2024-25 Offseason Begins - Early November Notes (Part 2)

2024 Topps Heritage #242

2024 Topps #571

2024 Choice Rocket City Trash Pandas #13

Once I started summarizing the player moves over the first week of the offseason, I realized I needed to break everything into two posts given the flurry of activity on Monday, November 4th.  (Part 1 of these Early November Notes can be found here.)

Devin Sweet (rhp) was acquired from the Detroit Tigers for cash considerations and added to the 40-man roster.  Sweet has pitched in seven big-league games, all in 2023, with the Mariners and Athletics.

John McMillon (rhp) was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins.  He's appeared in 14 games with the Royals and Marlins over the past two seasons, and was the winning pitcher in the Marlins game against the Phillies on September 7th.

Alan Rangel (rhp) who appeared in 10 games for the IronPigs in 2024, and who had pitched in seven seasons in the Braves' minor league system, was added to the 40-man roster.

Clearing space on the 40-man roster, the Phillies outrighted Yunior Marte (rhp), Luis F. Ortiz (rhp), Freddy Tarnok (rhp), Kolby Allard (lhp) and Rodolfo Castro (inf), with all clearing waivers and becoming free agents.  Marte relieved in 63 games for the Phillies over the past two seasons, and was 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in 65 1/3 innings pitched.  Ortiz appeared in 15 games for the Phillies, with just one game this past season, and had a 4.12 ERA in 19 2/3 innings pitched.  He spent the bulk of 2024 on the injured list.

Tarnok never pitched for the Phillies.  Allard was a somewhat reliable emergency fifth starter for the club, going 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA, finding his most success in two starts in August.  Added to the NLDS roster, he didn't appear in any of the four games.  Like Ortiz, Castro was injured for a lot of 2024, and never got the call back to the majors.  In 14 games with the Phillies in 2023, he batted .100 (3 for 30).  Marte, Ortiz and Castro have their only Phillies cardboard appearances in the somewhat rare 2024 team-issued photo cards, shown below.

2024-25 Offseason Begins - Early November Notes (Part 1)

2024 Topps Heritage #79

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #7

2024 Topps Update #US232

2024 Topps Update #US239

The offseason officially began on Halloween eve, after the Dodgers stunned the Yankees in a 7-6 comeback victory, taking the World Series, four games to one.  As has been the case in recent years, I expect this blog will go mostly dormant over the winter months, as I continue to focus on my set-building efforts with my 1969 Topps blog, and as I near the end of my blog recounting how my Dad and I collected the 1956 Topps set over a 20-year period.

I'll check back in here every now and then with roster and transaction-related news, and I'd like to maybe work on updating my very out-of-date want lists over the winter months.  To kick off the three and half months of semi-hibernation, here's a look at the team's early offseason moves.

Minor League Free Agents:  Somewhat under the radar, three Phillies relievers became free agents on October 10th.  Dylan Covey (rhp), Nick Nelson (rhp) and Andrew Bellatti (rhp) all left the organization, with Covey quickly signing with the Mets.  Covey appeared in 28 games for the Phillies in 2023 and was 1-3 with a 3.69 ERA in 39 innings pitched.  He has nary a Phillies baseball card appearance.

Nelson and Bellatti were both key cogs in the team's 2022 bullpen, and then seemingly fell out of the Phillies' pitching plans the past two seasons.  Nelson was 4-2 with a 4.65 ERA in 52 games with the Phillies, and he pitched a scoreless, mop-up inning in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, won by the Astros, 7-0.  Bellatti appeared in 86 games, going 5-4 with a 3.87 ERA in 2022 and 2023.  He didn't allow a run in five postseason appearances and 4 1/3 innings pitched in 2022.  Both had cards in the team-issued photo card sets from 2022 and 2023.  Bellatti showed up in the 2023 and 2024 Topps Heritage sets, with both cards using the same photo.

On October 15th, Aramis Garcia (c) joined the ranks of minor league free agents.  Garcia appeared in three September games with the Phillies and was 0 for 7.  He appears in both editions of the 2024 Lehigh Valley IronPigs team sets.

Major League Free Agents:  Carlos Estevez (rhp), Jeff Hoffman (rhp) and Spencer Turnbull (rhp) all became free agents on Halloween.  I'd like to see Hoffman, and maybe even Turnbull, come back to the team.  Hoffman was an All-Star this year, and both he and Estevez struggled mightily in the NLDS.  Turnbull last pitched on June 26th, before injuries derailed his season.

