Phillies Take The Day Off To Work

GAME RECAP: No Game Yesterday!

The Phillies actually seem like they are earning their days off so far this season.

PHILS PHACT:

• Left-hander James Russell cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He had an 18.69 ERA in seven appearances with the Phillies.

NEXT GAME:

Philadelphia gets its first day off since April 5, the day after Opening Day in Cincinnati, on Thursday before beginning a three-game weekend set in Milwaukee on Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET. Aaron Nola will pitch, looking to get back on track after allowing seven runs in five innings to the Nationals on Saturday.

PHILS PHACTS:

Working On A Few Things – Phillies outfielder Peter Bourjos had a big night Wednesday in a victory over the Mets, but he might be hard to find this weekend at Miller Park. Darin Ruf should be easier to spot. "This whole series, I might play Ruf, while Peter is kind of working on a different approach at the plate," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. Bourjos, who had game-tying and game-winning hits Wednesday against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park, entered the series against the Brewers hitting .191 (9-for-47) with five doubles, three RBIs and a .506 OPS in 15 games. "We're trying to get him moving to the ball instead of rotating around the ball," Mackanin said. "So we're going to work on that for maybe two or three days, because Ruf can help us offensively. But I can't afford to wait for a lefty, because we haven't seen really many lefties. I'm kind of forcing the issue." Ruf entered the series hitting .111 (3-for-18) with one double, one RBI and a .317 OPS in 12 games.

Today In Phils History – First, let us start with the most important celebration of the day as we wish former Phillies second baseman Mickey Morandini a happy 50^th birthday! The rest of the moments from this day in Phllies history all come down to the number 1… In 1905, a one on one between Giants' captain Dan McGann and Phillies catcher Fred Abbott leads to a riot at the Baker Bowl. Five years later, Earl Moore and Bert Humphries combine to 1-hit the Braves. Moore would repeat the feat by himself exactly 1 year later against the Giants. Slugger Gavvy Cravath hits his first home run of the 1914 season on this his way to a then record 19 homeruns all of which he hit at the Baker Bowl. In 1957, John Kennedy became the first African-American to play for the Phillies. Six year later, Art Mahaffey became the first Phillie to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. And, finally, just three years ago Jonathan Pettibone made his major league debut becoming the first player born in the 1990s to play for the Phillies.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies are currently 7-9 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 46-40-1 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!

A Multifaceted Waiver Claim

PHILS PHACTS:

Signing Defense To Help Pitching – General manager Matt Klentak's top priority this season has been to improve the Phillies' pitching. Klentak believes he helped those efforts Wednesday when he claimed outfielder Peter Bourjos off waivers from the Cardinals. Bourjos has posted a .645 OPS over the past four seasons, but he is regarded as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game. Bourjos, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr could become a formidable defensive outfield, which should benefit a pitching staff that needs all the help it can get. "I'd rather have both offense and defense, but I think the greater point is right: we're trying to augment the pitching, but a little more broadly trying to improve our run prevention," Klentak said in a conference call Thursday afternoon. "Having a strong defensive club is a way to help your pitching. Having the plus defenders we have in the outfield now I think will help our pitching. It may come at the cost of scoring fewer runs, but I think in the long run it will help us. We're trying to score more runs than our opponent, and it doesn't really matter if it's 2-1 or 10-9." It will be interesting to see where everybody plays. Bourjos has only played center field in his career, and for good reason. According to FanGraphs, he has averaged a 16.1 Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games since his debut in 2010. That is third among outfielders with 3,500 or more defensive innings played in that span. Only Lorenzo Cain (19.0) and Jason Heyward (18.3) have a better average. But Herrera established himself in center field last season, and the Phillies might not want to mess with the youngster's success. Still, Herrera or Bourjos could move to a corner spot. Bourjos told MLB.com on Wednesday that he is willing to play anywhere. He just wants to play. "I'm looking at it as a nice problem to have," Klentak said. "That's what's going to make Spring Training fun, is we're going to have to sort that out, and we know that. I've had dialogue with [manager] Pete [Mackanin] about that question and how we're going to make it work. When we have at least three above average defensive outfielders, all of whom can play center field, I'm confident we can make it work. "We will determine that in Spring Training. We don't have to make that decision on Dec. 3. Having players of this defensive caliber puts us in a strong position." Bourjos' arrival seems to put Jeff Francoeur's return in doubt. The Phillies' outfield at the moment is Bourjos, Herrera, Altherr, Cody Asche and Darnell Sweeney. Darin Ruf also can play left field. Klentak declined to specifically comment on Francoeur, but he said, "I will say with the claim of Bourjos, I wouldn't say that takes us out on any player. We're still going to be open-minded. We still have a few spots, and we're still trying to get better." Klentak also said he has spoken with Ryan Howard, who is entering the final season of his contract. The Phillies have been trying for some time to move Howard, but without success. "I have met with and spoken with Ryan Howard and had a good conversation," Klentak said. "He's excited and energized for next year, and I feel good about it."

