Phillies at Diamondbacks - August 8th to August 11th

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #1

2024 Chachi Series Previews #4

Thursday and Friday 9:40, Saturday 8:10 and Sunday 4:10
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday night, the Diamondbacks are giving the first 30,000 fans a National League Championship replica ring.  Ouch.

Philadelphia Phillies 68-46
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kolby Allard (0-0, 4.50)
Zack Wheeler (11-5, 2.77)
Aaron Nola (11-5, 3.54)
Cristopher Sanchez (8-7, 3.27)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 79
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 27
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 78
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 148
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

Arizona Diamondbacks 63-52
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. West, 3 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Jordan Montgomery (7-5, 6.37)
Ryne Nelson (8-6, 4.65)
Zac Gallen (9-5, 3.75)
TBD

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Ketel Marte - .298
Runs:  Ketel Marte - 79
Home Runs:  Ketel Marte - 29
RBIs:  Ketel Marte - 80
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 21

Wins:  Zac Gallen - 9
ERA:  Brandon Pfaadt - 3.92
Strikeouts:  Brandon Pfaadt - 124
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 16

2024 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2024 Season Summary Index / 2024 Chachi Set Checklist

Diamondbacks at Phillies: May 22nd to May 24th

2014 Topps Heritage #408

2014 Topps Heritage #75

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  There are theme games planned for this series, but no giveaways.  Tuesday is Bark at the Park night and special theme ticket holders can bring their dogs to the ballpark to enjoy the game.

Diamondbacks 27-20
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Tommy Henry (1-1, 5.00)
Ryne Nelson (1-2, 5.48)
Zac Gallen (6-2, 2.95)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Lourdes Gurriel - .304
Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 30
Home Runs:  Christian Walker - 11
RBIs:  Christian Walker - 34
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 13

Wins:  Zac Gallen - 6
ERA:  Zac Gallen - 2.95
Strikeouts:  Zac Gallen - 72
Saves:  Andrew Chapin - 6

Phillies 22-24
4th Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (3-3, 4.06)
Dylan Covey (0-0, 0.00)
Ranger Suarez (0-1, 10.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .303
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 32
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 11
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 7

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Matt Strahm - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.06

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 61
Saves:  Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel - 5

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 91 - Phils Pound Fish

2022 Phillies Photo Cards #18

Phillies 10, Marlins 0
Game 91 - Saturday Afternoon, July 16th in Miami
Record - 48-43, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez and four relievers combined to shut out the Marlins and the offense banged out 15 hits in this 10-0 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies will look to close out the first half of the 2022 season with a series sweep this afternoon in Miami.  They're a half game behind the Cardinals for the third Wild Card spot in the National League.

What Happened:  Suarez went five strong innings, allowing four hits and striking out four.  JoJo Romero pitched a scoreless ninth in his return from Tommy John surgery.  It was his first big league action since May 5, 2021.

There were a lot of big hits from the offense in this game, led by home runs from J.T. Realmuto (8), Rhys Hoskins (19), Didi Gregorius (1) and Kyle Schwarber (29).  Bryson Stott had a pair of doubles.

Featured Card:  Gregorius led the way with four RBIs, including a two-run single in the sixth and a two-run home run, his first of the season, in the eighth.

Transactions:  Suarez (lhp) and Johan Camargo (inf) were reinstated from the injured list with Mark Appel (rhp) and Mickey Moniak (of) optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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

Game 57 - Winning Streak Reaches 7

2022 Topps Gypsy Queen #40

Phillies 8, Brewers 3
Game 57 - Thursday Afternoon, June 9th in Milwaukee
Record - 28-29, 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Led by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Didi Gregorius, the Phillies continued their offensive surge, defeating the Brewers, 8-3.

What It Means:  The Phillies now have a seven-game winning streak after sweeping the Brewers.  Rob Thomson became the first MLB manager to win his first six games at the helm since Felipe About did it with the Giants in 2003.