Kingery Era Ends:  On November 1st, Scott Kingery (inf) was traded to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations.  He last suited up for the Phillies for one game in 2022, and over his decade in the organization, he batted .229 with 30 home runs and 96 RBIs at the big league level before settling into a regular role with the IronPigs.  Kingery was the club's everyday shortstop in 2018, and the club had signed him to a $24 million contract covering the 2018 to 2023 seasons.  I have 93 (!) Kingery cards in my Phillies collection.

40-Man Roster / Transaction Flurry:  I'll break this into two posts, with a look at the flurry of moves made on Monday next.

NLDS Game 4 - Epic Collapse Completed

Mets 4, Phillies 1
NLDS Game 4 - Wednesday Afternoon, October 9th in Flushing
Mets win series, 3-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' epic collapse from first half juggernauts to second half and postseason pushovers was completed in this 4-1 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  I have no idea, other than I'm going to complete this post and take a break from the Phillies for a little bit.  I doubt I'll watch much, if any, of the postseason.  I would think changes need to be made, but where do you start?  For two postseasons in a row, the Phillies mostly forgot how to hit.  The team batted .186 in the NLDS with 38 strikeouts.  And the strongest bullpen in baseball pitched to a 11.37 ERA.  What a mess.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez was continually and constantly in trouble, yet he somehow worked through 4 1/3 innings without allowing a run.  He struck out eight while allowing five hits and four walks.  Jeff Hoffman recorded the final two outs of the fifth inning and came back out to start the sixth.  His sequence went like this:  single, wild pitch, hit by pitch, wild pitch, walk, force out at home.  Carlos Estevez got the call from a bullpen and promptly allowed a season-ending grand slam to Francisco Lindor.

The Phillies' offense was once again dead.  Bryce Harper laced a lead-off double in the sixth, but was left stranded after Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto struck out and Bryson Stott hit a weak grounder to first to end the inning.  Castellanos had a pair of hits and finished the NLDS with a .412 average, one of the few (only?) bright spots from the Phillies other than Harper and Zack Wheeler.  Everyone else not named Harper or Castellanos batted .140 (14 for 100).  Realmuto was 0 for 11, Brandon Marsh and Alec Bohm were both 1 for 13.

The long offseason begins today, and The Phillies Room will return after a brief therapeutic sabbatical.

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2024 Chachi #69 NLDS Game 3

NLDS Game 3 - Nola Can't Stop the Long Ball, Bats Continue to Slumber

Mets 7, Phillies 2
NLDS Game 3 - Tuesday Afternoon, October 8th in Flushing
Mets lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola gave up what felt like two unsurmountable solo home runs, and the Phillies offense managed two singles before the eighth inning in this 7-2 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  Bad vibes everybody.  Pessimism is heavy and watching this game felt like three hours of torture.  The Phillies are lifeless.

What Happened:  Nola gave up a home run to Pete Alonso to start the bottom of the second, and Jesse Winker added a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth.  Nola put a pair of runners on before being relieved by Orion Kerkering in the sixth, and Starling Marte lined a two-run single to center to score both inherited runners.  Jose Alvarado loaded the bases in the seventh with two walks and a single, and Jose Iglesias singled home two more runs to make it 6-0, Mets.  Carlos Estevez coughed up another meaningless run to the Mets in the eighth.

From the offensive side, Trea Turner singled in the third and Alec Bohm singled in the fourth.  Bohm was thrown out at second as he somehow thought he could stretch his single into a double.  Walks and hit by pitches gave them some chances, but overall the offense was 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Austin Hays was 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.

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2024 Chachi #68 NLDS Game 2 / 2024 Chachi #70 NLDS Game 4

Phillies at Mets - October 8th to October 9th

2024 Chachi Series Preview #12

2024 Chachi Series Preview #13

Tuesday and Wednesday 5:08
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  With the series tied 1-1, the Phillies travel to Flushing with the hope of wrapping it up and advancing to the NLCS by Game 4.

