Marlins at Phillies: October 3rd to October 4th

Saturday Double Header 4:05, Sunday 3:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Marlins 69-90, 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 20 games behind the Mets
Phillies 62-97, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 27 games behind the Mets

Marlins Probables:  Justin Nicolino (4-4, 4.16), Tom Koehler (11-14, 4.00), Adam Conley (4-1, 3.84)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Harang (6-15, 4.86), Alec Asher (0-5, 9.00), David Buchanan (2-9, 7.54)

At the Ballpark:  This is it . . . the final series of the 2015 season.  Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day with "prizes and surprises" promised for all fans in attendance.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Dee Gordon - .329
Runs:  Dee Gordon - 83
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 27
RBIs:  Justin Bour - 71
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 56

Wins:  Tom Koehler - 11
ERA:  Tom Koehler - 4.00
Strikeouts:  Tom Koehler - 132
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 30

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .290
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 62
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles, Aaron Harang and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.86
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 106*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 15^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #379

1985 Topps #763

1985 Topps Traded #62T

1985 Topps Appreciation:  I've got a post coming up which will tally up all the Phillies-related cards in the 1985 Topps set.  The three cards shown here are the last remaining 1985 Toopps Phillies cards that had no logical fit in any series preview posts throughout the season.  Sorry guys.

I'm looking forward to doing these series preview posts in 2016 looking back at Phillies-related cards in the 1970 Topps set.  I've already put together a list of former and future Phillies in the 1970 Topps set, and there were quite a few I wasn't familiar with.  Just one more reason to look forward to the 2016 season!

September 29th to October 1st: Mets at Phillies

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

Mets 89-67, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals
Phillies 59-97, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 30 games behind the Mets

Mets Probables:  Bartolo Colon (14-12, 4.15), Steven Matz (4-0, 2.27), Logan Varrett (1-1, 2.70)
Phillies Probables:  David Buchanan (2-9, 7.96), Alec Asher (0-5, 7.52), Jerad Eickhoff (2-3, 3.07)

At the Ballpark:  There are no promotions or giveaways scheduled.  The N.L. East champs will most likely trot out their B or C team while the Phillies will do their best to stave off the inevitable 100 loss season.

Mets Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .285
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 96
Home Runs:  Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson - 25
RBIs:  Lucas Duda and Daniel Murphy - 70
Stolen Bases:  Curtis Granderson - 11

Wins:  Bartolo Colon and Jacob deGrom - 14
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 2.60
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 198
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 42

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .287
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 60
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles, Aaron Harang and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.86
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 106*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 13^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #677

1985 Topps #302

1985 Topps Appreciation:  We've reached the penultimate series of this dreadful season, and I've got two cards of mustachioed former Mets and Phillies to feature.  Before checking his Baseball Reference page, I had forgotten that Wally Backman played two seasons for the Phillies in 1991 and 1992.  I had thought he was only around for a single season, but he did in fact suit up in both the maroon pinstripes of 1991 and the red pinstripes of 1992.  Backman of course started his career with 9 seasons with the Mets.

Tim Corcoran was a teammate of Backman's on the 1986 Mets team for all of six games.  He accumulated seven at-bats with the Mets in April and June going 0 for 7 before being released on June 9th.

Phillies at Nationals: September 25th to September 27th

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 1:35
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

Phillies 57-96, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 29 games behind the Mets
Nationals 78-74, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Jerad Eickhoff (1-3, 3.16), Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.84), Aaron Harang (6-15, 4.93)
Nationals Probables:  Jordan Zimmermann (13-8, 3.49), Stephen Strasburg (10-7, 3.81), Gio Gonzalez (11-8, 3.94)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 25,000 fans will receive a Zimmermann bobble head commemorating his 2014 no-hitter.  Fans attending Sunday afternoon's game will receive a pair of Nationals gloves.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .292
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 59
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles, Aaron Harang and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.93
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 104*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 13^

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .341
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 116
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 41
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 95
Stolen Bases:  Michael Taylor - 16

Wins:  Jordan Zimmermann - 13
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.98
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 249
Saves:  Drew Storen - 29

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #584

1985 Topps #526

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Kevin Gross and David Palmer were two-fifths of the Phillies starting rotation in 1988, a season that saw the Phillies finish with 96 losses.  (I would anticipate that the Phillies top the 96 loss mark for 2015 at some point this weekend.)