What Happened:  Gregorius gave the Phillies a 3-1 lead in the fifth with an RBI-double, and he finished the day a home run short of the cycle.  Harper, Schwarber and Odubel Herrera all homered late in the game, with Harper and Schwarber now tied for the team lead in home runs with 15 each.  The bullpen performed well following an early exit from starter Zach Eflin, with Seranthony Dominguez picking up the win after pitching a perfect seventh inning.

Featured Card:  I'm giving the card to Gregorius here as he's batting .385 (5 for 13) with a double and two triples since coming off the injured list on June 5th.

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

2022 Chachi #6 Didi Gregorius

#18
Mariekson Julius Gregorius
Shortstop

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  February 18, 1990, Amsterdam, Netherlands
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent, December 13, 2019
Contract Status:  Signed through 2022
Major League Teams:  Cincinnati Reds 2012; Arizona Diamondbacks 2013-2014; New York Yankees 2015-2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  2019 Topps Now Offseason #OS-50
Newest Card Added:  2022 Topps Phillies #PHI-11
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (10):  2013-2022

29 - Gregorius baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/23/22.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #8
2020 Chachi Preseason Photo Cards #18
2020 Chachi #5
2021 Chachi #6
2022 Chachi #6

2013 Topps #296

2015 Topps #172

2018 Topps #576

2020 Topps #519

2022 Topps #44

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

2022 Chachi #5 Rhys Hoskins / 2022 Chachi #7 Jean Segura

Game 4 - 5-run 8th Inning Sparks Comeback Victory

2022 Topps Opening Day #46

Phillies 5, Mets 4
Game 4 - Monday Night, April 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 3-1, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies, who looked punchless for the first seven innings of this game, plated five runs in the eighth inning, to pull out an impressive 5-4 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  For the first of hopefully many days this season, the Phillies are in first place.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm had a brutal night in the field, committing three errors in the first three innings.  He was cheered after making a routine out and was shown on video to have said to Didi Gregorius, "I f***ing hate this place."  Ironically enough, Bohm began the eighth inning rally with a walk.  Pinch-hitter Johan Camargo singled Bohm to third, and Bohm scored on a Kyle Schwarber ground out to second.  J.T. Realmuto followed that with a 3-run home run and suddenly it was a one-run ballgame.  After Bryce Harper struck out, Nick Castellanos walked and then scored from first on a Rhys Hoskins double.  Gregorius doubled home Hoskins with the go-ahead run.  Bohm owned and apologized for his comments following the game.

Ranger Suarez labored through 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits.  Nick Nelson was the unheralded star of this game, pitching four innings of relief, a career high, and allowing only one more run.  Seranthony Dominguez earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.  With Corey Knebel unavailable due to flu-like symptoms, Brad Hand earned his first save with the Phillies, striking out a pair in the ninth.

Featured Card:  The featured card could have gone to Bohm, Realmuto, Hoskins, Nelson or Hand, but I'll go with Gregorius here since his double drove home the winning run.  Gregorius is in all three major Topps releases so far this year - flagship, Heritage and Opening Day.

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

Spring Training Game 14 - Getting Closer to Opening Day

2022 Topps Heritage #285

Phillies 5, Yankees 3
Spring Training Game 14 - Thursday Afternoon, March 31st in Clearwater
Record - 7-5-2

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin looked great,  Didi Gregorius flashed some leather and Bryce Harper homered again in this 5-3 spring win over the Yankees.

What It Means:  It's all coming together.

What Happened:  Eflin didn't allow a hit in his 3 2/3 inning outing, striking out three.  Cam Bedrosian pitched a scoreless ninth to record the save.  Jean Segura and Harper both homered for the Phillies.  Mickey Moniak added an RBI double in the third, increasing his average to .304 and improving his chances of making the club.  Nick Castellanos added an RBI-single in the same inning.  Bryson Stott, most likely the opening day third baseman, raised his spring average to .550 with two more hits.

