fans for all the work they did. 

Today's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victorino, cf; Utley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Jenkins, rf; Feliz, 3b; Coste, c; Moyer, p.

Easier to get up this morning after last night's win.  Good job by J. A. and then the long balls by Ryan and Pedro and another save for Brad.  Now, we need another win today to take the series.  Then the first-place, but under-.500, Arizona Diamondbacks for the weekend series.

Roster Move
J. A. was returned to Lehigh Valley this morning and 1B-3B-OF-DH Mike Cervenak's was brought up from the IronPigs.

Idea was to add another hitter on the bench.  We won't need a fifth starter until the July 25 Atlanta weekend after the All-Star break.  LV's season resumes a week from today and Happ can pitch, rather than sit.

Cervenak, a 31-year-old right-handed hitter, has been in the minor leagues since 1999 when he broke in in an independent league.  He's never been in the majors.  He's a .297 career hitter in the minors.  He's wearing #24.

At-Bat For Pat
This morning, Pat visited the four Phillies fans who have been voting 24 hours a day from Citizens Bank Park through WIP's marathon Final Vote promotion.  Nick Ferraro of Lancaster, Monica Howard, Conshohocken, Jason Schatz, Willow Grove and Todd Smith, Oreland, have been voting on their respective lap tops since Tuesday noon.

In this morning's update Pat remains in third place with Hart and Wright in a "tightly-contested competition as the final hours approach."

Voting ends at 5 o'clock this afternoon with the winners to be announced shortly thereafter.

Pat's teammates chipped in with video plugs for Pat on phillies.com.

Burrell Climbing
Pat is moving up in several Phillies all-time rankings.  He is fourth in the home-run rankings, trailing third-place Chuck Klein, 243-240.

Among RBI leaders, Pat has moved into ninth place (795).  Next on the list is The Bull (811).  And, Pat is fifth in walks (751).  Roy Thomas and Bobby Abreu are next, 946 each.

Minor League Notes
CF Greg Golson has been activated from the DL (wrist injury) at Reading and will be able to play in Sunday's Futures Game at Yankee Stadium and the Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday . . . Reading RH reliever Pat Overholt has been added to the EL All-Star game roster.

Tonight's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victorino, cf; Utley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Werth, rf; Feliz, 3b; Ruiz, c; Happ, p.

Hard to believe this team has been shut out six times this year when it happened only three times a year ago.

When we woke up on this date a year ago, we were in third place, 4.5 games out of first with a 44-44 record.  We're still in first place (48-43).  And, we will hit.  Book it!

Burrell Update
Latest results this afternoon have Pat still trailing Corey Hart and David Wright.  Each has garnered over 4 million votes.

Voting efforts continue:
 **University of Miami Alumni Relations Department is participating an in e-mail campaign to vote for Pat, a baseball legend at that university.
 **Voting stations have been set up in Citizens Bank Park so fans can vote during games.
 **Philadelphia Free Library has done an e-mail blitz with their membership.
       **Vote for Pat T-Shirts were sent to members of the media.
       **The WIP Marathon voting in the upper level of Harry the K's continues around the clock until tomorrow's deadline.

Remember: 
Online voting on phillies.com ends at 5 o'clock tomorrow afternoon:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/fv/ballot_pop.html

Burrell Backers
"He's the most deserving among the group of National Leaguers on the Final Vote ballot," Jayson Stark, ESPN.com.

"Here's the case for Pat to be elected....he's the only player in the league's top 10 in slugging percentage not already on the roster," Paul White, USA Today.

"Pat is the most notable omission on the team," Buster Olney, ESPN.com.

Ken Rosenthal had Pat starting in his NL Star squad during his in-game comments on FOX's Saturday telecast.  Rosenthal is the Senior Baseball Writer for FOXSports.com and a member of the FOX Saturday broadcasting team.

Celebrity City
Phillies Alumni Dick Allen and Jay Johnstone were at Citizens Bank Park last night.  There teammates not only with the Phillies (1975-76) but the White Sox (1972).

Jay told a story about him during the 1976 season that had Dick in stitches.  "We had clinched the division and Danny (Ozark, manager) told us that we should go for individual goals now that we have won the division.  I was battling for the league lead in doubles and a 'stretched' a triple into a double.  The next day Danny called a team meeting to chew me out for not hustling to third.  I was late that day and wasn't even in the clubhouse during Danny's tirade."