Gross accompanied Lance Parrish to the 1988 All-Star Game as the Phillies representatives after putting up an 8-5 record and a 2.89 ERA in the first half of the season.  He'd finish the 1988 season with a 12-14 record and the Phillies would trade him to the Expos on December 6th for Jeff Parrett and Floyd Youmans.  I wrote a little about that trade in this post from last season.

Palmer began his career with six seasons in Montreal, and he'd come to the Phillies by way of the Braves in 1988.  In his only season in Philadelphia, Palmer complied a 7-9 record over 22 starts.

Phillies at Marlins: September 22nd to September 24th

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

Phillies 56-94, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 29 games behind the Mets
Marlins 64-86, 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 21 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Aaron Harang (5-15, 5.04), David Buchanan (2-9, 8.49), Alec Asher (0-4, 9.78)
Marlins Probables:  Tom Koehler (10-13, 3.90), Adam Conley (4-1, 4.22), Jarred Cosart (2-4, 4.43)

At the Ballpark:  Discounted ticket packages are available for this series, but the Marlins don't have any giveaways or special promotions planned.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .293+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 59
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 5.04
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 101*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 13^

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Dee Gordon - .332
Runs:  Dee Gordon - 78
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 27
RBIs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 67
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 53

Wins:  Tom Koehler - 10
ERA:  Tom Koehler - 3.90
Strikeouts:  Tom Koehler - 125
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 28

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

Phillies at Braves: September 18th to September 20th

Friday 7:35, Saturday 7:10 and Sunday 1:35
Turner Field - Atlanta, GA

Phillies 56-91, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 27 1/2 games behind the Mets
Braves 57-90, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 26 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (5-6, 4.60), Jared Eickhoff (1-3, 3.90), Aaron Nola (6-2, 4.11)
Braves Probables:  Williams Perez (5-6, 5.36), Ryan Weber (0-1, 4.38), Julio Teheran (10-7, 4.34)

At the Ballpark:  It's Zombie Night at Turner Field tonight, which is honestly not a commentary on the teams playing but an actual promotion.  Sunday is a Bark in the Park day and there will be a pre-game autograph session with Gene Garber, Charlie Leibrandt and Wes Helms in the Braves Fan Plaza.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .296+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 59
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 5.04
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 101*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 13^

Braves Leaders
Average:  Nick Markakis - .296
Runs:  Nick Markakis - 65
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 16
RBIs:  Freddie Freeman - 56
Stolen Bases:  Cameron Maybin - 21

Wins:  Julio Teheran - 10
ERA:  Shelby Miller - 3.00
Strikeouts:  Shelby Miller - 159
Saves:  Jason Grilli - 24

1985 Topps #129

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Perhaps the autograph seekers heading to the Alumni Sunday autograph signing will choose to have Garber's 1985 Topps card signed.  Garber was a successful closer for the Phillies during his time with the club from 1974 to 1978, but he found his greatest career success during his ten seasons with the Braves.

In need of a starting pitcher in 1978, and with a glut of bullpen arms, the Phillies dealt Garber to the Braves on June 15th of that year for starting pitcher Dick Ruthven. Garber relinquished his Braves closer role in 1985 to the newly acquired Bruce Sutter.

Nationals at Phillies: September 14th to September 16th

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

Nationals 72-70, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets
Phillies 56-88, Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 26 1/2 games behind the Mets

Nationals Probables:  Jordan Zimmermann (12-8, 3.32), Stephen Strasburg (8-7, 4.30), Gio Gonzalez (10-7, 3.88)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (6-2, 3.56), David Buchanan (2-8, 9.11), Adam Morgan (5-6, 4.60)

At the Ballpark:  There are theme nights galore during this series, but otherwise no special giveaways.