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.

Phillies Make A Solid Addition Via Waivers

PHILS PHACTS:

Taking Advantage Of The Waiver Wire – The Phillies have always liked Peter Bourjos. They finally acquired him Wednesday, when they claimed the outfielder off waivers from the Cardinals. Bourjos' arrival puts free-agent outfielder Jeff Francoeur's potential return into doubt. Bourjos posted a .645 OPS the past four seasons with the Angels and Cardinals. The 28-year-old's name popped up a few times in recent years whenever the Phillies were searching for an outfielder. Former Phillies general managers Pat Gillick and Ruben Amaro Jr. liked the speedy and defensive-minded Bourjos, and it seems new general manager Matt Klentak likes him, too. Klentak knows Bourjos well. They were together with the Angels from 2012-13. Bourjos enjoyed a career-year in 2011, when he hit .271 with 26 doubles, 11 triples, 12 home runs, 43 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and a .765 OPS in 552 plate appearances with the Angels. He has managed just 910 plate appearances since, in part because of injuries (Bourjos had right wrist surgery in September 2013 and hip surgery in October 2014) and in part because he had been passed on the depth chart in St. Louis. He hit .200 with a .623 OPS in 225 plate appearances last season. But Bourjos is known as an elite defender. According to FanGraphs, Bourjos has averaged a 16.1 Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games since his debut in 2010. That is third among outfielders with 3,500 or more defensive innings played in that span. Only Lorenzo Cain (19.0) and Jason Heyward (18.3) have a better average. Francoeur hit .258 with 16 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .718 OPS in 343 plate appearances. The 31-year-old also proved to be a vocal leader in the clubhouse. But with Bourjos in the fold, Francoeur could be squeezed out. There could be more changes coming, but at the moment, outfielders Bourjos, Odubel Herrera, Cody Asche and Aaron Altherr are all expected to make the Opening Day roster. Darnell Sweeney could be considered the team's fifth outfielder at the moment. Darin Ruf also can play left field, although he could get more playing time at first base. The possibility exists that Francoeur could fit somehow, but reduced playing time in a more crowded outfield might not suit him. The Phillies also announced the Marlins claimed right-hander Nefi Ogando off waivers. The Phillies remain at 38 players on their 40-man roster.

Modest Goals For The Meetings – Five years ago at the Winter Meetings, the Phillies became the mystery team in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes. Next week's Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn., are expected to be less eventful unless a team is ready to pay for hard-throwing closer Ken Giles. The Phillies are highly unlikely to invest $100 million or more into a single free agent this offseason, because one player will not push them into World Series contention. No, the Phils have too many holes to fill and too many unknowns regarding the young talent in their system. Instead, they will use the Meetings to make more modest improvements to their roster, with an eye on competing again in another year or two. "We really want to raise the floor and add some depth," general manager Matt Klentak said earlier this offseason. "Kind of at every turn, that's what we're going to be focused on. And in the pitching department, I think we really need to work on just -- again, I say 'raise the floor' -- but kind of establish sort of a firm foundation of pitching. That's not going to end when we break camp at the end of Spring Training. That's something we're going to be committed to for a long time." So far, most of the gains the Phillies have made this offseason are pitching-related. Philadelphia acquired right-hander Jeremy Hellickson in a trade earlier this month with Arizona, and it claimed relievers Dan Otero, A.J. Achter and Michael Mariot off waivers, as well as outfielder Peter Bourjos. The Phils also signed reliever James Russell to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, and they cut ties with outfielder Domonic Brown and right-hander Justin De Fratus. Expect the Phillies to continue to pursue pitching help. They need at least one more veteran starter. Hellickson, Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff seem like safe bets to make the Opening Day rotation, with Adam Morgan, David Buchanan, Alec Asher and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez competing for the other jobs. Philadelphia could use a veteran reliever to fortify the bullpen, too. The Phillies have talked with teams about Giles, who could land them a few prospects, but that's the key: They have to be legitimate prospects. The Phils are under no obligation to give Giles away. The Phillies could come to a conclusion about the futures of Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz, the only two remaining players from the 2008 World Series championship team. They also need to find a veteran outfielder. Free agent Jeff Francoeur remains in play, but the Phils are pursuing other options. Not expected to be in play are Justin Upton and Jason Heyward. Think along the lines of Ryan Raburn, David Murphy, Rajai Davis and Alejandro De Aza. Chris Young would have been a good fit, but he just signed with the Red Sox. "Honestly, I think with the present roster, if we needed to field a lineup tomorrow, we generally could do that," Klentak said at the conclusion of the General Managers Meetings in Boca Raton, Fla., earlier this month. "That doesn't mean we're going to stop looking for opportunities to upgrade or add depth wherever we can. But one of the beauties, mostly on the position player side, is most of the team that was on the field that ended the year last year returns next year. So, again, that doesn't mean we're going to stop trying to find alternatives or upgrades or just build depth."

