Game 13 - Phils Off to Worst Start Since 2015

2015 Topps Heritage #411

Reds 6, Phillies 2
Game 13 - Thursday Night, April 13th in Cincinnati
Record - 4-9, Tied for 4th Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies once again couldn't solve Reds' starting pitcher Nick Lodolo, dropping this series opener by a score of 6-2.

What It Means:  After sitting through our son Doug's high school baseball game, which went nearly three and a half hours, I wasn't in the mood to watch the Phillies lose another game to the Reds.  This game came and went in the background as we recuperating from another long day.

What Happened:  The Phillies got to Lodolo for two runs when Nick Castellanos singled in the first and Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the fifth.  The offense was just 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.  Bailey Falter was tagged for five Reds runs in his 4+ innings of work, giving up eight hits.

Featured Card:  The 2015 Phillies also had a 4-9 record after 13 games, and manager Ryne Sandberg would decide he'd had enough in late June, quitting his post.  The team, led by interim manager Pete Mackanin for the rest of the season, would finish with a 63-99 record, the most losses since the club also lost 99 games in 1969.  The 2023 Phillies, at least on paper, are a lot better than the 2015 Phillies, and I optimistically believe this will not be a 99 loss season.

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

Game 12 - Alvarado Falters in Loss to Marlins

2022 Topps Now
Road to Opening Day #OD-282

Marlins 3, Phillies 2 (10 Innings)
Game 12 - Wednesday Afternoon, April 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 4-8, 4th Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler pitched well but a rare mistake from reliever Jose Alvarado and a lack of Phillies offense led to this 3-2, extra inning defeat.

What It Means:  The Phillies ended up dropping this series to the Marlins after a promising 15-run output on Monday night.  Four games with the Reds are up next, marking the final time the Reds and Phillies will face off in 2023.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed a run on three hits in his six innings of work, and then yielded to Alvarado.  Alvarado had been nearly unhittable so far in 2023, and he escaped the seventh with no issues.  But in the eighth, he allowed a lead-off home run to Jorge Soler to tie the game at 2-2.  Craig Kimbrel allowed a single in the 10th to score ghost runner Soler, and the Marlins would eventually win, 3-2.

The Phillies offense had eight hits on the day, including an RBI single from Brandon Marsh in the fourth and an RBI double from Bryson Stott in the fifth.

Featured Card:  When Alvarado struck out Garrett Hampson to begin the seventh inning, it was his 11th consecutive strikeout.  Per a Tweet from Phillies Notes, he's the first relief pitcher since 1961 to strike out that many batters in a row.  Prior to this season, relievers Eric Gagne (in 2003) and Chad Green (2019) had struck out ten in a row.

Unbelievably, I show just two baseball cards in my Phillies collection for Alvarado.  He received a card in last season's team-issued photo card set, and this is his card from the 2022 Topps Now Road to Opening Day on-demand set.

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

Game 11 - Fish and Arraez Pound Nola, Phils

2004 Topps #35

Marlins 8, Phillies 4
Game 11 - Tuesday Night, April 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 4-7, 4th Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies fell to the Marlins, 8-4, as Aaron Nola had another rough outing and the Marlins' Luis Arraez hit for the first cycle in franchise history.

What It Means:  An incredibly busy week at work means I'm a few games behind, although I've not really missed much.

What Happened:  Nola's record dropped to 0-2 as he allowed four runs on nine hits while pitching into the sixth inning.  The usually steady Andrew Bellatti gave up three more Marlins runs in the eighth.  The Phillies got on the board in the sixth when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run, his third of the season.  Later in the inning, Bryson Stott would line a bases loaded single to left, scoring a pair of runs, but then Stott would get thrown out while circling too far off first base.  The Phillies have been a hot mess on the base paths so far this season.  J.T. Realmuto added an RBI double in the ninth, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the deficit.

Featured Card:  Arraez doubled in the first, tripled in the sixth and hit a home run off Connor Brogdon in the seventh.  He singled off Bellatti in the eighth to complete the cycle.  The last cycle from a Phillies player came way back on June 28, 2004 when current Reds' manager David Bell did it at Citizens Bank Park against the Expos.  Of course Topps Now wasn't around back then, and as far as I know, Bell's feat has never been celebrated on a baseball card.