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .333
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 104
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 36
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 85
Stolen Bases:  Michael Taylor - 15

Wins:  Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann - 12
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.91
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 231
Saves:  Drew Storen - 29

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .299
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 59
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 22
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 76
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 5.04
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 101*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 13^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied) and 137 strikeouts.
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

Cubs at Phillies: September 10th to September 13th

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

Cubs 80-58, 3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 7 1/2 games behind the Cardinals
Phillies 54-86, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 24 1/2 games behind the Mets

Cubs Probables:  Jake Arrieta (18-6, 2.03), Kyle Hendricks (6-6, 4.08), Dan Haren (9-9, 4.78), Hammel (8-6, 3.59)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (5-5, 4.42), Alec Asher (0-2, 10.61), Jared Eickhoff (1-3, 4.70), Aaron Harang (5-15, 5.02)

At the Ballpark:  On Friday night, all fans 15 and over will receive a Phillies knit hat.  On Sunday afternoon, all kids receive the Phanatic's latest DVD entitled The Phillie Phanatic's One-Man Band. I'll think I'll just wait for it to come to Netflix.

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Anthony Rizzo - .285
Runs:  Dexter Fowler - 90
Home Runs:  Anthony Rizzo - 29
RBIs:  Anthony Rizzo - 88
Stolen Bases:  Dexter Fowler - 17

Wins:  Jake Arrieta - 18
ERA:  Jake Arrieta - 2.03
Strikeouts:  Jake Arrieta - 197
Saves:  Hector Rondon - 27

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .300
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera - 57
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 21
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 72
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 6*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 5.02*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 96*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 12^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins (tied), 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #98

1985 Topps #39

1985 Topps Appreciation:  When these two teams first met up in July, I featured eight cards of players who appeared with the Cubs in the 1985 Topps set who had previously spent time with the Phillies.  I don't have anything nearly as interesting planned this time around, although two cards of two underrated back-up catchers who spent time with the Phillies is certainly interesting to me.

Any time I get the chance to feature a baseball card of Phillies Room favorite Johnny Wockenfuss, I'm taking it.  And this Steve Lake baseball card contains no clue of the future cardboard greatness Lake, and his exotic pet bird Ruffles, would one day attain.  We had no idea.

Braves at Phillies: September 7th to September 9th

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

Braves 54-83, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Mets
Phillies 53-84, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 22 1/2 games behind the Mets

Braves Probables:  Williams Perez (4-6, 5.65), TBD, Julio Teheran (9-7, 4.51)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.89), Aaron Nola (5-2, 4.02), TBD

At the Ballpark:  Wednesday night is Bark in the Park night at Citizens Bank Park, and it will be interesting to see if there are more dogs in the ballpark than people, especially given that Wednesday is Jerome Williams' rumored return to the rotation.

Braves Leaders
Average:  Nick Markakis - .295
Runs:  Cameron Maybin - 60
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 15
RBIs:  Cameron Maybin - 52
Stolen Bases:  Cameron Maybin - 21

Wins:  Julio Teheran - 9
ERA:  Shelby Miller - 2.81
Strikeouts:  Shelby Miller - 151
Saves:  Jason Grilli - 24

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .302
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 56
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 21
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 72
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  4 tied with - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.89*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 90*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 11^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

Phillies at Red Sox: September 4th to September 6th

Friday 7:10, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 1:35
Fenway Park - Boston, MA

Phillies 53-81, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Mets
Red Sox 61-72, 5th Place in the A.L. East, 15 games behind the Blue Jays

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (5-4, 4.03), Alec Asher (0-1, 6.35), Jared Eickhoff (1-2, 2.84)
Red Sox Probables:  Joe Kelly (8-6, 4.94), Wade Miley (10-10, 4.57), Eduardo Rodriguez (8-5, 4.25)