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.

Phillies Take Huge Step Back In Opener Against Diamondbacks

GAME RECAP: D-Backs Demolish Phils 13-3

Welington Castillo homered, tripled and drove in a career-high four runs to lead the D-backs' offensive attack in a 13-3 win over the Phillies in Monday night's series opener at Chase Field. Nine different players collected a hit for the D-backs, who hit nine extra-base hits, including three triples, and won for the 11th time in 16 games to move to one game under .500. Starter Rubby De La Rosa won for the fourth time in five outings, giving up three runs in six innings. "We just came with everything like we do, got the big hit, got a lot of hits," D-backs left fielder David Peralta said. "We're just going to keep doing the same thing, having fun and playing ball the right way, and good things will happen." Maikel Franco went 2-for-4 with a home run for the Phillies, who had their three-game win streak snapped. Starter Aaron Harang took the loss, suffering his 10th defeat in his past 11 outings. "Well, that was the first bad game we've had in a long time, so it's bound to happen sooner or later," said Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin, whose team is 16-6 since the All-Star break. "It happens to every team, so tonight it was us."

OTHER NOTES FROM THE DAY:

• Harang's chances of being traded to a contender before the Aug. 31 waiver Trade Deadline are likely minimal at this point. He allowed 12 hits and eight runs in 5 1/3 innings against the D-backs. He has allowed 12 runs in 10 2/3 innings in his past two starts, and he has an 8.10 ERA in his past nine starts dating to June 4. He has allowed four or more runs in eight of those starts. "They were too comfortable up there," Harang said. "I've got to establish in and I didn't do that early enough. When they start getting comfortable at the plate it makes for a long day."
• Franco is making his case for National League Rookie of the Year. He crushed a home run to center in the sixth that traveled an estimated 455 feet. "I just used my hands and stayed through to the middle, try to use the whole field, and I put a good swing on that," Franco said.
• Phillies left-hander Adam Loewen replaced Harang in the sixth. It was his first appearance as a pitcher in the big leagues since July 6, 2008, a span of 2,589 days. He allowed one hit and two runs in one-third of an inning.
• Phils second baseman Chase Utley has been placed on revocable waivers, according to FOXSports.com. He has to be claimed by 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday. If he is claimed, Utley has the right to refuse a trade because he has 10-and-5 no-trade rights, meaning he's a 10-year veteran with at least the past five years on the same team.
• Philadelphia center fielder Odubel Herrera has a 13-game hitting streak, the longest by a Phillies rookie since Marlon Byrd's 15 in 2003.

NEXT GAME:

The Phillies have been the hottest team in baseball since the All-Star break. They hope to get back to their winning ways Tuesday night against the D-backs at Chase Field. Phillies right-hander David Buchanan hopes to get back on the right track. He allowed seven runs in 4 1/3 innings last week against the Dodgers. He posted a 3.38 ERA in three starts in July, when he picked up wins against the Braves and Rays. Buchanan has never faced the D-backs. D-backs right-hander Jeremy Hellickson has never faced the Phillies, but more important than that he is hoping to turn around his luck. He is 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA in his past two starts after posting a 1.88 ERA in four starts in July.

