Game 87 - Phils, Nola Fall to Cards

2020 Topps Baseball
Stars Autographs #BSA-CD

Cardinals 6, Phillies 1
Game 87 - Monday Night, July 11th in St. Louis
Record - 46-41, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies provided very little offense and Aaron Nola gave up five runs over seven innings of work in this 6-1 loss.

What It Means:  For the Phillies, it means they're five games over .500 and in a virtual tie with the Cardinals for the third Wild Card spot in the National League.  For me, it means I'm woefully behind with my game summary posts for the first time in over a decade.  A 12-day trip to Europe, a busy work schedule upon my return and a mild case of Covid will tend to do that to a person I suppose, and a blog created as a hobby and daily distraction will suffer accordingly when real life intervenes.  I'm feeling a little better and should hopefully be back to semi-regular posting soon.

What Happened:  Rhys Hoskins hit a first inning home run off Miles Mikolas, and then the Phillies line-up took most of the rest of the night off.  Nola struck out seven but allowed seven hits and five runs, including a two-run home to Corey Dickerson in the seventh inning.

Featured Card:  Dickerson appeared in 34 games for the Phillies in late 2019, and I'm still not sure why they let him go.  I have two Phillies cards of his in my collection, including this card from the 2020 Topps flagship release.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Catching Up on Offseason Moves . . . More to Come?

2020 Chachi Departures #18

2020 Chachi Departures #19

2020 Chachi Departures #4

2020 Chachi Departures #6

While most of the former 2019 Phillies listed below are still looking for jobs, a few former players have already found new homes, including half the 2019 infield.  Both Maikel Franco (Royals) and Cesar Hernandez (Indians) will be spending their time in the A.L. Central in 2020.

Here's a refreshed look at the comings and goings so far this offseason, with under a month to go until pitchers and catchers report to spring training.  Also, the cards presented above are the "New Team" variations from the 2020 Chachi Departures insert set.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• 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).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• 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.
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.
• Jared Hughes - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• 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.
• Mike Morin - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Edubray Ramos - rhp - (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• 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).

Coming Back - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Phil Gosselin - inf (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Phillies (12/20/19).

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.
• Cristopher Sanchez - lhp (11/20/19) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Curtis Mead.
• 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.

8 File for Free Agency; Pirela Released

2020 Chachi Departures #4

2020 Chachi #23

2020 Chachi Departures #5

2020 Chachi Departures #6

2020 Chachi Departures #7

On Halloween, the day after the conclusion of the World Series, eight Phillies filed for free agency.  Of the eight, I could see Brad Miller returning to fill a bench role and Drew Smyly might provide some depth at Triple-A.  It would be great to see Corey Dickerson return, but it's not clear how he would fit in to an already crowded outfield.

In a paper move only, outfielder Odubel Herrera was activated from the restricted list where he has languished since mid-May due to his arrest for domestic violence.

2020 Chachi Departures #8

2020 Chachi Departures #9

2020 Chachi Departures #10

2020 Chachi Departures #11

Finally, outfielder Jose Pirela was released as he'll pursue an opportunity to play in Japan.  In 12 games for the Phillies, Pirela hit .235 (4 for 17) with a home run and two RBIs.  He leaves having appeared on zero Phillies baseball cards, making him a prime candidate for a future Phillies Missing Links custom set.

I'm showing off some of the 2020 Chachi cards I created for these departed players above.  As I've done in the past, I'll also create a variation card for each player with whatever new team they land with.  I have to say I'm enjoying working with the 1991 Topps template more than I thought I would, and I'm looking forward to spending all next season with this design.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Game 128 - 2019 Topps Opening Day #171 Corey Dickerson

Phillies 9, Marlins 3
Game 128 - Saturday Night, August 24th in Miami
Record - 67-61, 3rd place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin turned in a solid outing against the Marlins and Corey Dickerson collected five RBIs in this 9-3 win.

What It Means:  This is Eflin's first start since June 19th in which he pitched at least six innings and gave up two runs or less.  In his 11 games since then, he had an 8.75 ERA over 36 innings pitched.