Tomorrow, actress Alyssa Milano will be here to promote her licensed women's fashion collection called "Touch".  Alyssa is a big-time Dodgers fan and has a blog on Dodgers.com, "touch 'em all."

Tonight's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victorino, cf; Utlley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Werth, rf; Feliz, 3b; Ruiz, c; Hamels, p.

Close is fine in horseshoes but not baseball.  Fell behind too far last night but this team keeps battling and had a chance to tie or win in the last of the ninth.

Six games left before the All-Star break and we need to kick in gear.  We're really scuffling at Citizens Bank Park, having lost 8 of the last 10.  Fan support is awesome and the passion is felt every day but right now we can't seem to put things together.

Phillies Tradition
Chase Utley is going to continue the tradition of having a Phillies player in the State Farm Home Run Derby next Monday night in Yankee Stadium.   Jim Thome, Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard (twice) have been involved since 2004. 

Notice all are left-handed hitters.  Yankee Stadium's right field foul pole is 314 feet which could be to Chase's advantage.

Pressure isn't on Chase, it is on catching instructor Mick Billmeyer, who is replacing Ramon Henderson as the pitcher for the Phillies.  Ramon had done the previous four and done ii well.

If you haven't read Ken Mandel's HR Derby story on this site:
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3086768&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

Backing Burrell
We've started a campaign to get Pat Burrell elected to the All-Star team.  Some of the details are covered in Mandel's story:
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3086731&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

In addition, the Cira Center in Philadelphia is illuminating Pat's #5 tonight and tomorrow night, PECO Crown Lights will encourage voting, Ballgirls will visit center city workers during the lunch hour, Publicist John Brazer is doing a radio station blitz, eight digital billboards in the area are promoting voting today through Thursday, t-shirts will be given to fans in the first row of the left field stands today, tomorrow and Thursday, e-mails are being distributed constantly, the Phillies minor league clubs are promoting "Go To Bat For Pat" and all Phillies employees were allowed a 15-minute break from their chores this afternoon to vote. 

If you called during that break and I didn't answer, you why.

Visitor Von
Von Hayes stopped by Citizens Bank Park last night with his son, Connor.  Von is the manager of the Lancaster Barnstormers in the independent Atlantic League.  Rick Wise is his pitching coach.  The Barnstomers had a night off.

Roster changes are frequent in that league.  One day, Von was down to nine position players.  So, he placed himself on the active roster, but never played that night.  "I'm the only manager ever to sign himself and release himself," Von laughed.

When things didn't go well for the Phillies in the first inning, there were some boos.  "I know what that sound sounds like," he said.

National TV
ESPN tomorrow night for those fans around the country (CSN in Philly area).

Myers Report
"Decent outing that seemed to help his confidence.  Used his fastball (89-94) more, especially early and pitched inside well with it.  Third and fourth time thru the order used his curve more which showed sharp action," Rod Nichols, LV pitching coach after Brett's second start last night.

Myers' next start is Saturday night in Reading.

Tonight's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victorino, cf; Utley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Dobbs, 3b; Werth, rf; Coste, c; Eaton, p.

Losses are tough, especially ones like yesterday's afternoon/night 12-inning, ran delayed marathon.

One strike away from a shutout and Jason Werth his a dramatic home run off Billy Wagner to force extra innings.  Werth has nine homers off LHP, second in the NL to teammate Chase Utley's 11.

Kyle Kendrick bent but didn't break.  He gives up hits but seems to get out of jams.  He's a competitor.

Story of the loss: offense is 1-14 with runners in scoring position.  Runners on base in each of the first six innings and zero. 

Flash on DL
A year ago as the closer, he went on the disabled list (strained rotator cuff) on May 4 for over two months.  He came back as the set-up man, well rested and strong for the second half of the season.

In September, he was in 18 of our 28 games and opponents batted .196 over his last 15 appearances. 

Elbow this time.  Hopefully, being shutdown will produce the same second-half results. 