PHILS PHACTS:

Utley Placed On Waivers – Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has been placed on revocable waivers, according to FOXSports.com. The news is not surprising, but it is noteworthy. It is not surprising because teams place most of their players on waivers in August. If they clear waivers teams can trade them before the Aug. 31 waiver Trade Deadline. Teams like to have the flexibility. But it is noteworthy because the Phillies would trade Utley for the right deal. The report had Utley placed on waivers Sunday, which means he has until 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday to be claimed. If he is not claimed, the Phillies can try to trade him anywhere before the end of the month. If he is claimed, the Phillies have until 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday to assign him to the claiming team or pull him back. If they pull him back at that point, he cannot be traded anywhere. Of course, Utley has 10-and-5 no-trade rights, meaning he's a 10-year veteran with at least the past five years on the same team, so he does not have to go anywhere if he does not want to. But there are indications Utley is more open to a trade than he has been in the past. "I would be more than happy to listen to them," Utley said Saturday. "I do love Philadelphia. I've had a great time playing here, but out of respect for them, I would definitely listen to them." Asked Sunday if he expected to be with the Phillies at the end of the season, Utley said, "Who knows?" The Angels and Cubs have expressed interest in Utley. The Giants had a scout watching Utley this weekend in San Diego, according to CSNPhilly.com. Besides Utley's 10-and-5 rights, a deal could be complicated. He is making $15 million this season, which means he still is owed about $4.5 million. He also has a $15 million club option for next season, which includes a $2 million buyout. The option automatically vests with 500 plate appearances this season, but Utley has only 259, so that is no longer an issue. But the Phillies would seem likely to eat some of that money to facilitate a deal. In the meantime, Utley continues to play. He hit leadoff and played first base Monday night against the D-backs.

Another Trade With The Rangers – The Phillies added some infield depth on Monday, when they acquired shortstop Tyler Pastornicky from the Rangers for cash considerations. Pastornicky, 25, was batting .283 with one home run and 19 RBIs in 53 games for Triple-A Round Rock this season. Pastornicky has played in 124 games in the big leagues, all with the Braves, for whom he posted a .243 batting average with a .295 on-base percentage and a .314 slugging mark. He was released by Atlanta in March and signed by Texas as a Minor League free agent. Pastornicky's season started at Double-A Frisco, where he hit .276 with 29 hits in his first 28 games prior to his promotion to Round Rock. He also played for Team USA in the Pan Am Games in July, leading the team with a .450 batting average and 9 RBIs in 11 games. Pastornicky was selected by the Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB Draft, and he was traded to the Braves in 2010 as part of the return for shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Rookie Of The Year? – Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco continues to make a strong case for National League Rookie of the Year. Home runs like the one he crushed in Monday night's 13-3 loss to Arizona at Chase Field should get a few more people to notice him. He ripped an 0-1 slider from D-backs right-hander Rubby De La Rosa in the sixth inning a projected 455 feet to center field, according to Statcast™. It left his bat at a scorching 107 mph. "It had a good sound to it," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "I mean, yeah," Franco said, asked if it was one of the hardest hit balls of his career. "I just used my hands and stayed through the middle, try to use the whole field, and I put a good swing on that." Franco is not getting the attention of NL rookies like Matt Duffy, Joc Pederson and Kris Bryant, but he is worthy of comparisons. Franco does not officially rank among NL rookies in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage or OPS, but that is only because he did not join the Phillies until May 15. He is 25 plate appearances short of the 350 plate appearances he needs to qualify among them. But Franco would have the highest OPS (.828) and slugging percentage (.490) among NL rookies, if he qualified. He also entered Monday second in doubles (21), fourth in home runs (12), third in RBIs (47) and tied for fourth in walks (25) and extra-base hits (34). "It's not on my mind right now," Franco said of a potential Rookie of the Year candidacy. "I just try to come in and do my job and try to do the best I can to have a good game and help my teammates." But that doesn't mean he isn't following other NL rookies, either. "I mean, yeah, because most of the time I watch TV, I see what they're doing," he said. "But for me, just be happy for everybody, try to have a good game, a good season. Whatever happens, I'll take it." ESPN said Franco's home run was the longest by a Phillies player since 2012, when Jim Thome hit one over the batter's eye at Target Field in Minneapolis. "I remember that home run," Mackanin said. "That was a bomb." Franco's was nearly as impressive. And it could get a few more people talking about him, too.

THE BEGINNING:

The Phillies season has taken an unexpected turn for the better as they have officially climbed out of the bottom of the NL East with a record of 45-68. Given the departures, aging stars, injuries, and bipolar performances this season, this could still end up being the worst team in franchise history! All time, the Phillies are 52-50-0 on this day.