Hellickson And Herrera Hand Harvey The Loss

GAME RECAP: Phillies Top Mets 5-2

The Phillies put a dent in the Mets' plans to beat up on their National League East counterparts this season, beating Matt Harvey in a 5-2 win Sunday to take two of three this weekend at Citi Field. Odubel Herrera's two-run homer in the sixth inning highlighted a steady stream of offense for the Phillies against Harvey, who plated their first run on a Freddy Galvis sacrifice fly. All told, the Phillies rapped out six hits and drew two walks against Harvey, who needed 95 pitches to complete six innings. "Obviously, the outcome is not ideal," Harvey said. "I made a bad pitch there and it cost us some runs, unfortunately. Today, we needed zeros and I wasn't able to do that." For Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson, the crooked numbers were enough. Retiring the first 11 Mets he faced, Hellickson did not allow a run until Yoenis Cespedes chased him with a two-run homer to put the Mets on the board in the sixth. But the Mets wound up scoring three or fewer runs for the fourth time in five games this season. The series win gave the Phillies more wins at Citi Field already this season than they amassed all of last year. "When the other team outplays you for two straight days, this is going to be the outcome," Mets third baseman David Wright said. "These past couple days, they pitched better than us. They hit better than us. They did everything better than us, and it shows in the win-loss column."

PHILS PHACTS:

• The center fielder hit a two-run shot off Harvey with one out in the sixth on a liner to right-center, giving the Phils a 3-0 lead. It was his first homer of the season. "He got a good pitch to hit and he hit it," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said about Herrera's at-bat. "He's been swinging and fouling off a lot of what looks like good pitches to hit. We were kind of wondering how come. We knew he was going to hit, so it was good to see him break out that way."
• The right-hander had retired the first 11 batters when Cespedes dumped a single to right field with two out in the fourth. It was the Mets' only hit in the first five innings. 
• A sacrifice fly by Ryan Howard nearly went for naught when Herrera wandered too far off second base in the eighth, allowing Curtis Granderson to sneak a throw in behind him. As Herrera scampered back to the bag, Galvis scored to extend the Phillies' lead to 4-2, though the exact timing of those two plays didn't wind up mattering; a two-minute, 25-second review confirmed the call that Herrera was safe.
• The Phils lost their first four games and avoided opening 0-5 for the first time in 82 years with a 1-0 win over the Mets at Citi Field on Saturday night. The Phillies took two of three from the Mets with Sunday's 5-2 victory.
• The Padres were shut out three times in a row at home by the Dodgers to open the season, then came back to score 29 runs and win the first two games of a three-game series against the Rockies in Denver. They were denied a sweep Sunday with a 6-3 loss at Coors Field.
• The Padres placed infielder Yangervis Solarte on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained right hamstring. They recalled Alexi Amarista from Triple-A El Paso to take Solarte's place.

NEXT GAME:

Aaron Nola receives his first Opening Day assignment of any kind, starting the Phillies' home opener against fellow right-hander Andrew Cashner and the Padres on Monday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Nola made his first start of the season Wednesday in a 6-2 loss to the Reds in Cincinnati, although he pitched well, allowing just a run on four hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings. He didn't take the loss. Cashner was the losing pitcher Wednesday in a 7-0 home loss to the Dodgers, having allowed five runs on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in four innings.

PHILS PHACTS:

Great Way To Start The Season – After struggling last season with the D-backs, right-hander Jeremy Hellickson has to be pleased with his first two starts for the Phillies. Inclusive of Sunday's 5-2 victory over the Mets at Citi Field, Hellickson has worked 11 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits. That translates to a 1-0 record and a highly stingy 1.54 ERA. Hellickson admitted that he could never generate any consistency in 2015 for Arizona, where he even spent Aug. 19-Sept. 10 on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. He finished with a 9-12 record and a 4.62 ERA. "You're right," he said after pitching 5 2/3 innings against the National League East-rival Mets, the performance ending when Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run homer. "You know, it seemed like I'd throw two or three good ones and then a bad one. I just think there's a little bit more life to my fastball right now." Phillies manager Pete Mackanin was asked what key he and pitching coach Bob McClure had turned on Hellickson when the three worked together in Clearwater, Fla., this spring. "He was a left-handed pitcher before this year," Mackanin said without cracking a grin. "We turned him into a righty. We just saw something." But seriously now, folks. "Not really," Mackanin said. "We just let him pitch. We hadn't really seen him except facing him. He's healthy and I like the way he changes speeds. He just keeps hitters off balance and he locates. He has movement and did a great job today." Hellickson kept the Mets off balance, retiring the first 11 batters until Cespedes, a right-handed hitter, punched a single the opposite way to break up the no-hit bid. Hellickson had walked one and struck out five when David Wright doubled to right with one out in the sixth. Cespedes worked the count full and fouled off a number of pitches during the 11-pitch at-bat when he hit a changeup on a towering drive into the left-field seats. It was Hellickson's 91st pitch, one too many, and Mackanin pulled him. "Yeah, it was a changeup, probably one of the better ones I threw all day," Hellickson said. "It was just a good hitter hitting a good pitch, but I felt pretty good the rest of the day." The Phillies obtained Hellickson from the D-backs for Minor League hurler Sam Williams last Nov. 14. The D-backs had decided to restructure their rotation, eventually signing free agent Zack Greinke and obtaining Shelby Miller from the Braves in a trade. With the way the young Phillies rotation is structured, Hellickson is a veteran and gives the staff some ballast. At 29, he has six years of Major League experience, the first five for the Rays. "It just feels good to throw well this early," Hellickson said. "I haven't had that much success in the last few Aprils. To get off to a pretty good start means a lot. I'm just keeping the ball down and feeling a lot better. That has a lot to do with it."