Philadelphia Phillies 1-1
National League East Champions

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (0-0, 0.00)
Ranger Suarez (0-0, 0.00)

Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .444
Runs:  Three tied with - 2
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 1
RBIs:  Three tied with - 2
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 2

Wins:  Jeff Hoffman - 1
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 0.00
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 9
Saves:  N/A

New York Mets 1-1
Defeated Brewers in NLWCS, 2-1

Mets Probables
Sean Manaea (0-0, 3.60)
Jose Quintana (0-0, 0.00)

Mets Postseason Leaders
Average:  Mark Vientos - .400
Runs:  Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos - 5
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso and Mark Vientos - 2
RBIs:  Mark Vientos - 7
Stolen Bases:  Four tied with - 1

Wins:  Three tied with - 1
ERA:  Jose Quintana - 0.00

Strikeouts:  Luis Severino - 10
Saves:  David Peterson - 1

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NLDS Game 2 - Casty, Resilient Phils Battle Back to Walk It Off!

Phillies 7, Mets 6
NLDS Game 2 - Sunday Afternoon, October 6th in Philadelphia
Series tied, 1-1

One Sentence Summary:  Lethargic early on, the Phillies piled on dramatic hits late, capped by Nick Castellanos' game-winning single in this exhausting 7-6 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  The series is tied up, and will resume with Game 3 on Tuesday.  After spending most of the weekend tense, it's nice to go into Monday in a good mood.

What Happened:  Continuing the theme from Saturday, the Phillies looked lifeless at the plate through the first five innings.  Cristopher Sanchez battled through his five innings of work, allowing a two-run home run to Mark Vientos in the third.  Jose Ruiz surrendered a Pete Alonso solo home run in the sixth to give the Mets a 3-0 lead.  In the bottom of the sixth, all with two outs, Trea Turner singled and then Bryce Harper and Castellanos went back-to-back with home runs to tie the game, 3-3.  There was finally some life at the ballpark.

The Mets quickly re-took the lead in the top of the seventh when Brandon Nimmo hit a two-out, solo home run off Orion Kerkering.  But the Phillies would continue to punch back.  In the bottom of the eighth, Harper walked, Castellanos singled, and Bryson Stott tripled them both home to give the Phillies a 5-4 lead.  Stott would score an insurance run on a ground ball hit by J.T. Realmuto to Vientos at third, that should have been called an error when Vientos couldn't handle it.  The Phillies held a 6-4 lead.

In the top of the ninth, looking to close it out, Matt Strahm allowed a single to Francisco Lindor and then a game-tying, two-run home run to Vientos.  The Phillies would need another comeback in the bottom of the ninth, and they'd deliver.  Again with two outs, Turner and Harper both drew walks off Tylor Megill.  Castellanos lined a single to left to score Turner, sending the jubilant Phillies onto the field to celebrate one of the most thrilling wins in their postseason history.

Featured Card:  Stott and Castellanos had the big hits, so they get the highlight card.  I could have easily given Castellanos both panels of this 1984 Topps-inspired design.

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2024 Chachi #67 NLDS Game 1 / 2024 Chachi #69 NLDS Game 3

NLDS Game 1 - Phils Waste Wheeler's Gem

Mets 6, Phillies 2
NLDS Game 1 - Saturday Afternoon, October 5th in Philadelphia
Mets lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler pitched one of the best games of his career, but a quiet Phillies offense couldn't support the ace's outing in this nauseating 6-2 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try for a home split this afternoon with Cristopher Sanchez on the mound.  Games 3 and 4 will be Tuesday and Wednesday in Flushing.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed one single in seven innings of work, while walking four and striking out nine.  Phillies Notes posted on X that Wheeler now has a 2.18 ERA in 12 career starts and 13 games overall in the postseason.  His nine strikeouts give him 77 for the postseason, tying him with Cole Hamels for the franchise all-time lead.

Kyle Schwarber gave us the only thing to cheer about from the offensive side, leading off the game with a second deck home run off Mets' starter Kodai Senga.  From that point on, Senga, David Peterson, Reed Garrett and Phil Maton limited the potent Phillies' line-up to three hits between the first and eighth innings.  The Phillies were 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Wheeler departed after seven innings, and the usually dependable Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering gave us a nightmare top of the eighth inning.  The Mets batted around, scoring five runs on five hits and a walk, giving them an insurmountable 5-1 lead.

