Phillies Looking To The Future

GAME RECAP: No Game Yesterday      

Mercifully there was no game, which means no loss, last night!

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Freddy Galvis has struggled in his career against Koehler, going only 1-for-11 (.091) with three strikeouts.
• Dee Gordon has led off 39 games this year with a base hit, including four of the last five. Charlie Blackmon has 40 leadoff hits this year, the most in baseball. 

NEXT GAME:

After a mutual off-day on Monday, Miami and Philadelphia play in the penultimate head-to-head series of the 2015 season. The Phillies have won eight of the first 13 meetings this year. The three-game series is the start of a six-game homestand for the Marlins before they hit the road for the final six games of the season. Adeiny Hechavarria (hamstring) and Martin Prado (wrist) are expected to return during the series. The Phillies have yet to announce a starter. The Marlins, meanwhile, will go with Tom Koehler (10-13, 3.90 ERA). Koehler is 0-1 in two career starts against the Phillies with five earned runs allowed in 11 innings.

PHILS PHACTS:

Things Should Get Better – Phillies player development director Joe Jordan sees talent everywhere in the Phillies' farm system. But what he saw this season at Double-A Reading was particularly intriguing. On Saturday, Reading lost the Eastern League Championship Series in five games to the Bowie Baysox, falling short of its first title since 1995. But the Phillies hope Reading's success bodes well for the organization's future. Reading's roster was chock full of the Phillies' top prospects, according to MLBPipeline.com's Top 30 list: shortstop J.P. Crawford (No. 1), right-hander Jake Thompson (2), outfielder Nick Williams (3), outfielder Roman Quinn (6), right-hander Zach Eflin (8), righty Ben Lively (12), righty Nick Pivetta (13), lefty Tom Windle (16) and catcher Andrew Knapp (17). "I think Phillies fans have plenty to be excited about," Jordan said. After ranking in the bottom 10 among farm systems in the game at this point last year, the Phillies' system was recently ranked seventh overall by MLBPipeline.com. Much of the group at Reading this year figures to open next season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, potentially creating the first IronPigs team in recent memory with more prospects than sixth-year free agents and journeymen. That means those players could be in the big leagues as early as next season. The Phillies acquired Williams and Thompson from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade. It would not be a surprise to see either in the big leagues next year. Eflin, whom the Phillies acquired in the Jimmy Rollins deal with the Dodgers, certainly has the talent to earn a promotion in 2016. Knapp got promoted to Reading on June 26, so while he could use more seasoning in the Minor Leagues, he could earn a promotion based on a need at catcher in the Majors. MLBPipeline recently named Knapp the Phillies' hitting prospect of the year. Jimmy Cordero, whom the Phillies acquired from the Blue Jays in the Ben Revere trade, is a hard-throwing reliever. Relievers typically have the fastest track to the big leagues, so he could be up sometime next season. Crawford? He is the No. 5 prospect in baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com. He figures to open next season in Triple-A, but he's obviously worth watching. In fact, it was interesting that the Phillies started shortstop Freddy Galvis at second base over the weekend in Atlanta. Perhaps they already are looking ahead at their options for once Crawford arrives. One thing is certain: The young players currently on the Phillies should know there are talented players coming through the system gunning for their jobs. The only one who seems entrenched at his current position is third baseman Maikel Franco. "We have players who are aware of that, but we really have teams in our system," Jordan said. "What I mean by that is, these guys really pull for one another. They really want to see each other succeed." And the Phillies hope that translates into success at the big leagues in the future.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 56-94. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 50-60-1 on this day.