WS Holdover Focusing On Present – From the Phillies' most recent heyday, Ryan Howard is one of the only players left standing. That's probably more a function of the tail end of Howard's five-year, $125 million contract than anything else. There have been diminishing returns from the proud left-handed-hitting first baseman lately, and the Phillies haven't been able to move him. Howard is now a part-time player, facing only right-handed pitching. In his 13th season, all with the Phils, he's a .219 lifetime hitter against lefties. Last year it was .130 with three of Howard's 23 homers and 10 of his 77 RBIs. Manager Pete Mackanin saw enough. "He's not going to face lefties, occasionally here and there," Mackanin said before Sunday's5-2 win over the Mets at Citi Field. "I think that's going to help all the way around. Last year, he really wasn't very good against lefties. The fact he won't have to worry about them is going to make him even more productive against right-handers. At least that's what the hope is." Mackanin's hope for Howard played itself out well Saturday against seemingly ageless right-hander Bartolo Colon. He led off the fifth with an opposite-field homer into the left-field seats, providing the only scoring in a 1-0 Phillies victory, their first of the season after four losses. It was Howard's second of the young season and the 359th of his career, pushing him past Yogi Berra and Carlos Lee into a tie for 83rd on the all-time list with Johnny Mize. The homer was Howard's 45th along with 130 RBIs against the Mets. "[Colon] gave me a good pitch to hit and I drove it out of the ballpark," Howard said Sunday. "Luckily for us, it was enough." True to form, Howard was back in the lineup Sunday against star Mets right-hander Matt Harvey. Howard rolled his eyes when asked about the restrictions now being imposed on him against left-handed pitching. "Oh my gosh, there's nothing I can do about it," he said. "I mean, it is what it is with the situation. I'll just roll with it, I guess. I'm just going to leave it at that." Howard was a fifth-round pick by the Phillies in the 2001 Draft, and he emerged as as powerhouse player. In '06, he hit 58 homers, knocked in 149 runs and had a 1.084 OPS, all career highs. In '08, when the Phils defeated the Rays in a five-game, rain-delayed World Series, Howard hit 48 homers and collected 146 RBIs. From 2006-09, Howard's four-season power numbers looked like this: 198 homers and 572 RBIs. Outstanding. Because of injuries and wear and tear, he hasn't come close again to replicating that kind of production. Back then, it didn't matter which hand a pitcher threw with. Howard simply hit it. Be that as it may, Howard and catcher Carlos Ruiz are the only players remaining from the team that defeated the Rays and then lost to the Yankees in a six-game 2009 World Series. "That's crazy," Howard said. "But that's what happens." Staples of that 2008 team are elsewhere: Shortstop Jimmy Rollins with the White Sox; second baseman Chase Utley and right-hander Joe Blanton are with the Dodgers; outfielders Jayson Werth and Shane Victorino are with the Nationals and Cubs, respectively, and left-hander Cole Hamels, the MVP of both the 2008 National League Championship Series and the World Series, is pitching for the Rangers. Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer and Brad Lidge are all out of the game. Howard, 36, could soon follow that path. The Phillies are in a rebuilding mode and he is in the final guaranteed year of his contract. The Phils can exercise a $23 million option to retain Howard for '17 or buy him out for $10 million. It's hard to believe they are going to exercise that option. "Fortunately, we have all summer," Phillies president Andy MacPhail said Sunday. "I can't worry about any of that now," Howard said. "We'll see how it plays itself out." Mackanin, who had two previous stints on the Phils' coaching staff before replacing Ryne Sandberg as interim manager last June 26, has to balance out all these issues. He's charged with developing the young players and utilizing the remaining veterans. As far as Howard's approach this season, Mackanin said: "He's trying to stay on top of the ball instead of working underneath the ball. He's looks pretty confident. He's going to be a big part of our offense, at least I hope he will be." Whether Howard will be a big part of the Phillies moving forward, Mackanin said that that's well beyond his pay grade. "It is what it is," he said, using the same catch phrase as Howard. "I don't really know what their plans are." If Howard continues to hit home runs, sooner rather than later, it all will be revealed.

