Limited Edition Chachi #RacingPresidents Set!

Phillies 5, White Sox 3
Game 127 - Wednesday Night, August 24th in Chicago
Record - 59-68, 4th place, 15 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jared Eickhoff had another solid start as the Phillies defeated the White Sox, 5-3.

What It Means:  The Phillies split the two-game series with the White Sox and after a day off on Thursday they'll open a weekend series at Citi Field with the Mets.

What Happened:  Eickhoff needed just 71 pitches to get through six innings, allowing four runs on two hits.  Cesar Hernandez (5) and Tommy Joseph (17) both homered for the Phillies.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  In our final trip of the summer, we took a two-day vacation to Washington D.C. on Wednesday and Thursday, visiting the historic sites and watching two Nationals-Orioles games.  Along with meeting each of the Racing Presidents, as commemorated on yet another very limited edition Chachi insert set, here were some of the other highlights from our trip.

• On Wednesday, we arrived mid-morning and walked to the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.  If that wasn't enough, we then walked to the White House.
• After a quick rest in our hotel, we watched the Orioles barely defeat the Nationals, 10-8.  It was HOT.  Watching Olympic gold medalist swimmer Katie Ledecky throw out the first pitch, while Bryce Harper held her five medals, was a highlight.  Our youngest son Ben was thrilled when his favorite player, Ben Revere, hit a pinch-double and scored in the seventh inning.  It was HOT.
• On Thursday, we enjoyed a morning at Mount Vernon and then paid our respects at Arlington National Cemetery.
• We watched Max Scherzer dominate the Orioles on Thursday night, allowing just two hits in his eight innings of work.  Jayson Werth hit his 17th home run in the fourth inning.  It was HOT.

Ben in front of the Ben Revere billboard

Jayson Werth at bat

As discussed in this post, I'm taking a poll on how collectors track baseball card collections. 

Please vote in the poll on the sidebar if you haven't already.  Thanks!

2004 Bazooka #259 Ryan Madson

White Sox 9, Phillies 1
Game 126 - Tuesday Night, August 23rd in Chicago
Record - 58-68, 4th place, 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Thompson and the Phillies were pummeled by the White Sox, losing soundly by a score of 9-1.

What It Means:  Thompson owns a 9.78 ERA over his first four Major League starts.

What Happened:  The young pitcher lasted five innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits.  Carlos Ruiz served as the DH for this game, going 0 for 3 with a strikeout.

Featured Card:  This was the team's first trip to Chicago to play the White Sox since the 2004 season.  In the first game of that series on June 8th, the White Sox won 14-11 but the Phillies came back to win the second game 13-10.  A rain-out forced the delay of the third game until August 30th, and the Phils dropped that game 9-8.

Playing the Thompson role in that first game back in 2004 was Ryan Madson, who allowed six runs on six hits in 2/3 of an inning.  Amaury Telemaco relieved Madson, and he allowed four more runs in 2 1/3 innings.

As discussed in this post, I'm taking a poll on how collectors track baseball card collections. 

Please vote in the poll on the sidebar if you haven't already.  Thanks!

Carlos Ruiz Topps Gallery - #ThanksChooch

As has become a Phillies Room tradition when a franchise player departs, here's my final tribute to Carlos Ruiz and his Phillies career featuring a gallery of his Topps flagship base cards.

2007 Topps Update #UH-99

2008 Topps #281

2009 Topps #397

2010 Topps #122

2011 Topps #219

2012 Topps #117

2013 Topps #367

2014 Topps #182

2015 Topps #233

2016 Topps #237

Topps Phillies Gallery Tributes
Jimmy Rollins 2001-2014
Cole Hamels 2003-2015
Chase Utley 2003-2015
Carlos Ruiz 2007-2016
Ryan Howard 2005-

Chooch Traded to Dodgers

2012 Phillies Fan Appreciation Day #9

We took a quick, two-day trip to Washington, D.C. this past week where we toured the city and took in two Nationals games.  While at Nationals Park on Thursday night, sitting at the rooftop deck prior to the ballgame, I checked my Twitter feed and was stunned to see the Tweets coming through that the Phillies long-time catcher and a fan favorite, Carlos Ruiz, had been traded to the Dodgers.

