Happy Birthday Doug!

Throughout this entire crazy and challenging year, our son Doug's resiliency, helpfulness and occasional silliness has been impressive . . . most impressive.  The picture used here for his limited edition birthday release is from summer baseball action, right around the time he decided to let his hair grow out.  We continue to be amazed by this kid/teen, even though being inside most of the year meant he had more time to hone his skills as his little brother's personal tormentor.  

We're so proud of him.

Memory Lane
2006 to 2008 - Pre-The Phillies Room years
2009 - Doug turns 3
2010 - Took the year off . . . bad father!
2011 - A Shane Victorino card for Doug
2012 - Doug with the Phanatic, turns 6
2013 - Doug on the Braves, turns 7
2014 - Doug on the Marlins, turns 8
2015 - Doug on the Diamondbacks, turns 9
2016 - Doug and Pete Mackanin
2017 - Warming up with the Braves
2018 - On the mound for the Phillies

2019 - With All-Star Baseball and White Sox

2020 - Pandemic era baseball action

Unused 2020 Chachi Fan Favorites Cards

Another offseason activity of mine is looking ahead to the upcoming Phillies schedule and planning out the cards I'll use for the Phillies and their opponents for each series preview post.  The pandemic meant the planned 2020 schedule was thrown out the window, and cards I created for several expansion teams went unused.  Again, solely to get these cards out there and out of my draft folder, here are the remaining Fan Favorites cards that would have appeared throughout the 2020 season if not for the pandemic.

Larry Milbourne was a casualty of the early season series cancellations due to the coronavirus outbreak on the Marlins.

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #4

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #8

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #9

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #10

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #12

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #14

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #15

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #17

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #19

Look Away if You've Already Moved on from the 2020 Phillies

2020 Chachi Almost #13

2020 Chachi Almost #15

2020 Chachi Almost #20

2020 Chachi Almost #16

In an effort to put the 2020 Phillies season behind me as quickly as possible, I wanted to get this post out of the way.  Every year, I create my custom Chachi cards during the offseason and the early stages of spring training, which means I end up with several "Almost" cards of players who didn't get the call to the big club during the season.  Those cards are presented here.

Victor Arano, Seranthony Dominguez and David Robertson spent the season either injured, recovering from an injury or getting surgery to repair an injury.  Arano and Dominguez should return, while Robertson will not.  Despite the bullpen's woes, JD Hammer never got the call to join the team and Odubel Herrera remains exiled following his arrest for domestic violence last year.  Christian Bethancourt was a non-roster invitee to spring training and then disappeared, with no sign of any transaction (that I can find) to tell us where he ended up.  Finally, veterans Mikie Mahtook and Nick Martini were also non-roster invitees who later joined the taxi squad in Allentown as part of the team's 60-player pool.  Neither got the call to leave Lehigh Valley and travel to Philadelphia.

2020 Chachi Almost #18

2020 Chachi Almost #19

2020 Chachi Almost #14

2020 Chachi Almost #17

Also presented below is a final look at the team's 2019-2020 offseason moves and other player additions and deletions during the pandemic-shortened season.  For some reason, I failed to post my Departures cards of Fernando Salas and Mitch Walding when they originally left the team and solely for the sake of completeness, they're presented here.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency, signed the San Francisco Giants (1/18/20).
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins (1/7/20).
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the St. Louis Cardinals (2/12/20).
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers (1/9/20).
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Texas Rangers (1/22/20).
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins (2/15/20).
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants (1/16/20).
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants (2/9/20).
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released, signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp (Japan) (11/2/19).
• Jared Hughes - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency, signed with the Houston Astros (2/17/20).
• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jerad Eickhoff - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the San Diego Padres (12/27/19).
• Mike Morin - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers (1/31/20).
• Edubray Ramos - rhp - (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1/8/20).
• Mitch Walding - 3b (11/4/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2/2/20).
• Maikel Franco - 3b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency, signed with the Kansas City Royals (12/27/19).
• Cesar Hernandez - 2b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency, signed with the Cleveland Indians (12/29/19).

