2016 Topps Phillies #PP-12 Jared Eickhoff

Nationals 3, Phillies 0
Game 142 - Saturday Night, September 10th in Washington
Record - 63-79, 4th place, 21 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper hit a three-run home run off Patrick Schuster in the eighth inning to break a scoreless tie and lead the Nationals to the 3-0 win.

What It Means:  Twenty more games to go and then we can start looking forward to spring training.

What Happened:  Jared Eickhoff shut out the Nationals through six innings, but was yanked from the game having thrown only 82 pitches.  Max Scherzer and three Nationals relievers battled to hold the Phillies offense to five hits.

Featured Card:  Eickhoff has been one of the brightest spots of the season for the Phillies, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the starting rotation in 2017.

Transaction:  With the Lehigh Valley IronPigs being eliminated from the postseason, outfielder Cody Asche, reliever Luis Garcia and starting pitcher Phil Klein were recalled.  In a somewhat surprising move, reliever Joely Rodriguez was also recalled instead of Elvis Araujo.  Also not getting the call from the IronPigs - starting pitcher David Buchanan and infielder Darnell Sweeney who both will apparently not play for the Phillies in 2016 after seeing time with the club in 2015.  Top prospects J.P. Crawford and Nick Williams will spend the offseason getting ready to hopefully play a role with the 2017 Phillies team.

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

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2016 Chachi #60 Patrick Schuster

#62
Patrick James Schuster
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  190
Born:  October 30, 1990, New Port Richey, FL
Drafted:  Selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 13th round of the June 2009 draft
Teams:  Oakland Athletics 2016; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Claimed off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, August 12, 2016

0 Schuster Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  N/A
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  N/A

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #60

Card statistics through 9/10/16.

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #12 Frank Herrmann

Nationals 5, Phillies 4
Game 141 - Friday Night, September 9th in Washington
Record - 63-78, 4th place, 20 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit a walk-off home run in the ninth inning to give the Nationals a 5-4 win over the Phillies.

What It Means:  The Phillies have looked semi-impressive these past two games with the Nationals. Down 4-1, they battled back to tie the game in the eighth behind Cameron Rupp's three-run home run.

What Happened:  Turner hit his winning home run off reliever Frank Herrmann, as the front-line bullpen arms were mostly unavailable for this game due to overuse.  Turner's first home run of the game came off Colton Murray in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Herrmann is destined to become a future Phillies Missing Links player, as I doubt he'll ever receive an official Phillies baseball card.  The closest we'll probably ever come to a Phillies baseball card for Herrmann is his card in this year's Leghigh Valley IronPigs team set.

And speaking of the IronPigs, they were unfortunately eliminated from the postseason on Friday night following an 11-3 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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 Topps #27 Alec Asher

Phillies 4, Nationals 1
Game 140 - Thursday Night, September 8th in Washington
Record - 63-77, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Asher pitched six scoreless innings in his 2016 debut and Ryan Howard hit a three-run home run as the Phillies downed the first place Nationals, 4-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies nine-game losing streak to the Nationals is over.

What Happened:  Returning from injury and an 80-game PED suspension, Asher assumed Vince Velasquez's spot in the rotation and pitched the best game of his young Major League career.  Asher allowed just two hits in his six innings of work and strangely enough didn't strike out a batter.  All the offense came in the third when Peter Bourjos hit a solo home run (5) and Howard followed that up with his three-run shot (21).

Featured Card:  Despeite going 0-6 with a 9.31 ERA in September of last season, Asher found himself with a card in Topps Series One this past spring.  Also of note is that the three young pitchers acquired from the Rangers last year in the Cole Hamels trade will start the first three games of this Nationals series - Asher, Jake Thompson and Jared Eickhoff.

Transaction:  Asher was recalled from Double-A Reading prior to the game.