I'm slightly numb to this type of thing by now, having endured the Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels and Chase Utley trades, but it still caught me off guard and I still managed to get nostalgic for the wonder years as I thought about Chooch moving on.  I completely get the move (from the Phillies standpoint) and I hope the trade affords Ruiz the chance for one more shot at the postseason.

2014 Topps Heritage #22

Coming to the Phillies from the Dodgers is catcher A.J. Ellis, who has spent his entire 13-year professional career within the Dodgers organization.  One of Clayton Kershaw's closest friends, Ellis has served as the ace's personal catcher.  The trade of Ellis has seemingly brought nothing but negative comments from the Dodgers players and their fan base.  I totally get this too, and the move is beyond bizarre from the Dodgers standpoint.  Statistically speaking, Ruiz is a slight upgrade to Ellis but trading your unofficial clubhouse leader in the middle of a pennant race is baffling.

From a cardboard perspective, I'll feature a final tribute post to Chooch featuring a gallery of his Topps flagship cards.  Ellis has appeared on mainstream Topps products since 2012 and his sole 2016 baseball card to date can be found within the Topps Now set, limited to 261 copies.  The other known player coming to the Phillies is pitcher Tommy Bergjans, who has only appeared within Dodgers minor league team sets to date.

With Chooch's departure, only Ryan Howard remains from the 2008 World Championship team.

Here's an updated look at the Phillies in-season comings and goings so far, with potentially more moves on the way before the 2016 season is in the books.

Departed During the 2016 Season

• Daniel Stumpf - lhp (7/25/16) - Returned to the Kansas City Royals.
• Andrew Bailey - rhp (8/6/16) - Released and signed by the Los Angeles Angels to a minor league contract, 8/13/16.
• Brett Oberholtzer - lhp (8/6/16) - Designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels, 8/9/16.
• David Lough - of (8/22/16) - Released.
• Carlos Ruiz - c (8/25/16) - Traded with cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers for A.J. Ellis, Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later.

Arrived During the 2016 Season

• Jimmy Paredes - of (6/1/16) - Purchased from the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Phil Klein - rhp (6/19/16) - Claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers.
• A.J. Ellis - c (8/25/16) - Acquired with Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Carlos Ruiz and cash.

Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: August 26th to August 28th

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

Phillies 59-68, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals
Mets 64-63, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.21), Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.60), Vince Velasquez (8-6, 4.31)
Mets Probables:  Bartolo Colon (11-7, 3.36), Noah Syndergaard (11-7, 2.61), Robert Gsellman (1-0, 0.00)

At the Ballpark:  It's a good weekend for giveaways at Citi Field.  Tonight, all fans will receive a Yoenis Cespedes "Yo" t-shirt as part of the Mets' Free Shirt Friday promotion.  Tomorrow night is Matt Harvey bobblehead night and on Sunday afternoon fans will receive a Steven Matz lunch bag.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .296
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 66
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 137
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

Mets Leaders
Average:  Yoenis Cespedes - .291
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 58
Home Runs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 25
RBIs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 64

1970 Topps #610

Stolen Bases:  Jose Reyes - 6

Wins:  Bartolo Colon and Noah Syndergaard - 11
ERA:  Noah Syndergaard - 2.61
Strikeouts:  Noah Syndergaard - 177
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 42

1970 Topps Appreciation:  I first wrote about Jerry Koosman four years ago this week in a series
preview post featuring his 1979 Topps card:

Koosman started his 19-year career playing in parts of 12 seasons with the Mets and he ended his career with two uneventful seasons with the Phillies.  Between 1967 and 1978, Koosman was a two-time All-Star and compiled a 140-137 record with the Mets.  In four World Series games, in 1969 and 1973, Koosman went 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA.  His time with the 1984-1985 Phillies was less impressive, although he did manage a 20-19 record in 55 games with a 3.67 ERA.

