Cardinals at Phillies: October 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Friday 8:37

NLDS Tied 2-2

Cardinals 90-72, National League Wild Card
Phillies 102-60, National Leage East Champions

Random Notes:  This is the first time the Phillies have played in an NLDS Game 5 since the 1981 player's strike forced a division series pitting the first-half winner against the second-half winner.  Steve Rogers and the Expos bested Steve Carlton, 3-0, to advance to the NLCS.  Here's hoping for a better outcome this time . . . Jimmy Rollins, who is a free agent following the season, is hitting .563 (9 for 16) out of the lead-off spot . . . On the other end of the spectrum, Ryan Howard is 0 for his last 11 with six strikeouts . . . Cliff Lee (and everyone else) is available out of the bullpen in Game 5 . . . We have tickets to NLCS Game 1 on Sunday, and I want very badly to be able to use them.

Phillies Probable: Roy Halladay (1-0, 3.38)

Cardinals Probable: Chris Carpenter (0-0, 12.00)

Go Phils!

Phillies at Cardinals: October 4th through October 5th

Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
Tuesday 5:07 and Wednesday 6:07

NLDS Tied 1-1

Cardinals 90-72, National League Wild Card
Phillies 102-60, National Leage East Champions

Just win.  Go Phils!

Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels (0-0, 0.00), Roy Oswalt (0-0, 0.00)
Cardinals Probables: Jaime Garcia (0-0, 0.00), Edwin Jackson (0-0, 0.00)

Cardinals at Phillies: October 1st and October 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Saturday 5:07 and Sunday 8:37

Cardinals 90-72, National League Wild Card
Phillies 102-60, National Leage East Champions

So Far in 2011:  Doesn't matter.  But for what it's worth, the Phillies went 3-6 against the Cardinals during the regular season.

Know Your Enemy: Manager -
Starters - Yadier Molina (c), Albert Pujols (1b), Skip Schumaker (2b), David Freese (3b), Rafael Furcal (ss), Matt Holliday (lf), Jon Jay (cf), Lance Berkman (rf)
Rotation - Kyle Lohse (rhp), Chris Carpenter (rhp), Jaime Garcia (lhp), Edwin Jackson (rhp)
Bench - Gerald Laird (c), Daniel Descalso (inf), Nick Punto (inf), Ryan Theriot (inf), Adron Chambers (of), Allen Craig (of), Shane Robinson (of)
Closer - Jason Motte (rhp)
Bullpen - Mitchell Boggs (rhp), Octavio Dotel (rhp), Arthur Rhodes (lhp), Marc Rzepczynski (lhp), Fernando Salas (rhp), Eduardo Sanchez (rhp), Jake Westbrook (rhp)

Cardinals NLDS roster not yet finalized.

Cardinals Probables: Kyle Lohse (0-0, 0.00), Chris Carpenter (0-0, 0.00)
Phillies Probables: Roy Halladay (0-0, 0.00), Cliff Lee (0-0, 0.00)

Phillies at Braves: September 26th through September 28th

Turner Field - Atlanta, GA
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10

Phillies 99-60, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Braves
Braves 89-70, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Phillies

So Far in 2011:  The Phillies are 9-6 against the Braves so far this season.  While the Phillies will use these games to prepare for the N.L.D.S., the Braves are trying to clinch the N.L. Wild Card.  The Cardinals are just one game behind the Braves in the Wild Card standings.

Meet the Braves: Manager - Fredi Gonzalez
Starters - Brian McCann (c), Freddie Freeman (1b), Dan Uggla (2b), Chipper Jones (3b), Jack Wilson (ss), Martin Prado (lf), Michael Bourn (cf), Jason Heyward (rf)
Rotation - Tim Hudson (rhp), Brandon Beachy (rhp), Mike Minor (lhp), Randall Delgado (rhp), Derek Lowe (rhp)
Bench - J.C. Boscan (c), David Ross (c), Brooks Conrad (inf), Alex Gonzalez (inf), Eric Hinske (inf), Jose Constanza (of), Matt Diaz (of), Antoan Richardson (of)
Closer - Craig Kimbrel (rhp)
Bullpen - Jair Jurrjens (rhp), Scott Linebrink (rhp), Cristhian Martinez (rhp), Kris Medlen (rhp), Peter Moylan (rhp), Eric O'Flaherty (lhp), Julio Teheran (rhp), Anthony Varvaro (rhp), Jonny Venters (lhp), Arodys Vizcaino (rhp)
Disabled List - Tommy Hanson (rhp), George Sherrill (lhp), Nate McLouth (of)

At the Ballpark:  The first 7,000 fans on Tuesday night will receive a set of Atlanta Braves Playing Cards.