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2016 Chachi #61 Alec Asher

#49
Alec Edward Asher
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  230

Born:  October 4, 1991, Lakeland, FL

Home:  Auburndale, FL

Drafted:  Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 4th round of the June 2012 draft

Teams:  Phillies 2015

Acquired:  Acquired with Matt Harrison, Nick Williams, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thompson and Jared Eickhoff from the Texas Rangers for Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman and cash considerations, July 31, 2015

2015 Chachi #62

2016 Topps #27

3 Asher Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Topps #27
First Phillies Card:  2016 Topps #27
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2016 Topps #27
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  2016 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #2

Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi #62
2016 Chachi #61

Card statistics through 9/8/16.

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: September 8th to September 11th

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

Phillies 62-77, 4th place in the N.L. East, 20 games behind the Nationals
Nationals 82-57, 1st place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Alec Asher (0-0, 0.00), Jake Thompson (1-5, 6.48), Jared Eickhoff (10-13, 3.86), Adam Morgan (2-9, 5.90)
Nationals Probables:  A.J. Cole (1-1, 3.86), Tanner Roark (14-8, 2.89), Max Scherzer (16-7, 2.88), Gio Gonzalez (10-9, 4.40)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 25,000 fans will receive a Michael A. Taylor bobblehead and tomorrow night the first 20,000 fans will receive a Nationals beer stein.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .289
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 71
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 73
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 20

Wins:  Jared Eickhoff and Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jared Eickhoff - 3.86
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 35

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .345
Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 83
Home Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 25
RBIs:  Daniel Murphy - 100
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 21

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 16
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.88
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 243
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 19

1970 Topps #403

1970 Topps #442

1970 Topps Appreciation:  In retrospect, it seems a little cruel to feature cards of Jim Bunning and Gene Mauch in September as teams around the Majors are trying to earn a spot in the postseason. Bunning and Mauch will forever be linked for their roles on the 1964 Phillies team and that team's cruel and historic September collapse.

2010 Topps Pro Debut #65 Patrick Schuster

Marlins 6, Phillies 0
Game 139 - Wednesday Night, September 7th in Miami
Record - 62-77

One Sentence Summary:  The Marlins easily handled Jeremy Hellickson and the Phillies in this 6-0 loss.

What It Means:  Don't quote me on this, but it would seem as if the Phillies are going to miss the postseason this year.

What Happened:  Hellickson scattered nine hits and four runs (three earned) over his six innings of work.  The Marlins' first four runs were driven in without hits - ground out, sacrifice fly x 2, GIDP.

Featured Card:  We had a Patrick Schuster sighting!  The left-handed reliever made his Phillies debut in this game, allowing a run in 2/3 of an inning pitched.  He walked lead-off batter Chris Johnson who eventually came around to score when Martin Prado doubled off Severino Gonzalez, Schuster's replacement.

A 13th round pick by the Diamondbacks in the June 2009 draft, Schuster has spent time with the Diamondbacks, Astros (for less than a day), Padres, Royals, Diamondbacks (again), Reds and Athletics organizations.  He made his big league debut earlier this season for the A's, appearing in five games for Oakland and allowing eight runs in 6 2/3 innings (10.80 ERA).  The Phillies claimed him off waivers on August 12th.

It's players like Schuster who make my custom Chachi set a necessity for me and fellow Phillies collectors, as he's extremely unlikely to ever receive a mainstream Phillies baseball card.  As soon as I find a decent picture of the new Phillies pitcher to use, I'll post his first (and most likely only) custom Phillies card.  Schuster's few mainstream cards available to date can be found within the 2010 Bowman and 2010 Topps Pro Debut sets.

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 2 #39 Adam Morgan

Phillies 4, Marlins 3
Game 138 - Tuesday Night, September 6th in Miami
Record - 62-76, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Earning his first win since May 10th, Adam Morgan threw six strong innings in this 4-3 win.

What It Means:  This will be the first series win for the Phillies since they swept the Rockies August 12th through 14th.

What Happened:  Morgan allowed a run on five hits in his outing, striking out five.  Jeanmar Gomez earned his 35th save.  Tommy Joseph and Freddy Galvis knocked in a pair of runs each.

Featured Card:  Morgan has had a tough season, which is why this is only the second time one of his 2016 baseball cards has been featured in a game summary post.  This is his card from the team-issued second series photocard set.