Series Preview - Phillies at White Sox: August 23rd to August 24th

Tuesday and Wednesday 8:10
U.S. Cellular Field - Chicago, IL

Phillies 58-67, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals
White Sox 59-64, 4th place in the A.L. Central, 13 games behind the Indians

Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (1-2, 8.79), Jared Eickhoff (8-12, 3.91)
White Sox Probables:  Carlos Rodon (3-8, 4.26), James Shields (3-8, 7.62)

At the Ballpark:  The White Sox are celebrating Halfway to Mardi Gras tonight complete with jazz music and masquerade masks.  There will also be stilt walkers, face painters and a strolling juggling jester walking around.  Fans will be able to purchase "beads, masks and other party wear" at the ballpark.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .295
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 66
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 137
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 33

White Sox Leaders
Average:  Melky Cabrera - .295
Runs:  Todd Frazier - 66
Home Runs:  Todd Frazier - 31
RBIs:  Todd Frazier - 76
Stolen Bases:  Adam Eaton - 12

Wins:  Chris Sale - 15
ERA:  Jose Quintana - 2.84
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 165
Saves:  David Robertson - 32

2015 Topps Phillies #PHP-14 Jerome Williams

Cardinals 9, Phillies 0
Game 125 - Sunday Afternoon, August 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 58-67, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez suffered through his latest poor outing as the Cardinals demolished the Phillies by a score of 9-0.

What It Means:  It's not going well.  As Jayson Stark pointed out here, the Phillies have now trailed by a combined score of 19-5 at the time Velasquez has exited his last three starts.  That's not good.

What Happened:  Mike Leake, Matt Bowman and Jerome Williams combined for the shutout.    The Cardinals hit four home runs - two off Velasquez and two off Frank Herrmann, whose Phillies ERA is now 15.00.

Featured Card:  Yes, that Jerome Williams.

As discussed in this post, I'm taking a poll on how collectors track baseball card collections. 

Please vote in the poll on the sidebar if you haven't already.  Thanks!

2016 Phillies Team Issue #16 Cesar Hernandez

Phillies 4, Cardinals 2
Game 124 - Saturday Night, August 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 58-66, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Cesar Hernandez paced the offense with three hits and Jeremy Hellickson delivered another impressive start as the Phillies defeated the Cardinals, 4-2.

What It Means:  Hellickson was the first Phillies pitcher in 22 games to pitch seven full innings.

What Happened:  Hernandez set the tone with a lead-off home run (4) in the first.  Maikel Franco, Cameron Rupp and Aaron Altherr also drove in runs, with Altherr's solo home run (4) in the sixth off Jonathan Broxton being the first home run Broxton had allowed to the Phillies since Matt Stairs in Game 4 of the 2008 N.L.C.S.  Hellickson allowed two runs and struck out eight in his fine performance.

Hector Neris struck out the side in the eighth and Jeamar Gomez bounced back to record his 33rd save.

Featured Card:  Hernandez fell a triple short of the cycle, which is ironic considering he's currently leading the league in triples with nine.  Also of note is the fact that the last man to hit for the cycle for the Phillies, David Bell, is currently coaching third base for the Cardinals.

As discussed in this post, I'm taking a poll on how collectors track baseball card collections. 

Please vote in the poll on the sidebar if you haven't already.  Thanks!

Bullpen Blows Late Lead; Ben Meets Bull

Cardinals 4, Phillies 3 (11)
Game 123 - Friday Night, August 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 57-66, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jeanmar Gomez blew the save and then the Cardinals took the lead for good in the 11th, as the Phillies dropped a tough one, 4-3.

What It Means:  This would have been a really nice win.  Adam Morgan pitched very well (6 innings, 1 run on 5 hits) and was in line for his first win since May 10th.

What Happened:  With the score tied at one, Odubel Herrera (13) and Freddy Galvis (12) hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning.  The Cardinals tied it up in the bottom of the ninth when Jedd Gyorko hit a two-run home run off Gomez.  Randal Grichuk doubled home the eventual winning run off Frank Herrmann in the 11th.

Featured Card/Field Report:  I took in this game with my favorite six-year-old in the world, my youngest son Ben. Ben is still learning the game and he was full of questions the entire ride to the ballpark, the walk into the ballpark, the walk to our seats, waiting for the game to begin, watching the game, leaving the game and during a part of the ride home until he fell asleep.