Phillies Probables: Cliff Lee (16-8, 2.38), Roy Oswalt (8-10, 3.86), TBD
Braves Probables: Randall Delgado (1-1, 2.70), Derek Lowe (9-16, 4.92), Tim Hudson (16-10, 3.23)

Phillies at Mets: September 23rd through September 25th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
Friday 7:10, Saturday and Sunday 1:10

Phillies 98-58, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Braves
Mets 74-82, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 24 games behind the Phillies

So Far in 2011:  The Phils are 10-5 against the Mets so far this season, and they hope to continue their winning ways against the struggling team.

Meet the Mets: Manager - Terry Collins
Starters - Josh Thole (c), Nick Evans (1b), Ruben Tejada (2b), David Wright (3b), Jose Reyes (ss), Jason Bay (lf), Angel Pagan (cf), Lucas Duda (rf)
Rotation - R.A. Dickey (rhp), Dillon Gee (rhp), Mike Pelfrey (rhp), Chris Schwinden (rhp), Chris Capuano (lhp)
Bench - Mike Nickeas (c), Ronny Paulino (c), Valentino Pascucci (inf), Josh Satin (inf), Justin Turner (inf), Mike Baxter (of), Willie Harris (of), Jason Pridie (of)
Closer - Manny Acosta (rhp)
Bullpen - Miguel Batista (rhp), Pedro Beato (rhp), Tim Byrdak (lhp), D.J. Carrasco (rhp), Daniel Herrera (lhp), Ryota Igarashi (rhp), Jason Isringhausen (rhp), Bobby Parnell (rhp), Josh Stinson (rhp), Dale Thayer (rhp)
Disabled List - Taylor Buchholz (rhp), Jon Niese (lhp), Johan Santana (lhp), Chris Young (rhp), Ike Davis (1b), Daniel Murphy (inf), Scott Hairston (of)

At the Ballpark:  The first 25,000 fans will receive a set of Mets Headphones on Sunday afternoon.

Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels (14-9, 2.80), TBD, Roy Halladay (18-6, 2.41)
Mets Probables: R.A. Dickey (8-13, 3.35), Dillon Gee (12-6, 4.48), Mike Pelfrey (7-12, 4.58)

Nationals at Phillies: September 20th through September 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday 1:05 and 7:05, Wednesday and Thursday 7:05

Nationals 72-79, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 25 1/2 games behind the Phillies
Phillies 98-54, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  The Phillies are 8-6 this year against the Nationals.  The double header today is the result of a rain-out on August 14th.

Meet the Nationals: Manager - Davey Johnson
Starters -  Wilson Ramos (c), Chris Marrero (1b), Danny Espinosa (2b), Ryan Zimmerman (3b), Ian Desmond (ss), Michael Morse (rf), Jayson Werth (cf), Roger Bernadina (lf)
Rotation - Stephen Strasburg (rhp), Chien-Ming Wang (rhp), Ross Detwiler (lhp), Tom Milone (lhp), Brad Peacock (rhp), John Lannan (lhp)
Bench - Jesus Flores (c), Ivan Rodriguez (c), Alex Cora (inf), Steve Lombardozzi (inf), Rick Ankiel (cf), Brian Bixler (of), Corey Brown (of), Jonny Gomes (of), Laynce Nix (of)
Closer - Drew Storen (rhp)
Bullpen - Collin Balester (rhp), Sean Burnett (lhp), Tyler Clippard (rhp), Todd Coffey (rhp), Tom Gorzelanny (lhp), Livan Hernandez (rhp), Yunesky Maya (rhp), Henry Rodriguez (rhp), Atahualpa Severino (lhp), Doug Slaten (lhp), Craig Stammen (rhp), Jordan Zimmermann (rhp)
Disabled List - Cole Kimball (rhp), Ryan Mattheus (rhp), Elvin Ramirez (rhp), Adam LaRoche (1b)

36 players on the active roster!  How do they all fit in the dugout?

At the Ballpark:  Thursday night marks the last regular season game at the ballpark this year, and it's Fan Appreciation Night.

Nationals Probables: Ross Detwiler (2-5, 3.76), Tom Milone (1-0, 4.60), Brad Peacock (1-0, 1.42), John Lannan (9-13, 3.68)
Phillies Probables: Kyle Kendrick (8-6, 3.22), Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.38), Vance Worley (11-2, 2.85), Roy Oswalt (8-9, 3.66)

Cardinals at Phillies: September 16th through September 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Friday and Saturday 7:05, Sunday 8:05, Monday 7:05

Cardinals 81-68, 2nd Place in the N.L. Central, 5 1/2 games behind the Brewers
Phillies 97-51, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  Amazingly enough, this is the first time the Cardinals have visited Philadelphia all year.  I blame Interleague play and the ridiculous unbalanced schedule for this.  The Phils have been to St. Louis twice - in mid-May and mid-June - winning just two out of the five games played.