Phils History - In 1907, snowballs gave the Phils the forfeit victory despite being 1 hit at the time by New York's Frank Corridon which is almost as shocking as Pittsburgh pitcher Doc Medich jumping into the stands in 1976 to perform CPR. And while we want to forget Robin Roberts losing his 12th straight opening day start in 1961, Dallas Green unceremoniously ending his first tenure with the franchise in 1965, and Garry Templeton turning a triple play against the Phillies in 1981, we can also celebrate John Kruk's return from cancer surgery in 1994 and Roy Halladay notching his 150th career win with his 50th career shutout in 2010. Also, Happy Birthday to Andres Blanco who turns 32 today, the same day that Pinkey Whitney debuted in 1928. 

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are currently 2-4 this season putting them on pace to meet most preseason predictions. The Phillies finished the spring exceeding most expectations compiling a record of 15-11-3 (18-11-3 if you include the exhibition games against Reading and the University of Tampa). All time, the Phillies are 24-17-0 on this day. I expect the Phillies to finish in the bottom half of the division but not last in the NL East by finishing the season with a 77-85 record. Let the rebuild begin!

Cliff Cut Loose As Phillies Focus On Rebuilding

PHILS PHACTS:

Lee’s Option Declined – It is no surprise, but the Phillies have declined Cliff Lee's 2016 club option. Lee will receive a $12.5 million buyout on Nov. 30, in place of the $27.5 million contract for next season. He made $25 million this season, though he didn't pitch an inning because he never recovered from a torn common flexor tendon in his left elbow. Lee's career may be over. "He was all about winning," Philadelphia assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said in September. "He helped us make the World Series in '09 and the postseason in '11. He pitched very well in '12 and '13. It just didn't work out. I'm sure he would have preferred things would have worked out differently, because he is a great competitor." Lee, 37, went 41-30 with a 2.89 ERA in 106 starts with the Phils from 2011-14. His ERA and 1.08 WHIP ranked fourth out of 90 qualified pitchers in that span. Lee's 6.48 strikeout-to-walk ratio easily ranked first. Clayton Kershaw's 4.74 placed second. Lee went on the DL in May 2014 and returned to make three starts in July before getting hurt again. He rehabbed over the offseason, but the injury started to bother him again in March. Lee visited Philadelphia a handful of times this year, essentially to meet with doctors to discuss his rehab, but his recovery never really went anywhere. Doctors recommended surgery, but he declined because he seemed uninterested in pitching past this contract anyway. The Phillies will recoup some of the $25 million they paid Lee this season because they insured his contract. The amount is unclear.

Phillies Claim Otero (Not Ricky) – The Phillies have claimed right-handed reliever Dan Otero off waivers from the A's. Otero, 30, went 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA in 41 games (over four stints) with Oakland last season. Over his first two seasons with the A's, he was 10-2 with a 2.01 ERA in 105 games. Opposing batters hit .333 with a .531 slugging percentage against Otero last season, the highest among Major League relievers.