2020 Chachi Departures #2

2020 Chachi Departures #3

Coming Back - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Phil Gosselin - inf (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Phillies (12/20/19).
• Blake Parker - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Phillies (2/5/20).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Phillies (2/12/20).

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/2/19) - Claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.
• Zack Wheeler - rhp (12/9/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (12/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Yankees.
• Ronald Torreyes - inf (1/2/20) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.
• Neil Walker - inf (1/22/20) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (1/31/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Deolis Guerra - rhp (2/5/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Kyle Garlick - of (2/15/20) - Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Tyler Gilbert.

Arrived During the 2020 Season

• David Hale (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).
• Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta (rhp) and Connor Seabold (rhp).
• David Phelps (rhp) - 8/31/20, Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers for three players to be named later.

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
• Nick Pivetta (rhp) - 8/21/20, Traded to the Boston Red Sox with Connor Seabold (rhp) for Brandon Workman (rhp), Heath Hembree (rhp), a player to be named later and cash.
• Austin Davis (lhp) - 8/26/20, Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and  cash.
• Deivy Grullon (c) - 9/3/20, Selected off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.
• Neil Walker (inf) - 9/15/20, Cleared waivers and elected free agency.

Series Preview - Phillies at Rays: September 25th to September 27th

1991 Topps #689

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #26

Friday 6:40, Saturday 7:07 and Sunday 3:10
Tropicana Field - St. Petersburg, FL

At the Ballpark:  It's simple, really.  If the Phillies win and a few other teams lose, the Phillies will reach the postseason for the first time since 2011.  If the Phillies lose and a few other teams win, the club will begin its offseason pondering what went wrong and attempting to get back on track in 2021.

Phillies 28-29
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Vince Velasquez (1-1, 5.46)
Zack Wheeler (4-1, 2.67)
Aaron Nola (5-4, 3.06)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .289
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 40
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper -13
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 40
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 12

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 5
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.67

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 90
Saves:  Hector Neris and Brandon Workman - 5

Rays 37-20
1st Place in the A.L. East, 5 games ahead of the Yankees

Rays Probables
Charlie Morton (2-2, 4.64)
TBD
TBD

Rays Leaders
Average:  Brandon Lowe - .274
Runs:  Brandon Lowe - 35
Home Runs:  Brandon Lowe - 14
RBIs:  Brandon Lowe - 36
Stolen Bases:  Manuel Margot - 12

Wins:  Pete Fairbanks and Tyler Glasnow - 5
ERA:  Tyler Glasnow - 4.08

Strikeouts:  Tyler Glasnow - 91
Saves:  Nick Anderson - 6

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: September 21st to September 23rd

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #12

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #11

Monday 6:05, Double Header Tuesday 3:05, Wednesday 6:05
Nationals Park - Washington, D.C.

At the Ballpark:  The final push for a play-off spot begins with four games in Washington.

Phillies 27-26
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (4-0, 2.62)
Aaron Nola (5-3, 2.92)
TBD
Zach Eflin (3-2, 4.28)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .289
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 36
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 11
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 35
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 11

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 5
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 84
Saves:  Hector Neris and Brandon Workman - 5

Nationals 20-32
5th Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Anibal Sanchez (2-5, 7.38)
Austin Voth (0-5, 7.17)
TBD
Erick Fedde (2-3, 4.36)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Juan Soto - .353
Runs:  Trea Turner - 41
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 11
RBIs:  Juan Soto and Trea Turner - 32
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 9

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 4
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 3.67

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 85
Saves:  Daniel Hudson - 9

Series Preview - Blue Jays at Phillies: September 18th to September 20th

1991 Topps #588

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #13

Double Header Friday 4:05, Saturday 6:05 and Sunday 3:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Blue Jays will play as the home team in Game 1 of Friday's double header.