Meet the Cardinals: Manager - Tony LaRussa
Starters - Yadier Molina (c), Albert Pujols (1b), Skip Schumaker (2b), Daniel Descalso (3b), Rafael Furcal (ss), Allen Craig (lf), Jon Jay (cf), Lance Berkman (rf)
Rotation - Chris Carpenter (rhp), Kyle Lohse (rhp), Jaime Garcia (lhp), Jake Westbrook (rhp), Edwin Jackson (rhp)
Bench - Tony Cruz (c), Gerald Laird (c), David Freese (3b), Tyler Greene (inf), Nick Punto (inf), Ryan Theriot (ss), Adron Chambers (of), Matt Holliday (lf), Corey Patterson (of), Shane Robinson (of)
Closer - Jason Motte (rhp)
Bullpen - Mitchell Boggs (rhp), Maikel Cleto (rhp), Brandon Dickson (rhp), Octavio Dotel (rhp), Kyle McClellan (rhp), Arthur Rhodes (lhp), Marc Rzepczynski (lhp), Fernando Salas (rhp), Eduardo Sanchez (rhp)
Disabled List - Lance Lynn (rhp), Adam Wainwright (rhp)

At the Ballpark:  Fans will receive a Phillies knit cap tonight.  Tomorrow night is German Heritage Night.  On Sunday night, kids will receive a Ryan Howard "action figurine" and adults will receive a Phillies Post Card set.  (Must track this down.)  Finally, Monday is a Dollar Dog Night.  There's a lot going on!

Cardinals Probables: Jaime Garcia (12-7, 3.68), Jake Westbrook (12-8, 4.61), Chris Carpenter (9-9, 3.80), Kyle Lohse (13-8, 3.62)
Phillies Probables: Vance Worley (11-2, 2.92), Roy Oswalt (7-9, 3.88), Cole Hamels (14-8, 2.71), Roy Halladay (18-5, 2.34)

Marlins at Phillies: September 15th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Thursday 2:35 and 7:35

Marlins 67-81, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 29 games behind the Phillies

Phillies 95-51, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 11 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  The Phillies are Marlins are playing a day-night double header today as a result of the rain-outs in late August caused by Hurricane Irene.

Meet the Marlins: Manager - Jack McKeon

Starters - John Buck (c), Gaby Sanchez (1b), Omar Infante (2b), Matt Dominguez (3b) Donnie Murphy (ss), Greg Dobbs (lf), Bryan Petersen (cf), Emilio Bonifacio (rf)

Rotation - Anibal Sanchez (rhp), Javier Vazquez (rhp), Chris Volstad (rhp), Brad Hand (lhp), Ricky Nolasco (rhp)

Bench - John Baker (c), Brett Hayes (c), Jose Lopez (inf), Logan Morrison (of), Vinny Rottino (of), Mike Stanton (of)

Closer - Leo Nunez (rhp)

Bullpen - Burke Badenhop (rhp), Jose Ceda (rhp), Steve Cishek (rhp), Michael Dunn (lhp), Chris Hatcher (rhp), Clay Hensley (rhp), Edward Mujica (rhp), Sandy Rosario (rhp), Alex Sanabia (rhp), Brian Sanches (rhp), Ryan Webb (rhp)

Disabled List - Randy Choate (lhp), Josh Johnson (rhp), Hanley Ramirez (ss), Scott Cousins (of)

At the Ballpark:  The Cliff Lee Back-to-School Gym Bag will finally be given away this afternoon.

Marlins Probables: Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 3.64), Alex Sanabia (0-0, 0.00)

Phillies Probables: Kyle Kendrick (7-6, 3.29), Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.44)

Phillies at Astros: September 12th through September 14th

Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX
Monday and Tuesday 8:05, Wednesday 2:05

Phillies 94-49, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Braves
Astros 49-97, 6th Place in the N.L. Central, 36 games behind the Brewers

So Far in 2011:  These two teams opened the 2011 season in early April with the Phillies sweeping the Astros in three games in Philly.  Hunter Pence went 5 for 12 with a home run (off Roy Oswalt) for the Astros.  This is Pence's and Oswalt's first return trip to Houston since they've joined the Phillies.