Phillies Finally Figure One Out Against The Mets

GAME RECAP: Phillies Overpower Mets 14-8

Still their most conspicuous weakness despite several trades to address it, the Mets' bullpen unraveled Tuesday in a 14-8 loss to the Phillies at Citi Field. They retained a 6.5-game NL East lead thanks to the Nationals' subsequent loss to the Cardinals. Bobby Parnell, Eric O'Flaherty and Carlos Torres combined to allow eight runs in the sixth inning of the Mets' first loss in their last 11 meetings with the Phillies. Darin Ruf's two-run single accounted for a chunk of the damage, as well as a large part of his six-RBI game. But the Mets helped things along with two defensive errors, four bases on balls and multiple questionable personnel decisions. "You have to get through the sixth and seventh and you're saying, 'OK, we have a lot of choices now,'" Collins said. "The one thing you can't do is walk people." After Yoenis Cespedes' two-run homer brought the Mets within two of the lead in the bottom of the fifth, manager Terry Collins opted to use Parnell for the first time since Aug. 16, instead of more trusted relievers Sean Gilmartin or Addison Reed. By the end of the inning, the Mets trailed by 10. "We had other options," Collins said. "We certainly could have brought [Erik] Goeddel in tonight. He pitched last night so I wasn't going to put him into that situation. I could have went to Gilmartin. We just had a lefty in there so I thought I'd get a righty in there against that part of the order. He just didn't get it done." Neither starting pitcher performed particularly well, with Jon Niese allowing six runs in five innings and Aaron Harang giving up four runs in 4 2/3. "I wanted to win the game to break the spell," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said of his club's second win in 15 total games against the Mets. "I didn't want to mess around. I wanted to get this one under our belt because they've just had our number all year."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Ruf has been a bit of forgotten man among the rest of the team's younger players, but has found himself playing more at first base recently, particularly against left-handed starters. He took advantage, hitting a home run and posting a career-high six RBIs. "I had some good opportunities to drive in some runs and took advantage," Ruf said.
• The Phillies acquired Darnell Sweeney from the Dodgers in the Chase Utley trade, and so far he has made an impact. He entered the night with two home runs and three RBIs in just 14 at-bats. He then went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in his start against the Mets. "We'll continue to look at him because I like the way he swings the bat," Mackanin said.
• The Phillies' 14 runs match their most in a game since Opening Day last year 2014 in Texas. Their eight runs in the sixth inning were the most they scored in a single inning since they scored eight in the first inning against the Mets on Sept. 20, 2013.
• The 22 combined runs between the Mets and Phillies set a Citi Field record, surpassing the 21 runs the Mets and Phillies scored in a 13-8 Philadelphia win on July 19, 2013.
• The Phillies challenged a call in the second inning, when first-base umpire Phil Cuzzi ruled David Wright safe on a play at first. Cesar Hernandez's throw was high, which pulled Ruf off the bag. But replay showed Ruf tagged Wright with his glove before he reached first. The call was overturned and Wright was out.
• "Green ink. As long as we win I'll keep using green ink." -- Mackanin, who wrote out Tuesday's lineup card in green ink, hoping to change the Phillies' bad mojo against the Mets.
• Nola allowed one run in his past two starts, over a total of 15 innings. The righty shut out Miami over eight innings on Aug. 23, then beat the Padres on Friday by surrendering one run over seven innings.
• Though the Mets and Phillies have played six of their last nine games against each other, neither Harvey nor Nola started any of them.
• Mets rookie Michael Conforto reached base in 14 of his last 16 games. He's taken the opportunities Mets manager Terry Collins has given him and run with them. Expect him in there again with Nola on the hill.

NEXT GAME:

The Mets and Phillies will finish up their three-game series on Wednesday night as New York sends Matt Harvey (11-7, 2.48 ERA) to the mound while Philadelphia counters with Aaron Nola (5-1, 3.26). Harvey allowed a single run in 27 innings over four August starts, and sports a 0.52 ERA over his last five. Harvey is 5-3 with a 1.34 ERA over his last 12 starts dating back to June 16. That ERA is good for second in the Majors during that stretch, trialing only Zack Greinke. The Phillies have won six of the eight starts Nola has made since his debut July 21.

PHILS PHACTS:

Going Green – Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin quipped Tuesday afternoon that he used a green marker to fill out the lineup card because, well, he needed to do something to change the Phillies' luck this season against the Mets. Maybe green is good. The Phillies clobbered the Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field, 14-8. They set season-highs with runs scored in a game and runs scored in an inning, scoring eight runs in the sixth inning. The victory snapped a franchise-high 10-game losing streak to the Mets. They previously lost 10 consecutive games to the Mets from Sept. 1971 to June 1972. "It was a great win to finally beat the Mets," Mackanin said. "Green ink. As long as we win I'll keep using green ink." The victory improved the Phillies to 2-13 against New York this season. But even with a 14-4 lead in the sixth, Mackanin still used his better relief pitchers in the bullpen, including Jeanmar Gomez and Luis Garcia. Why? Because he very badly wanted to win this game. "I wanted to win the game to break the spell," Mackanin said. "I didn't want to mess around. I wanted to get this one under our belt because they've just had our number all year. I managed it to win, and not to look at people." Darin Ruf helped with a career-high six RBIs. Darnell Sweeney had three RBIs, Andres Blanco had two and Jeff Francoeur had one. "We've been made aware of how bad they've handed it to us this year," Ruf said. "Especially with the situation they're in [first place in the National League East], we want to put our best foot forward. Tonight we did."