Featured Card:  Gregorius made a fantastic play in the third, stopping a ball deflected by Eflin and starting an impressive double play with second baseman Jean Segura.  This is a first look at this year's Topps Heritage offering, celebrating the original 1973 Topps set.  (And here's a look at the 2013 Chachi set, which used this design nine years ago.)  This is the first year in about a decade I've not bought any Topps Heritage boxes, choosing instead to put my collecting dollars into vintage set building.  As much as I've enjoyed opening packs of Topps Heritage in the past, the somewhat boring 1973 Topps design has never been a favorite of mine, and this seemed like a good year to skip.  I have to imagine I'll come back around for the 2024 Topps Heritage offering.

Camp Head Count:  43 - 5 = 38

Before the game, the Phillies optioned Donny Sands (c) to minor league camp and reassigned Nick Duron (rhp) and Braeden Ogle (lhp) to minor league game.  Sands' demotion means Garrett Stubbs has won the back-up catcher role.  On Thursday evening, the Phillies reassigned Bedrosian (rhp) and Darick Hall (1b) to minor league camp.

Game 154 - 2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #141 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 8, Pirates 6
Game 154 - Friday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 80-74, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies once again battled back from a deficit to dramatically win another game while gaining a half game on the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won eight of their last 10 and the upcoming Braves series will actually mean something.

What Happened:  Phillies starter Kyle Gibson cruised through the first three innings, but faltered in the fourth, allowing four runs.  Ironically enough he had hit his first career home run in the bottom of the third, and I worried he'd be too amped up when he returned to the mound.  Trailing 4-1, the Phillies got within a run when Brad Miller hit a solo home run in the fourth and Bryce Harper delivered a RBI-double in the fifth.  They tied the game on a sixth inning wild pitch from Pirates reliever Nick Mears, and took the lead on another clutch pinch-hit from Ronald Torreyes.

Reliever Cam Bedrosian recorded the team's 34th blown save in the seventh, tying the major league record held by the 2004 Rockies.  Now down 6-5, with two runners on, two outs and no real options off the bench, the struggling Didi Gregorius stepped to the plate.

Featured Card:  Gregorius launched a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies an 8-6 lead.  Hector Neris battled in the seventh and eighth to keep the Pirates off the board, and then Ian Kennedy locked down his ninth save.

Field Report:  Doug and I enjoyed the beginning of this game from our seats in Section 115.  We admittedly decided to leave early as Doug had an early morning baseball game on Saturday.  So we missed the late heroics, but we did get to see a marriage proposal a few rows in front of us in Section 116.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 147 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #264 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 4, Mets 3
Game 147 - Friday Night, September 17th in Flushing
Record - 75-72, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies hung on to win in New York, inching closer to the Braves in the N.L. East standings.

What It Means:  With the Braves losing a late night game in San Francisco, the Phillies are now only two games behind them for the top spot in the division.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he battled through five innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out six.  After Archie Bradley allowed two Mets runs in the eighth, Ian Kennedy was asked to convert a four-out save.  He got out of the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth to send the Phillies to victory.

The Phillies held a 3-1 lead through seven innings courtesy of sacrifice flies from Freddy Galvis and Matt Vierling and a solo home run from Brad Miller.  Didi Gregorius delivered a huge RBI double in the eighth to give the team a much-needed insurance run.

Featured Card:  Gregorius has had an awful season, both with the bat and the glove, so it was great to see him contribute to this win.

Transaction:  Damon Jones (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and JD Hammer (rhp) was optioned down.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 79 - 2021 Topps #561 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 4, Padres 3 (10 Innings)
Game 79 - Friday Night, July 2nd in Philadelphia
Record - 38-41, 4th Place, 4 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Brad Miller bailed out the beleaguered bullpen with a walk-off double in the 10th to score Andrew McCutchen and give the Phillies a 4-3 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  One out away from a win, Ranger Suarez couldn't escape the mess created by Jose Alvarado, and the Phillies had their eighth blown save in nine games.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was once again fantastic, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing four runs while striking out nine.  He departed in the eighth with his team leading 3-0 and needing four outs.  Alvarado had other plans, allowing a lead-off walk in the ninth followed by a Fernando Tatis, Jr. double and another walk.  With runners at first and second, Suarez allowed a two-run double to Jurickson Profar to tie the game.  Fortunately, Suarez calmed down and retired the Padres in order in the top of the 10th.