Meet the Astros: Manager - Brad Mills
Starters - Humberto Quintero (c), Carlos Lee (1b), Jose Altuve (2b), Chris Johnson (3b), Clint Barmes (ss), J.D. Martinez (lf), Jordan Schafer (cf), Jason Bourgeois (rf)
Rotation - Wandy Rodriguez (lhp), Henry Sosa (rhp), Brett Myers (rhp), J.A. Happ (lhp), Bud Norris (rhp)
Bench - Carlos Corporan (c), J.R. Towles (c), Matt Downs (inf), Jimmy Paredes (inf), Angel Sanchez (inf), Brett Wallace (1b), Brian Bogusevic (of), Jason Michaels (of), J.B. Schuck (of)
Closer - Mark Melancon (rhp)
Bullpen - Juan Abreu (rhp), David Carpenter (rhp), Xavier Cedeno (lhp), Enerio Del Rosario (rhp), Lucas Harrell (rhp), Wilton Lopez (rhp), Jordan Lyles (rhp), Lance Pendleton (rhp), Aneury Rodriguez (rhp), Fernando Rodriguez (rhp), Wesley Wright (lhp)
Disabled List - Alberto Arias (rhp), Sergio Escalona (lhp), Brandon Lyon (rhp), Jason Castro (c)

The Astros are clearly taking advantage of the expanded rosters, with 33 active players available for game-action.

At the Ballpark:  All fans will receive a mini U.S. flag upon entering Minute Maid Park tonight.  Wednesday afternoon is Roberto Clemente Day at the ballpark.

Phillies Probables: Roy Oswalt (7-8, 3.72), Cole Hamels (14-7, 2.60), Roy Halladay (17-5, 2.44)
Astros Probables: Brett Myers (4-13, 4.66), J.A. Happ (5-15, 5.77), Bud Norris (6-9, 3.78)

Phillies at Brewers: September 8th through September 11th

Miller Park - Milwaukee, WI
Thursday and Friday 8:10, Saturday 7:10, Sunday 2:10

Phillies 91-48, 1st Place in N.L. East, 10 1/2 games ahead of the Braves
Brewers 85-59, 1st Place in N.L. Central, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Cardinals

So Far in 2011:  If the season were to end tomorrow, the Phillies would face the Diamondbacks and the Braves would face the Brewers in the two National League Division Series.  Quite honestly, of the other three teams most likely headed for the postseason, the Brewers scare me the most.  These two teams met up way back in April with the Phillies dropping two of three at home.

The Brew Crew: Manager - Ron Roenicke
Starters - Jonathan Lucroy (c), Prince Fielder (1b), Jerry Hairston (2b), Casey McGehee (3b), Yuniesky Betancourt (ss), Ryan Braun (lf), Nyjer Morgan (cf), Corey Hart (rf)
Rotation - Zach Greinke (rhp), Chris Narveson (lhp), Shaun Marcum (rhp), Randy Wolf (lhp), Yovani Gallardo (rhp)
Bench - George Kottaras (c), Martin Maldonado (c), Craig Counsell (inf), Taylor Green (inf), Josh Wilson (inf), Carlos Gomez (of), Mark Kotsay (of), Logan Schafer (of)
Closer - John Axford (rhp)
Bullpen - Frankie De La Cruz (rhp), Tim Dillard (rhp), Marco Estrada (rhp), LaTroy Hawkins (rhp), Kameron Loe (rhp), Francisco Rodriguez (rhp), Takashi Saito (rhp)
Disabled List - Brandon Kintzler (rhp), Manny Parra (lhp), Mitch Stetter (lhp), Rickie Weeks (2b)

At the Ballpark:  On Friday night, the first 30,000 fans will receive a Tony Plush Rally Towel.  I have no idea who Tony Plush is.

Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels (13-7, 2.63), Roy Halladay (16-5, 2.49), Cliff Lee (16-7, 2.47), Vance Worley (11-1, 2.85)
Brewers Probables: Chris Narveson (10-6, 4.26), Shaun Marcum (12-5, 3.11), Randy Wolf (12-9, 3.47), Yovani Gallardo (15-10, 3.71)

Braves at Phillies: September 5th through September 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05

Braves 82-57, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games behind the Phillies
Phillies 88-48, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  This is the Braves final regular season visit to Philadelphia.  The teams have split their twelve games so far this season, with six wins a piece.  Most recently, the Phils took two out of three in Atlanta in early July.

Meet the Braves: Manager - Fredi Gonzalez
Starters - Brian McCann (c), Freddie Freeman (1b), Dan Uggla (2b), Chipper Jones (3b), Alex Gonzalez (ss), Martin Prado (lf), Michael Bourn (cf), Jason Heyward (rf)
Rotation - Tim Hudson (rhp), Brandon Beachy (rhp), Mike Minor (lhp), Randall Delgado (rhp), Derek Lowe (rhp)
Bench - J.C. Boscan (c), David Ross (c), Brooks Conrad (inf), Eric Hinske (inf), Jack Wilson (inf), Jose Constanza (of), Matt Diaz (of), Antoan Richardson (of)
Closer - Craig Kimbrel (rhp)
Bullpen - Jair Jurrjens (rhp), Scott Linebrink (rhp), Cristhian Martinez (rhp), Peter Moylan (rhp), Eric O'Flaherty (lhp), Julio Teheran (rhp), Anthony Varvaro (rhp), Jonny Venters (lhp), Arodys Vizcaino (rhp)
Disabled List - Tommy Hanson (rhp), Kris Medlen (rhp), George Sherrill (lhp), Nate McLouth (of)

Jurrjens has been skipped in the rotation as he deals with a bum knee.