Blue Jays 26-23
3rd Place in the A.L. East, 6 games behind the Rays

Blue Jays Probables
Robbie Ray (1-0, 4.38)
Ross Stripling (0-2, 7.04)
Hyun Jin Ryu (4-1, 3.00)
Taijuan Walker (1-1, 1.56)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. - .308
Runs:  Cavan Biggio - 31
Home Runs:  Teoscar Hernandez - 14
RBIs:  Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. - 29
Stolen Bases:  Cavan Biggio and Teoscar Hernandez - 5

Wins:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 4
ERA:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 3.00

Strikeouts:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 60
Saves:  Anthony Bass - 5

Phillies 24-25
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (2-2, 5.01)
TBD
Vince Velasquez (0-1, 6.46)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .285
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 35
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 11
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 32
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 9

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 5
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 84
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Series Preview - Mets at Phillies: September 15th to September 17th

1991 Topps #30

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #11

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

At the Ballpark:  This is the start of the final homestand for the Phillies as the 2020 season is rapidly barreling towards its conclusion.  The Phillies have 14 more games to play over the next 13 days.

Mets 21-26
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Rick Porcello (1-4, 6.07)
Jacob deGrom (4-1, 1.67)
Seth Lugo (2-3, 2.63)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Michael Conforto - .343
Runs:  Michael Conforto - 36
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 11
RBIs:  Dominic Smith - 38
Stolen Bases:  Andres Gimenez - 7

Wins:  Jacob deGrom and David Peterson - 4
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 1.67
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 79
Saves:  Edwin Diaz and Seth Lugo - 3

Phillies 23-23
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (3-4, 5.54)
Aaron Nola (5-3, 2.40)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .277
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 35
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 11
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 30
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 5
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.40

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 77
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 10th to September 14th

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #10

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #18

Thursday 6:40, Friday Double Header 5:10, Saturday 6:10, Sunday Double Header 1:10, Monday 4:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  And here we go.  The Phillies and Marlins will play seven times in five days as they make up games originally postponed in August following the COVID-19 outbreak on the Marlins.

Phillies 21-18
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (3-4, 5.67)
Aaron Nola (4-3, 2.74)
Spencer Howard (1-2, 5.66)
Zack Wheeler (4-0, 2.47)
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.58)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 5.85)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .273
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 31
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 10
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 27
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.47

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 67
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

Marlins 19-19
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (2-1, 3.78)
Trevor Rogers (1-0, 3.00)
TBD
Jose Urena (0-0, 5.40)
Sixto Sanchez (2-1, 1.80)
TBD
Pablo Lopez (3-4, 4.450)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jesus Aguilar - .292
Runs:  Jesus Aguilar - 19
Home Runs:  Corey Dickerson - 6
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 24
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan Villar - 9

Wins:  Pablo Lopez - 3
ERA:  Pablo Lopez - 4.50
Strikeouts:  Pablo Lopez - 40
Saves:  Brandon Kintzler - 9

Series Preview - Red Sox at Phillies: September 8th

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #25

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #9

Double Header Tuesday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  This was originally a two-game series scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, but with the Marlins series now at seven games (in five days) these games will be played as a double header to give the Phillies an off day on Wednesday.

Also, Brandon Workman is the current saves leader for the Phillies and he's tied for the Red Sox team lead in that category too.  Have two teams with the same pitcher as their saves leader ever faced off in a series?  In September?

Red Sox 14-28
5th Place in the A.L. East, 14 games behind the Rays

Red Sox Probables
Martin Perez (2-4, 4.07)
TBD

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Alex Verdugo - .311
Runs:  Alex Verdugo - 27
Home Runs:  Xander Bogaerts - 10
RBIs:  Xander Bogaerts - 26
Stolen Bases:  Xander Bogaerts and Alex Verdugo - 3

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Martin Perez - 4.07

Strikeouts:  Nathan Eovaldi - 33
Saves:  Matt Barnes and Brandon Workman - 4

Phillies 20-17
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.45)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 6.60)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .272
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 30
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 10
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 27
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 8

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.47

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 67
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 5

2020 Chachi Almost #12 Deivy Grullon

#73
Deivy Wilfin Grullon
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  240
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  February 17, 1996, Bonao, DR
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, July 2, 2012
Departed:  Claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox, September 3, 2020
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2019

First Phillies Card:  2013 Bowman Chrome #BCP128
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2014 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #10
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #11

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

11 - Grullon baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/3/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #65
2020 Chachi Preseason Photo Cards #73
2020 Chachi Almost #12

Deivy Grullon's short Phillies career came to an end on Thursday when the Red Sox claimed the young catcher off waivers.  His 40-man roster spot was needed when the Phillies made a flurry of roster moves on August 31st.