At the Ballpark:  The Red Sox host an Autography Alley event before each game of this series, featuring a former Red Sox player signing autographs in Yawkey Way an hour before game time. These three games feature Sam Horn, John Trautwein and Skip Lockwood, respectively.  Sunday afternoon is also On Field Photo Day at Fenway prior to the game.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .295+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 55
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 21
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 72
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  4 tied with - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.89*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 90*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 11^

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Xander Bogaerts - .319
Runs:  Mookie Betts - 67
Home Runs:  David Ortiz - 29
RBIs:  David Ortiz - 81
Stolen Bases:  Mookie Betts - 17

Wins:  Wade Miley - 10
ERA:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 4.25
Strikeouts:  Wade Miley - 21
Saves:  Koji Uehara - 25

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #663

1985 Topps #89

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Given the current status of the Phillies and Red Sox in their respective division standings, featuring two cards of light-hitting middle infielders seems somewhat appropriate. Luis Aguayo and Jackie Gutierrez were briefly teammates together on the 1988 Phillies squad, with Aguayo playing in his last of nine years in Philadelphia and Gutierrez signing up for a 33-game stint before calling it a career.

It's the guys like Aguayo and Gutierrez who I feel don't get enough attention or appreciation from Phillies fans and/or Phillies baseball card collectors.  One of my more ambitious future ideas for The Phillies Room is to do a massive series of dedicated posts with the theme of Every Phillie Ever.

Baseball Reference tells me there have been close to 2,000 different Phillies players in the franchise's 132-year existence so this would be a multi-year undertaking for sure.  Similar to what I'm doing with the Phillies Missing Links project, I'd probably start with the Phillies of the 1980s.  It's time to give the world dedicated posts to the likes of Aguayo and Gutierrrez and their Phillies careers.  We've waited long enough!  (And we'll have to wait a little longer.  Hang in there.)

Phillies at Mets: August 31st to September 2nd

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

Phillies 52-79, Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 20 1/2 games behind the Mets
Mets 72-58, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (1-1, 2.25), Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.79), Aaron Nola (5-1, 3.26)
Mets Probables:  Bartolo Colon (11-11, 4.65), Jon Niese (8-9, 3.95), Matt Harvey (11-7, 2.48)

At the Ballpark:  There aren't any promotions or give-aways scheduled for this series.  I'm just hoping the Phillies don't continue to get completely embarrassed by the Mets.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .295+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 55
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 21
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 72
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  4 tied with - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.79*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 86*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 11^

Mets Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .283
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 75
Home Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 22
RBIs:  3 tied with - 56
Stolen Bases:  Curtis Granderson - 11

Wins:  Jacob deGrom - 12
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 2.32
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 171
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 35

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #157

1985 Topps #517

1985 Topps Appreciation:  The late, great former Phillie and Met Tug McGraw's birthday was yesterday and it's hard to believe he's already been gone for almost 12 years.  McGraw and Jerry Martin were teammates on the Phillies between 1975 and 1978 before Martin was shipped to the Cubs as part of the massive Manny Trillo trade in February 1979.

This card could serve as Martin's final tribute card, as 1984 would be the final year of his 11-year career.  With the 1984 Mets, Martin hit just .154 (14 for 91) and he was released by the team immediately following the season.  McGraw's card also contains his complete career stats as he retired following the 1984 season.

Padres at Phillies: August 28th to August 30th

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

Padres 62-65, Tied for 3rd Place in the N.L. West, 8 1/2 games behind the Dodgers
Phillies 50-78, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Mets

Padres Probables:  Ian Kennedy (8-11, 4.01), Colin Rea (2-1, 5.52), James Shields (9-6, 3.89)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (4-1, 3.59), Adam Morgan (4-4, 4.43), Alec Asher (0-0, 0.00)

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday night, all fans will receive a Maikel Franco Phillies Fathead.  On Sunday afternoon, all kids receive a ShopRite back-to-school Phillies lunch bag.  The back-to-school Phillies giveaways always slightly depress me.