Embracing The Opportunity – Darin Ruf is no longer one of the kids on the Phillies' roster. He is 29, but for various reasons he has started only 145 games over the past four seasons. He joined the Phillies late in 2012, following a monstrous season with Double-A Reading. He has searched for a place to play ever since, playing a little left field, a little at first base and even some right field whenever the opportunity presented itself. But playing time has come more frequently for Ruf recently, who went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run and a career-high six RBIs in Tuesday night's 14-8 victory over the Mets at Citi Field. It was the first time a Phillies hitter had six or more RBIs in a game since Delmon Young had six on June 28, 2013. "I had some good opportunities to drive in some runs and took advantage," Ruf said. Ruf has started seven of the Phillies' 15 games at first base since Aug. 16, including the only six the Phillies have started against left-handers. He has hit .286 (8-for-28) with one double, three home runs and 11 RBIs in those seven starts. "I've thought that was my role for the last two years," Ruf said about playing against left-handers. "Just because that's who I mainly played against last year when I was healthy. Maybe this year I got a few more opportunities against righties, but for the most part I was in there every day against lefties. I've just really focused on taking advantage when I'm in there against lefties. I've been lucky to play well when I have been in there." It sounds like Ruf will continue to start against left-handers the rest of the season, too. Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin has talked with Ryan Howard about his playing time, telling the slugger he plans to play him predominantly against right-handers the rest of the way. Howard's .621 OPS against left-handers from 2012-15 is 231st out of 253 qualified hitters in baseball. He has a .443 OPS in 101 plate appearances against them this season. But could it mean anything for next season? Howard is signed through 2016. He will make $25 million in salary, plus he will earn a $10 million buyout on a 2017 club option. The Phillies have tried to trade him, but found little to no interest before the Aug. 31 waiver Trade Deadline. Because the Phillies have no first base prospects knocking on the door, it is not a stretch to think Howard and Ruf could share time at first base next season, too. "That's not a bad option," Mackanin said. "That's a question for the future and probably not for me, that's for sure," Ruf said. "Anyway I can get a job, I'll take it."

Off To Arizona – One of the best prospects to come through the Phillies' system in over a decade will be joining six other Phillies' Minor Leaguers in the Arizona Fall League. Double-A Reading shortstop J.P. Crawford will play for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Crawford is the No. 5 prospect in baseball, according to MLBPipeline. He is the No. 1 prospect in the organization. The 20-year-old is hitting .270 (88-for-326) with 20 doubles, seven triples, five home runs, 33 RBIs and a .781 OPS in 80 games. He missed a few weeks at the beginning of the season because of a strained left oblique. Also on the Desert Dogs are catcher Andrew Knapp, outfielder Dylan Cozens and pitchers Nick Pivetta, Tom Windle, Edubray Ramos and Yacksel Rios. Knapp, 23, is the No. 18 prospect in the organization, according to MLBPipeline. He is hitting .367 (73-for-199) with 21 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 53 RBIs and a 1.065 OPS in 51 games with Reading. He and Jorge Alfaro are the top two catching prospects in the organization. Alfaro is the No. 64 prospect in baseball and the No. 5 prospect in the organization. Cozens, 21, is a prospect with power potential. He has a combined .758 OPS with the GCL Phillies, Class A Advanced Clearwater and Reading. Pivetta, 22, joined the Phillies in the Jonathan Papelbon trade. He is 2-2 with a 7.31 ERA in six starts with Reading. Windle, 23, joined the Phillies in the Jimmy Rollins trade. He has transitioned from a starter to a reliever this season. He has a 1.52 ERA in 18 appearances with Reading since moving into the bullpen. Ramos, 22, went 4-5 with a 2.02 ERA in 45 appearances with Clearwater and Reading. Rios, 22, went 6-4 with a 2.85 ERA in 22 appearances (10 starts) with Clearwater.