Pinch-hitting for Suarez, Miller's ball appeared to clear the fence at first, but it was later ruled a double, scoring ghost runner McCutchen easily.

Featured Card:  With the return of Didi Gregorius, this marked the first game since Mother's Day in which the entire regular starting line-up was healthy and playing.  Gregorius homered in his second at-bat of the game.

As an added bonus, here's a limited edition Chachi card featuring our favorite Country Bear, Big Al, who photo bombed us earlier in the day at the Magic Kingdom.

Transaction:  On Thursday, Brandon Kintzler (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Neftali Feliz (rhp) was designated for assignment.  Like David Hale before him, Feliz declined the assignment to Lehigh Valley and became a free agent.  Before this game, Gregorius (ss) was activated from the injured list and Nick Maton (ss) was sent back to Lehigh Valley.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 31 - 2021 Topps Heritage #409 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 5, Brewers 4
Game 31 - Wednesday Night, May 5th in Philadelphia
Record - 16-15, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies made five first inning runs stand up in this 5-4 win over the Brewers.

What It Means:  That's three wins in a row for the Phillies, and they'll go for the improbably four-game series sweep against the Brewers this afternoon.

What Happened:  Andrew McCutchen doubled to lead off the game and was singled home by Rhys Hoskins.  A few batters later, Didi Gregorius connected for a grand slam off Brewers' starting pitcher Freddy Peralta.  Chase Anderson went 4 1/3 innings and was touched for three runs.  The unlikely bullpen trio of Brandon Kintzler, Matt Moore (who hadn't pitched in 18 days) and Enyel De Los Santos (making his first appearance in the majors since 2019) pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings.  Jose Alvarado struck out two on the way to recording his second save.

Featured Card:  The grand slam was Gregorius' first of the season, his third with the Phillies and the eighth of his career.

Transactions:  In what's now a daily occurrence, the Phillies continued to tweak their roster, losing two outfielders to injury.  Roman Quinn (of) and Matt Joyce (of) landed on the injured list with a lacerated finger and a calf strain respectively.  Scott Kingery (of) and Matt Moniak (of) were recalled from Lehigh Valley.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 10 - 2021 Donruss #100 Didi Gregorius

Mets 4, Phillies 3 (Game 1 - 8 Innings)
Game 10 - Tuesday Afternoon, April 13th in Flushing
Record - 6-4

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets dashed the Phillies' hopes for a win, scoring two in the ninth and walking off with a 4-3 victory.

What It Means:  I'm not a fan of seven-inning games for double headers, and I'm even less of a fan of the ghost runner placed at second base at the start of each extra inning.  This game was necessitated when Monday's series opener was rained out.

What Happened:  The Phillies battled to tie the game in the sixth on an infield single from Jean Segura and then they took a brief lead in the eighth on another infield single from Didi Gregorius.  The offense slumbered, going 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position and striking out 14 times.  The Phillies' three runs scored on two bloops that didn't leave the infield and a sacrifice fly.

Chase Anderson lasted four innings and gave up only a pair of runs on three hits.  The bullpen trio of JoJo Romero, Jose Alvarado and Connor Brogdon once again impressed, but closer Hector Neris couldn't secure the win in the eighth.  With the Phillies holding a slim 3-2 lead, and the ghost runner starting the inning at second, Neris allowed a lead-off single to Pete Alonso to tie the game.  A few batters later, and now with the bases loaded, Jonathan Villar singled home the winning run.

Featured Card:  It's been a defensive adventure at times for Gregorius at shortstop, but with his hit in this game he became the first Phillies player to start a season with a 10-game hitting streak since Chase Utley in 2014.