At the Ballpark:  It's a Labor Day Dollar Dog Night tonight and Wednesday is the Goya Latino Family Celebration.

Braves Probables: Derek Lowe (9-12, 4.52), Tim Hudson (14-8, 3.05), Brandon Beachy (7-2, 3.37)
Phillies Probables: Cliff Lee (15-7, 2.59), Vance Worley (10-1, 2.85), Roy Oswalt (7-8, 3.80)

Phillies at Marlins: September 2nd through September 4th

Sun Life Stadium - Miami, FL
Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 1:10

Phillies 87-46, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves
Marlins 60-76, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 28 1/2 games behind the Phillies

So Far in 2011:  These two teams played just once in Philly last weekend as a result of Hurricane Irene.  The Phils are 9-4 in these teams' 13 meetings.

Meet the Marlins: Manager - Jack McKeon
Starters - John Buck (c), Gaby Sanchez (1b), Omar Infante (2b), Greg Dobbs (3b), Emilio Bonifacio (ss), Logan Morrison (lf), Mike Cameron (cf), Mike Stanton (rf)
Rotation - Anibal Sanchez (rhp), Ricky Nolasco (rhp), Javier Vazquez (rhp), Chris Volstad (rhp), Clay Hensley (rhp)
Bench - Brett Hayes (c), Alfredo Amezaga (inf), Jose Lopez (inf), Bryan Petersen (of)
Closer - Leo Nunez (rhp)
Bullpen - Burke Badenhop (rhp), Jose Ceda (rhp), Steve Cishek (rhp), Michael Dunn (lhp), Chris Hatcher (rhp), Edward Mujica (rhp), Sandy Rosario (rhp), Ryan Webb (rhp)
Disabled List - Randy Choate (lhp), Josh Johnson (rhp), Brian Sanches (rhp), John Baker (c), Donnie Murphy (inf), Hanley Ramirez (ss), Scott Cousins (of)

Brad Hand is listed on ESPN's website as tonight's starter for the Marlins, although he's not currently on the active roster.

At the Ballpark:  There will be a post-game Wyclef Jean concert on Saturday night and the first 10,000 fans attending the game will receive a poster of the New Marlins Ballpark.  (There might be a few posters left over.)  On Sunday afternoon, the first 2,000 kids will receive an Emilio Bonifacio t-shirt.

Phillies Probables: Roy Oswalt (6-8, 3.77), Cole Hamels (13-7, 2.58), Roy Halladay (16-5, 2.47)
Marlins Probables: Brad Hand (1-4, 4.08), Anibal Sanchez (7-7, 3.97), Ricky Nolasco (9-10, 4.34)

Phillies at Reds: August 29th through September 1st

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10, Thursday 12:35

Phillies 83-46, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Braves
Reds 67-66, 3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 13 games behind the Brewers

So Far in 2011:  The Phils won three out of four when the Reds visited town back in May.

Meet the Reds: Manager - Dusty Baker
Starters - Ramon Hernandez (c), Joey Votto (1b), Brandon Phillips (2b), Miguel Cairo (3b), Paul Janish (ss), Fred Lewis (lf), Drew Stubbs (cf), Jay Bruce (rf)
Rotation - Johnny Cueto (rhp), Homer Bailey (rhp), Bronson Arroyo (rhp), Dontrelle Willis (lhp), Mike Leake (rhp)
Bench - Ryan Hanigan (c), Todd Frazier (inf), Edgar Renteria (ss), Yonder Alonso (of), Dave Sappelt (of)
Closer - Francisco Cordero (rhp)
Bullpen - Jose Arredondo (rhp), Bill Bray (lhp), Aroldis Chapman (lhp), Sam LeCure (rhp), Nick Masset (rhp), Logan Ondrusek (rhp)
Disabled List - Zach Cozart (inf), Scott Rolen (3b), Chris Heisey (of)

At the Ballpark:  Nothing but ballgames - no bobble heads, no beach towels, no back-to-school backpacks, nothing.

Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels (13-7, 2.62), Roy Halladay (15-5, 2.56), Cliff Lee (14-7, 2.71), Vance Worley (9-1, 2.65)
Reds Probables: Homer Bailey (7-5, 4.44), Bronson Arroyo (8-10, 5.02), Dontrelle Willis (0-3, 4.10), Mike Leake (11-8, 4.04)

Marlins at Phillies: August 26th through August 27th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:05 and 7:05

Marlins 58-72, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 26 games behind the Phillies
Phillies 83-45, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  This is the Marlins' final visit to Philly.  Due to the weather trouble expected this weekend as a result of Hurricane Irene, Sunday afternoon's game has already been moved to Saturday afternoon.  In twelve games so far this season, the Phillies are 9-3 against the Marlins, which includes wins in seven of their last eight match-ups.