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

Phillies at Reds: April 13th to April 16th

1965 Topps #489

1965 Topps #158

Thursday and Friday 6:40, Saturday 4:10, Sunday 1:40
Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH

At the Ballpark:  There's a postgame fireworks show scheduled for Friday and on Saturday, all fans receive a cool-looking Great American Ball Park replica, celebrating 20 years of the ballpark.  It's also Jackie Robinson day on Saturday and all fans will receive a commemorative Jackie Robinson baseball card.  Finally, on Sunday, all kids will receive a Kids Sticker Sheet and all fans are invited to run the bases following the game.  (The Reds seem to have one of the strongest promotional schedules.)

Phillies 4-8
4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Bailey Falter (0-1, 2.61)
Taijuan Walker (0-1, 6.00)
Matt Strahm (1-0, 0.00)
Aaron Nola (0-2, 7.04)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .420
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 11
Home Runs:  Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber - 3
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 11
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 3

Wins:  Four tied with - 1
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.02

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 18
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 1

Reds 4-7
5th Place in the N.L. Central, 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Reds Probables
Nick Lodolo (1-0, 1.50)
Connor Overton (0-0, 10.13)
Graham Ashcraft (1-0, 2.08)
Luis Cessa (0-1, 7.00)

Reds Leaders
Average:  TJ Friedl - .350
Runs:  Jonathan India - 12
Home Runs:  Jason Vosler - 3
RBIs:  Jake Fraley and Jason Vosler - 9
Stolen Bases:  Jake Fraley and Jonathan India - 2

Wins:  Four tied with - 1
ERA:  Nick Lodolo - 1.50
Strikeouts:  Hunter Greene - 23
Saves:  Three tied with - 1

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

2023 Chachi #3 J.T. Realmuto

#10

Jacob Tyler Realmuto
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  212
Opening Day Age:  32

Born:  March 18, 1991, Del City, OK
Acquired:  Traded by the Marlins to the Phillies for Will Stewart, Jorge Alfaro, Sixto Sanchez and international bonus slot money, February 7, 2019

Contract Status:  Signed through 2025
Major League Teams:  Miami Marlins 2014-2018; Philadelphia Phillies 2019-2023

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Informally known in Philadelphia as the BCIB (best catcher in baseball), J.T. Realmuto already begins his fifth season with the Phillies after being acquired from the Marlins in February 2019.  He entered free agency following the 2020 season, re-signing with the Phillies for five years.  He's a three-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger winner and a Gold Glove recipient in 2019 and 2022.  Realmuto enjoyed a career year for the National League Champions last year, batting .276 with career highs in home runs (22), RBIs (84) and stolen bases (21).  He started 130 out of 162 games last season behind the plate, and caught every inning of all 17 Phillies postseason games.

2019 Chachi #5

2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #10

2020 Chachi #4

2021 Chachi #57

2022 Chachi #83

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2011 Topps Pro Debut
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (9):  2015-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #293
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  101 as of 4/11/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi New Additions #7
2019 Chachi #5
2019 Chachi #52 - All-Star
2019 Chachi #70 - Gold Glove
2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #10
2020 Chachi #4
2021 Chachi #4 
2021 Chachi #49 - Weird Game HL 
2021 Chachi #57 - All-Star 
2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #4 
2022 Chachi #2

2022 Chachi #83 - World Series Game 1

2022 Chachi #87 - World Series Game 5

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6

2022 Chachi #89 - Gold Glove

2023 Chachi #3 

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

2023 Chachi #2 Kyle Schwarber / 2023 Chachi #4 Darick Hall

Game 10 - Offense Unloads on Fish

2022 Topps Archives #229

Phillies 15, Marlins 3
Game 10 - Monday Night, April 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 4-6, 3rd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Strahm pitched five strong innings and the Phillies' offense jumped on the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner for nine runs in this 15-3 rout.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try to keep it going tonight as they inch closer to evening their won-loss record.

What Happened:  Strahm earned the win, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out six.  McKinley Moore (making his big league debut) and Andrew Vasquez navigated the rest of the game.  Four Phillies players had three hit nights - Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh.  Jake Cave, Bohm and Marsh all homered.  Marlins' starter Sandy Alcantara exited after four innings having allowed nine runs on 10 hits.

Featured Card:  Alec Bohm had quite the game with a pair of runs scored, three hits and six RBIs.  I have a feeling I'll be featuring quite a few of his cards during the 2023 season, which is fine as I have a backlog from 2022.  This is his card from the 2022 Topps Archives set, paying tribute to the 1987 Topps design, which Topps absolutely loves and completely overuses.