Vote for Pat
Just a reminder..... Pat Burrell is one of five players in the National League Monster All-Star Final Vote.  Voting is underway on mlb.com.  It will end at 5 p.m. on Thursday. There is no limit as to how many times fans can vote.

Easiest way to vote is online: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/fv/ballot_pop.html

MLB update on voting results: Corey heard currently holds a small lead over David Wright, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand and Carlos Lee.

Look for an announcement from the Phillies regarding plans for a big voting campaign for Pat.

Sellout City
Tonight will be the 26th sell out of the season and 13th in a row. 

Rest of the week is the same, except tomorrow night.  Just over 4,000 seats are still available.  Then, the daily 500 standing room tickets for each game.

This Date
In Phillies history.......
1964 RF Johnny Callison hits dramatic, game-winning three-run homer in the ninth inning to give the National League a 7-4 win in the 35th All-Star Game at Shea Stadium.
1979 3B Mike Schmidt homers in final at bat on July 6 and in first three at bats tonight vs. San Francisco.  Second time he has homered in four consecutive plate appearances in his career.
1993 Phillies 7, Dodgers 6, in 20-inning game, matching Vet record for longest game.  Lenny Dykstra drives in 2 runs in the bottom of the 20th for the win.

Pat Burrell has gone to bat over 4,200 times in a Phillies uniform

He's having an All-Star season and now it is time for Phillies fans to go to bat for Pat.

Pat is one of five players in the National League Monster All-Star Final Vote.  Voting is underway on mlb.com.  It will end at 5 p.m. on Thursday. There is no limit as to how many times fans can vote.

The other four outfielder Corey Hart (Brewers), outfielder Carlos Lee (Astros), outfielder Aaron Rowand (Giants) and third baseman David Wright (Mets).  The Phillies and Mets are battling on the field.  Now, their fans will be going toe-to-toe in the ballot box.

Phillies fans came through four years ago and elected Bobby Abreu to the NL squad in the final vote. Abreu drew over 2 million votes.

Chase Utley led all NL players in All-Star voting this year and that's a tribute to Phillies fans.

Here's a call for Phillies fans to step up to the plate again. 

How To Vote
Online: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/fv/ballot_pop.html

Mobile devices: Fans can also text the word "Vote" to 36197 to receive the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Votes candidates sent to their mobile device.  The vote for a specific player, fans can replay with the choice. Example: Text "A4" to vote for American League player 4, or "N4" for National League player 4.  Standard rate messaging fees apply.  Please check with carriers for details.  In Canada, Phillies fans should text the word "Vote" in 88555.

NL codes: Burrell (Mobile Vote N1), Hart (N2), Lee (N3), Rowand (N4) and Wright (N5).

Last year, a record 23 million votes were cast in the Final Vote, including nearly one million case via mobile devices.

Today's Lineup
Werth, rf; Utley, 2b; Rollins, ss; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Feliz, 3b; Victorino, cf; Ruiz, c; Kendrick, p.

For a while last night, it looked as if we would squeeze a one-run win on only four hits. Then the bullpen's bottom fell out, a real rarity this season.

"It's going to happen.  When you play 162 games, you can't expect everyone to be perfect.  I think our bullpen has been outstanding.  They are one of the reasons we are where we are."

The loss dropped the Phillies record in which they are leading after seven innings to 33-3. The blown save for Tom Gordon was his first since late last August.

Lidge Stays a Phillie
A potential free agent at the end of the season, Brad Lidge won't be heading that direction after signing a contract this morning.  Details will be on this site.

Ruben Amaro Jr. and Lidge's agent, Rex Geary, have been discussing a new contract and those talks heated up this week.

Protocol calls for a physical examination before the Brad could sign on the dotted line.  Once that was out of the way, the time of the announcement was something that was worked out by Amaro Jr. and Bonnie Clark, the VP, Communications, and her staff.

A media alert was sent out Saturday informing the media of a player announcement at 11 o'clock this morning.

The announcement took place, as usual, in the Media Room on the clubhouse level at Citizens Bank Park.  Lidge's baseball idol is Hall of Famer reliever Goose Gossage.  The two met outside the Media Room after the press conference. Gossage is here today for Auto Trader.com.