Padres Leaders
Average:  Yonder Alonso - .273
Runs:  Justin Upton - 68
Home Runs:  Justin Upton - 22
RBIs:  Matt Kemp - 78
Stolen Bases:  Justin Upton - 18

Wins:  Tyson Ross and James Shields - 9
ERA:  Tyson Ross - 3.42
Strikeouts:  James Shields - 176
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 36

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .291+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 53
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 21
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 72
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 19+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.79*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 86*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 10^

1985 Topps #242

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Other than the Carmelo Martinez card I featured a few weeks ago, there's only one other 1985 Topps Padres card with a Phillies connection.  Reliever Greg Harris spent parts of two seasons with the Phillies in 1988 and 1989.  Pitching for the Padres in 1984, Harris would appear in the lone World Series game of his 15-year career, pitching 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Tigers in Game 3.

Mets at Phillies: August 24th to August 27th

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

Mets 67-56, 1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 games ahead of the Nationals
Phillies 50-74, Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 17 1/2 games behind the Mets

Mets Probables:  Jacob deGrom (12-6, 1.98), Noah Syndergaard (7-6, 3.17), Bartolo Colon (10-11, 4.90), Jon Niese (8-9, 3.80)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (4-4, 3.92), Jerome Williams (4-9, 6.10), Jerad Eickhoff (1-0, 0.00), Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.67)

At the Ballpark:  Each of these four games is a special Theme Night, but otherwise there are no giveaways scheduled.

Mets Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .283
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 70
Home Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 22
RBIs:  Lucas Duda - 56
Stolen Bases:  Curtis Granderson - 11

Wins:  Jacob deGrom - 12
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 1.98
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 158
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 33

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .294+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 50
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 19
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 67
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 18+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.67*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 86*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 10^

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps #649

1985 Topps #15

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Between 1967 and 1993, the Mets starting pitching rotation featured either Jerry Koosman or Sid Fernandez.  Both leftys spent time with the Phillies at the end of their impressive careers.

El Sid came to the Phils in July 1995 after being released by the Orioles.  In parts of two seasons in Philadelphia, he went 9-7 with a 3.38 ERA, which sounds pretty good to me right now after watching recent performances from Williams and Harang.

Koosman joined the Phillies for their 1984 season and he'd go 20-19 with a 3.67 ERA before injuries ended his career following the 1985 campaign.

Phillies at Marlins: August 20th to August 23rd

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 1:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

Phillies 47-73, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 17 games behind the Mets
Marlins 49-71, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.47), Jerad Eickhoff (0-0, 0.00), Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.79), Aaron Nola (3-1, 4.41)
Marlins Probables:  Brad Hand (2-3, 4.74), Kendry Flores (1-1, 2.35), Justin Nicolino (2-1, 4.24), Adam Conley (1-0, 5.82)

At the Ballpark:  Friday is Dollar Hot Dog night and there will be postgame fireworks.  Saturday is Dominican Heritage Night and on Sunday the first 10,000 fans will receive a Dontrelle Willis and Juan Pierre t-shirt.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .291+
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 47+
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 19
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 65
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 18+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.79*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 83*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 8^

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Dee Gordon - .334
Runs:  Dee Gordon - 57
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 27
RBIs:  Giancarlo Standon - 67
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 40

Wins:  Tom Koehler - 8
ERA:  Tom Koehler - 4.02#
Strikeouts:  Tom Koehler - 97
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 20

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average, 49 runs and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.
#Dan Haren, now with the Cubs, is the overall team leader with a 3.42 ERA.

Blue Jays at Phillies: August 18th to August 19th

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

Blue Jays 65-54, 2nd Place in the A.L. East, 1 game behind the Yankees
Phillies 46-72, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 17 games behind the Mets

Blue Jays Probables:  R.A. Dickey (7-10, 3.96), Mark Buehrle (13-5, 3.31)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (3-1, 4.25), Adam Morgan (3-4, 4.11)

At the Ballpark:  It's a quick two game homestand, but both nights have something special for the fans.  Tonight is Larry Bowa bobble head night.  It's a sure sign your team is struggling when the sole bobble head representative for the season is your bench coach.  Tomorrow night is Star Wars night at the ballpark with visitors making appearances from a galaxy far, far away.