Field Report:  We attended our fourth game in a row, and that streak will be broken with the Tuesday night game as we take the night off from the ballpark.  We enjoyed the game from the Diamond Club, with Doug securing pregame autographs from the Marlins' Joey Wendle and the Phillies' Kody Clemens.  Normally, we would have avoided getting tickets for a Monday night game against the Marlins, but we wanted to be there to see Jean Segura receive his 2022 National League Champions ring and to welcome him in his return to Citizens Bank Park.

For the record, Doug also secured an autograph from Phillies' majority owner John Middleton as Alec Bohm was hitting his sixth inning home run.

Joey Wendle tosses Doug a signed ball

Jean Segura gets his ring

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

Marlins at Phillies: April 10th to April 12th

2014 Topps Heritage #146

1965 Topps #474

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight the Phillies will host their annual Asian Pacific Heritage Celebration, and Tuesday is the first Dollar Dog night of the year.

Marlins
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (1-0, 1.84)
Jesus Luzardo (1-0, 0.71)
Edward Cabrera (0-1, 5.40)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Luis Arraez - .471
Runs:  Five tied with - 4
Home Runs:  Garrett Cooper and Jorge Soler - 3
RBIs:  Garrett Cooper - 7
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 2

Wins:  Four tied with - 1
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 0.71
Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 15
Saves:  A.J. Puk - 1

Phillies
4th Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Matt Strahm (0-0, 0.00)
Aaron Nola (0-1, 7.45)
Zack Wheeler (0-1, 5.59)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .429
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 6
Home Runs:  Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber - 2
RBIs:  Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber - 5
Stolen Bases:  Jake Cave - 2

Wins:  Three tied with - 1
ERA:  Bailey Falter - 2.61

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 12
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 1

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

Game 9 - Phils Get Rings; Blow Game Late

Reds 6, Phillies 4
Game 9 - Sunday Afternoon, April 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 3-6, 4th Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Baserunning blunders and a poor outing from Seranthony Dominguez led to this stunning 6-4 defeat by the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, but should have had the sweep.  The Marlins with Jean Segura come to town next for a three-game series beginning Monday night.

What Happened:  Baserunning blunders in the first, fourth and eighth innings by Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber, respectively took away runs or potential runs and eventually cost the Phillies the ballgame.  The pitching staff also gave up nine walks, led by five from starter Taijuan Walker and a costly pair from Dominguez that would prove to be the winning runs for the Reds.  Dominguez entered in the ninth trying to secure a save with the Phillies up 4-2.  He walked two batters, TJ Friedl reached on an infield single and then Jake Fraley hit a bases-clearing double to give the Reds the lead.

Alec Bohm broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth with a two-run home runs to left, scoring Bryson Stott.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  We watched the game from our seats in the Diamond Club, which I was told today has been rebranded the CP Rankin Club.  CP Rankin spent a ton of money I'm sure for the branding rights, all for me to continue to call it the Diamond Club.  In any event, the pregame ring ceremony was spectacular.  Every member of the current Phillies club was on hand to receive their rings, with the loudest ovations saved for the last two players out of the dugout - Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper.  There were also a number of players who appeared with the Phillies in 2022 who are still in the system receiving rings, including Simon Muzziotti, Damon Jones, Francisco Morales, Scott Kingery, Rafael Marchan, Will Toffey and Michael Plassmeyer.  The game itself was enjoyable . . . until the ninth inning.  And we even got a quick visit with the Phanatic, resulting in a very limited edition Chachi Special Edition insert card.

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

#34 Raising the 2022 Flag HL

Game 8 - Stott Walks It Off in the 9th

2023 Topps #295

Phillies 3, Reds 2
Game 8 - Saturday Afternoon, April 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 3-5, 3rd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth, capped by Bryson Stott's game-winning single, to stun the Reds in this 3-2 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for a series sweep this afternoon, with the entire 2022 team receiving their 2022 National League Champions rings in a pre-game ceremony.

What Happened:  Bailey Falter once again pitched effectively, but received no run support.  He went five innings, allowing a first inning solo home run and striking out a pair.  Andrew Bellatti, Connor Brogdon and Seranthony Dominguez all pitched scoreless innings of relief with Bellatti appearing in his sixth game already this season.