Grullon appeared in four games for the Phillies last season, collecting a hit in 9 at-bats (.111) and starting the penultimate game of the season behind the plate on September 28th.

Grullon was apparently passed by on the team's catching depth chart by Rafael Marchan, who really impressed Phillies manager Joe Girardi during spring training.

Arrived During the 2020 Season

• David Hale (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the New York Yankees for Addison Russ (rhp).
• Brandon Workman (rhp) and Heath Hembree (rhp) - 8/21/20, Acquired from the Boston Red Sox with cash and a player to be named later for Nick Pivetta (rhp) and Connor Seabold (rhp).
• David Phelps (rhp) - 8/31/20, Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers for three players to be named later.

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.
• Nick Pivetta (rhp) - 8/21/20, Traded to the Boston Red Sox with Connor Seabold (rhp) for Brandon Workman (rhp), Heath Hembree (rhp), a player to be named later and cash.
• Austin Davis (lhp) - 8/26/20, Traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and  cash.
• Deivy Grullon (c) - 9/3/20, Selected off waivers by the Boston Red Sox.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: September 4th to September 7th

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #8

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #21

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

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies swept the Mets during these two teams' first meeting back in mid-August, and they'll look to continue their winning ways in this four game series in New York.

Phillies 18-15
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (2-4, 6.49)
Spencer Howard (1-1, 5.40)
Aaron Nola (4-2, 2.45)
Zack Wheeler (4-0, 2.20)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Didi Gregorius - .280
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 9
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 26
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 6

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.20

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 57
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 4

Mets 17-21
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Rick Porcello (1-4, 6.00)
Seth Lugo (1-2, 2.12)
Jacob deGrom (2-1, 1.76)
Michael Wacha

Mets Leaders
Average:  Michael Conforto - .326
Runs:  Michael Conforto - 23
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 8
RBIs:  Dominic Smith - 26
Stolen Bases:  Andres Gimenez - 6

Wins:  David Peterson - 4
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 1.76
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 58
Saves:  Seth Lugo - 3

Series Preview - Nationals at Phillies: August 31st to September 3rd

1991 Topps #674

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #7

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All's quiet, except for the piped-in crowd noise and the occasional air horn blast courtesy of the Phandemic Krew stationed outside the gate behind Ashburn Alley.

Nationals 12-19
5th Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (1-2, 3.57)
Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.82)
Max Scherzer (3-1, 3.86)
Anibal Sanchez (1-4, 6.90)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Juan Soto and Trea Turner - .360
Runs:  Trea Turner - 25
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 9
RBIs:  Juan Soto - 21
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 3

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 3
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 3.82

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 55
Saves:  Daniel Hudson - 6

Phillies 14-15
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Spencer Howard (0-1, 6.17)
Aaron Nola (3-2, 3.00)
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 2.58)
Zach Eflin (2-1, 4.10)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .290
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 9
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 25
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 6

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.58

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 48
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 3

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: August 28th to August 30th

1991 Topps #196

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #6

Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:15, Sunday 7:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Jackie Robinson Day, usually held annually on April 15th, was postponed and rescheduled for tonight and all players will wear Robinson's #42.  The timing is fitting as Robinson's courageous fight against racism is a fight that unfortunately continues to this day.  MLB posted the video below to its social media accounts earlier today, and it's highly recommended viewing.