Meet the Marlins: Manager - Jack McKeon
Starters - John Buck (c), Gaby Sanchez (1b), Omar Infante (2b), Greg Dobbs (3b), Emilio Bonifacio (ss), Logan Morrison (lf), Mike Cameron (cf), Mike Stanton (rf)
Rotation - Anibal Sanchez (rhp), Ricky Nolasco (rhp), Javier Vazquez (rhp), Chris Volstad (rhp), Clay Hensley (rhp)
Bench - Brett Hayes (c), Alfredo Amezaga (inf), Jose Lopez (inf), Bryan Petersen (of)
Closer - Leo Nunez (rhp)
Bullpen - Burke Badenhop (rhp), Jose Ceda (rhp), Steve Cishek (rhp), Michael Dunn (lhp), Chris Hatcher (rhp), Edward Mujica (rhp), Ryan Webb (rhp)
Disabled List - Randy Choate (lhp), Josh Johnson (rhp), Brian Sanches (rhp), John Baker (c), Donnie Murphy (inf), Hanley Ramirez (ss), Scott Cousins (of)

At the Ballpark:  Kids will receive a Cliff Lee Back-to-School Gym Bag on Saturday afternoon.

Marlins Probables: Clay Hensley (1-5, 5.47), Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 4.01), Ricky Nolasco
Phillies Probables: Roy Oswalt (6-7, 3.51), Roy Halladay (15-5, 2.56), Cliff Lee (14-7, 2.71)

Mets at Phillies: August 22nd through August 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Monday and Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 1:05

Mets 60-66, 4th Place in N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Phillies
Phillies 81-44, 1st Place in N.L. East, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  This is the Mets final visit to Philly in 2011.  These teams have played each other twelve times so far, and the Phillies hold a record of 8-4 against the Metropolitans.

Meet the Mets: Manager - Terry Collins
Starters - Josh Thole (c), Lucas Duda (1b), Justin Turner (2b), David Wright (3b), Ruben Tejada (ss), Jason Bay (lf), Angel Pagan (cf), Scott Hairston (rf)
Rotation - Jon Niese (lhp), Dillon Gee (rhp), Mike Pelfrey (rhp), Chris Capuano (lhp), R.A. Dickey (rhp)
Bench - Ronny Paulino (c), Nick Evans (inf), Mike Paxter (of), Willie Harris (of), Jason Pridie (of)
Closer - Jason Isringhausen (rhp)
Bullpen - Manny Acosta (rhp), Pedro Beato (rhp), Tim Byrdak (lhp), D.J. Carrasco (rhp), Ryota Igarashi (rhp), Bobby Parnell (rhp)
Disabled List - Taylor Buchholz (rhp), Johan Santana (lhp), Chris Young (rhp), Ike Davis (1b), Daniel Murphy (inf), Jose Reyes (ss)

At the Ballpark:  All fans will receive a Jimmy Rollins Pride of the Phillies print on Wednesday afternoon.

Mets Probables: Jon Niese (11-10, 4.05), Dillon Gee (11-4, 3.92), Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.61)
Phillies Probables: Cliff Lee (13-7, 2.82), Vance Worley (8-1, 2.76), Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 3.24)

Nationals Game Summaries:  They're coming . . . We just returned from a quick weekend trip to Pittsburgh.  The trip itself mirrored the Phillies play over the weekend - tough day on Friday, wonderful day on Saturday, super crappy day on Sunday.

Phillies at Nationals: August 19th through August 21st

Nationals Park - Washington D.C.
Friday and Saturday 7:05, Sunday 1:35

Phillies 80-42, 1st Place in N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves
Nationals 59-63, 4th Place in N.L. East, 21 games behind the Phillies

So Far in 2011:  These teams have faced each other 11 times so far this year, with the Phillies owning a 7-4 record, but losing three of their last four meetings with the Nationals.