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 Donruss Optic #63 Jared Eickhoff

Phillies 6, Marlins 2
Game 137 - Monday Afternoon, September 5th in Miami
Record - 61-76, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Clutch hits from Freddy Galvis and Jimmy Paredes supported Jared Eickhoff's solid start as the Phillies won over the Marlins, 6-2.

What It Means:  The six-game losing streak is over and Eickhoff notched his 10th win of the season.

What Happened:  Eickhoff scattered six hits over his six innings of work, allowing just two runs. Trailing 2-0, Galvis hit a two-run home run (16) in the fifth to tie up the game.  Peter Bourjos had three hits and scored the go-ahead run in the fifth on an error.  Paredes added a few insurance runs in the seventh with a pinch-hit, two-run single.

Featured Card:  Eickhoff received a Chrome-ish card in the recently released Donruss Optic set, even though he didn't appear in the regular Donruss issue.  It's refreshing to see guys like Eickhoff receive baseball cards in sets issued late this season.  Nothing against Aaron Nola and Maikel Franco, but I'm getting a little tired of just seeing those two Phillies players on most of the recent baseball card checklists.

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!

1st Annual @IronPigs Outing - Autographs! Corn! Fun! #Bacon

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #18

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-10

2016 Topps Pro Debut #109

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #21

Braves 2, Phillies 0
Game 136 - Sunday Afternoon, September 4th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-76, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Thompson turned in his second straight solid start, but the anemic Phillies offense continued their struggles in this 2-0 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies head to Miami to try to snap a six-game losing streak.

What Happened:  Thompson allowed four hits and one run in his seven innings of work.  He also struck out six.  The offense managed five hits off Julio Teheran and three Braves relievers, going 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-7

Featured Cards/Field Report:  Late Sunday afternoon, we made the two-hour trek to Allentown for our sons' first visit to Coca-Cola Park, home of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  It had been at least six (or seven?) seasons since Jenna and I last visited this ballpark, and we've already made plans to make this part of our annual summer schedule along with taking in a Lakewood BlueClaws game.

We got there right as the gates opened and both Doug and Ben positioned themselves along the third base line by the IronPigs' dugout where they patiently waited for almost an hour for the players to emerge.  The first player to sign a card from their IronPigs team sets was catcher Logan Moore, who was heading to the bullpen to warm up the starting pitcher, Phil Klein.

The days' starters emerged about 25 minutes before game time to get in their pre-game stretching and then one by one (with the exception of a few) they headed over to the stands to sign autographs.  Cam Perkins and Darnell Sweeney were both very accommodating with their time.  Doug specifically called over top prospect Nick Williams for an autograph and told him he was there to see him play. Cody Asche was the most impressive however, signing every last autograph request right up until the start of the National Anthem.

Unfortunately, the IronPigs lost the game 5-4.  Klein pitched very well, but Jimmy Cordero, making his Triple-A debut, allowed four runs to the Rochester Red Wings in the eighth inning.  Perkins, Sweeney and Asche all enjoyed multi-hit games, while Williams went hitless in four at-bats.  On a more important note, Jenna and I can officially recommend the Aw Shucks corn, the BBQ turkey sandwich, the walking taco and beer in an IronPigs mason jar.  We'll be back next year!

Asche signs for the IronPigs fans

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!

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 5th to September 7th

Monday 1:10, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

Phillies 60-76, 4th place in the N.L. East, 19 games behind the Nationals
Marlins 68-69, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 11 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (9-13, 3.90), Adam Morgan (1-9, 6.21), Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.88)
Marlins Probables:  Jake Esch (0-0, 4.15), Jose Urena (3-5, 5.40), Andrew Cashner (0-4, 5.57)

At the Ballpark:  Wednesday night is Roberto Clemente night at Marlins Park, and fans with special tickets will receive a Marlins/Clemente t-shirt.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .283
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 68
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 73
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.88
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Martin Prado - .316
Runs:  Christian Yelich - 71
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 25
RBIs:  Christian Yelich - 85
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 15

Wins:  Jose Fernandez - 13
ERA:  Jose Fernandez - 3.03
Strikeouts:  Jose Fernandez - 224
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 32

Phillies Cards from @stetsonaw (Ain't Nobody Got Time For Cardboard!)