The Phillies offense was quiet against Reds' starter Nick Lodolo and reliever Alexis Diaz for eight innings.  Lodolo allowed three hits and struck out 12, with Diaz striking out the side in the eighth.  But in the ninth, with the Reds up 2-0, Nick Castellanos walked to start the inning and went to second on a wild pitch.  Alec Bohm singled to put runners on the corners and pinch-hitter Brandon Marsh singled Castellanos home.  Bohm came home on an Edmundo Sosa sacrifice fly to tie up the game, and Marsh stole second setting up Stott's heroics.  Stott singled to right with Marsh easily scoring and kicking off the first of hopefully many postgame Phillies celebrations.

Featured Card:  Here's Stott's card from Topps Series One, and it's his first 2023 card added to my collection.

Field Report:  Doug and I enjoyed this relatively quick game from Section 315.  We noticed the pace of the game was a little too fast for our liking.  Given the sell-out crowd, when we left our seats in the third inning to get food, we waited in long lines for our Bull's BBQ, and missed almost the entire middle section of the game.  This is definitely something we're not used to.  Big crowds and quicker games means we need to be more strategic with our food planning.

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

Game 7 - Phils Raise the '22 Flag, Win '23 Home Opener

Phillies 5, Reds 2
Game 7 - Friday Afternoon, April 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 2-5, 4th Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run seventh inning home run, and the Phillies went on to win their 2023 home opener, 5-2.

What It Means:  Nothing but good vibes.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler had a decent outing, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing a pair of runs on five hits.  The bullpen shut down the Reds the rest of the way behind Andrew Bellatti, Gregory Soto, Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel, who earned his first save with the Phillies.

The Phillies scored first when Brandon Marsh drew a bases loaded walk in the second to score Nick Castellanos.  Kyle Schwarber doubled home Trea Turner in the fifth, scoring Turner from first base.  With the score tied up in the seventh, Realmuto connected for his first home run of the season.  Pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa added an insurance run when he homered in the eighth.

Field Report/Featured Card:  We were happy to attend the home opener and our first Phillies game as a foursome since World Series Game 4, which was terrible.  We were cold, but the pregame ceremonies once again did not disappoint with the team making their way to the field via the outfield bleachers, Kane Kalas doing a phenomenal job with the National Anthem and a huge American flag once again being unfurled to cover the entire outfield.  

Following the introductions of both teams, with members of the 2022 Phillies team getting the loudest ovations, the Phillies gave us the coolest moment of the day.  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins, both injured, were ready in Ashburn Alley to raise the team's blue 2022 pennant.  We realized it could possibly be one of the last times we see Hoskins in a Phillies uniform, as he'll miss the entire season following his knee surgery.

Transaction:  Before the game, Darick Hall (1b-dh) was placed on the injured list with a right thumb sprain and Kody Clemens (inf) was recalled from the IronPigs.

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

#33 Kody Clemens / #35 Ring Ceremony HL

Reds at Phillies: April 7th to April 9th

2014 Topps Heritage #432

1965 Topps #352

Friday 3:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  This afternoon is the home opener with all fans receiving a 2022 National League Champions banner.  Saturday is "opening night" and all fans 15 and over will receive a National League Champions t-shirt.  And on Sunday, the Phillies will receive their Championship rings in a pregame ceremony, with fans able to take pictures with the Championship trophy in the first base plaza.

Reds 3-2
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 1 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Reds Probables
Hunter Greene (0-0, 8.10)
Nick Lodolo (1-0, 3.60)
Graham Ashcraft (1-0, 1.29)

Reds Leaders
Average:  Jonathan India - .389
Runs:  Jonathan India - 7
Home Runs:  Jason Vosler - 3
RBIs:  Jason Vosler - 7
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan India - 1

Wins:  Three tied with - 1
ERA:  Graham Ashcraft - 1.29
Strikeouts:  Nick Lodolo - 9
Saves:  Alexis Diaz and Derek Law - 1

Phillies 1-5
4th Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (0-1, 8.31)
Bailey Falter (0-1, 3.38)
Taijuan Walker (0-1, 8.31)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .435
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 4
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 2
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 4
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 1

Wins:  Andrew Bellatti - 1
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 7.45

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 9
Saves:  N/A

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

2023 Chachi #2 Kyle Schwarber

#12

Kyle Joseph Schwarber
Designated Hitter-Left Field

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  229
Opening Day Age:  30

Born:  March 5, 1993, Middletown, OH
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, March 20, 2022

Contract Status:  Signed through 2025
Major League Teams:  Chicago Cubs 2015-2020; Washington Nationals 2021; Boston Red Sox 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023

World Series Appearances:  Chicago Cubs 2016; Philadelphia Phillies 2022

In his first year with the Phillies, Kyle Schwarber batted just .218, but he led the league with 46 home runs.  That home run tally along with 94 RBIs represented career-highs for the eight-year veteran.  His average was the same in the postseason (12 for 55) and he connected for six home runs.  Schwarber will likely swap time between designated hitter and left field until the return of slugger Bryce Harper in 2023.

