Series Preview - Marlins at Phillies: May 16th to May 18th

Monday and Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Marlins 20-17, 4th place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 22-16, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Nationals

Marlins Probables:  Adam Conley (2-2, 3.72), Wei-Yin Chen (3-1, 4.40), Tom Koehler (2-3, 5.14)
Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (1-5, 4.43), Vince Velasquez (4-1, 2.70), Jeremy Hellickson (3-2, 4.12)

At the Ballpark:  It's another Dollar Dog Night tonight, and that's about it as far as giveaways or promotions for this series.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Martin Prado - .374
Runs:  Christian Yelich - 23
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 11
RBIs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 25
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 6

Wins:  Jose Fernandez - 5
ERA:  Jose Fernandez - 3.21
Strikeouts:  Jose Fernandez - 69
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 11

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .333
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 24
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 8
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 22
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 6

Wins:  Vince Velasquez - 4
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 58
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 14

1970 Topps #168

1970 Topps Appreciation:  I've got no other logical place to include Dave Watkins' 1970 Topps card, Cameron Rupp could have hurt his knee on the play at the plate on Saturday night and could be disabled list bound.

and that's the only reason he's showing up in this series preview post.  His inclusion here could be timely in case the Phillies need to add another catcher to the roster.

Watkins sole season with the Phillies was 1969, when he served as the back-up to Mike Ryan.  In 69 games, Watkins hit .176 with four home runs while also seeing time in left, right and third base.  For more on Watkins, his 1969 season and his mysterious disappearance from the game following that season, please head over to the fantastic 1970 Topps Baseball blog.