All-Star Time
We'll know this afternoon who and how many Phillies will make the National League All-Star team and if a Phillies player is among the 2008 Monster All-Star Final Vote that will take place on mlb.com today through Thursday.  The announcements will be on TBS TV starting at 2.

Chase Utley has been leading all players in voting and he will be the starting second baseman for the NL for the third straight season.  That's a given.

The only Phillie with a longer consecutive starting streak as an All-Star is Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, six years, 1979-84.

Other Phillies second basemen who have been All-Star starters include Mariano Duncan (1994), Manny Trillo (1982) and Granny Hamner (1954).

Tonight's Lineup
Rollins, ss; Victorino, cf; Utley, 2b; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Feliz, 3b; Jenkins, rf; Coste, c; Moyer, p.

Clutch pitching and clutch hitting did the job as the Phillies celebrated July 4 with a one-run, come-from-behind victory.

Johan Santana was his typical dominating pitcher but four singles plated two runs and Shane Victorino's game-winning single sent the sellout crowd home in a festive mood.  No long ball, just clutch singles.

J. A. Happ kept the Phillies in the game and then Chad Durbin, Ryan Madson and Bridge Lidge pitched lights out.  Happ had command problems, something he had conquered in AAA.  A 46-pitch fifth inning did him in but he was encouraging.

The Phillies have out-scored their opponents by 85 runs, second best in the league.  The Cubs have a 97-run difference.

All-Star Time
Tomorrow afternoon (2 o'clock) on TBS the All-Star teams will be announced.  Ernie Johnson and Cal Ripken will host the MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Chevrolet.

The starters are chosen by fan balloting.  The pitchers and reserves will be determined through a combination of "Player's Ballot" choices and All-Star managers, Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle.  We have our fingers crossed that Pat Burrell will make it for the first time.  He certainly deserves the honor.

Another on-line balloting will take place to select the final player for each league's 32-man roster.  The Monster 2008 All-Star Final Vote will start right after tomorrow's announcements and end on Thursday.  Bobby Abreu was selected by Phillies fans in the final vote four years ago.

Minor League Notes
C Jason Jaramillo, INF Mike Cervenak and LHP Brian Mazone are the Lehigh Valley selections for the International League All-Star Game.

Reading selections for the AA All-Star Game are C Lou Marson, SS Jason Donald, OF Greg Golson, OF Jeremy Slayden and RHP Carlos Carrasco.

Both games will take place the day after the July 15 major league All-Star Game.

R. J. Swindle didn't waste any time returning to Lehigh Valley after being optioned on Thursday night.  He flew to Pawtucket, got in the game, gave up his first home run of the season and was tagged with a loss.  The lefty reliever had gone 40 innings without a home run.  Going back to last year, add on three more innings.  His previous home run came on August 23, 2007, vs. Tampa, while pitching for Clearwater.

Tonight's Lineup
Werth, rf; Utley, 2b; Rollins, ss; Howard, 1b; Burrell, lf; Feliz, 3b; Victorino, cf; Coste, c; Happ, p.

Happy Holiday everyone.  Hard to believe July 4 is here already.  As one frog said to another, "Time's fun when you are having flies."

Time flies and now it is back home following a positive-ending road trip that had a rough beginning. 

Cole Hamels was dominant again last night and the long ball came into play once again.  Ryan Howard is putting up some amazing power and RBI numbers considering his batting average.  Going into this season, he had a .291 lifetime average in the big show.  He's at .219 now.  It is scary to think what his numbers would be if he was near his career mark.  One thing about him, he keeps grinding.

The Mets had a big offensive series in splitting four games in St. Louis, setting the stage for a huge four-day, weekend series.  LHP J. A. Happ, fresh from being the Phillies minor league pitcher of last week and minor league pitcher of last month, gets his second major league start tonight.  His other was against the same team June 30, 2007, and he didn't fare that well.

Shuffle Sheriff
Steve Noworyta is the Director of the Minor Leagues for the Phillies.  He oversees the development phase under Mike Arbuckle.  The Phils have six minor league clubs in action right now. 

Hardly a day goes by without a voice mail message from Steve on roster moves in the minors, shuffling players from one club to another. That is followed by an e-mail of the new rosters.