Originally drafted by the Cubs as their first round pick in 2014, Schwarber missed almost the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL in his left knee, but he returned in time to help the Cubs win the World Series.  He departed Chicago following the 2020 season via free agency, spending the 2021 season with both the Nationals and the Red Sox.  He's a two-time All-Star (2021 and 2022) and was a Silver Slugger recipient in 2022.

2022 Chachi New Additions #12

2022 Chachi #1

2022 Chachi #53

2022 Chachi Friendly Encounters #14

2023 Chachi Previews #4

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP2
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2016-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Now World Baseball Classic #WBC-24
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  35 as of 4/6/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2022 Chachi New Additions #12 
2022 Chachi #1

2022 Chachi #53 - Home Run Derby

2022 Chachi #55 - All-Star

2022 Chachi #72 - NLDS Game 2

2022 Chachi #84 - World Series Game 2

2022 Chachi Friendly Encounters #14

2023 Chachi Previews #4

2023 Chachi #2

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

2023 Chachi #1 Trea Turner / 2023 Chachi #3 J.T. Realmuto

2023 Chachi #1 Trea Turner

#7

Trea Vance Turner
Shortstop

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  185
Opening Day Age:  29

Born:  June 30, 1993, Boynton Beach, FL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, December 8, 2022

Contract Status:  Signed through 2033
Major League Teams:  Washington Nationals 2015-2021; Los Angeles Dodgers 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

World Series Appearances:  Washington Nationals 2019

Trea Turner signed an 11-year deal with the Phillies in the offseason, giving the team its long-term shortstop, lead-off hitter and one of the best players in the league.  Turner has led the league twice in stolen bases (2018 and 2021) and won a batting title in 2021 with a .328 average.  He's a two-time All-Star and won his first Silver Slugger in 2022 after collecting a career-high 100 RBIs.  Turner helped lead the Nationals to their only World Series title in 2019.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP10
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (7):  2016-2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Now #WBC-63
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  5 as of 4/6/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2023 Chachi New Additions #1

2023 Chachi #1

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

2022 Chachi #89 J.T. Realmuto HL - Gold Glove / 2023 Chachi #2 Kyle Schwarber

Game 6 - Phils Fall Again to Yanks; Home Opener on Horizon

2022 Topps
Throwback Thursday #132

Yankees 4, Phillies 2
Game 6 - Wednesday Afternoon, April 5th in New York
Record - 1-5, Tied for 4th Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies fell again to the Yankees, limping home after starting the season with a 1-5 record.

What It Means:  But they'll have to wait for the home opener, as it's already been postponed due to looming bad weather expected on Thursday afternoon.  The 2023 home opener will now come on Friday afternoon instead.

What Happened:  The Phillies website touted this game as "encouraging," which is pretty lame for a team that went to the World Series last year.  Aaron Nola pitched better, and he departed in the seventh after walking the lead-off batter.  Up until that point, he had allowed a pair of runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out five.  Gregory Soto relieved Nola and gave up a two-run home run to Jose Trevino.

The Phillies offense had five hits, including two from Bryson Stott.  Jake Cave drove in their first run with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, and Kyle Schwarber hit his second home run of the season in the eighth.  If they're going to start winning, they need to start stringing together some extra-base hits.

Featured Card:  At least Schwarber collected a few home runs in this otherwise forgettable series.  This is a Topps Throwback Thursday card, modeled after the 1962 Topps World Series subset, released last year during the Phillies' improbable postseason run.

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

Game 5 - Strahm Comes Through, Schwarber Homers in Win

2017 Topps Allen & Ginter #313

Phillies 4, Yankees 1
Game 5 - Tuesday Night, April 4th in New York
Record - 1-4, Tied for 4th Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Just like everyone had predicted, it was a strong start from reliever Matt Strahm that led to the first Phillies victory of 2023.