And Now The Waiting Game – The Phillies have turned one of the weakest Minor League systems in baseball into arguably one of the best in a little less than nine months. They traded Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere, Marlon Byrd, Jake Diekman and Antonio Bastardo for a combined 14 prospects, including three that rank among the top 64 in baseball, according to MLBPipeline.com. They have three other prospects in the Top 100, which is why MLBPipeline says the Phillies have the No. 7 system in baseball. Could it help bring back Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., whose contract expires after the season? "No decision has been made on Ruben at this point," Phillies president Pat Gillick told MLB.com in a telephone interview Tuesday evening. "We just got by the Trade Deadline. Consequently, we're moving a lot of people in the Minor Leagues from [Jerad] Eickhoff to [Alec] Asher and others. We've had our hands full. It's a decision that will be made in the next 30 days or so." Gillick is stepping down after the season and Andy MacPhail is taking his place. MacPhail is not granting interviews, so he did not comment for this story. But certainly MacPhail, Gillick and the rest of Phillies ownership, including the very visible John Middleton, will be involved in the final assessment. "It's going to be an organizational decision," Gillick said. Gillick has repeatedly said he has confidence in Amaro. He said Amaro handled himself as expected before both Trade Deadlines. Asked if he thinks Amaro should be back next year, Gillick said, "I've always said he's smart, he's confident. He didn't all of a sudden get dumb. I've said that a number of times. We had four bad years. We had three good years before that. Unfortunately, people just remember what you did yesterday. It's like any business. It's a tough business." Of course, many fans would like to see a new general manager, which could influence ownership or MacPhail or both. Gillick said fan sentiment is "certainly a small part" of the decision-making process. "The fans are customers, so you can't ignore the customers," Gillick said. "There has to be weight put on the fans. That isn't where the heavy weight is going. The fans play a part, but we're not going to make a decision based on what the fan sentiment is from one day to the next. I think the fan perception about Ruben from July 1 through this date has changed dramatically. I think the fans in Philadelphia are very knowledgeable. I think the fans know we've got a plan. And I think the fans know we're headed in the right direction. I think that really bodes well for Ruben. "There are some good things happening with the Phillies. Consequently, if I was Andy I would just say, evaluate, take your time, somewhere along the line you might want to make an adjustment, but overall we've got a good group." The Phillies certainly are not rushing the announcement, even with the Angels, Mariners, Brewers and Red Sox already looking for general managers. "Not particularly with the general manager, but just on everything I think we move a little bit slower and hopefully we're a little bit more considerate in making our decisions," Gillick said. "We contemplate a little more than other people." But now that the non-waiver and waiver Trade Deadlines have passed, what more can Amaro do to prove himself? Is there anything new anybody can learn about Amaro between now and the moment they make a decision? "My focus is on the organization and what we need to do to take the next step forward," Amaro said Tuesday. "Are we going to be a contending team next year? I think that's a stretch. Should we be thinking about ways to continue to build the organization, so in 2017 we're starting to creep that way? It's about continuing to develop the young players we have. How long will it take? Who knows? But that's the goal." Amaro said he is excited for the future. But will he be part of it? "I'm obviously hopeful," Amaro said.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies have returned to their lackluster ways and regained their grip on last place in the NL East with a record of 53-80. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history… at least that is something to hope for this year! All time, the Phillies are 62-53-0 on this day.