Transaction:  Spencer Howard (rhp) was added as the 27th man for this double header, and unfortunately his services would be needed in the second game.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #6 Didi Gregorius

#18
Mariekson Julius Gregorius
Shortstop

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  February 18, 1990, Amsterdam, Netherlands
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent, December 13, 2019
Contract Status:  Signed through 2022
Major League Teams:  Cincinnati Reds 2012; Arizona Diamondbacks 2013-2014; New York Yankees 2015-2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  2019 Topps Now Offseason #OS-50
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Donruss #100

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2013-2020

19 - Gregorius baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/10/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #8
2020 Chachi Preseason Photo Cards #18
2020 Chachi #5
2020 Chachi #6

Gregorius has appeared in Topps flagship sets dating back to 2013.  His first Phillies baseball card, from the 2019 Topps Now Offseason set, came out in late December 2019 following his official signing with the club, and he's been photoshopped into a Phillies uniform in several other 2020 Topps releases since then.

We're still waiting for an official Gregorius team-issued photo card, and with the popular shortstop now signed through the 2022 season we'll hopefully get one either this year or next.  His 2021 baseball card appearances have been sparse so far, as he's only appeared in the Donruss set and as a short-print in the Heritage set.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Spring Training Game 13 - 2020 Topps Heritage #563 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 9, Tigers 3
Spring Training Game 13 - Saturday Afternoon, March 13th in Clearwater
Record - 6-6-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense showed some punch and Zach Eflin looked ace-like in this 9-3 victory over the Tigers.

What It Means:  We're less than three weeks away from opening day, and I'm at the point in the spring schedule where I'm anxious for games that mean something to start.

What Happened:  Bryce Harper hit a first inning home run and almost had a second home run in the fifth, but the ball lodged in the top of the outfield fence padding for a ground rule double.  Joining Harper with a multi-hit game was Andrew McCutchen who doubled in the third before Harper and Rhys Hoskins both worked walks to load the bases for Didi Gregorius.  Gregorius then delivered a grand slam to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead.

Eflin threw a crisp four innings, allowing two hits while striking out four.

Featured Card:  Gregorius had a bunch of Phillies cards issued last year, but there weren't a whole lot of opportunities to feature many of them.  This is the newest card of his I've added, from December's Heritage High Numbers set.

Camp Head Count:  73 - 7 = 66.  In the first cuts of the spring, the Phillies optioned 7 players to minor league camp, and all 7 are currently on the team's 40-man roster - Kyle Dohy (lhp), Bailey Falter (lhp), Damon Jones (lhp), Mauricio Llovera (rhp), Adonis Medina (rhp), Francisco Morales (rhp) and Simon Muzziotti (of).  Of that bunch, only Llovera and Medina saw time with the Phillies in 2020.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Didi Returns - 2021 Line-Up Seems Set

2020 Topps Total #659

On Wednesday morning, the signing of shortstop Didi Gregorius was officially announced seemingly setting the Phillies starting line-up for the start of the 2021 season.  Gregorius received a two-year deal worth $28 million, and it's great to know we'll be seeing him in the Phillies infield through the 2022 season.  To make room for Gregorius on the 40-man roster, pitcher Johan Quezada, claimed early in the offseason off waivers from the Marlins, was traded to the Cardinals for cash considerations.

Interestingly enough, the three players acquired during Ned Rice's short stint as interim general manager - Quezada, infielder Kyle Holder and pitcher Ian Hamilton - are all already gone.

Departures - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Deolis Guerra - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics (2/2/21).
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (10/14/20) - Elected free agency, signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs (12/14/20).
• Jose Alvarez - lhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jake Arrieta - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Jay Bruce - of (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Brandon Workman - rhp (10/28/20) - Elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Heath Hembree - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency, singed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians (2/5/21).
• Adam Morgan - lhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (10/30/20) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency.
• David Phelps - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (10/30/20) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (12/10/20) - Selected by the Yankees in the minor league portion of the annual rule 5 draft.
• Garrett Cleavinger - lhp (12/29/20) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Phillies receiving Jose Alvarado in exchange from the Tampa Bay Rays.
• Kyle Garlick - of (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Victor Arano - rhp (1/22/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves.
• Cole Irvin - lhp (1/30/21) - Traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.