Featured Card:  Let's hope this is the first of many postseason subset cards from this year's Chachi set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game from our preferred perch in Section 315.  We arrived more than an hour before game-time, giving us plenty of time to check out (and purchase) some postseason merchandise and pose for a picture in front of the awesome mural right outside Pass and Stowe.  Settling into our seats, we waved our towels and cheered throughout the pregame ceremony, Schwarber's home run, and every Wheeler inning.  But the thing we kept saying, along with 45,000-plus other fans in attendance, was "We need more runs."  We departed the ballpark quickly and quietly, hoping for some life from the bats on Sunday.

Transaction:  Taijuan Walker (rhp) and Buddy Kennedy (inf) were left off the NLDS roster, with Kolby Allard (lhp) and Weston Wilson (inf) both making the cut.

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2024 Chachi #66 Phils Clinch N.L. East HL / 2024 Chachi #68 NLDS Game 2

Mets at Phillies: October 5th to October 6th

2024 Chachi Series Preview #10

2024 Chachi Series Preview #11

Saturday and Sunday 4:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  After a dramatic win over the Brewers on Thursday night, the Mets travelled to Philadelphia to take on the division-winning Phillies.  Larry Andersen and Kevin Stocker will throw out the ceremonial first pitches before Game 1.  Hopes are high.

New York Mets 89-73
Defeated Brewers in NLWCS, 2-1

Mets Probables
Kodai Senga (1-0, 3.38)
Luis Severino (11-7, 3.91)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Francisco Lindor - .273
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 107
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 34
RBIs:  Francisco Lindor - 91
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 29

Wins:  Sean Manaea - 12
ERA:  Sean Manaea - 3.47

Strikeouts:  Sean Manaea - 184
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 20

Philadelphia Phillies 95-67
National League East Champions

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.32)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .295
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 110
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 38
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 104
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 32

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 16
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.57
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 224
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

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Thanks Hit King

He was a flawed man, but he was my first favorite baseball player.  I consider his 1979 Topps Burger King Phillies card as the first official baseball card in my collection, added after a trip to Burger King in Vineland, New Jersey.  I've been hooked on baseball cards ever since.

Game 162 - Phils Win Final Regular Season Game Behind Nola

2024 Topps Chrome #262

Phillies 6, Nationals 3
Game 162 - Sunday Afternoon, September 29th in Washington
Record - 95-67, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held on to win the final game of the season, riding a four-run fourth inning to a 6-3 victory over the Nationals.

What It Means:  And now they wait to see who they'll face off against in the NLDS, beginning on Saturday.  In the Wild Card Series, the Brewers will face either the Mets or Diamondbacks, and one of those three teams will come to Philadelphia for Game 1 of the NLDS in a little less than a week.  The Braves and Mets have a double header scheduled tomorrow to finalize the postseason picture.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored two quick runs in the first on RBI ground outs from Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm.  Bohm would finish the regular season with 97 RBIs.  In the top of the fifth, Kody Clemens walked, Edmundo Sosa and Garrett Stubbs singled to load the bases.  Kyle Schwarber delivered a two-run single to left to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Weston Wilson would add a two-run double, putting the Phillies up, 6-1.  

It got dicey in the ninth, with Jose Ruiz on the mound.  Ruiz loaded the bases with no one out, struck out two batters and then got Juan Yepez to fly out to the warning track as Clemens made a leaping catch to save the game and end the season.

Also of note, Nick Castellanos played in all 162 games this season, the oldest Phillies player to do that since Pete Rose in 1982.

Featured Card:  Nola finished the season with a 14-8 record and just short of 200 innings, with 199 1/3 innings pitched for the year.  He struck out seven on the day and 197 for the season.

Transaction:  Buddy Kennedy (inf) was recalled and Tyler Gilbert (lhp) was optioned to the minor league complex in Clearwater.

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Game 161 - Phils Can't Deliver Wheeler's 17th Win

2024 Topps Now Orange #622

Nationals 6, Phillies 3
Game 161 - Saturday Afternoon, September 28th in Washington
Record - 94-67, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled back, but a rare bad outing from reliever Jeff Hoffman gave the Nationals a 6-3 win in the penultimate game of the 2024 regular season.