Front Office Focusing On Pitching – The Phillies concluded their organizational meetings Thursday in Clearwater, Fla., with their leadership structure finally in place. They have a president in Andy MacPhail and a general manager in Matt Klentak. MacPhail and Klentak enter the offseason hoping to improve a roster that finished 2015 with the worst record in baseball. But do not expect them to send blank checks to free agents. The Phillies are not ready to take that plunge just yet, but they are planning to add a few pieces to stabilize a mostly inexperienced roster. "We will definitely do our best to improve the team for next year," Klentak said last week. "I'll stop short of saying we're going to pursue any kind of player or brand of player, because frankly I don't know that yet. But yes, we have every intention of making the club better this winter." Free agents/options: The Phillies have five players eligible for free agency: right-handers Chad Billingsley, Aaron Harang and Jerome Williams; left-hander Cliff Lee; and outfielder Jeff Francoeur. None of the pitchers are expected to return, including Lee. The club will pay Lee his $12.5 million buyout for a 2016 club option on Nov. 30. Francoeur has said he would like to return to Philadelphia, and it is something the Phillies should consider. Francoeur proved to be a better-than-advertised presence in the clubhouse, providing vocal leadership to a team that sorely needs it. He also hit .258 with 13 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .718 OPS. "I talked about culture," Klentak said. "I think there are a variety of ways to sort of create the environment to allow a culture to form. One of them is no doubt bringing in veterans with strong makeup and a wide array of experiences. One hundred percent, I think that's really important. If players are playing confidently and they're having fun and they're enjoying each other's company, they're more likely to reach their ceilings and be the best versions of themselves." Of course, it remains to be seen how much MacPhail and Klentak value a player like that, but if they are looking for a veteran to nurture and motivate their young talent and show them how to be a pro, it would be difficult to find better. Needs: The Phillies need pitching. A lot of it. They need at least a couple reliable veterans to fill out the rotation. They need at least one or two reliable relievers. The Phillies went 11-10 when rookies Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff started this season. It might not seem like much, but it shows just how much a little quality pitching can help an offensively challenged lineup. "If you can pitch, you have a chance to win every single night," Klentak said. "That will absolutely become an organizational focus for us. To add pitching at every turn. In trades, through waiver claims, in the Draft, internationally, free agency. However we need to do it, we will add pitching, pitching, pitching." Besides that, the Phillies are likely to add a veteran outfielder or two, especially if they do not re-sign Francoeur. Potential targets: When it comes to starting pitchers, think along the lines of Doug Fister, J.A. Happ and Bartolo Colon -- guys who can pitch six or more innings and give the offense a chance. When it comes to relievers, we're talking about seventh-inning types who can be the bridge from starter to closer Ken Giles. In terms of an outfielder, preferably somebody with some pop. Trade assets: Do not expect the Phillies to trade any of their top young prospects. Now is not the time for that. But they could trade some of their young big league talent to help fill some holes, especially if they believe they have prospects coming through the system that could take their place before the end of next season. Financial situation: The Phillies finally cleared a bunch of salary from their books. They still owe Ryan Howard $35 million next year, including a $10 million buyout on a 2017 club option. They still owe Carlos Ruiz $9 million, which includes a $500,000 buyout. They are paying $28 million of injured pitcher Matt Harrison's contract, although it is believed insurance could take care of 75 percent of that. But while they have money to spend, the Phillies are not expected to be major players in free agency this winter. "I don't think you can buy a winner," Phillies owner John Middleton said. "Specifically, you have to build baseball teams from the ground up." Bottom line: Expect the Phillies to acquire a few pieces to fill out the roster, but continue to focus on their young talent. They hope their talent at the Major and Minor League levels continues to improve, and in a year or two the Phils re-enter free agency in a big way.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies finally put an end to the season finishing in last place in the NL East with a record of 63-99. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! However, at least Ryan Madson got another ring this year.

Time For The GM Shuffle!

YESTERDAY IN POSTSEASON PLAY: Mets And Royals World Series Previews

METS: On the eve of Matt Harvey's start in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday, one of his college teammates recalled the brash freshman who arrived on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2007. Harvey had just turned down $1 million after the Angels made him a third-round Draft pick, opting instead to boost his stock with a Tar Heels team coming off back-to-back appearances in the championship round of the College World Series. "We knew he could help us, but he hadn't been there those previous two years, and he might not have taken it as seriously as we were during those fall practices," said Rob Wooten, an ace reliever for those teams who made it to the big leagues himself, with the Brewers. "I think he thought he was going to come in and breeze right through college. It didn't work that way at the beginning. I think he got humbled pretty quick. But he put his head down and he got to work. "I love Matt. He's an All-Star and he's going to win a Cy Young Award someday and now he's pitching Game 1 of the World Series. I'm definitely going to be watching." It will be a well-rested, unrestricted Harvey who takes the Kauffman Stadium mound, the fascination with Harvey's workload having been stifled after serving as a source of controversy in August and September. The fact remains that Harvey, who missed all of 2014 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, continues to push into uncharted innings. In August, Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, made the case for a hard cap around 180 innings, while the Mets insisted they would proceed on a start-to-start basis. Now, with the Mets on the brink of their first championship since 1986, the sides appear united. Including his two postseason starts (2-0, 2.84 ERA), Harvey has logged 202 innings since the start of the regular season. "We kind of cleared that up at the end," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "It goes back to after the Yankee game [on Sept. 20, when Collins removed Harvey after 77 pitches and five scoreless innings]. "Couple days later he walked in and said, 'Listen, we're going to get in the postseason and I've got to be ready, and I'm not ready.' He said, 'My next two starts I've got to throw at least a hundred pitches to get myself back where I need to be.'" Collins conferred with Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, who said it was Harvey's call. "It's pretty much been Matt and me ever since," Collins said. "I don't think we've needed to go elsewhere. As long as I know he's ready to go." Harvey indicated he's ready to go. "I think there were some people that threw me under the bus a little bit about what was going on," Harvey said. "But for me being out here with my teammates is all I want, and I couldn't be happier to be with them here now." In Game 1 of the National League Championship Series he delivered a vintage performance, holding the Cubs to two runs on four hits in 7 2/3 innings, with nine strikeouts. It marked the first time Harvey threw a pitch beyond the seventh inning since Aug. 11. That outing did come at a price. Harvey took a liner directly on his right arm off the bat of Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler, and there was more swelling than expected in his triceps two days later. But he improved to the point that he was slated to start Game 5 of the NLCS had the Mets not completed their four-game sweep. Harvey will pitch Tuesday on nine days' rest. "I think the best thing and the most positive thing is how I feel after the 200-inning mark, and quite honestly, it's probably better than I did at the 100 mark," he said. Said Collins: "I think in conversations with David [Wright] and some of the other veterans, he realized that the only way he's going to be that person he wants to be is to be out in the middle of that field. So he took the baseball back. He said, 'Give me the ball.' "So I salute that. Certainly we all realize any time you're out on the baseball field something freaky could happen and your career could come to an end, but it's about the competition side and being out there with your teammates, and he wants to do that. I'm not shocked by it. And I'm thrilled that he said, 'Give me the baseball,' because he's going to get it." His old Tar Heels teammate will be watching. Harvey and Wooten remain in touch, though the last time they had an extended conversation in person was last December in Orlando during Major League Baseball Players Association meetings. Wooten said Harvey expressed supreme confidence in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, and was bullish about the Mets' young starting pitching. "He told me they were going to win there," Wooten said. "And sure enough, there they are in the World Series."