He was very interested in the player's birthdays as they appeared on the scoreboard, and he was amazed that the game continued to be played in the middle innings despite the absolute downpour we were experiencing.  His favorite part of the game was the back-to-back home runs from Herrera and Galvis, although his favorite Phillies player is still Maikel Franco.  (His favorite non-Phillies player is still Ben Revere.)

As we were leaving, I spied a very lonely Greg Luzinski sitting in the corner of an empty Bull's BBQ and the Bull obliged us with a photo, hoisting Ben up on his lap.

Pre-game popcorn - where is everybody?

Ben confirming rainfall

Transaction:  In a somewhat surprising and seemingly unnecessary move, Emmanuel Burriss was recalled from Lehigh Valley prior to this game and Taylor Featherston was sent back down.

As discussed in this post, I'm taking a poll on how collectors track baseball card collections. 

Please vote in the poll on the sidebar if you haven't already.  Thanks!

2016 Chachi #57 Frank Herrmann

#53
Frank Joseph Herrmann
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  220
Born:  May 30, 1984, East Rutherford, NJ
Home:  Goodyear, AZ
Signed:  Signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent, August 14, 2005
Teams:  Cleveland Indians 2010-2012; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Pittsburgh Pirates organizaion, November 18, 2015

2010 Topps Update #US-89

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #12

1 Herrmann Baseball Card in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #12
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  N/A

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2010 Topps Update #US89

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #57

Card statistics through 8/19/16.

Series Preview - Cardinals at Phillies: August 19th to August 21st

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

Cardinals 64-56, 2nd place in the N.L. Central, 13 games behind the Cubs
Phillies 57-65, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Cardinals Probables:  Adam Wainwright (9-7, 4.72), Luke Weaver (0-0, 4.50, Mike Leake (8-9, 4.78)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.62), Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.65), Vince Velasquez (8-5, 4.14)

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday night, all fans will receive a nice looking mini Harry Kalas replica statute.  On Sunday afternoon, all kids will receive a ShopRite back-to-school set, including two Phillies folders, a spiral notebook, spiral memo pad, eraser, pencil pouch and four pencils.  Nicely done, Phillies.

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Aledmys Diaz - .312
Runs:  Stephen Piscotty - 67
Home Runs:  Brandon Moss - 22
RBIs:  Stephen Piscotty - 67
Stolen Bases:  Jeremy Hazelbaker and Kolten Wong - 5

Wins:  Carlos Martinez - 11
ERA:  Carlos Martinez - 3.24
Strikeouts:  Carlos Martinez - 119
Saves:  Trevor Rosenthal - 14

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .294
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 64
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 71
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 9
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 130
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 32

1970 Topps #220

1970 Topps #605

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Matching up the cards of Rick Wise and Steve Carlton is always a natural fit when looking for cards to feature before a Cardinals-Phillies series.  Back in 2013, I featured their 1973 cards and I had this to say:

Rick Wise and Steve Carlton were traded for each other in a straight-up pitcher for pitcher deal in February 1972.  Both pitchers received "Traded" cards within the 1972 Topps high series, but the 1973 Topps set contained their first proper base cards with their new teams.  Over the short-term and eventually over the long-term, it's safe to say the Phillies got the better end of the deal. 

Wise lasted two seasons in St. Louis, going a combined 32-28 in 70 games and making the All-Star team in 1973.  He enjoyed one of his best seasons as a member of the 1975 Red Sox when he went 19-12 and helped the Sox reach the World Series.  Lefty's first season in Philly marks perhaps one of the best single-season pitching performances in the game's history.  Pitching for a horrendous 1972 Phillies squad, Carlton went 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA and 310 strikeouts in 346 1/3 innings.  His 27 wins represented almost half of the team's 59 wins for the entire season.

2016 Topps Chrome Future Stars #FS-15 Maikel Franco

Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
Game 122 - Thursday Night, August 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 57-65, 4th place, 15 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Trailing 4-3 in the seventh inning, Maikel Franco delivered a two-run home run (22) off Grant Dayton and the Phillies ultimately won the ballgame, 5-4.