Papelbon Gets Moved And The Phillies Keep Rolling

GAME RECAP: Philadelphia Tops Toronto 3-2

Ken Giles settled into his newly minted role as closer on Tuesday, helping the Phillies seal a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Hours after former closer Jonathan Papelbon was traded to the Nationals, Giles came on to protect a one-run lead and threw a scoreless ninth inning as Philadelphia took the opener of a two-game set. After allowing a leadoff single to Edwin Encarnacion, Giles retired Chris Colabello and Russell Martin on flyouts before Danny Valencia grounded into a forceout to end the game. It was Giles' first save of the season and the second of his career. "I can't thank him enough for guiding me through the way of the closer," Giles said about Papelbon. "I think I'm going to be a great closer." The Phillies rallied for three runs in the fifth to erase a two-run deficit, driving Blue Jays starter Felix Doubront from the game with four hits in a row, three of them for extra bases. Doubront lasted only four-plus innings, allowing six hits and three runs with two walks and three strikeouts. Lefty Adam Morgan took the win. Morgan allowed a leadoff homer to Devon Travis and surrendered another run on a pair of hits in the second, but he settled in and allowed only two more baserunners before he was lifted in favor of Jeanmar Gomez when the Phillies took the field for the seventh inning. Morgan tossed six innings and allowed five hits and two runs with two strikeouts and two walks.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• The Phillies picked up 21 extra-base hits in their weekend sweep of the Cubs, their most in a three-game stretch since 2001. The power continued against the Blue Jays. After Ryan Howard started the fifth inning with a single, which appeared to carom off his leg, Darin Ruf, Cody Asche and Andres Blanco each doubled to hand the Phillies a 3-2 lead.
• The Blue Jays have crushed left-handers this season, posting an .832 OPS against them. No other team had as much as a .771 OPS against left-handers. But Morgan handled himself well. After he served up the homer to Travis, he allowed one run in his final five innings to post his third quality start of the season. "It's challenging to face a lineup of all righties," Morgan said. "I just stuck to my game plan. This is a good hitting lineup, but if you keep the ball down and mix speeds, you give your team a chance to win. I learned pretty quick that anybody in that lineup can hit a home run. Just from then on, I really focused on keeping the ball down and mixing speeds in and out."
• "It was hard to mentally prepare myself when I was already as nervous as I was. I think I did an OK job. I think it was the jitters, I was nervous up there. Just getting that first one out of the way, and hopefully the next one and beyond will be a lot smoother." -- Giles, on batting nerves as the team's new closer.
• Troy Tulowitzki will make his much-anticipated Toronto debut when the Blue Jays and Phillies wrap a two-game series at Rogers Centre on Wednesday. The All-Star shortstop was acquired from the Rockies, along with reliever LaTroy Hawkins, early Tuesday, but he wasn't able to arrive in time to be in the lineup for the series opener later that day. He's expected to be activated ahead of the series finale. The addition of Tulowitzki is a clear upgrade at shortstop over Jose Reyes, who was sent to Colorado along with three Minor League pitchers in the blockbuster deal. Tulowitzki, 30, is hitting .300 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs this season. It's not immediately evident where he fits into the Blue Jays' batting order, but manager John Gibbons said that will become clear Wednesday.
• Blue Jays rookie second baseman Devon Travis is questionable after exiting Tuesday's game with left shoulder irritation. Jose Bautista, who exited late due to a leg cramp, said he'll be ready to play Wednesday.

NEXT GAME:

Right-hander Jerome Williams will make the start for the Phillies, his second since returning from the disabled list after he suffered a strained left hamstring. Williams is 3-7 with a 6.28 ERA this season. In four career games (three starts) against the Blue Jays, he's 2-0 with a 3.72 ERA. Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey will get the start for the Blue Jays. The right-hander has surrendered three earned runs or fewer in all but one of his last 10 starts. 

PHILS PHACTS:

Taking Over – Ken Giles seemed destined to pitch the ninth inning in a save situation Tuesday night, right? Less than an hour after the Phillies announced they had traded Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations to the Nationals for Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta, Giles picked up the save in a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "You know, the ball always seems to find you when you go in a game," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "I was talking to [pitching coach Bob] McClure, and he said, 'The ball is going to find Giles tonight.' The baseball gods work that way." Giles allowed a leadoff single to Edwin Encarnacion before retiring the next three batters for the second save of his career, but his first as the full-time replacement for Papelbon, who ended his tumultuous three-plus seasons with the Phillies as the franchise's all-time leader with 123 saves. "I can't thank him enough for guiding me through the way of the closer," Giles said about Papelbon. "I think I'm going to be a great closer." The Phillies hope so. They need one. But while Giles certainly is confident in his abilities, he could not help but feel nervous Tuesday. It is one thing to be a setup man picking up a save for Papelbon late last season, when Papelbon was suspended for an indecent gesture after blowing a save. It is something entirely different to save a game as the man. "Yeah, I started to get a little nervous," Giles said. "The first one is the hardest. And even though I did it last year, I was way more nervous in this one, because I was the guy, I needed to get three outs to conserve that win. The eighth inning is way different. All I have to do is conserve that lead or come out with the tie. Closer, you just want to go 1-2-3, shut them down, let's go home." Papelbon had made his feelings known about his desire to be traded for more than a year. He said he enjoyed playing the role of villain in Philadelphia. He obviously had his detractors, but pitchers in the bullpen generally seemed to enjoy Papelbon's mentorship over the years. Giles is included in that group. "Pap was guiding me and teaching me the way," he said. "I knew he wanted to be traded, and I knew it was only a matter of time. It was just to the point of when he was going to get traded and when he felt like he was satisfied with where he wanted to go and stuff like that. I wish him all the best of luck, and hopefully we'll all cross paths once again and I'll see how he's doing then. "But being a closer feels great, it's a once in a lifetime dream for me to be a closer. Now it's my opportunity to show what I've got." So what's his intro music going to be? "I guess we'll wait and see."