ROYALS: Game 1 of the World Series is kind of a big deal, but Royals right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez, preparing for his start Tuesday night against the Mets, smiles the same old relaxed way. "It's another game," said Volquez. "I don't have to do anything different than what I've been doing. I've got to stay focused in what I'm doing, especially this game, because this is a World Series game. You don't have too many chances to make a lot of mistakes in those games. So I've got to stay under control and pitch my game." Volquez's postseason has been up and down. He yielded five hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings of a loss to the Astros in Game 3 of the American League Division Series. Then he beat the Blue Jays in Game 1 of the AL Championship Series by giving up just two hits in six innings of a shutout victory, before giving up five runs in five innings in a 7-1 loss to the Jays in Game 5. The results have swung, but Volquez has remained his happy-go-lucky self. "I don't think Dominican guys get nervous, ever," Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. "He just likes to compete, have fun and do his job -- keep the ball down, use the changeup, use his breaking ball, pitch inside." Volquez has found slightly more fastball velocity in the postseason. He is touching 97 and 98 mph. According to FanGraphs, Volquez's fastball is averaging 95.2 mph in the postseason, as opposed to 93.8 during the regular season. The Jays' Aaron Sanchez, the Mets' Steven Matz, the Cubs' Trevor Cahill and Royals teammate Chris Young have experienced greater bumps in average velocity (among pitchers with 70 or more postseason pitches), but Volquez's 1.4 mph increase is considered significant. Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland said the uptick is a testament of a clean, fundamental delivery that allows Volquez to direct his power toward home plate. At times during the regular season, he became rotational and lost power by spinning to the side. Volquez prefers to use humor over technical explanation of his newfound velocity. "I don't know, from the Gatorade," he said when asked for his thoughts on a reason. "A lot of energy helps me a little bit more. I think pitching the playoffs is more exciting. And everything I pitch, everything I've got, that's what I've got. I was throwing 97, 98 the other day. I don't do that very often, but I think I've still got it a little bit." Volquez's charge against the selective Mets will be to stay in the strike zone consistently, since he has walked 12 in 16 2/3 postseason innings, with 15 strikeouts. Eiland said Volquez's faster fastball is also a sign of a free mind. After a promising early career with the Reds, Volquez was discarded by the Padres and Dodgers in 2013, only to resurface as a competitive starter with the Pirates last year. He continued that trend when he joined the Royals this season. "This guy's been around," Eiland said. "He's been released a couple of times, bounced around, given up on. He's got nothing to lose. He's very fortunate and grateful to be in this situation. He's coming right at you. He's not going to let this opportunity slip away, throwing caution to the wind. "Usually when a player throws caution to the wind, you get the best out of him."

POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS: Read my post from October 6^th to see how many I have gotten wrong!