2016 Donruss Optic Pink #37

2015 Dimaond Kings Framed Red #114

2016 Stadium Club Legends Die-Cut #LDC-2

2016 Stadium Club Autographs #SCA-AN

I recently received a nice package of Phillies baseball cards from Andy of the Ain't Nobody Got Time for Cardboard! blog.  I'm in the process of putting together a return package of Cubs cards and 1983 Topps cards for Andy and you can check out his want list here if you have some extra Cubs and/or 1982 and 1983 Topps cards sitting around.

I find that my pack-buying has dwindled this year as I continue to buy Phillies team sets on eBay and as my sons increasingly dominate the pack-buying landscape in our house.  Any cool or shiny inserts from their packs rightfully find their way into their collections, so it was nice of Andy to send some cool and shiny inserts my way for me to keep to myself.  I've featured four of my favorites from his package above.

I like the Donruss Optic (don't call them Chrome) cards way more than I should especially since the cards are logo-less and the Phillies player selection isn't that diverse.  Andy sent a nice assortment of Donruss Optic Phillies cards, including this pink parallel of the injured Aaron Nola.  The Maikel Franco card shown here is also logo-less, but it's a red-framed parallel card numbered to only 99 copies so it's definitely a welcome addition to my 2016 Phillies binder.

Robin Roberts gets the chrome, die-cut treatment on this Stadium Club insert card.  It's odd seeing an all-time legend on such a modern-looking card, but as my nine-year-old son accurately commented upon first seeing it, "That's pretty cool."  Finally, the on-card Nola autograph is fantastic.  It seems as if the young pitcher went on a signing binge for Topps over the past few years, although the bulk of his autographed cards in my collection are on stickers.  I'm very grateful to add this card to my collection.

Thanks again Andy and your return package will be on its way soon!

2016 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #6 Dylan Cozens

Braves 6, Phillies 4 (10)
Game 135 - Saturday Night, September 3rd in Philadelphia
Record - 60-75, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  For the second night in a row, the Phillies couldn't hold off the Braves and sloppy defense led to a 6-4 extra-inning Braves win.

What It Means:  At least the crab fries were delicious.

What Happened:  With the Phillies up 4-3, Chase d'Arnaud hit a foul pop that Maikel Franco droppped.  d'Arnaud would walk and eventually come around to tie the score on an infield ground-out.  Edubray Ramos walked the lead-off batter in the 10th, and he would score the go-ahead run.

Franco went 4 for 5 with three doubles.  In a three-run third inning, Cesar Hernandez hit a solo home run (6) and Cameron Rupp added a two-run double.

Vince Velasquez made his final start of the season.  In his post-game comments, manager Pete Mackanin announced that Velasquez would be shut down the rest of the year to preserve his arm for 2017 and future years.  He pitched well in his final start, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out eight over seven innings.

Featured Card:  I also wanted to congratulate Reading outfielder Dylan Cozens who set the Double-A franchise's single-season home run and RBI records with 39 and 123 respectively.  He and Rhys Hoskins (37 home runs and 114 RBIs) have had monster years for the Fightin Phils.

Field Report:  Doug and I were there along with about 5,000 of our closest friends and fellow die-hard Phillies fans.  It was actually a pleasant and enjoyable night at the ballpark, with the exception of the whole losing in the 10th inning thing.

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!

IronPigs Win! BlueClaws Win! (Phillies Lose.)

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #5

2016 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #21

Braves 8, Phillies 4
Game 134 - Friday Night, September 2nd in Philadelphia
Record - 60-74, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Braves scored eight unanswered runs, including four in the ninth off Jeanmar Gomez, stunning the Phillies with an 8-4 win.

What It Means:  It's almost the offseason . . .