What It Means:  For the first time in five games, the entirety of the game was enjoyable to watch.

What Happened:  Strahm got the start due to Ranger Suarez's injury, and he was fantastic.  He allowed one hit in four innings while walking a batter and striking out three.  Andrew Bellatti was credited with the win after a perfect fifth inning.  Craig Kimbrel made things interesting in the ninth with a run allowed, but he recorded the final out to secure the victory.

Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh both hit their first home runs of the season, with Schwarber and Trea Turner adding much-needed runs with RBI singles in the fifth.

Featured Card:  I think I like Strahm.  He's appeared on a surprising amount of baseball cards since 2015, including a lot with the Royals featuring him clean-shaven and with short hair.  He's pretty much unrecognizable on his 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter card, shown here.

Transactions:  Before the game, McKinley Moore (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Yunior Marte (rhp) was optioned down.  To make room for Moore on the 40-man roster, Jhailyn Ortiz (of) was designated for assignment.

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

Game 4 - Phils on Pace to Go 0-162

2022 Topps Update #US246

Yankees 8, Phillies 1
Game 4 - Monday Night, April 3rd in New York
Record - 0-4, 5th Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker and Yunior Marte got hit hard by the Yankees in this 8-1 loss, as the Phillies' bats remained quiet.

What It Means:  Yikes.

What Happened:  Walker's final line from his Phillies debut shows 4 1/3 innings pitched, four runs allowed on four hits and three walks.  Marte allowed an inherited runner to score and then gave up four runs of his own in just 1/3 of an inning.  (He'd be optioned down to Lehigh Valley on Monday.)  Brandon Marsh had an awful game, making costly mistakes in the outfield and on the base paths.  Alec Bohm had a three-hit night, raising his average through four games to .467.

Featured Card:  Marte was acquired from the Giants on January 9th for pitching prospect Erik Miller.  He made the team's bullpen after a strong spring, but after two appearances he owns a 54.00 ERA and he currently leads the league in earned runs allowed with six.  He did all of that in one inning, with all three of his outs coming on strikeouts.  Marte is waiting for his first solo mainstream baseball card, and he shared a 2022 Topps Update card with former Giants teammate Sean Hjelle.

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Game 3 - Rangers Complete Sweep of Phillies to Open '23

2021 Topps Heritage #304

Rangers 2, Phillies 1
Game 3 - Sunday Night, April 2nd in Arlington
Record - 0-3, 5th Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' offense couldn't provide enough runs to support Bailey Falter and his solid outing.

What It Means:  Let's just move on from this series, shall we?  Four games in, and I'm already playing catch-up which is more a reflection on my work schedule this time of year and not necessarily the Phillies' poor play.

What Happened:  Falter went 5 1/3 innings, allowing a Josh Jung solo home run in the second and a Marcus Semien RBI-single in the fifth.  The Phillies' only run scored when Josh Harrison grounded into a double play in the fourth, scoring Nick Castellanos.  Cristian Pache got his first start with the Phillies and went 0 for 3 while leaving six runners on base.  Gregory Soto pitched a perfect inning to lower his ERA from infinity to 27.00.

Featured Card:  Pache was the top prospect in the Braves' system not too long ago, but he's struggled mightily at the plate in his short time in the majors.  In March 2022, he was the centerpiece of a package of four prospects shipped to Oakland in exchange for slugging first baseman Matt Olson.  He's apparently a defensive wizard though, and this Topps Heritage card from 2021 shows him appropriately enough, In Action.

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Phillies at Yankees: April 3rd to April 5th

1965 Topps #419

2014 Topps Heritage #294

Monday and Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 1:05
Yankee Stadium - New York, NY

At the Ballpark:  Holders of a special theme ticket will receive a Paul O'Neill t-shirt at Monday's game.