One Down – Jonathan Papelbon finally got his wish. The Phillies announced Tuesday night they had traded Papelbon and cash considerations to the Nationals for Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta, ending Papelbon's tumultuous Phillies career without the trips to the postseason he expected when he signed a four-year, $50 million contract in November 2011. MLBPipeline.com ranks Pivetta as the Phillies' No. 10 prospect. "We didn't want to just get rid of him," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a news conference in Philadelphia. "He had an extraordinary career with us. The fact of the matter is, he was as good as advertised and maybe better. We just didn't play very well around him. Unfortunately, we didn't have the kind of club that was the reason for him to be here. "No, I don't believe in just getting rid of the guy. Not for me. The ultimate goal was to do what's right for the Phillies. That's what I have to do. I think, ultimately, this will work out for everyone." Amaro said the Phillies are paying a "significant" portion of Papelbon's salary for the remainder of the season. The Washington Post reported it is $4.5 million, which is essentially the rest of his 2015 salary. But Amaro said they will pay none of the $11 million Papelbon will make in 2016. Papelbon, who waived his no-trade rights, actually took less money to leave the Phillies, forgoing a $13 million club option that would have automatically vested if he finished just 14 more games this season. Papelbon flew home to Mississippi following Sunday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, so he never made it to Toronto. Papelbon recently had made it a habit to fly home for off-days, packing his bags each time and hoping he would get that call from the Phillies that he had been traded. He finally got that call Tuesday. Papelbon and his agents negotiated the new contract directly with the Nationals, and the Phillies and Nationals agreed on Pivetta. "I think every trade has its challenges," Amaro said. "This had a variety of different challenges because we had to get approval from him, and there was some complication in converting the contract. I think, at the end of the day, hopefully this works out for everybody." The Nationals selected Pivetta, 22, in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft. He went 7-4 with a 2.29 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) this season with Class A Advanced Potomac before being promoted to Harrisburg, where he is 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts. "A strapping, big arm," Amaro said about Pivetta. "A guy who our scouts liked quite a bit. We have seen him quite a bit over the last couple of years. We like the arm. Hopefully, Nick can continue his development and continue his way up the ladder so he can help us in Philadelphia sometime soon." Amaro said Pivetta's ceiling is as high as a No. 3 starter. "He's still got some upside," Amaro said. "Our projections are a middle to the bottom of the rotation type of pitcher. Could be as high as a three. Could be as low as a five. A lot of it depends on how he develops. He's got great stuff to work with, and I like the way our development people are working with our pitching." Coincidentally, Papelbon's trade came two years to the day that he told MLB.com in Detroit: "I definitely didn't come here for this." Papelbon had been vocal about wanting to leave Philadelphia ever since, most recently campaigning for a trade at the All-Star Game. He will leave the Phillies as the franchise's all-time saves leader, with 123. He finished his Phillies career 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA in 234 appearances, making the National League All-Star team in 2012 and 2015.

Trade Talk – Jonathan Papelbon is headed to the Nationals, but what about Cole Hamels? Sources told MLB.com on Tuesday that Hamels is expected to be traded before Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, although nothing is imminent. But the Phillies moved Hamels' scheduled start from Thursday to Friday, which erases any risk of a freak injury and allows the acquiring team to pitch him almost immediately. The Phillies would not have bumped Hamels if they did not hope to trade him. ESPN.com reported the Phillies have told teams to make their best offers for Hamels by Wednesday. "I guess I'm pretty valuable to them right now," Hamels said with a smile before Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. "I understand. It's OK. I just do what they tell me to do. But I understand them. I guess if I were in their position, I'd do the same thing, too." The Rangers and Dodgers remain the frontrunners for Hamels, but a source told MLB.com on Tuesday that the Giants have escalated their efforts. San Francisco has the financial flexibility to facilitate a trade, although it is difficult to see how they will come up with the prospects to satisfy the Phillies. The Astros also have emerged as a suitor. FOXSports.com reported that Phillies scout Charley Kerfeld scouted Houston's Double-A affiliate on Tuesday. Phillies president Pat Gillick leans heavily on Kerfeld's opinions, so the fact he has been watching Texas' and Houston's Double-A affiliates this week is worth noting. Sources said the Yankees, Cubs and D-backs also have expressed interest in Hamels. But the Rangers continue to make the most sense for the Phillies because they like the young power hitters in their farm system. Hamels can block trades to 20 teams, but he cannot block trades to the Rangers, Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, Nationals, Cardinals, Braves, Padres and Mets. But there are more hurdles to clear than just the no-trade list. First, the Phillies need to get some prospects they like, preferably power hitters. Second, there is Hamels' salary. Hamels will be paid $22.5 million each of the next three seasons, which includes a $6 million buyout on a 2019 club option worth $20 million. "We've had really fluid conversations with a bunch of teams on a variety of players," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a news conference in Philadelphia.