CURRENT POSTSEASON PICTURE:

World Series

New York at Kansas City

Game 1: Tuesday, October 27, at 8:00 PM

PHILS PHACTS:

New GM – Andy MacPhail got his man. Matt Klentak, previously an Angels assistant general manager, was named vice president and general manager on Monday. The Phillies introduced him during a news conference at Citizens Bank Park. "I am honored, I am humbled, I am unbelievably excited to be here today," Klentak said. Klentak, 35, appeared to be the favorite for the job from the moment MacPhail joined the organization in June. Sources told MLB.com at the time that if MacPhail decided not to renew Ruben Amaro Jr.'s contract, Klentak would be his top target. The Phillies announced last month that Amaro would not return, opening the door for Klentak's arrival. MacPhail kept his GM search quiet, declining interview requests along the way. He conducted many of his first-round interviews in Chicago before holding second and final interviews this week. Those interviews involved Phillies ownership, which included John Middleton. Klentak, A's assistant GM Dan Kantrovitz and Rays vice president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom were the three finalists for the job. But Klentak evidently impressed everybody the most. "In Matt we found an executive with the keen ability to understand cutting-edge baseball analytics, coupled with superior scouting, player development and leadership skills," MacPhail said. "Additionally, his commitment and resolve to build the foundation for a championship-caliber team was evident every step of the way through the process. I trust Matt to lead the Phillies as we all rededicate ourselves to return championship baseball to Philadelphia." So who is Klentak? He grew up in Massachusetts and attended Dartmouth College, where he majored in economics and played shortstop. Following graduation in 2002, he took an internship with the Rockies before he joined Major League Baseball's Labor Relations Department, where he helped negotiate the 2006 Collective Bargaining Agreement. He remained there until 2008, when MacPhail hired him as director of baseball operations with the Orioles, making him one of the youngest executives in baseball. Klentak worked with MacPhail in scouting, player development, contract negotiations and the construction of the 40-man roster. The Angels hired him as assistant general manager in late 2011, where he handled many of those same responsibilities. Klentak has an analytics background, but those who are familiar with him say he has a well-balanced approach to his duties. In other words, sabermetrics aren't the only thing he knows. He was former Angels GM Jerry Dipoto's No. 2 man, meaning he worked with scouts, agents and other general managers and assistant general managers. "We want to be the best at everything that we do," Klentak said. "We want to have the best scouts on the field, we want to have the best coaches, we want to have the best players, and we will. And we will use every form of technology available to us to have the best information in this industry." Scouts who know him seem to like and respect him. Field personnel seem to like him, too. He could be seen chatting in the clubhouse with Angels coaches and players following Dipoto's resignation July 1, which was a tumultuous time for the organization. Klentak is said to be likeable and a good communicator, which should help him early with a demanding Phillies fanbase and media. "This is a phenomenal sports town and the fans are equally phenomenal," Phillies partner John Middleton said to Klentak during the news conference. "As a group, we are passionate, we are knowledgeable, we are loyal, we have high standards and I think you will love be here. And when you win here, you will really love being here. There is nothing like winning in Philadelphia."

Old GM – The Red Sox took an unconventional route in the selection of a new first-base coach/outfield instructor, hiring former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Monday to fill that role. Amaro, 50, has no previous coaching experience and went straight to the Phillies' front office after his playing career ended in 1998. Red Sox manager John Farrell was teammates with Amaro for a short period in 1995 with the Indians. Amaro will also assist in baserunning instruction. "I am truly honored to join the Red Sox, a first-class organization with a tremendous history," Amaro said. "I was honored that Dave and John would consider me for this opportunity and add me to this dynamic coaching staff. I am poised, focused and ready to bring anything I can in terms of experience and knowledge to this position, and I look forward to being a part of the Boston Red Sox." The fact that Amaro is ready to take an on-field job lends credence to a recent report that he might be interested in managing some day. Amaro became the general manager of the Phillies on Nov. 1, 2008, right after the club won the World Series. He took over for Pat Gillick. Under Amaro, the Phillies got back to the World Series the next year, losing to the Yankees. The Phillies won the National League East from '09-11, but didn't make it to the postseason the past four years. The Phillies announced on Sept. 10 that they would not be renewing Amaro's contract. Amaro replaces Arnie Beyeler as Boston's first-base coach and outfield instructor. Beyeler was the only coach not retained from Farrell's staff. An outfielder for the entirety of his eight-year career in the Majors, Amaro should be well positioned to teach defense to Boston's young and exciting trio of Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies finally put an end to the season finishing in last place in the NL East with a record of 63-99. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances, this has ended up being one of the worst seasons in franchise history! However, there are some former Phillies still making headlines in the playoffs this year.