Braves 18-12
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Marlins

Braves Probables
Robbie Erlin (0-0, 5.14)
Josh Tomlin (1-1, 3.93)
TBD

Braves Leaders
Average:  Dansby Swanson - .319
Runs:  Dansby Swanson - 27
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 8
RBIs:  Dansby Swanson - 20
Stolen Bases:  Ender Inciarte - 4

Wins:  Max Fried - 5
ERA:  Max Fried - 1.35

Strikeouts:  Max Fried - 38
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 5

Phillies 12-14
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 2.76)
Zach Eflin (1-1, 5.12)
Jake Arrieta (2-3, 4.32)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .317
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 23
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 9
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 25
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 5

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.76

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 48
Saves:  Hector Neris and Brandon Workman - 2

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: August 25th to August 27th

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #6

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #22

Tuesday and Wednesday 6:05, Thursday 6:37
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will try not to contribute to the daily mess in Washington with a three-game series against the Nationals.  Thursday night's game will be televised nationally, resulting in the strange start time.

Phillies 10-14
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jake Arrieta (1-3, 4.95)
Aaron Nola (2-2, 3.10)
Spencer Howard (0-1, 6.17)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .320
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 22
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 8
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 22
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 4

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.76

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 40
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Nationals 11-15
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (1-1, 2.55)
Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.99)
Max Scherzer (2-1, 4.31)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .314
Runs:  Trea Turner - 21
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 7
RBIs:  Asdrubal Cabrera and Juan Soto - 17
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 2

Wins:  Patrick Corbin and Max Scherzer - 2
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 3.99

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 44
Saves:  Daniel Hudson - 6

Series Preview - Phillies at Braves: August 21st to August 23rd

2020 Chachi 1991 Topps Missing Links #5

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #20

Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 7:08
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  I can't find anything official, but this appears to be the designated Hank Aaron Weekend at Truist Field, the ballpark formally known as SunTrust Park.

Phillies 9-12
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (2-1, 2.05)
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 2.81)
Zach Eflin (0-1, 5.14)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .338
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 21
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 8
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 21
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 4

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.05

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 37
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Braves 14-11
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Marlins

Braves Probables
Max Fried (3-0, 1.24)
Robbie Erlin (0-0, 5.40)
Josh Tomlin (1-0, 2.35)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Dansby Swanson - .303
Runs:  Dansby Swanson - 21
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 5
RBIs:  Dansby Swanson - 16
Stolen Bases:  Ender Inciarte - 4

Wins:  Max Fried - 3
ERA:  Max Fried - 1.24

Strikeouts:  Max Fried - 28
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 4

Series Preview - Phillies at Blue Jays: August 20th

2020 Chachi 1991 Missing Links #3

1991 Topps #101

Double Header Thursday 1:07
Sahlen Field - Buffalo, NY

At the Ballpark:  These games are being played to make up games cancelled on July 31st and August 1st when the Phillies had to postpone a week's worth of games following the COVID-19 outbreak on the Marlins.  The final missed game, originally scheduled for August 2nd, will be played as part of a double header on September 18th.

Buffalo's Sahlen Field is the Triple-A home of the Blue Jays' top farm team, the Buffalo Bisons.  With restrictions in place in Canada resulting from the pandemic, the Blue Jays are playing their 2020 home games at the ballpark, which opened in 1988.

Phillies 9-10
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Spencer Howard (0-1, 7.88)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 7.88)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .349
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 19
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 8
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 20
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 4

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.05

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 37
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Blue Jays 10-11
4th Place in the A.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Yankees

Blue Jays Probables
Chase Anderson (0-0, 3.00)
Trent Thornton (0-0, 2.25)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Randal Grichuk - .344
Runs:  Cavan Biggio - 17
Home Runs:  Teoscar Hernandez - 7
RBIs:  Randal Grichuk - 15
Stolen Bases:  Bo Bichette - 4

Wins:  Tanner Roark and Hyun Jin Ryu - 2
ERA:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 3.46

Strikeouts:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 27
Saves:  Anthony Bass - 3

2020 Chachi Almost #11 Edgar Garcia

#41
Edgar Ernesto Garcia
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  23
Born:  October 4, 1996, Palenque, DR
How Obtained:  Signed as an amateur free agent, May 29, 2014
Departed:  Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later, August 18, 2020
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2019

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #7
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2019 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #9

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

6 - Garcia baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/18/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi BlueClaws Signing Autographs #2
2019 Chachi #40
2019 Chachi Photo Cards #41
2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #20
2020 Chachi Almost #11

On Tuesday, the Phillies sent young relief pitcher Edgar Garcia to the Rays for a player to be named later.  Garcia had been designated for assignment on August 13th, when his 40-man roster spot was needed for Alec Bohm.