What Happened:  Jeremy Hellickson was spotted a four-run lead he couldn't hold.  Gomez was handed a 4-4 tie in the ninth inning and he left the game without retiring a batter.

A.J. Ellis hit a three-run home run in the second inning.

Featured Cards:  While the big club was finding ways to lose their ballgame against the last place Braves, two of their farm clubs were clinching spots in their respective minor league playoffs.  The triple-A IronPigs, led by pitcher Ben Lively, clinched their second playoff spot in franchise history with a 7-1 win over the Red Wings.  Lively pitched six hitless innings, improving his Triple-A numbers to 11-5 with a 3.06 ERA.  He's 18-5 with a 2.69 ERA overall between the IronPigs and Double-A Reading this season.

The Lakewood BlueClaws also clinched their division and a playoff spot with a 10-4 win on Friday night.  Jose Pujols led the offense with an RBI-double and for the season Pujols leads the team with 24 home runs and 82 RBIs.

Transaction:  With rosters expanding to 40, the Phillies made their first round of September additions by calling up Darin Ruf, Colton Murray and left-handed reliever Patrick Schuster.  Andres Blanco was also activated from the disabled list.

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!

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: September 2nd to September 4th

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

Braves 51-83, 5th place in the N.L. East, 27 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 60-73, 4th place in the N.L. East, 18 games behind the Nationals

Braves Probables:  Joel De La Cruz (0-7, 4.66), John Gant (1-3, 4.59), Julio Teheran (4-9, 3.12)
Phillies Probables:  Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.80), Vince Velasquez (8-6, 4.21), Jake Thompson (1-4, 7.86)

At the Ballpark:  As the final month of the 2016 season begins, the Phillies have no give-aways scheduled for this weekend series against the last place Braves.  Great seats are still available!

Braves Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .289
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 81
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 28
RBIs:  Nick Markakis - 73
Stolen Bases:  Mallex Smith - 14

Wins:  Mike Foltynewicz - 8
ERA:  Julio Teheran - 3.12
Strikeouts:  Julio Teheran - 136
Saves:  Jim Johnson - 14

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .288
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 68
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 144
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 #50 Hector Neris

Nationals 2, Phillies 1
Game 133 - Wednesday Night, August 31st in Philadelphia
Record - 60-73, 4th place, 18 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies managed two hits in this 2-1 loss to the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies now have a nine-game losing streak going against the Nationals, which is the longest losing streak against the Nationals/Expos since these two teams first matched up back in 1969.

What Happened:  Adam Morgan gave up a first inning home run to Jayson Werth, but then he settled in to pitch a decent ballgame.  Overall, he allowed two runs on three hits in 6 2/3 innings of work.  Freddy Galvis hit a solo home (15) off Gio Gonzalez to account for the only Phillies run.

Featured Card:  While the case could be made to feature another card for Morgan, I wanted to pay tribute to reliever and set-up man Hector Neris who has quietly had an outstanding year out of the bullpen.  The sorry state of non-closer relievers receiving baseball card appreciation is on full display with the case of Neris.  To date in 2016, his only card can be found within the team's second series photocard set.

As the Phillies Tweeted after this game, Neris has not allowed a run in his last 11 2/3 innings and he has a 1.06 ERA (4 earned runs, 34 innings) over his last 33 games.  He leads the National League in appearances with 67 and his 2.11 ERA for the season is incredible.  Jeanmar Gomez has been exceptional this year in the closer's role, but there are rumblings that Neris may have earned himself at least an audition for the role in 2017.

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 Topps Berger's Best #BB2-2006 Ryan Howard

Nationals 3, Phillies 2
Game 132 - Tuesday Night, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-72, 4th place, 17 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jared Eickhoff pitched well, but Max Scherzer pitched better in this 3-2 Nationals win over the Phillies.

What It Means:  Ryan Howard's seventh inning, two-run home run was the only offense the Phillies could muster against Scherzer.  It was Howard's 20th home run of the season, giving him ten seasons of 20 or more home runs which is second only to Mike Schmidt (14) in franchise history.  (H/T Meghan Montemurro)

What Happened:  Eickhoff lasted six innings, allowing three runs on five hits.  Scherzer and Nationals closer Mark Melancon limited the Phillies to three hits, one of which was Howard's home run.