He had a dandy message yesterday:
"The following roster moves are taking place today, July 3....pitcher Kip Bouknight is being released at Reading.  Moving from Clearwater to Reading is pitcher Edgar Garcia.  Moving from Lakewood to Clearwater is pitcher Darren Byrd.  Moving from Williamsport to Lakewood is pitcher Vance Worley.  Moving from the Gulf Coast League to Williamsport is pitcher Tyler Cloyd."  Roster #36 followed.

Major league roster moves come via voice mail messages from Ruben Amaro Jr. After last night's game: "We have optioned R. J. Swindle back to Lehigh Valley and are recalling J. A. Happ who will pitch against the Mets on Friday night." His move was a simple one, R. J. for J. A.

This Date
In Phillies history.......
1908 New York Giants RHP Hooks Wiltse pitches 1-0, 10-inning no-hitter against the Phillies at New York.  RHP George McQuillan, who lost the game on an error in the 10th, was hit by a pitch with two out in the ninth to spoil Wiltse's bid for a perfect game.
1938 Phillies move permanently to Shibe Park and split a double-header with Boston, 10-5 loss and 10-2 win.
1979 LHP Steve Carlton's second 1-hitter of season, 5th of career to tie modern NL record, 1-0, over Mets. Elliott Maddox' oneout double in 7th is the lone hit.

Back-to-back sweeps in Atlanta?  Doesn't happen very often but the opportunity is there.

Cole Hamels gets the nod tonight.  By pitching him tonight, he'll get two more starts before the All-Star break.

Four players had more than one hit last night, Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard went deep, Adam Eaton worked 5 productive innings and Brad Lidge struck out the side in the ninth. 

Yet, the top hero has to be Chad Durbin.  He came in with the sacks full and no out in the sixth, got a double play ball and a strikeout to kill a potential big Braves inning.  In some box scores, he gets credit for a "hold", an unofficial stat.  It was his fourth hold but that doesn't totally reflect the job Chad's done.

Some people think he should start in Brett Myers' place.  Folks, Chad's too valuable where he is.  Why weaken that area?

Myers Report
Every day we receive a complete report from the managers and pitching coach of every Phillies minor league team: box score, comments about the game and players, injuries, personnel arriving and personnel departing, etc.

Pitching coach Rod Nichols filed the following on Myers' outing last night in Lehigh Valley:
"Hopefully, Brett started to gain some of his confidence back.  Began with four shutout innings before giving up three runs in the fifth.  Fastball had some life and he didn't overthrow it as game progressed.  Pitched inside well at times.  Curve was his go-to pitch and used it often.  Cutter showed depth and seemed to depend on it too much.  Split wasn't close which made him rely on his curve more which hitters recognized.  Seemed to carry himself better as game progressed."

Mets Next
Back to Citizens Bank Park tomorrow night for the first of four games against the Mets, night, night, day, night.

Mets lead season series so far, 4-2, with 10 games left between the two clubs.

As you can imagine, all four games are sell outs which means 500 standing room tickets will go on sale prior to each game.  Matter of fact, sell outs are the norm for nine of the 10 games on the upcoming homestand.  Some tickets are still available for Tuesday night's against the Cardinals.

Players of Week, Month
LHP J. A. Happ has claimed the pitcher of the week for last week and the pitcher of the month for June. 

Hitting honors go to 1B Clay Harris (week) and 1B Andy Tracy (month).

Just link to the stories:
Players of Week: http://mlb.com/phi/downloads/y2008/070208.pdf

Players of Month: 
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080703&content_id=3057353&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

This Date
In Phillies history.......
1983 Reliever Willie Hernandez ties NL record with six consecutive strikeouts in beating New York Mets, 6-4, at the Vet.

Back in the NL and a win!  It isn't that easy but we certainly looked better last night.

Kyle Kendrick continues to step up.  He allows hits but then makes big pitches at the right time.  He certainly is a competitor. 

Hopefully, the 14 hits are the start of a stretch in which the offense is more consistent.  Getting the bats going right now is the perfect timing.

Hello R. J.
After last night's win, the Phillies purchased the contract of left-handed reliever R. J. Swindle from Lehigh Valley.  It was an early birthday present for R. J. who turns 25 on Monday.