What It Means:  I haven't been following the Nationals that closely, but it would appear as if the Phillies are at least keeping pace with them.  The Phillies have shifted around from between 14 to 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals since July 27th.

What Happened:  Ryan Howard (who has been hot of late) also hit a home run (19) while Aaron Altherr and Taylor Featherston drove in runs.  Jared Eickhoff made it through the sixth inning, breaking the streak of eight straight games in which the Phillies starting pitcher has lasted less than six innings.  Jeanmar Gomez pitched a perfect ninth for his 32nd save.

Featured Card:  This is the newest Franco card in my collection, and yet another card I've been unable to add to my collection in the Zistle database.  The card does appear over in the The Trading Card Database.

Have you voted in the poll on the sidebar yet?  How do you track your baseball card collection?

2009 Topps Black #207 Joe Blanton

Dodgers 7, Phillies 2
Game 121 - Wednesday Night, August 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 56-65, 4th place, 15 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Adrian Gonzalez homered twice and the Phillies were once again easily handled by the Dodgers, losing 7-2.

What It Means:  Phillies starters have lasted less than six innings in eight straight games, tying a dubious mark set by an awful 1999 Phillies pitching staff.  The rotation's ERA is 7.06 over the last 19 games.  (H/T Todd Zolecki.)

What Happened:  Jake Thompson labored in this outing, ultimately allowing five runs on five hits in five innings of work.  Tommy Joseph hit his 16th home run of the season in the sixth inning.

Featured Card:  The new and improved Joe Blanton made an appearance in this game, recording the last two outs of the seventh inning, but he didn't receive quite the welcome that Chase Utley did. Blanton is probably one of the most underrated members of the 2008 World Championship team, and he's reinvented himself as an effective (and skinny!) late inning reliever.

Transaction:  Elvis Araujo was mercifully optioned back down to Lehigh Valley and Frank Herrmann was recalled to take his spot in the bullpen.  Herrmann, who hasn't appeared in the Majors since 2012, was having a nice season for the IronPigs.  In 27 games, he was 6-1 with a 1.27 ERA and he had struck out 31 while walking just six in 31 1/3 innings.

Have you voted in the poll on the sidebar yet?  How do you track your baseball card collection?

Seeking Alternatives to @Zistle - How Do You Track Your Collection?

2015 Chachi #71

Over five years ago, I took a head-first plunge into Zistle, spending hours upon hours meticulously updating my account on the Zistle database with the baseball cards in my Phillies collection.  This was a huge accomplishment for me, since I never knew exactly how many Phillies baseball cards I owned and I had no way of knowing which Chase Utley cards I had or if I had any Billy Grabarkewitz Phillies baseball card in my collection.  (410 as of this writing and yes, I own three Grabarkewitz cards.)

Over the last few years as I've continued to use Zistle, I've experienced a few slight inconveniences with the Zistle database as cards I had input would appear and then disappear or updates I had suggested would go unnoticed.  Those inconveniences have become bigger annoyances in the past several months as I've been unable to update my collection for Phillies cards from the 2016 Bowman, 2016 Topps Pro Debut and most recently, the 2016 Topps Chrome sets.  I asked the question on the site's fan forum about the lack of recent updates, and one response I received suggested that Zistle was in the midst of legal trouble with Beckett.  (Here's confirmation of this.)

This lengthy prelude is my set-up for the following very basic question:  How do you track your cards?

The recent Zistle issues leave me worried that I may need to migrate the tracking of my collection over to a new platform.  I'm taking suggestions here, and I'd sincerely value your feedback.  I've even opened up a poll in the sidebar to help me with my decision as to what to do next.  (Has this already been the topic of a Blog Bat-Around?  Do those still exist?  If it hasn't may I humbly submit this topic for a Blog Bat-Around?)

As I see it, here are my options:

1.  Zistle - I really like the interface and I've already sunk hours/days of my time into it.  I'm hopeful that it makes a quality return and the glitches/missing sets I've experienced are all remedied.  But . . . I've already been burned once this year when the former Hardball Passport changed owners and the hours I had spent entering games I had attended was all lost.  I'd hate for the same thing to happen with Zistle, so maybe it's time I cut my losses and move on.