Phillies 0-3
5th Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (0-0, 0.00)
Matt Strahm (0-0, 0.00)
Aaron Nola (0-0, 12.27)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .455
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 3
Home Runs:  Alec Bohm - 1
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 3
Stolen Bases:  Jake Cave and J.T. Realmuto - 1

Wins:  N/A
ERA:  Bailey Falter - 3.38
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 7
Saves:  N/A

Yankees 2-1
Tied for 2nd Place in the A.L. East, 1 game behind the Rays

Yankees Probables
Nestor Cortes (0-0, 0.00)
Domingo German (0-0, 0.00)
Gerritt Cole (1-0, 0.00)

Yankees Leaders
Average:  Aaron Judge - .462
Runs:  Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres - 3
Home Runs:  Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton - 2
RBIs:  Aaron Judge - 4
Stolen Bases:  Anthony Volpe - 3

Wins:  Jhony Brito and Gerritt Cole - 1
ERA:  3 tied with - 0.00

Strikeouts:  Gerritt Cole - 11
Saves:  N/A

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Game 2 - Misery Continues in Texas

2020 Topps Heritage #589

Rangers 16, Phillies 3
Game 2 - Saturday Afternoon, April 1st in Arlington
Record - 0-2, Tied for 4th Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After a brutal opening day loss on Thursday, it got much worse on Saturday, as the Phillies were destroyed, 16-3, by the Rangers.

What It Means:  Definitely not an ideal start to the season for the defending National League Champions.  As Tweeted by @tgpschmenk, the 27 runs allowed by the Phillies are the most allowed in the season's first two games since the 1895 club allowed 29 runs.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was chased in the fifth inning, and his final line shows five runs (four earned) on seven hits and seven strikeouts.  Seranthony Dominguez didn't retire any of the six batters he faced and was charged with six runs, four earned.  He joins Gregory Soto with the early season ERA of infinity.  Craig Kimbrel faced four batters, recorded only one out and was charged with three runs.  Josh Harrison made his Phillies debut and came in to record the final two outs of the eighth inning.

Featured Card:  Harrison, a non-roster invitee with the club in 2020, received two mainstream Phillies baseball cards that year, including this Topps Heritage card.  This was his fifth career major league pitching appearances, as he appeared in a game with the Pirates in 2013 and relieved in three games last season for the White Sox.

Transaction:  Dalton Guthrie (of) was optioned to Lehigh Valley after being on the Opening Day roster and Cristian Pache (of) was activated.

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Game 1 - Phils Suffer Through Nightmare Fourth Inning on Opening Day

2023 Topps #128

Rangers 11, Phillies 7
Game 1 - Thursday Afternoon, March 30th in Arlington
Record - 0-1, Tied for 3rd Place, 1 game behind the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies jumped to a 5-0 lead before Aaron Nola, Gregory Soto and Connor Brogdon gave up nine Rangers runs in a nightmare fourth inning.

What It Means:  Opening weekend was admittedly an afterthought for me, as I drove down to Myrtle Beach to watch my oldest son Doug compete in five spring training games at The Ripken Experience.  And what an experience it was!  Doug's teams fared much better than the Phillies, going 1-1 in the Junior Varsity games and 1-3 in the Varsity games.  Doug pitched in three of the six games, giving up a run over four innings.  At the plate, he was 1 for 3 with three walks, five runs scored, an RBI and a pair of stolen bases.  It was a thrilling weekend, and I hope we get to go back next year.  (Picture and a video below.)

Following my nine-plus hour drive down, I watched this Phillies game at the bar of RipTydz Oceanfront Grille & Rooftop Bar while enjoying shrimp tacos.

What Happened:  Nola started off solid, but then the wheels came off in the fourth.  His inning went - single, ground out, single, walk, two-run double from Jonah Heim, three-run home run from Robbie Grossman, ground out, call to the bullpen.  Soto didn't retire any of the batters he faced, giving him an ERA of infinity to start his Phillies career.

Alec Bohm connected for a two-run home run in the second, Trea Turner collected an RBI-triple in the third and Brandon Marsh doubled home Bohm in the fourth.  Unfortunately, the game continued after that.  Bohm and J.T. Realmuto each had three hits.

Featured Card:  Bohm should have been the star of this game, had the fourth inning never happened.

Transaction:  The camp head count was 35 following the final spring training game on Tuesday afternoon.  Prior to the season opener, Rhys Hoskins (1b) and Rafael Marchan (c) were placed on the 60-day IL, Nick Nelson (rhp), Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) and Ranger Suarez (lhp) were placed on the 15-day IL, and Bryce Harper (of) was placed on the 10-day IL.  Noah Song (rhp) was also activated from the military restricted list and placed on the 15-day IL.  The final two non-roster invitees, Will Toffey (inf) and Andrew Painter (rhp) were reassigned to minor league camp, and the math here is 35 - 7 - 2 = 26 if you're keeping score at home.

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