What It Means:  The Phillies would play one more game on Sunday before getting the week off as four teams battle in the Wild Card Series.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was hoping for his 17th win of the season, and he departed after 6 1/3 innings with the Nationals holding a 2-0 lead.  Wheeler struck out 11, and allowed a two-run home run to James Wood in the sixth.  In the top of the eighth, Edmundo Sosa was hit by a pitch and with two outs, Trea Turner launched his 21st home run of the year to left-center field, tying the game.  

The Nationals would quickly take back the lead in the bottom of the eighth with Hoffman on the mound.  Wood tripled, Keibert Ruiz singled him home, Dylan Crews singled and Joey Gallo hit a three-run home run to give the Nationals a 6-2 lead.  The Phillies would score once more in the ninth, but it wouldn't be enough.

Featured Card:  Here's a cool card that recently arrived as a "bonus" from Topps within an order of Topps Now cards.  Numbered to 5, it celebrates Wheeler's 100th victory back on August 31st.

Field Report:  We were home for the start of this game following two fall ball tournament games for Doug's travel baseball team.  The Phillies didn't do much at the plate, but Doug connected for a home run and a double off the fence, with three hits on the day.  His team won both games.  His agent and videographer (his mother) provided the video embedded below, as I watched on proudly from the dugout.

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Game 160 - Suarez's Struggles Continue in D.C.

2024 Topps Living #743

Nationals 9, Phillies 1
Game 160 - Friday Night, September 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 94-66, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez continued a troublesome pattern of ineffectiveness and the Phillies' offense was quieted by Nationals' pitching in this 9-1 loss.

What It Means:  I meant to enjoy these final three regular season games, as they would be the last stress-free games for me (and most Phillies fans) until spring training starts up in February.  The Phillies had other plans, turning in a pair of clunkers and one final win on Sunday.

What Happened:  Suarez lasted two innings, allowing six runs on seven hits, and finishing the season with a 12-8 record.  Five relievers did their best to hold the Nationals at bay, but the Phillies' bats were quieted by starter Trevor Williams and four relievers.  Austin Hays hit a solo home run in the eighth inning.  Other than that, the Phillies had three singles.

Featured Card:  Here's one of the best Suarez cards in my collection, his card from the 2024 version of the Topps Living set.  Suarez likely won't pitch again until Game 4 of the NLDS (if needed) and hopefully by then he can figure out what's been ailing him.

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Game 159 - Win Gives Phils First-Round Bye in Playoffs

2022 Topps Now #1078

Phillies 9, Cubs 6
Game 159 - Wednesday Night, September 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 94-65, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  An offensive outburst coupled with a Brewers loss gave the Phillies a first-round playoff bye and a series win over the Cubs.

What It Means:  The Phillies will now skip the Wild Card round of the playoffs and await their opponent in the NLDS, beginning on October 5th.  As of this writing (on Friday night), their opponent could be either the Brewers or Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and Kody Clemens all homered for the Phillies.  Brandon Marsh had three RBIs on a bases-clearing double in the fifth, blowing the game open.  Castellanos and Stott both had three hits.  Cristopher Sanchez didn't make it out of the fifth inning, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits, and Jose Ruiz picked up the win in relief.

Featured Card:  Marsh had the big hit in this game, and this card from the 2022 Topps Now set celebrates his big hit in the NLDS against the Braves.  Marsh hit a three-run home run to help the Phillies shock the Braves in that NLDS, sending them to the NLCS to face off against the Padres.

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Game 158 - Hangover Game Goes Poorly for Phils

2020 Chachi Departures #9

Cubs 10, Phillies 4
Game 158 - Tuesday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 93-65, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A day after celebrating their division-clinching win, the Phillies couldn't overcome the Cubs in this 10-4 loss.

What It Means:  One more win will give the Phillies a first-round bye in the playoffs and they would look to rebound on Wednesday night.

What Happened:  A bullpen game by design, Tanner Banks (three runs), Taijuan Walker (three more runs) and Kolby Allard (four runs) were hit hard and often.  Only Tyler Gilbert escaped unscathed, pithing two shutout innings of relief at the end of the game.  Bryce Harper (30) and Kyle Schwarber (38) both homered in the game.

Featured Card:  Former Phillie Drew Smyly got the win in relief for the Cubs.  Smyly made 12 starts for the Phillies in 2019, going 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA.  He has no official baseball cards marking his time with the club, but he appeared on a few Chachi cards, including the card featured here.