2.  Spreadsheet - I'm very tempted by the thought of tracking everything on my own via a massive Excel schedule.  Before his self-imposed hobby exile, the proprietor of 14,000 Phillies had created an incredibly detailed and impressive Phillies checklist in Excel and I may use this as the starting point for my own file.  But this brings it's own set of issues as I'm not Excel savvy enough to be able to run the types of searches I'd need or to sort the data in a meaningful way.

3.  The Trading Card Database - This seems like the best alternative to Zistle, and it's very impressive that it has a full and complete listing of minor league and team issued team sets.  I've had to manually input all recent Phillies minor league and team issued team sets into Zistle, and The Trading Card Database already has these obscure offerings covered.  But the interface seems a little clunky, and I really don't feel like going through the exercise of re-inputting my entire collection into an online database a second time.

4.  Beckett - I'm listing this here as an option, but I believe this would come with a monthly or annual fee and I'm not about to pay for this service.

5.  Other - What am I missing?  What else is out there?  Does anyone remember the old Card Collector software that ran on older PCs?

Thanks again for your help!

Chase Utley's Triumphant Return to Philly

Dodgers 15, Phillies 5
Game 120 - Tuesday Night, August 16th in Philadelphia
Record - 56-64, 4th place, 15 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Chase Utley returned to Philadelphia, hitting a solo home run and a grand slam as the Dodgers annihilated the Phillies, 15-5.

What It Means:  It's amazing to me that the largest ovation witnessed this season at Citizens Bank Park was after a visiting player had hit a home run.  But then again it wasn't any normal visiting player.  Utley's return resulted in an electric atmosphere at the ballpark and it was an emotional night for him and this long-time Phillies fan.

What Happened:  Does it really matter, other than one of the most beloved players in franchise history returned after nearly a year in Los Angeles?  Vince Velasquez couldn't make it through six full innings again, allowing five runs on seven hits.  Elvis Araujo had an awful night, allowing six runs on just two hits in the seventh inning.  He walked three (two with the the bases loaded) and hit a batter (again with the bases loaded.)  Michael Mariot allowed the Utley slam after Araujo had departed.

Ryan Howard (18), Cesar Hernandez (3) and Cameron Rupp (14) homered for the Phils.

Field Report:  Adding to the surreal atmosphere was the fact that it was Beatles Night at the ballpark, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four's final Philadelphia concert on August 16, 1966.  I don't mention it often on this blog, but I am an unbelievably huge Beatles fan and the combination of the Beatles and the Phillies was a bit of sensory overload for me.  (Click the photos below to enlarge.)

The four of us (Jenna and our two boys) joined the crowd at the ballpark greeting Utley with a standing ovation as he led off the top of the first and his familiar walk-up music (Kashmir) played. Jenna took the night off from rooting for the Phillies and openly rooted for Utley and his Dodgers. The heat got the best of us though, and we had departed the ballpark sauna prior to Utley's seventh inning grand slam.

Featured Card:  I felt the need to commemorate Utley's triumphant return with a special edition Chachi card.  I'm happy to see that Topps felt the same way, and they've issued a special Topps Now for Utley's return.


Memory Lane
6/19/10 - Jim Thome Returns
8/17/10 - Pat Burrell Returns
4/6/15 - Shane Victorino Returns

8/14/15 - Jimmy Rollins Returns

8/16/16 - Chase Utley Returns

Be sure to check out the 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

Series Preview - Dodgers at Phillies: August 16th to August 18th

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

Dodgers 65-52, 2nd place in the N.L. West, 1/2 game behind the Giants
Phillies 56-63, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Dodgers Probables:  Kenta Maeda (11-7, 3.31), Scott Kazmir (9-6, 4.44), Bud Norris (3-2, 4.34)
Phillies Probables:  Vince Velasquez (8-4, 3.94), Jake Thompson (1-1, 8.68), Jared Eickhoff (8-12, 3.82)

At the Ballpark:  The big event with this series is the return of former Phillie (and a Phillies Room favorite) Chase Utley.  Utley will be entering the field from the visitor's dugout at Citizens Bank Park for the first time.