He doesn't throw overly hard.  But, he is a strike-throwing machine.  Between Reading and Lehigh Valley this season, 6 walks, 48 strikeouts in 40 innings.  In his fifth pro season: 23 walks, 207 strikeouts in 181.1 innings.

Left-handed hitters in the International League are hitting .129 against him.

His last outing was Monday night at Rochester, 1 inning, 3 strikeouts on 18 pitches (13 strikes).  His fast ball is in the 81-82 mph range; slider, 73-74, but the pitch that does the most damage is a curve ball, 53-55.  Folks, that's slow.  The radar gun almost falls asleep.  The bottom line: R. J. gets hitters out.

How did he get here?

Mal Fichman is a Boise (ID)-based special assignment scout who specializes in the coverage of independent leagues.  He's been around the minor league world for years and has hundreds of contacts.  Andy McCauley, Swindle's manager with the Schaumburg (IL) independent league team (2006) first notified his old friend, Fichman, of the lefty reliever.

A year ago, R.J. started the season at Newark (NJ) in the Atlantic League, another independent league.  Wayne Krenchiki (manager) and Steve Foucault (pitching coach) both contacted Fichman.  Tommy John, who managed Bridgeport in the same league, also reached out to Fichman, "R. J. doesn't belong in this league."

Fichman notified Steve Noworyta, Director of Minor Leagues, and the Phillies purchased Swindle's contract from Newark for $3,000.  He was sent to Lakewood in the Class A South Atlantic League making $2,500 per month.  After 20 games there (2-1, 0.93) he moved up to Clearwater (0-1, 4.80).  Then, this year he started at Reading before moving to AAA in late May.

Since he was born in Vancouver, he has been selected to Team Canada for the Olympic trail games.

Odds of players from the independent leagues reaching the majors aren't great.  But, it can be done.  Just ask Chris Coste.

This Date
In Phillies history
1993 A game that is one of the classics at Veterans Stadium.  A 4:35 p.m. doubleheader with San Diego is delayed by rain and the night went on and on.  The sun was coming up when I pulled into my driveway after:
       **5 hours, 54 minutes of rain delays in game # 1, won by Padres, 5-2
       **2nd game starts at 1:28 a.m. and ends at 4:40 a.m. on Mitch Williams' game-winning single
       **DH, which was to start at 4:35 p.m., ends 12 hours, 5 minutes later. 

Kudos to Brett Myers for accepting an option to Lehigh Valley.  Because of his major league service time (5-plus seasons), he had the right to accept or reject the assignment.

Myers now will get a chance to work on getting himself straightened out.  It certainly is a lot easier to work on things in a minor league game.  The spotlight isn't as bright.

Other options were to continue in the rotation up here or move to the bullpen where getting a lot of work wasn't a given.

Many pitchers have gone back to the minors, including Jamie Moyer.

Congrats
Four Phillies minor leaguers, all on the Reading roster, have been chosen for the XM Future's Game on Sunday, July 13.

Getting chosen is one thing but getting to play in Yankee Stadium is another.  After this year there will be a new Yankee Stadium.  But, but there will always be only one place: the House that Babe Ruth built.

Shortstop Jason Donald, C Lou Marson and CF Greg Golson will play for the Team USA Olympic trial team that will compete against the World Team as part of Taco Bell All-Star Sunday.  Game time is 12:30 p.m.  ESPN2 and ESPN2 HD will televise the game.

RHP Carlos Carrasco will pitch for the World Team.  Reading LHP Antonio Bastardo was also chosen for this team but he was scratched because he is on the DL.

The Phillies and the A's are the organizations with the most players, four each.

Phillies who have participated in the Futures Game include Pat Burrell (1999), Brett Myers (2001-02), Ryan Howard (2003) and Chase Utley (2001).  J. C. Romero (1999) pitched for the World Team

This Date
In Phillies history....
1931 RF Chuck Klein hits for the cycle and drives in 5 runs as Phillies win, 11-6, over the Cubs at Baker Bowl.
1993 For first time in Phillies history, they lead division on May 1, June 1 and July 1, in the same season.
2001 Phillies defeat Marlins, 8-1, for first 5-game sweep since June 25-27, 1982 vs. Mets.
2007 Phillies surpass 116 million in attendance since first game in 1883.