Coming Back - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Ronald Torreyes - inf (10/15/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies as a minor league free agent (1/4/21).
• J.T. Realmuto - c (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (1/29/21).
• Didi Gregorius - ss (10/28/20) - Elected free agency, re-signed with the Phillies (2/10/21).

New Additions - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Johan Quezada - rhp (10/30/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (12/7/20) Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
• Kyle Holder - inf (12/10/20) - Selected from the Yankees in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Jose Alvarado - lhp (12/29/20) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger in exchange.
• Sam Coonrod - rhp (1/9/21) - Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carson Ragsdale.
• Archie Bradley - rhp (1/18/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds.
• C.J. Chatham - inf (1/18/21) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later.
• Matt Moore -lhp (2/3/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.
• Chase Anderson - rhp (2/8/21) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Already Gone - 2020-2021 Offseason

• Kyle Holder - inf (1/30/21) - Traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• Ian Hamilton - rhp (2/5/21) - Claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
• Johan Quezada - rhp (2/10/21) - Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for cash considerations.

Game 60 - Pandemic Shortened Season Mercifully Concludes

2020 Chachi #47

2020 Chachi #54

Rays 5, Phillies 0
Game 60 - Sunday Afternoon, September 27th in St. Petersburg
Record - 28-32, 3rd Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Rays shut out the Phillies as the postseason eluded the team once again.

What It Means:  With the Giants and Brewers both losing on the final day of the regular season, all the Phillies had to do to clinch a playoff spot was beat the Rays with Aaron Nola on the mound.  They couldn't do it, and they were never even close.  Instead, the Rays swept the series and the Phillies scattered to begin their 2020-2021 offseason.  The Phillies went 1-7 in their final eight games.  J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregorius might have played their final games in a Phillies uniform.

What Happened:  Nola went 3 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and three runs.  Hector Neris allowed a few more runs for good measure.  The Phillies had six hits, including two from Bryce Harper and a double from Alec Bohm.  

Featured Cards:  At the top, I wanted to re-create the 1991 Topps-style Record Breaker cards that lead off that original 792-card set.  There weren't a lot of memorable highlights on the field during the season, but the low key number retirement ceremony for Dick Allen in early September was something I wanted to commemorate.  The Record Breaker card unfortunately marks the Phillies' bullpen finishing with the highest ERA (7.06) in MLB over the past 90 years.  Only the 1930 Phillies kept them from the top spot with their mark of 8.16.  (Per Todd Zolecki Tweet.)

The other mini cards below are to commemorate some of the top performers for the club in 2020, and I sincerely hope they're ALL back in 2021.

2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #16

2020 Topps 206

2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #260

2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #266

2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini #14

Memory Lane - Game 162*
This is my 12th season of posting on this blog and I truly enjoy and appreciate the outlet this has provided for me to share my love of baseball, baseball cards and (occasionally) the Phillies.  If the Good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, I'll be back in 2021 and I sincerely thank you for following along.  Let's hope next year isn't as adventurous, except for perhaps a World Series parade down Broad Street in October.