Tonight is also Beatles Night at the ballpark, and fans with a special theme ticket will receive a special Beatles fleece blanket (which will not be needed for this game).  The special night pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Beatles playing a concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on August 16, 1966.

There's a post-game concert on Thursday night featuring country singer Chase Rice.

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Corey Seager - .309
Runs:  Corey Seager - 74
Home Runs:  Corey Seager and Justin Turner - 21
RBIs:  Justin Turner - 67
Stolen Bases:  Howie Kenrick - 8

Wins:  Clayton Kershaw and Kenta Maeda - 11
ERA:  Clayton Kershaw - 1.79
Strikeouts:  Clayton Kershaw - 145
Saves:  Kenley Jansen - 35

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .289
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 64
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 21
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 69
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 9
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 121
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 31

1970 Topps #446

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Billy Grabarkewitz enjoyed the best season of his seven-year career in 1970 with the Dodgers.  Selected to represent the Dodgers in the All-Star Game, Grabarkewitz finished the 1970 season with what would be career highs in average (.289), home runs (17) and RBIs (84).  He was never able to duplicate this success due to injuries, and the crowded Dodgers infield of the 1970s led to his being traded to the Angels (with Frank Robinson) following the 1972 season.

The Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Angels in August 1973, and his Phillies career spanned just 59 games over two seasons in which he hit .240 with three home runs.  The Phils sold Grabarkewitz to the Cubs in July 1974, but not before he'd appear on three baseball card related releases with the club - 1974 Topps, 1974 Topps Stamps and the 1974 Phillies Photocards set.

And I missed my chance to pay tribute to this original card with the 2016 Chachi card for Brett Oberholtzer.  I clearly should have listed the current Angels pitcher's name as "B. Oberholtzer" on the front of his card.

2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 Update #41 Jimmy Paredes

Phillies 7, Rockies 6
Game 119 - Sunday Afternoon, August 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 56-63, 4th place, 14 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jimmy Paredes paced the offense, falling a triple short of the cycle, as the Phillies held on to defeat the Rockies, 7-6.

What It Means:  The Phils swept the Rockies and they have a nice little four-game win streak going. They're four games behind the Mets in the East, and six games behind in the race for the second Wild Card.

What Happened:  Paredes drove in three runs during his big day, including a solo home run (5) in the fourth.  The Phillies took advantage of a sloppy Rockies team, who committed four errors.

Making his first start in the Majors since early July, Adam Morgan was knocked out of the game in the fourth when a screaming line drive hit him in his pitching arm.

Featured Card:  For a while, I was worried that Paredes was going to join the ranks of those Phillies players who spent time with the club and never officially appeared on a Phillies baseball card. Thanks to a tip from fellow collector Steve F., I knew a Paredes photo card had been created for him to honor autograph requests, and I'm now very thankful that the Phillies decided to insert this card into their "update" set.  (Please see the set's listing here for a complete rundown of the new cards.)

Paredes has a number of mainstream cards available throughout several Topps products this year, but all of those cards feature him with the Orioles.  His time with the organization may be limited, but at least now he's got an official Phillies baseball card.

Transaction:  Morgan was recalled from Lehigh Valley and reliever Luis Garcia was sent back down.

Be sure to check out the 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Topps Chrome Prism Refractors #64 Maikel Franco

Phillies 6, Rockies 3
Game 118 - Saturday Night, August 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 55-63, 4th place, 14 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Maikel Franco hit a three-run home run (21) in the first inning, and the Phils held on for a 6-3 win over the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Phillies are still 8 games under .500, but they're only 6 1/2 games back in the hunt for the second N.L. Wild Card.

What Happened:  The Rockies made it a 4-3 ballgame with three runs off Jared Eickhoff in the sixth inning, but an RBI single from Aaron Altherr and a sacrifice fly from Tommy Joseph in the seventh gave the Phils a three-run cushion.  Jeanmar Gomez allowed a few hits in the ninth but he eventually struck out the side to earn his 30th save of the season.

Featured Card:  Franco's big hit earned him the featured card honors, and this new and sparkly card of his is his latest card in my collection.

Be sure to check out the 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.