Featured Card:  In Howard's final season with the club, and as the last man standing from the 2008 World Series Champions, it's always nice when I can feature a card of The Big Piece.  This card takes a look back to when it all began and is part of an insert set found within this year's Topps flagship release.  Interestingly enough, and the scan doesn't do it justice, this reprint features gold foil while the original featured silver foil.

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 #58 Jorge Alfaro

#38
Jorge Mario Alfaro Buelvas
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  225
Born:  June 11, 1993, Sincelejo, Colombia
Home:  Sincelejo, Colombia
Signed:  Signed by the Texas Rangers as an amateur free agent, January 19, 2010
Teams:  Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Acquired with Matt Harrison, Nick Williams, Jared Eickhoff, Jake Thompson and Alec Asher from the Texas Rangers for Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman and cash considerations, July 31, 2015

2015 Topps Pro Debut #172

2015 Bowman Draft Bowman Scouts Fantasy Impact #BSI-JA

13 Alfaro Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2015 Topps Pro Debut #172
First Phillies Card:  2015 Bowman Draft Bowman Scouts Fantasy Impact #BSI-JA
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP103

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #58

Card statistics through 8/30/16.

2016 Topps Pro Debut #3 Jake Thompson

Nationals 4, Phillies 0
Game 131 - Monday Night, August 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-71, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Tanner Roark and two Nationals relievers limited the struggling Phillies offense to four hits as the Nationals won, 4-0.

What It Means:  This was the best start of Jake Thompson's young Major League career.

What Happened:  Thompson had a shaky first inning, allowing two runs including a first inning home run to Jayson Werth, but then recovered to pitch six shutout innings.  He's just the second Phillies starter since July 26th (along with Jeremy Hellickson) to pitch the full seventh inning in a game.

Featured Card:  Unless he's featured in the Topps Update set, this may be the closest Thompson gets this year to having a Topps base card.

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 #59 A.J. Ellis

#34
Andrew James Ellis
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  225
Born:  April 9, 1981, Cape Girardeau, MO
Drafted:  Selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 18th round of the June 2003 draft
Teams:  Los Angeles Dodgers 2008-2016; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Acquired with Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Carlos Ruiz and cash, August 25, 2016

2012 Topps Update #US304

0 Ellis Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  N/A
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  N/A

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2012 Topps Update #US304

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #59

Card statistics through 8/29/16.

Series Preview - Nationals at Phillies: August 29th to August 31st

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

Nationals 75-55, 1st place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Marlins
Phillies 60-70, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Nationals Probables:  Tanner Roark (13-7, 2.99), Max Scherzer (14-7, 2.92), Gio Gonzalez (9-9, 4.25)
Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (1-3, 9.78), Jared Eickhoff (9-12, 3.87), Adam Morgan (1-8, 6.50)

At the Ballpark:  The only give-aways for this series are available via special tickets for various theme nights.  The most intriguing item up for grabs is the Franco-Stein available on Wednesday as part of a Zombie Night promotion.

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .343
Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 80
Home Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 25
RBIs:  Daniel Murphy - 98
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 18

Wins:  Stephen Strasburg - 15
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.92
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 227
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 19

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .294
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 67
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 144
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

1970 Topps #666

1970 Topps #677

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Today's featured cards are for two players who both spent parts of their careers with the Expos and Phillies.

Adolfo Phillips played in parts of three seasons with the Phillies between 1964 and 1966, before leaving to serve as the Cubs' regular center fielder between 1966 and 1968.  With the Phillies, Phillips appeared in 56 games, hitting .223 before being included in the ill-fated (for the Phillies) Fergie Jenkins trade with the Cubs.  The Phillies outfield at the time was already occupied by Johnny Callison, Tony Gonzalez and Johnny Briggs.  Phillips was an original Expo in 1969, splitting center field duties with Ty Cline.  His sole Phillies baseball card can be found in the 1966 Topps set.