1. October 4, 2009 - Catcher Paul Hoover singled in the winning run in the 10th in a 7-6 win over the Marlins.
2. October 3, 2010 - The Phillies lost 8-7 to the Braves in their final tune-up before facing the Reds in the NLDS.
3. September 28, 2011 - The Phillies closed out the 2011 regular season with a 13-inning victory against the Braves, setting a franchise record with their 102nd regular season win.
4. October 3, 2012 - The Phillies closed out their 2012 season with a lethargic 5-1 loss to the N.L. East Champion Nationals.
5. September 29, 2013 - Zach Miner got the ball for the Phillies and lasted 2 1/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Braves.
6. September 28, 2014 - Cole Hamels pitched another fine game and suffered through another outing with minimal run support.
7. October 4, 2015 - Phillies avoid 100 losses and Ichiro makes his pitching debut in a 7-2 victory.
8. October 2, 2016 - Phillies bid an emotional farewell to franchise icon Ryan Howard.
9. October 1, 2017 - Phils clobber Mets in Pete Mackanin's final game as manager.
10. September 30, 2018 - Lame duck Phillies win season finale in Gabe Kapler's frustrating debut season.
11. September 29, 2019 - Phillies miss postseason for 8th year in a row, Brad Miller finishes the season red hot.
12. September 27, 2020 - *Shortened 60-game season ends with Phillies swept out by the Rays.

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

Game 43 - 2020 Topps Living Set #293 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 12, Marlins 6
Game 43 - Saturday Night, September 12th in Miami
Record - 23-20, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Didi Gregorius' first inning grand slam and a 5-run eighth inning from the Phillies offense delivered a much-needed 12-6 win against the Marlins.

What It Means:  With three more games to play in this series, including two on Sunday, these two teams have split the series so far, 2-2.

What Happened:  Gregorius' slam was his seventh home run of the year and his second grand slam.  Bryce Harper homered in the third, breaking a long 0-fer in the long ball department and hopefully signally that the slugger is back.  The Phillies held a 5-0 lead through three innings, but Spencer Howard allowed a three-run home run to Brian Andersen in the fourth and the young pitcher departed shortly thereafter with shoulder stiffness.

Fortunately, the bullpen was able to do a relatively decent job, but the Phillies lead was down to an uncomfortable 7-5 heading into the eighth.  A barrage of hits led to the club's five runs - Harper double, Jean Segura single to score Harper, Alec Bohm double to score Gregorius, and the big blow being a bases-clearing, 3-run double from Kyle Garlick.

Realmuto also departed this game with hip discomfort and the hope is that both he and Howard are well enough to avoid the injured list.

Featured Card:  Realmuto is the Phillies' big free agent following this shortened season, but Gregorius will be a free agent as well.  I'd love to see both of them come back in 2021 and beyond.  This is Gregorius' card from the Topps Living Set, a multi-year online exclusive offering in the style of the 1953 Topps set.  I received this card in March and the print run was limited to 2,052 cards.

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

2020 Chachi #5 Didi Gregorius

#18
Mariekson Julius Gregorius
Shortstop

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  30
Born:  February 18, 1990, Amsterdam, Netherlands
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent, December 13, 2019
Contract Status:  Signed through 2020
Major League Teams:  Cincinnati Reds 2012; Arizona Diamondbacks 2013-2014; New York Yankees 2015-2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  2019 Topps Now Offseason #OS-50
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2020 Topps #519

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2013-2020

10 - Gregorius baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 7/28/20.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #8
2020 Chachi Photo Cards #18
2020 Chachi #5

Gregorius has appeared in Topps flagship sets dating back to 2013.  His first Phillies baseball card, from the Topps Now Offseason set, came out in late December following his official signing with the club, and he's been photoshopped into a Phillies uniform in several other Topps releases since then.

To date, only his Topps Now Road to Opening Day card features him wearing an actual Phillies uniform, and I'm not counting his Topps Living Set card as that's a painting.

Gregorius is signed to just a one-year deal which means his only Phillies cards may feature him with no fans in the stands.  It also means that sadly he may never appear in a team-issued photo card set.

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

Game 1 - Phillies Drop 2020 Opener in Empty Ballpark

Marlins 5, Phillies 2
Game 1 - Friday Night, July 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 0-1, Tied for 3rd Place, 1 game behind the Marlins and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The top of the Phillies line-up went 1 for 14 and the new look bullpen struggled in its debut as the Phillies lost the 2020 season opener to the Marlins, 5-2.