Phillies Pitching Returns To Form

GAME RECAP: Phillies Beat Nationals 4-1

Pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez's two-run single highlighted a four-run seventh inning as the Phillies rallied for a 4-1 win over the Nationals on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez had pitched six scoreless innings against the Phillies before he walked Grady Sizemore and Cameron Rupp and hit Andres Blanco with a pitch to load the bases with one out. Hernandez then followed with a go-ahead hit against Xavier Cedeno. Freddy Galvis, who finished with three hits, added an RBI single and Chase Utley had a sacrifice fly in that seventh inning. Phillies right-hander Jerome Williams pitched well enough to win, but earned a no-decision. He allowed five hits, one run, one walk, one home run and struck out six in six innings. Jonathan Papelbon picked up the save for the 108th of his Phillies career. He needs five more saves to pass Jose Mesa to set the franchise record.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies scored four runs in the seventh inning with the help of some unlikely candidates. Sizemore walked, Rupp walked and Blanco was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Hernandez's two-run single to right scored a pair of runs. Everybody other than Sizemore entered Spring Training without a guaranteed spot on the Opening Day roster, although Sizemore struggled throughout most of the spring.
• After Williams allowed the leadoff home run, he did not allow a run the rest of the way. Williams, who struggled mightily at the end of Spring Training, allowed five hits, one run, one walk, one home run and struck out six in six innings.
• Setup man Ken Giles pitched a scoreless eighth inning after struggling mightily Wednesday against the Red Sox. The Phillies hope their hard-throwing right-hander is moving in the right direction.
• The Phillies announced a crowd of 19,047, which was the smallest crowd in the history of Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies drew a previous low of 19,182 on April 26, 2006, against the Rockies. It is the smallest crowd in Philadelphia since Sept. 3, 2003, when the Phillies drew 18,0002 against the Expos at Veterans Stadium.
• Phillies broadcaster Matt Stairs modeled a replica of a 1915 National League champion Phillies sweater during Thursday night's broadcast. Mitchell & Ness, who used to make the sweaters, has suddenly seen an increase in demand and said they might start making them again.

NEXT GAME:

Left-hander Cole Hamels hopes to bounce back from a rough opener Monday against the Red Sox. He allowed four home runs in five innings in the 8-0 loss, but he has had much better luck against the Nationals. He is 15-8 with a 2.63 ERA in 32 career starts against Washington.

PHILS PHACTS:

Unlikely Production – This is not how the Phillies predicted they would win their second game of the season Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez pitched six scoreless innings before he unraveled in the seventh in a 4-1 loss to the Phillies. He walked Grady Sizemore and Cameron Rupp then hit Andres Blanco with a pitch to load the bases with one out. Pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez followed and smacked a first-pitch fastball to right field for a single against Xavier Cedeno to score Sizemore and Rupp to hand the Phillies a 2-1 lead. Rupp beat a throw to the plate from the strong-armed and typically accurate Bryce Harper. "I didn't know what was going to happen," Rupp said. "I'm thinking as soon as the ball is hit, freeze on the line drive and then go until [third base coach] Pete [Mackanin] stops me. He kept waving me on." Cedeno then hit Ben Revere with a pitch to reload the bases before Craig Stammen entered. He allowed a single to right to Freddy Galvis to score Blanco, and Chase Utley followed with a sacrifice fly to center to score Hernandez to give the Phillies a three-run lead. Sizemore, Rupp, Blanco, Hernandez, Revere, Galvis and Utley: it was an unlikely crew. "It comes down to playing the game," Rupp said. "We've all played it forever and that's why we're here."  Sizemore is trying to reestablish himself as a productive player following lost years because of injuries. He might not have made the team if not for a guaranteed $2 million contract. Rupp had played just 22 games in the big leagues. Blanco had played just 27 since 2011. Hernandez, who had just 237 career at-bats before Friday, struggled this spring and might have made the team only because he was out of options. "I'm ready for every opportunity in the game, whether it's pinch-running or hitting," Hernandez said. "I made it happen today." Galvis, who went 3-for-3 with one double, one walk and one RBI in the No. 2 spot, entered the night with a .617 OPS in 560 career plate appearances. "I feel good," said Galvis, who is 5-for-13 this season. "My approach is much better. If I keep working, everything will be all right." Said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg: "To come up with the win, it's even more special, but just involves everybody and really creates a spark. Not only on the field, but in the clubhouse."

Problem Fixed? – Jerome Williams vowed to fix the problems that plagued him at the end of Spring Training. "I'm going to force it to happen," he said late last month. It appeared he did. He allowed a leadoff home run to Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor in the first inning Friday in the Phillies' 4-1 victory at Citizens Bank Park, but did not allow another run the rest of the way. Williams allowed five hits, one run, one walk, one home run and struck out six in six innings. His performance certainly was welcomed. Williams allowed 28 hits, 17 runs (14 earned runs), two walks and struck out 10 in 12 2/3 innings in his final three Grapefruit League starts. "It was just throwing the ball down," Williams said about Friday's success. "I can't really pinpoint what it was (in Spring Training). I know it wasn't feeling right. I knew how to fix it and I wasn't really fixing it at all." Williams said he found himself after two productive bullpen sessions before his 2015 regular-season debut. "You think it worked?" he said. Friday night it certainly did.