Despite appearing in 37 games last season for the Phillies, all in relief, Garcia has not yet appeared on a Phillies baseball card and with his departure it's now doubtful he ever will.

I'll remember him for signing autographs for us four years ago at a BlueClaws game, and for having to switch his number when Charlie Manuel rejoined the team in 2019 as an interim hitting coach.  Garcia surrendered his #41 to Manuel, switching to #66 for the rest of the season.  He had switched back to #41 for this year's spring training/Summer Camp.

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 
• Edgar Garcia (rhp) - 8/18/20, Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later.

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Red Sox: August 18th to August 19th

2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #2

1991 Topps #761

Tuesday 7:30 and Wednesday 1:35
Fenway Park - Boston, MA

At the Ballpark:  This short series marks the first time the Phillies have played outside Citizens Bank Park since August 3rd, and they've gone 7-6 at home since then.  The Red Sox are in the middle of an 8-game losing streak and their 17 losses ties them for the most in baseball with the Mariners.

Phillies 8-9
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (0-1, 3.60)
Jake Arrieta (1-2, 4.02)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .364
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 17
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 8
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 20
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 3

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.05

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 37
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Red Sox 6-17
5th Place in the A.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Yankees

Red Sox Probables
Zack Godley (0-2, 8.16)
Kyle Hart (0-1, 22.50)

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Kevin Pillar - .296
Runs:  Xander Bogaerts - 12
Home Runs:  Mitch Moreland - 6
RBIs:  Mitch Moreland and Christian Vazquez - 12
Stolen Bases:  Xander Bogaerts - 2

Wins:  Heath Hembree and Martin Perez - 2
ERA:  Martin Perez - 4.07

Strikeouts:  Nathan Eovaldi - 27
Saves:  Brandon Workman - 3

2020 Chachi Almost #10 Nick Williams

#5
Billy Nicholas Williams
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  208
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  September 8, 1993, Galveston, TX
How Obtained:  Acquired with Jerad Eickhoff, Matt Harrison, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thompson and Alec Asher from the Texas Rangers for Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman and cash considerations, July 31, 2015
Departed:  Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, August 15, 2020
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2017-2019

First Phillies Card:  2016 Bowman Prospects #BP105
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2015 Reading Fightin Phils Holiday Set #28
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue Special Edition #5

Newest Card Added:  2020 Topps Gypsy Queen #154

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2018-2019

73 - Williams baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/15/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi Almost #25
2016 Chachi IronPigs Signing Autographs #4
2017 Chachi #46
2017 Chachi Archives #9
2017 Chachi Archives #18
2017 Chachi Photo Night #32
2017 Chachi In Action #9
2018 Chachi #5
2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7
2019 Chachi #13
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #14 - with Sean Rodriguez
2020 Chachi Almost #10

Nick Williams departed the organization on Saturday, claimed off waivers by the Reds.  Williams was the sixth and final player remaining in the organization from the Cole Hamels trade with the Rangers that recently had its five-year anniversary.

In three seasons with the Phillies, Williams appeared in 290 games and hit .254 with 31 home runs and 110 RBIs.  He was the team's opening day right fielder in 2018, but a lack of production and the arrival of Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper in 2019 left Williams without a position.  He was always quick with an autograph and a smile, and The Phillies Room wishes him all the best with the Reds.

Departed During the 2020 Season 

• Nick Williams (of) - 8/15/20, Selected off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. 

2020 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2020 Season Summary Index / 2020 Chachi Set Checklist