What It Means:  The word unprecedented has been overused the past four-plus months, but it's still the best way to describe this Phillies' home opener.  The stands were empty and attendance was zero due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Prior to the start of the game, the Phillies and Marlins participated in a moment of unity with everyone holding a long black ribbon while lined up along the first and third base foul lines.  Black Lives Matter was stenciled in the dirt behind the pitcher's mound and players wore BLM or United for Change patches on their jerseys.  For me personally, it's refreshing to see Major League Baseball openly addressing these issues instead of ignoring them.  Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going.

McCutchen wrote a statement narrated by actor Morgan Freeman that played in Citizens Bank Park and several other parks throughout the day.

For the game, crowd noise was played over the public address speakers, ballplayers stayed socially
distant in the dugouts and the Phillie Phanatic entertained several empty sections of seats.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola made his third straight opening day start, and he looked pretty good through five innings.  The Marlins scored four in the sixth, chasing Nola and rattling reliever Ramon Rosso in his big league debut.  Rosso allowed an inherited runner to score, plus one run of his own, while uncorking two wild pitches.  Nola's final line was 5 1/3 innings with 4 runs on 5 hits while striking out 7.  Reggie McClain, Austin Davis and Trevor Kelley kept the Marlins off the board over the final three innings.

Didi Gregorius briefly tied the game with his first Phillies home run in the fifth, but the Phillies offense couldn't solve Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara.  In total, the offense had five hits, including a pair from Gregorius.

Featured Card:  To date, Gregorius has appeared on two Phillies baseball cards featuring him in an actual Phillies uniform - this Topps Now Road to Opening Day card and a Topps Total card.

Transaction:  As expected, Phil Gosselin (inf) had his contract selected prior to the game and Arquimedes Gamboa (inf) was designated for assignment to make room for Gosselin on the 40-man roster.

In other news, I've successfully ordered a cutout of our son Ben's stuffed friend to hopefully be included among the "fans" viewing games this season at the ballpark.  We'll be scanning the future television broadcasts in the hope of seeing him cheering the Phils.

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

Phillies Set Opening Day Roster (Less One)

2018 Choice Lakewood
BlueClaws #23

On Thursday afternoon, the Phillies released their 2020 Opening Day roster on their social media accounts, and most people were quick to point out the roster had only 29 names listed.  Phil Gosselin has also apparently made the team, and rightfully so, but another roster move is needed first in order to clear space for him.  There's a lot to digest here, and for the final time in 2020 here's the updated Camp Head Count.  (Until Gosselin is added, but you get the gist.)

Camp Head Count:  39 + 4 - 14 = 29.  First, Austin Davis (lhp), Tommy Hunter (rhp), Scott Kingery (2b) and Hector Neris (rhp) were reinstated from the Injured List.  Non-roster invitees Neil Walker (inf), Trevor Kelley (rhp) and Ramon Rosso (rhp) all made the team, having their contracts selected.  

By my unofficial math, and including Gosselin for now, that means the Phillies had to trim 14 from their active roster.  The following 14 players will presumably report to Lehigh Valley for the team's Taxi Squad:  Garrett Cleavinger (lhp), Edgar Garcia (rhp), Deivy Grullon (c), JoJo Romero (lhp), Nick Williams (of), along with former non-roster invitees Gosselin (inf), Mikie Mahtook (of), Nick Martini (of), Blake Parker (rhp), Damon Jones (lhp), Ronald Torreyes (inf), Connor Brogdon (rhp), Alec Bohm (inf) and Connor Seabold (rhp).

Also, Robert Stock (rhp) was designated for assignment as his spot on the 40-man roster was needed.  If Gosselin is in fact added, another spot on the 40-man roster will need to be opened up.

And finally, I noticed on the Phillies roster page on their website a few players who made the club have opted for lower uniform numbers.  Kyle Garlick (of) switched from #72 to #23, and Reggie McClain (rhp) switched from #60 to #39.