Minor Update – Players of the Week: Player - 1B Brock Stassi, Reading…Stassi, 25, was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week after batting .444 (12-27) in seven games with three doubles, two home runs and eight RBI. He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, and in five of those games has recorded multiple hits. Stassi's 66 RBI are most in the league, and he also ranks among the top four in average (.315), on-base percentage (.406), total bases (156) and walks (54). His home run on July 23 was his ninth of the season, which is a new career high. Stassi was selected by the Phillies in the 33^rd round of the 2011 draft out of The University of Nevada-Reno, and was signed by Joey Davis. Pitcher - LHP Ranger Suarez, GCL Phillies…Suarez, a 20-year-old lefthander, started one game last week, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and a walk against the GCL Yankees. He struck out five batters en route to Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week honors. Suarez now has scoreless outings of 6.0 innings or more and three hits or fewer in three of his four starts. He has allowed only two earned runs in 27.2 innings pitched this season (0.65 ERA) and has a 0.69 WHIP (15 hits, four walks), both of which rank in the top four in the league. Suarez was signed as an amateur free agent in April of 2012 by the Phillies and Jesus Mendez.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs - International League North Division…46-56, 4^th place…The IronPigs have improved to 5-0-3 in their last eight series after splitting a four-game set with the Toledo Mud Hens and then taking two of three from the Syracuse Chiefs. They have gone 24-14 since June 14 after posting a 22-42 record through that date. Top hitting performers - OF Aaron Altherr recorded RBIs in five of seven games, including three multi-RBI efforts. He clubbed two home runs, scored four runs and tallied 17 total bases for Lehigh Valley…In his return to the Phillies' farm system, C Erik Kratz batted .500 (7-14) with four runs scored, two doubles, a triple and a pair of RBI. Top pitching performers - LHP Anthony Vasquez won his third straight decision after tossing 6.0 innings of one-run ball against Toledo on July 21…LHP Jesse Biddle impressed for the second straight start, this time surrendering a run on four hits in 5.2 innings of work. He has allowed one run in his last 12.1 innings…LHP Adam Loewen appeared in four games, all in relief, and struck out five while allowing just three base runners (a hit and two walks) in 4.1 innings. He also converted his lone save opportunity. Reading Fightin Phils - Eastern League Eastern Division …54-47, T-2^nd place…Reading's week began strong with a series win over Bowie, but quickly turned as they won just one game in a four-game series with New Britain. The Fightins sat in first place in the division briefly two weeks ago, but have now lost four of five and sit 1.5 games behind the first-place Binghamton Mets. Top hitting performers - 1B Brock Stassi was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Week after compiling a .444 average with two homers, eight RBI, a .531 on-base percentage and 1.309 OPS in seven games. He has seven RBI in his last five games and 66 for the season…SS J.P. Crawford doubled three times, homered, scored seven runs and knocked in two more while hitting .308…C Andrew Knapp batted .364 with six RBI and a team-high four doubles in six games. He had multiple hits in three of those games…OF Kelly Dugan went 7-24 (.292) with four runs scored, two doubles and two RBI. Top pitching performers - RHP Colton Murray had a 2.0-inning relief appearance and a 3.0-inning relief appearance and did not allow a base runner in either. He struck out six batters in those 5.0 innings combined…RHP Edubray Ramos combined for 4.0 innings and one unearned run in his two games out of the bullpen…LHP Tom Windle struck out five in 3.2 innings of work, allowing just one unearned run on two hits. Clearwater Threshers - Florida State League North Division…20-11, 1^st place, 57-44 overall… The first-place Threshers started their week with three straight wins, scoring 20 combined runs in those games. They were unable to carry that momentum, however, as they dropped two of their last three against Jupiter and the series opener with Bradenton to finish 4-3 for the week. Top hitting performers - 1B Rhys Hoskins recorded 10 hits in 25 at-bats (.400) while reaching base in half of his plate appearances. He scored five runs, walked five times and has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games…OF Carlos Tocci also batted .400, recording three multi-hit games with four doubles, four runs scored and four RBI…C Willians Astudillo is now batting .310 for the season after going 8-24 (.333) with five RBI and three runs scored…OF Andrew Pullin reached double digits with his 10^th home run of the season