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Chris Colabello - .323
Runs:  Josh Donaldson - 86
Home Runs:  Josh Donaldson - 31
RBIs:  Josh Donaldson - 87
Stolen Bases:  Kevin Pillar - 15#

Wins:  Mark Buehrle - 13
ERA:  Marco Estrada - 3.20
Strikeouts:  Drew Hutchison - 115
Saves:  Roberto Osuna - 13

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .288+
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 46+
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 19
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 65
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 18+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.79*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 83*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 7^

#Jose Reyes, now with the Rockies, is the overall team leader with 16 stolen bases.
+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average, 49 runs and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

Phillies at Brewers: August 14th to August 16th

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

Phillies 46-69, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 17 games behind the Mets
Brewers 48-68, 5th Place in the N.L. Central, 26 games behind the Cardinals

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (3-3, 4.06), Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.73), Aaron Harang (5-13, 4.52)
Brewers Probables:  Wily Peralta (2-7, 4.48), Jimmy Nelson (9-9, 3.65), Taylor Jungmann (6-4, 2.42)

At the Ballpark:  It's a busy weekend at Miller Park as all fans will receive a Brewers t-shirt tonight and the Goo Goo Dolls perform on the field following Saturday night's game.  On Sunday, all fans will receive a Jonathan Lucroy bobblehead.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .292+
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 46+
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 19
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 64
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 17+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.52*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 81*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 7^

Brewers Leaders
Average:  Adam Lind - .284
Runs:  Ryan Braun - 68
Home Runs:  Ryan Braun - 20
RBIs:  Adam Lind - 66
Stolen Bases:  Ryan Braun - 18

Wins:  Jimmy Nelson - 9
ERA:  Jimmy Nelson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Jimmy Nelson - 122
Saves:  Francisco Rodriguez - 26

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average, 49 runs and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Nationals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

Phillies at Diamondbacks: August 10th to August 12th

Monday and Tuesday 9:40, Wednesday 3:40
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

Phillies 45-67, 4th Place in the N.L. East, 14 1/2 games behind the Mets
Diamondbacks 54-56, 3rd Place in the N.L. West, 7 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Phillies Probables:  Aaron Harang (5-12, 4.11), David Buchanan (2-6, 7.23), Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.65)
Diamondbacks Probables:  Rubby De La Rosa (9-5, 4.56), Jeremy Hellickson (7-8, 5.06), Chase Anderson (5-4, 4.10)

At the Ballpark:  Out of all the teams the Phillies have played this season, the Diamondbacks appear to have the least amount of promotions and giveaways.  There's nothing scheduled for this series and their next giveaway overall is a Diamondbacks beer stein to be given to the first 10,000 fans on September 12th.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .291+
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 46+
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 19
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 64
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 17+

Wins:  Ken Giles and Aaron Harang - 5*
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.11*
Strikeouts:  Aaron Harang - 77*
Saves:  Ken Giles - 6^

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Paul Goldschmidt - .337
Runs:  A.J. Pollack - 71
Home Runs:  Paul Goldschmidt - 22
RBIs:  Paul Goldschmidt - 79
Stolen Bases:  A.J. Pollack - 25

Wins:  Rubby De La Rosa - 9
ERA:  Robbie Ray - 3.13
Strikeouts:  Rubby De La Rosa - 113
Saves:  Brad Ziegler - 20

1985 Topps #117

+Ben Revere, now with the Blue Jays, is the overall team leader with a .298 batting average, 49 runs and 24 stolen bases.
*Cole Hamels, now with the Rangers, is the overall team leader with 6 wins, 3.64 ERA and 137 strikeouts
^Jonathan Papelbon, now with the Naitonals, is the overall team leader with 17 saves.

1985 Topps Appreciation:  Greg Gross may not seem like a natural selection to be featured in the Diamondbacks series preview post but he does have an Arizona connection.  Gross was relieved of his hitting coach duties following the 2012 season and was hired shortly thereafter to serve as the hitting coach for the Reno Aces, the Diamondbacks Triple-A affiliate.  And now you know.