Meet the Nationals: Manager - Davey Johnson
Starters - Wilson Ramos (c), Michael Morse (1b), Danny Espinosa (2b), Ryan Zimmerman (3b), Ian Desmond (ss), Jonny Gomes (lf), Rick Ankiel (cf), Jayson Werth (rf)
Rotation - Jordan Zimmermann (rhp), Livan Hernandez (rhp), John Lannan (lhp), Chien-Ming Wang (rhp), Ross Detwiler (lhp)
Bench - Jesus Flores (c), Alex Cora (inf), Brian Bixler (of), Laynce Nix (of)
Closer - Drew Storen (rhp)
Bullpen - Collin Balester (rhp), Sean Burnett (lhp), Tyler Clippard (rhp), Todd Coffey (rhp), Tom Gorzelanny (lhp), Ryan Mattheus (rhp), Henry Rodriguez (rhp)
Disabled List - Cole Kimball (rhp), Elvin Ramirez (rhp), Doug Slaten (lhp), Stephen Strasburg (rhp), Ivan Rodriguez (c), Adam LaRoche (1b)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is Black Heritage Night at the ballpark with the Nationals celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to the game of baseball.  All fans will receive an Ian Desmond Bobblehead on Saturday night and Sunday is kids' duffle bag day.

Phillies Probables: Roy Oswalt (5-7, 3.84), Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 3.25), Roy Halladay (15-5, 2.53)
Nationals Probables: Livan Hernandez (7-11, 4.21), John Lannan (8-8, 3.55), Chien-Ming Wang (2-2, 4.22)

Diamondbacks at Phillies: August 16th through August 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:05

Diamondbacks 68-53, 1st Place in N.L. West, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Giants
Phillies 78-41, 1st Place in N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  The Phillies dropped two of three when they visited Phoenix way back in late April.

Meet the D-Backs: Manager - Kirk Gibson
Starters - Miguel Montero (c), Paul Goldschmidt (1b), Kelly Johnson (2b), Ryan Roberts (3b), Willie Bloomquist (ss), Gerardo Parra (lf), Chris Young (cf), Justin Upton (rf)
Rotation - Ian Kennedy (rhp), Daniel Hudson (rhp), Wade Miley (lhp), Josh Collmenter (rhp), Joe Saunders (lhp)
Bench - Henry Blanco (c), Sean Burroughs (3b), Lyle Overbay (1b), Cody Ransom (inf), Collin Cowgill (of)
Closer - J.J. Putz (rhp)
Bullpen - Zach Duke (lhp), David Hernandez (rhp), Micah Owings (rhp), Joe Paterson (lhp), Bryan Shaw (rhp), Brad Ziegler (rhp)
Disabled List - Alberto Castillo (lhp), Juan Gutierrez (rhp), Jason Marquis (rhp), Geoff Blum (inf), Stephen Drew (ss), Xavier Nady (1b)

At the Ballpark:  All fans attending tonight's game will receive a Placido Polanco Bobble Head.  The unveiling of the new Harry Kalas statue in front of the ballpark was rained out on Sunday and rescheduled for tonight.

Diamondbacks Probables: John Collmenter (7-7, 3.51), Joe Saunders (8-9, 3.76), Ian Kennedy (15-3, 3.12)
Phillies Probables: Roy Halladay (15-4, 2.51), Cliff Lee (12-7, 2.83), Vance Worley (8-1, 2.85)

Nationals at Phillies: August 12th through August 14th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Friday and Saturday 7:05, Sunday 1:35

Nationals 56-61, 4th Place in N.L. East, 21 games behind the Phillies
Phillies 77-40, 1st Place in N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

So Far in 2011:  The Phillies are 6-3 against the Nationals having most recently lost two out of three when they visited D.C. in late May.

Meet the Nationals: Manager - Davey Johnson has managed the Nationals since June 25th when he took over for Jim Riggleman, who abruptly resigned due to a contract dispute
Starters - Wilson Ramos (c), Michael Morse (1b), Danny Espinosa (2b), Ryan Zimmerman (3b), Ian Desmond (ss), Jonny Gomes (lf), Rick Ankiel (cf), Jayson Werth (rf)
Rotation - Jordan Zimmermann (rhp), Livan Hernandez (rhp), John Lannan (lhp), Chien-Ming Wang (rhp), Ross Detwiler (lhp)
Bench - Jesus Flores (c), Alex Cora (inf), Brian Bixler (of), Laynce Nix (of)
Closer - Drew Storen (rhp)
Bullpen - Colin Balester (rhp), Sean Burnett (lhp), Tyler Clippard (rhp), Todd Coffey (rhp), Tom Gorzelanny (lhp), Ryan Mattheus (rhp), Henry Rodriguez (rhp)
Disabled List - Cole Kimball (rhp), Elvin Ramirez (rhp), Doug Slaten (lhp), Stephen Strasburg (rhp), Ivan Rodriguez (c), Adam LaRoche (1b)

At the Ballpark:  It's Alumni Weekend at the ballpark.  John Kruk will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame tonight and dozens of Phillies alumni including Hall of Famers Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton will be in attendance for the ceremony.

Saturday Night is Alumni Night with nearly 50 former Phillies scheduled to be introduced in a pre-game ceremony.  Phillies lifer and current Lakewood BlueClaws coach Greg Legg will receive the John Vukovich Award.  Sunday afternoon will feature the unveiling of a Harry Kalas statue outside the ballpark.