Transaction:  Austin Hays (of) was activated from the injured list and Cal Stevenson (of) was optioned to the complex in Clearwater.

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Phillies at Nationals - September 27th to September 29th

1984 Topps #300

1984 Topps Traded #103T

Friday 6:45, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 3:05
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a National hockey jersey.  Oddly enough, the Nationals don't appear to have anything special planned for the final regular-season game on Sunday.

Philadelphia Phillies 94-65
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (12-7, 3.15)
Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.56)
Aaron Nola (13-8, 3.52)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .296
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 108
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 38
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 102
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 32

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 16
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.56
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 213
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

Washington Nationals 69-90
4th Place in the N.L. East, 25 games behind the Phillies

Nationals Probables
Trevor Williams (5-1, 2.19)
MacKenzie Gore (10-12, 4.04)
Jake Irvin (10-13, 4.22)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Luis Garcia - .278
Runs:  CJ Abrams - 79
Home Runs:  CJ Abrams - 20
RBIs:  Luis Garcia - 68
Stolen Bases:  Jacob Young - 32

Wins:  MacKenzie Gore and Jake Irvin - 10
ERA:  MacKenzie Gore - 4.04
Strikeouts:  MacKenzie Gore - 172
Saves:  Kyle Finnegan - 38

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Game 157 - PHILS CLINCH N.L. EAST PENNANT

Phillies 6, Cubs 2
Game 157 - Monday Night, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 93-64, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  For the first time since 2011, the Phillies have clinched the National League East pennant, following this 6-2 win over the Cubs.

2007 Chachi #58

What It Means:  The Magic Number to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs is down to two.  If the Phillies can finish with a better record than the Dodgers or Brewers, they'll face off against either the Brewers or Diamondbacks in the NLDS, bypassing the three-game Wild Card Series.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola delivered a much-needed steady performance, earning his 13th win and allowing a pair of runs on seven hits.  He didn't allow a home run and struck out seven.  The back-end of the bullpen trio of Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman and Cesar Estevez closed out the clincher.  The Phillies took a 2-0 lead in the second following J.T. Realmuto's two-run home run, his 14th of the season.  Kyle Schwarber homered in the third, recording his 100th RBI.  Trea Turner then connected for his 250th career double and came home on a Nick Castellanos single to left.  The offense would score two more insurance runs late, but the solid bullpen had all the run support they needed.

Estevez made it interesting in the ninth after Brandon Marsh dropped a fly ball in left, but he got Michael Busch to fly out to Castellanos to end the game.

Featured Card:  I made sure to take all this in, as the last time I watched the Phillies clinch a division was a relative lifetime ago.  The newest division clinching card is at the top of this post, with the prior division clinching cards from the Chachi set archives also displayed.

2008 Chachi #54

2009 Chachi #58

2010 Chachi #52

2011 Chachi #55

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2024 Chachi #65 Kyle Schwarber HL / 2024 Chachi #67 NLDS Game 1

Game 156 - Wheeler's Outing Wasted as Bats Go Quiet

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #3

Mets 2, Phillies 1
Game 156 - Sunday Night, September 22nd in Flushing
Record - 92-64, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of run support wasted a fine effort from Zack Wheeler in this 2-1 defeat to the Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies dropped three out of four to the Mets, and they'll come home to face the Cubs for the final three regular season games at Citizens Bank Park.

What Happened:  Wheeler was looking for his 17th win, and would have had it if the Phillies could have delivered a few timely hits.  With the score tied 1-1, Brandon Nimmo homered to lead off the sixth and break the tie.  The Phillies had jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first when Trea Turner singled, went to second on a wild pitch and came home on an Alec Bohm single to right.  The offense would go 0 for 8 over the balance of the game with runners in scoring position.  Edwin Diaz closed it out for the Mets with a six-out save.

Featured Card:  Darick Hall, in what could be his final game in the Phillies' organization, hit a game-winning grand slam for the IronPigs on Sunday afternoon.  Hall is the all-time home run leader for the IronPigs team, and he's been their most popular player over the past four seasons.

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Game 155 - Kerkering's Rare Stumble Costs Phils

2024 Topps #520

Mets 6, Phillies 3
Game 155 - Saturday Afternoon, September 21st in Flushing
Record - 92-63, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't seal the division pennant on Saturday, losing to the Mets, 6-3, as Orion Kerkering had a rare rough outing from the bullpen.