Giles Returns To Form – Ken Giles is still not pumping 100 mph fastballs, but he looked better Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. He allowed one hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning in a 4-1 victory over the Nationals. After he retired the first two batters he faced, he allowed a double to Yunel Escobar. Giles recovered and struck out Bryce Harper looking on a 1-2 slider to end the inning. "It was good to see Giles," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. "He's working on some things. He made some good adjustments on his slider for this game and [quality sliders were] his big pitch with Harper. So really saw an improved slider. Still working on his fastball, but he did throw a couple in the zone that kept them honest." Giles allowed one hit, two unearned runs, three walks and struck out one in 2/3 of an inning Wednesday in a victory over the Red Sox. His ineffectiveness forced Jonathan Papelbon to pick up a four-out save. Wednesday's struggles seemed to continue a troubling trend from the spring. Giles went 1-1 with a 6.08 ERA in 14 appearances this spring with his fastball never hitting more than 95 mph. He walked 12 and struck out 15 in 13 1/3 innings. Compare that to 2014, when Giles went 3-1 with a 1.18 ERA and one save in 44 appearances. He allowed 25 hits, 11 walks and struck out 64 in 45 2/3 innings. His fastball sat in the 98-100 mph range. Giles' fastball hit 96 mph once Friday. "He got back down in the zone," Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp said. "I went out there and told him to throw it through me, get the ball down. And he did. He threw strikes. He's got two good pitches. It's kind of either or with him. If he's locating his fastball his slider is even better. He was on. He had his good stuff."

Another Step Toward Return – Phillies right-hander Chad Billingsley pitched his first competitive game in about 10 months Friday. He made a rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley in Allentown. Billingsley allowed four hits, three runs, one walk, two home runs and struck out four in 3 1/3 innings. He threw 58 pitches (39 strikes). Billingsley, who is recovering from a pair of right elbow surgeries, could make two to three more rehab starts before potentially joining the Phillies' rotation before the end of the month. Right fielder Domonic Brown went 0-for-2 with one strikeout in a rehab game with Class A Clearwater. He is 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in two games. Outfielder Odubel Herrera said his left foot is finally OK after fouling a pitch off it Monday on Opening Day. But Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg decided to start Grady Sizemore in left field and Ben Revere in center field instead. Herrera appeared in Friday night's game against the Phillies as a pinch-runner in the seventh, scoring a run on Cesar Hernandez's pinch-hit two-run single, then played the final two innings in left field and grounded out in the eighth.

Matt Stairs: Sales Genius – Maybe Phillies broadcaster Matt Stairs deserves a cameo in Zoolander 2? He modeled a reproduction of the sweater worn by the 1915 National League champion Phillies during Thursday night's Phillies-Red Sox game at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies celebrated the 100th anniversary of their first pennant winner Thursday and immediately afterward Mitchell & Ness, the company that made the sweater, started receiving inquiries about it. The company has not made those sweaters in more than a decade, but that could change. "I would love to make these again," Mitchell & Ness head Jonathan Yuska said Friday. "It's such a legacy of baseball. They're just gorgeous." "It's a historically accurate garment," said Mitchell & Ness founder Peter Capolino, who sold the Philadelphia-based company to adidas in 2007. "It's also a very fashionable garment. But the cost of making these sweaters in the U.S. and making them just the way they were historically made, the sweater is going to retail for around $850." The company made the historically accurate sweaters for maybe 15-18 teams over the years, but they are not easy or cheap to produce. In the past, literally only one person made them for the company: 71-year-old Norma J. Reichert, who lives in Embden, Maine. Reichert made about three-to-four sweaters per month. They were made on a manual flatbed knitting machine. Once the components were finished she linked them in a process known as full-fashioning. "It's really craft knitting," Yuska said. "If you look at the quality of it, there's a lot of yarn in there, especially the way it's sewed in. It takes a ton of yarn. When I was looking at doing this last year, the amount of yarn we were using was like, 'Oh, my Lord.' But it's beautifully made." Capolino said an authentic 1925 Yankees sweater just sold on the collector's market for $48,000. So, hey, maybe $850 for an accurate reproduction isn't too bad? "The one I have Norma make is so accurate you almost can't tell the difference," Capolino said.

THE BEGINNING

The Phillies are starting the season better than expected and are now at the bottom of the pack in the NL east at 2-2. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance this spring, don’t expect their competitive place in the standings to last. All time, the Phillies are 22-19-0 on this day.