and also drove in a team-high six runs while batting .320 in six games…OF Dylan Cozens may have only played in five games, but he still managed to hit a home run, triple and double while batting .412 with 13 total bases. Top pitching performers - LHP Brandon Leibrandt threw 7.0 strong frames, yielding just two runs on three hits to Jupiter. He has 11 quality starts in 15 total starts this season…RHP Victor Arano allowed two runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings during his lone start of the week. Lakewood BlueClaws - South Atlantic League Northern Division…19-11, 2^nd place, 52-46 overall…Lakewood sits just a game back in the division after a dominant 5-1 week which included a series win over first-place West Virginia. The Blue Claws will finish their series with Kannapolis before heading to West Virginia to try to gain more ground on the Power in a four-game series. Top hitting performers - 2B Scott Kingery hit .346 with a home run, four RBI and four runs scored in six games. He has eight hits in last 17 at-bats (.471 average)…1B Kyle Martin continues his torrid season after batting .348 with four extra-base hits (two doubles, a triple, and a home run). Martin set a career-high with four hits on July 25, and is batting .372 this season…OF Jiandido Tromp went 7-21 (.333) with three doubles and two RBI. Top pitching performers - RHP Ranfi Casimiro has now won four straight decisions after throwing 7.2 shutout innings with six strikeouts against the West Virginia Power on July 22…RHP Will Morris lasted 7.0 innings for the second straight start, allowing three runs in his win over Kannapolis…RHP Tyler Viza tossed 7.0 scoreless frames and scattered six hits in his lone start…LHP Elniery Garcia tied his season-best with just three hits allowed in a 6.0-inning scoreless start on July 24…RHP Matt Hocknberry appeared in three games, combining for 4.0 scoreless innings and two saves in as many chances. Williamsport Crosscutters - New York-Penn League Pinckney Division…24-12, 1^st place…The Crosscutters rebounded nicely from an 0-3 start to the week to win three of their last four games by a combined score of 19-10. They allowed three runs or fewer in each of their three wins and remain four games ahead in the division. Top hitting performers - OF Zachary Coppola hit safely in his first six games of the week, finishing with a .357 average and five runs scored to go along with a .400 on-base percentage…2B Josh Tobias hit .345 with two doubles, a triple, a home run and three multi-hit games…OF Jose Pujols went 8-27 (.296) with five runs scored, two driven in and a double. He is tied for the league lead with 11 doubles this season…OF Mark Laird batted .318 with four RBI and hit safely in all but one of his six games played…1B Brendon Hayden reached base at a .435 mark thanks to six hits (three doubles) and a team-high four walks. Top pitching performers -  RHP Mitch Gueller held Aberdeen to two runs (one earned) in 6.2 innings on the mound on July 24. He has allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his six starts…LHP Tyler Gilbert did not allow a run and surrendered only three hits in 5.0 innings of work during his one start…RHP Anthony Sequiera had outings of 2.1 innings and 2.0 innings, both of which were scoreless. He nailed down his only save opportunity, and now has five straight outings of at least 2.0 innings pitched. GCL Phillies - Gulf Coast League, Northwest Division…20-8, 1^st place… Bad weather held the Phillies to just five games last week, as they had three contests, including a doubleheader, postponed due to rain. They took their first two games of the week against the Yankees by scores of 7-5 and 3-0, but then dropped three straight to the GCL Blue Jays on Wednesday and Thursday. Top hitting performers - OF Juan Luis raised his average 48 points in three games after going 6-9 with a home run, three RBI and four runs scored…3B Lucas Williams batted .556 (5-9) in three games and now has a seven-game hit streak…SS Jonathan Arauz hit .364 with a walk in three games. Top pitching performers -  LHP Ranger Suarez's ERA sits at 0.65 after yet another scoreless outing. He pitched 6.0 innings and allowed two hits, giving him three starts of 6.0 innings, no runs and three hits or fewer this season. His dominant start earned him Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Week…RHP Edgar Garcia made his first start of the season, yielding two runs (one earned) in 4.1 innings of work while striking out four…RHP Kevin Walsh did not allow a run in his season-high 3.1 innings of relief on July 23.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are starting the season as expected and are now at the bottom of the NL east at 38-63. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and performance so far this season, this could end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 55-50-0 on this day.