What It Means:  I'm composing these posts after a long weekend of baseball tournaments and college visits, and sadly the Phillies were unable to celebrate a pennant win at Citi Field.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez is still searching for his early season form.  The All-Star went five innings, allowing a a pair of home runs, and departing with the score tied, 2-2.  Kyle Schwarber launched his record-setting 15th lead-off home run to start the game and Nick Castellanos added a solo home run in the fifth.  In the seventh, Kerkering issued a lead-off walk, hit a batter and gave up a tie-breaking RBI-single to Brandon Nimmo.  A two-run double by Francisco Alvarez would plate two more runs, and the Phillies' offense couldn't make up the difference before time ran out.

Featured Card:  Kerkering had been so good for the Phillies, and I realize it's a shame I usually only feature cards of relievers when they do something bad.  In his prior 20 games and 20 innings pitched, Kerkering had a 1.35 ERA with five walks and 26 strikeouts.

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Game 154 - Phils Clinch Playoff Spot!

2024 Topps Now #429

Phillies 12, Mets 2
Game 154 - Friday Night, September 20th in Flushing
Record - 92-62, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Led by Alec Bohm's 4 for 5 night, the Phillies offense pounded out 17 hits in this 12-2 win over the division rival Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies are back in the playoffs for the third year in a row, and they'll look to clinch the division title over the next few games.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez was the beneficiary of the run support, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on three hits while striking out seven.  Jeff Hoffman was on the mound in the ninth to secure the big win with a pair of strikeouts.  The Phillies' offense scored 12 unanswered runs after the Mets jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning.  Nick Castellanos tied the score with an RBI double in the third.  Bohm made it a comfortable lead with a three-run home run in the fourth, making it 8-2, Phillies.  J.T. Realmuto, swinging a hot bat, would put an exclamation mark on the night with a two-run home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Bohm is having a solid season, and he was batting .290 with 15 home runs and 94 RBIs following this game.  Here's his Topps Now card issued after his participation in the Home Run Derby this summer before the All-Star Game.

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Cubs at Phillies - September 23rd to September 25th

1984 Topps #757

1984 Topps #70

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

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies Magic Number to clinch the National League East pennant is one.  Wednesday night is Fan Appreciation Night, with all fans in attendance receiving a 2025 schedule magnet.

Chicago Cubs 80-76
2nd Place in the N.L. Central, 9 games behind the Brewers

Cubs Probables
Nate Pearson (2-1, 3.13)
Justin Steele (5-5, 3.03)
Javier Assad (7-5, 3.34)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Seiya Suzuki - .279
Runs:  Ian Happ - 88
Home Runs:  Ian Happ - 25
RBIs:  Ian Happ - 85
Stolen Bases:  Nico Hoerner - 30

Wins:  Shota Imanaga - 15
ERA:  Shota Imanaga - 2.91
Strikeouts:  Shota Imanaga - 174
Saves:  Hector Neris - 17

Philadelphia Phillies 92-64
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.54)
TBD
Cristopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.25)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .298
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 106
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 99
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 31

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 16
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.56
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 213
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

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Game 153 - Mets Mash Taijuan

2008 Topps #572

Mets 10, Phillies 6
Game 153 - Thursday Night, September 19th in Flushing
Record - 91-62, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker suffered though his latest poor outing, and the Phillies couldn't overcome an early deficit in this 10-6 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies will have to wait another day to clinch a postseason berth, and hopefully they get back on track tonight with Christopher Sanchez on the mound.

What Happened:  Walker's final line was rough - 3 1/3 innings pitched, 6 hits, 8 runs, 3 walks, a hit batter and a 4 home runs.  His ERA went up to 6.91, putting him with some inauspicious company in terms of all-time worst seasons from a Phillies' starting pitcher.  The Phillies' offense tried to battle back, but the hole dug by Walker was too large to climb out of.  Trea Turner hit a two-run home run in the third and Bryce Harper had a two-run double in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Adam Eaton's name comes up a lot when talking about rough outings from a fifth starter in the midst of a Phillies pennant race.  Eaton was 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts for the 2007 Phillies, and 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 21 games for the 2008 Phillies.

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