Nationals Probables: Livan Hernandez (6-11, 4.41), John Lannan (8-7, 3.56), Chien-Ming Wang (1-2, 3.60)
Phillies Probables: Cole Hamels (13-6, 2.53), Roy Oswalt (4-7, 3.84), Roy Halladay (15-4, 2.51)

Phillies at Dodgers: August 8th through August 10th

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Monday and Tuesday 10:10, Wednesday 3:10

Phillies 74-40, 1st Place in N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves
Dodgers 52-61, Tied for 3rd Place in N.L. West, 10 games behind the Giants

So Far in 2011:  The Phils took two out of three from the Dodgers when they visited town in early June.

Meet the Dodgers: Manager - Don Mattingly
Starters - Rod Barajas (c), James Loney (1b), Aaron Miles (2b), Casey Blake (3b), Dee Gordon (ss), Tony Gwynn (lf), Matt Kemp (cf), Andre Ethier (rf)
Rotation - Clayton Kershaw (lhp), Hiroki Kuroda (rhp), Ted Lilly (lhp), Chad Billingsley (rhp), Nathan Eovaldi (rhp)
Bench - Dioner Navarro (c), Jamey Carroll (inf), Trent Oeltjen (of), Juan Rivera (of), Eugenio Velez (of)
Closer - Javy Guerra (rhp)
Bullpen - Scott Elbert (lhp), Matt Guerrier (rhp), Blake Hawksworth (rhp), Hong-Chih Kuo (lhp), Josh Lindblom (rhp), Mike MacDougal (rhp)
Disabled List - Jonathan Broxton (rhp), Rubby De La Rosa (rhp), Jon Garland (rhp), Kenley Jansen (rhp), Vicente Padilla (rhp), Juan Uribe (3b)

At the Ballpark:  Tuesday night is Duke Snider Bobblehead night.  On Wednesday afternoon, the Dodgers will wear throwback Brooklyn uniforms.

Phillies Probables: Roy Halladay (14-4, 2.55 ERA), Cliff Lee (11-7, 2.96 ERA), Vance Worley (8-1, 2.35 ERA)
Dodgers Probables: Hiroki Kuroda (7-13, 2.96 ERA), Ted Lilly (7-11, 4.86 ERA), Chad Billingsley (10-9, 4.17 ERA)

Phillies at Giants: August 4th through August 7th

AT&T Park - San Francisco, CA
Thursday and Friday 10:15, Saturday 4:10, Sunday 4:05

Phillies 71-39, 1st Place in N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Braves
Giants 62-49, 1st Place in N.L. West, 1 game ahead of the Diamondbacks

So Far in 2011:  The Giants took two out of three from the Phillies in Philadelphia last week.

Meet the Giants: Manager - Bruce Bochy
Starters - Eli Whiteside (c), Aubrey Huff (1b), Jeff Keppinger (2b), Pablo Sandoval (3b), Orlando Cabrera (ss), Nate Schierholtz (lf), Cody Ross (cf), Carlos Beltran (rf)
Rotation - Matt Cain (rhp), Tim Lincecum (rhp), Ryan Vogelsong (rhp), Madison Bumgarner (lhp), Jonathan Sanchez (lhp)
Bench - Chris Stewart (c), Brandon Belt (1b), Mike Fontenot (ss), Aaron Rowand (of), Andres Torres (cf)
Closer - Brian Wilson (rhp)
Bullpen - Jeremy Affeldt (lhp), Santiago Casilla (rhp), Javier Lopez (lhp), Guillermo Mota (rhp), Ramon Ramirez (rhp), Sergio Romo (rhp)
Disabled List - Barry Zito (lhp), Buster Posey (c), Mark DeRosa (inf), Freddy Sanchez (2b), Miguel Tejada (inf), Pat Burrell (lf)

At the Ballpark:  The first 7,500 kids receive a Brian Wilson road jersey on Sunday afternoon.  If this was a Phillies game, every kid would receive a replica jersey.  I've noticed that most teams limit their give-aways to the first 10,000 fans, or the first 7,500 fans and so on.  The Phillies don't limit their give-aways.  If you come to the game, and you're a kid, you get the give-away.

Phillies Probables: Cliff Lee (10-7, 3.14 ERA), Vance Worley (7-1, 2.33 ERA), Cole Hamels (12-6, 2.62 ERA), Roy Oswalt (4-6, 3.79 ERA)
Giants Probables: Madison Bumgarner (6-10, 3.80 ERA), Jonathan Sanchez (4-5, 3.81 ERA), Matt Cain (9-7, 3.10 ERA), Tim Lincecum (9-9, 2.77 ERA)