Woodie Fryman pitched in parts of 18 seasons in the Majors, spending the bulk of his career with the Phillies (1968-1972) and Expos (1975-1976, 1978-1983).  The Phillies originally acquired him from the Pirates in December 1967 as part of the deal that sent Jim Bunning to Pittsburgh.  He appeared on a number of Phillies baseball cards between 1968 and 1972, although he'd have to wait for his 1970 Topps card to actually show him wearing a Phillies uniform.  Both his 1968 and 1969 Topps cards use the same photo of Fryman in a Pirates jersey.

2015 Topps #429 A.J. Ellis

Phillies 5, Mets 1
Game 130 - Sunday Afternoon, August 28th in Flushing
Record - 60-70, 4th place, 15 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  A.J. Ellis made his Phillies debut and delivered a clutch, two-run, tie-breaking double in the seventh inning of a 5-1 win.

What It Means:  For comparison purposes, the 2015 Phillies had a record of 52-78 through 130 games last season and they'd finish the season with 63 wins.  The 2016 Phillies need to win three more games to avoid a 100-loss season.  I certainly hope that's within reach.

What Happened:  The Phillies plated four runs in the seventh, breaking what had been a 1-1 tie. The other two runs came when Peter Bourjos was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Cesar Hernandez followed with a sacrifice fly.  Jimmy Paredes got the Phillies on the board with a fourth inning RBI double.

Vince Velasquez allowed just one run on five hits in his five innings of work, but he was done in once again by a high pitch count (103).

Featured Card:  The first virtual Phillies card for Ellis will most likely be his 2016 Chachi card, which I'll post at some point this week.  Only time will tell if he'll end up with an actual Phillies baseball card.

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!

1994 Pinnacle #460 Kevin Stocker

Mets 12, Phillies 1
Game 129 - Saturday Night, August 27th in Flushing
Record - 59-70, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Manager Pete Mackanin summed up this game perfectly with the post-game statement, "Tonight was embarrassing."

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost seven of their last ten by a combined score of 65-16.  It's not going well.

What Happened:  The Mets hit four more home runs and Noah Syndergaard held the Phillies offense to just two hits over his seven innings of work.  Jeremy Hellickson was knocked out after four innings having allowed five runs on seven hits.  Michael Mariot allowed six runs in just 2/3 of an inning and watched his ERA go from 3.24 to 9.00.

Featured Card:  Radio analyst Larry Andersen had the weekend off, so Kevin Stocker joined Scott Franzke in the booth.  We listened to Stocker's work during most of this game, and I was impressed. Not impressed enough to suggest breaking up the fantastic team of Franzke and L.A., but I enjoyed Stocker's analysis and he seemed to be a natural in the booth.  I wonder if this weekend stint was an audition for a larger role with the team next season?

Transaction:  A.J. Ellis officially joined the team and as expected Jorge Alfaro was optioned back to Double-A Reading for the time being.

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 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Top Prospects #1 Jorge Alfaro

Mets 9, Phillies 4
Game 128 - Friday Night, August 26th in Flushing
Record - 59-69, 4th place, 16 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Four home runs and Bartolo Colon downed Adam Morgan and the Phillies, 9-4.

What It Means:  This was the team's first game in the post-Carlos Ruiz era.  Chooch started on Friday night for the Dodgers, batting sixth and going 1 for 3 in a 6-4 loss to the Cubs.  Chase Utley batted eighth for the Dodgers and had one hit in five at-bats.

What Happened:  Jose Reyes and Asdrubal Cabrera led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back home runs off Morgan.  Wilmer Flores put the game out of reach with a grand slam off Frank Herrmann in the sixth.  Colon pitched seven innings, holding the Phillies to six hits and striking out six.

Featured Card/Transaction:  While waiting for the arrival of new back-up catcher A.J. Ellis, the Phillies recalled catcher Jorge Alfaro from Double-A Reading.  Alfaro did not make it into the game, and he's expected to re-join the Phillies on a more permanent basis once Reading's postseason schedule wraps up.

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!