What Happened:  The Phillies enjoyed a six-run fourth inning that included a three-run home run from Scott Kingery (15), a bases loaded walk from J.T. Realmuto and a two-run double from Dickerson.  Dickerson would add a bases clearing, three-run double in the seventh to put the game away.

Featured Card:  As we're waiting for our first Dickerson Phillies baseball card, I'll have to settle for one of his 2019 cards featuring him with the Pirates.  Here he's wearing the same color helmet and jersey (black) that the Phillies wore in this game as part of the ill-conceived Players' Weekend promotion.

Transactions:  Juan Nicasio was placed on the injured list with right rotator cuff tendinitis and Nick Pivetta was optioned to Lehigh Valley for the second time this season.  Austin Davis and Edgar Garcia joined the bullpen in their places.  Garcia switched to uniform #66 as his #41 was assumed when Charlie Manuel returned to the dugout as the team's hitting coach.

2019 Chachi #59 Corey Dickerson

#31
McKenzie Corey Dickerson
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  May 22, 1989, McComb, MS
Drafted:  Colorado Rockies 2013-2015; Tampa Bay Rays 2016-2017; Pittsburgh Pirates 2018-2019; Phillies 2019
Acquired:  Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money
Contract Status:  Signed through 2019, free agency eligible in 2020

2014 Topps Update #US314

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2014 Topps Update #US314
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Pirates #PI-3

3 - Dickerson baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/3/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #59

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Game 107 - Phils Go Quietly to Giants; Dickerson Acquired at Deadline

2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #30

Giants 5, Phillies 1
Game 107 - Wednesday Night, July 31st in Philadelphia
Record - 56-51, 3rd place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A quiet offense and a nightmare sixth inning by Vince Velasquez and Adam Morgan combined to cause this 5-1 Phillies loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies could have overtaken the Nationals for second place in the division with a win, but it was not to be.

What Happened:  Velasquez was absolutely cruising until the sixth inning when he allowed a lead-off walk and a Buster Posey home run.  Adam Morgan entered and surrendered two more home runs to give the Giants a 5-1 lead.  In that one inning, Morgan's ERA jumped from 3.07 to 3.94.

The offense managed five hits off Jeff Samardzija and three Giants relievers.

Featured Card:  The loss was bad, but the news that David Robertson wouldn't return in 2019 was even worse.  Robertson was limited to only seven games for the Phillies this season and it was announced on Wednesday he'd need season ending elbow surgery.  He could eventually need Tommy John surgery that could put his 2020 season (and his career) in jeopardy.  The three veteran relievers who were supposed to bolster the Phillies bullpen this season - Robertson, Tommy Hunter and Pat Neshek - have pitched in a combined 30 innings this season as all lost significant time due to injuries.

2019 Topps Heritage #188

Transactions:  Right before the 4pm trade deadline, the Phillies acquired outfielder Corey Dickerson from the Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money.  Dickerson was an All-Star with the Rays in 2017 and won a Gold Glove last season.  So far this year, he's batting .315 with four home runs and 25 RBIs over 44 games.  He's got baseball cards in all the major Topps releases so far this year.  Dylan Cozens was designated for assignment to make room for Dickerson on the 40-man roster.  Cozens joins Mitch Walding and Yacksel Rios in recent DFA limbo.

Arrived During the 2019 Season

• Jay Bruce - of (6/2/19) - Acquired from the Seattle Mariners with cash considerations for Jake Scheiner.
• Brad Miller - inf (6/13/19) - Purchased from the New York Yankees.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (6/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
• Mike Morin - rhp (7/20/19) - Acquired from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (7/21/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (7/29/19) - Acquired with cash from the New York Mets for Austin Bossart.
• Blake Parker - rhp (7/30/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.
• Corey Dickerson - of (7/31/19) - Acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later and international bonus money.

Departed During the 2019 Season

• Aaron Altherr - of (5/12/19) - Selected off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.