2017 Topps Now Road to Opening Day #OD-273 Freddy Galvis

Braves 5, Phillies 2 (Game 2)
Game 132 - Wednesday Afternoon, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 49-83, 5th place, 32 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Julio Teheran held the Phillies to five hits and Ender Inciarte combined to go 8 for 10 in the double header as the Braves won game two, 5-2.

What It Means:  Things I'm looking forward to as a Phillies fan, in no particular order:

- September call-ups
- A second series team-issued photo card set (hopefully)
- Working on the 2018 Chachi set
- Freddy Galvis winning a Gold Glove
- Following the roster overhaul this offseason
- Counting down to pitchers and catchers reporting to Clearwater

What Happened:  Mark Leiter, Jr. had a good day, allowing three runs over 6 2/3 innings.  Hyun Soo Kim had a multi-hit game for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  In what was seen as an effort to keep Freddy Galvis in the line-up when J.P. Crawford is recalled from the IronPigs on Friday, Galvis started this game in center field.  It was his first career game professionally at that position and fortunately he had an uneventful game.

Transaction:  Ricardo Pinto was added to the roster as the 26th man given the double header.

2017 Topps Heritage #495 Jerad Eickhoff

Braves 9, Phillies 1 (Game 1)
Game 131 - Wednesday Afternoon, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 49-82, 5th place

One Sentence Summary:  R.A. Dickey stymied the offense, Jerad Eickhoff left after two innings with an injury and the Braves offense easily handled the Phillies, winning 9-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies-Braves game was rained out on Tuesday night, leading to an Wednesday afternoon double header.  Busy at work, I settled in for the afternoon hoping to at least enjoy some of the Phillies games while I toiled.  There was nothing enjoyable about this game.

What Happened:  Eickhoff left with what was diagnosed as nerve issues in his right hand.  It's unknown when (or if) the young pitcher will return this season.  He allowed six runs on six hits before exiting the field with a trainer in the top of the third.

Featured Card:  I've featured an Eickhoff card in one and only one game summary post so far this season, which is a testament as to how mightily he's struggled.  Here's his Topps Heritage card, featuring a smiling Eickhoff from a happier time.

2017 Stadium Club #174 Aaron Nola

Phillies 6, Braves 1
Game 130 - Monday Night, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 49-81, 5th place, 30 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins' home run streak ended at five straight games, but the rookie still had a key RBI to support Aaron Nola's strong effort in this 6-1 win.

What It Means:  With 32 games to play, the Phillies will have to go 14-18 to avoid a 100 loss season.

What Happened:  Hoskins' double in the sixth scored the go-ahead and eventual winning run. Cameron Rupp (14) added a solo home run in the seventh.  Nola won his 10th game, allowing just a run on five hits over seven innings of work.

Featured Card:  Nola has been one of the few bright spots during this dismal Phillies season, and he'll be pencilled in as one of the top of the rotation starters for 2018.

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: August 31st to September 3rd

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 1:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

Phillies 49-83, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 32 games behind the Nationals
Marlins 66-66, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Ben Lively (1-5, 4.36), Nick Pivetta (5-9, 6.57), Aaron Nola (10-9, 3.46), Jake Thompson (1-1, 5.40)
Marlins Probables:  Odrisamer Despaigne (0-1, 3.70), Dillon Peters (0-0, 0.00), Dan Straily (8-8, 3.80), Jose Urena (12-6, 3.84)

At the Ballpark:  The first 7,000 fans through the turnstiles tonight will receive a Marlins t-shirt. Following Saturday night's game, there will be a Labor Day Weekend fireworks display.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .287
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 65
Home Runs:  Tommy Joseph - 19
RBIs:  Tommy Joseph - 63

Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 14

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 10
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.46
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 141
Saves:  Hector Neris - 16

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Marcell Ozuna - .308
Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 103
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 51
RBIs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 110
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 47

Wins:  Jose Urena - 12
ERA:  Dan Straily - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Dan Straily - 138
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 20*

*Now with the Mets

1982 Topps #183

1982 Topps #544

1982 Topps #647

1982 Topps Appreciation:  These three relief pitchers have absolutely nothing to do with the Marlins, but I'm getting closer to the end of the season and my goal is to feature each Phillies card within the 1982 Topps set.

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s - #4 Mark Holzemer

#46
Mark Harold Holzemer
Relief Pitcher

Even with fellow left-handed reliever Bryan Ward already in the Phillies bullpen, the team decided to add another lefty to the mix when they recalled Mark Holzemer from Triple-A to take the place of the demoted Paul Byrd.  Signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent in November 1999, Holzemer had previously seen big league time with the Angels, Mariners and Athletics.  He appeared in 15 games with the Phillies before a strained left hamstring landed him on the disabled list.  After returning from the injury, Holzemer appeared in 10 more games for the Phillies before being designated for assignment on August 15th.  He'd clear waivers and report to the Red Barons where he'd finish out the 2000 season.

Holzemer pitched in 6 games in Japan in 2001, and then spent the 2002 season with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A team in Tucson before retiring.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  165
Born:  August 20, 1969, Littleton, CO
Drafted:  Drafted by the California Angels in the 4th round of the 1987 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  California Angels 1993, 1995-1996; Seattle Mariners 1997; Oakland Athletics 1998; Phillies 2000
Professional Affiliations:  California Angels 1988-1996; Seattle Mariners 1997; Oakland Athletics 1998; Colorado Rockies 1999; Phillies 2000; Yokohama Bay Stars (Japan) 2001; Arizona Diamondbacks 2001

Phillies Career
25 games - all in relief, 0-1, 7.71 ERA, 25 2/3 innings, 19 strikeouts, 8 walks
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Colorado Rockies organization, November 15, 1999.
Debut:  June 4, 2000 - Relieved Curt Schilling in the eighth inning in a game against the Red Sox, striking out the only batter he'd face, Scott Hatteberg.
Final Game:  August 13, 2000 - In an eventual 14-7 blow-out loss against the Astros, pitched the final two innings, allowing two runs on four hits.
Departed:  Left the Phillies organization following the 2000 season, and signed with the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan.

1993 Bowman #117

1994 Topps #765

1996 Leaf Signature Series Extended Autographs

2000 Q Cards Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #11

1 Holzemer Baseball Card in My Collection
2000 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #11

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1993 Bowman #117
First Topps Base Card:  1994 Topps #765
Last Mainstream Card:  1996 Leaf Signature Series Extended Autographs
Other Notable Cards:  1989 Best Quad City Angels #9, 1994 Donruss #583, 2002 Multi-Ad Tucson Sidewinders #11

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s
1 Kirk Bullinger
2 Chris Pritchett
3 Bryan Ward
4 Mark Holzemer

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: August 28th to August 30th

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

Braves 57-71, 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 20 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 48-81, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 30 games behind the Nationals

Braves Probables:  Lucas Sims (2-3, 4.13), R.A. Dickey (8-8, 4.06), Julio Teheran (8-11, 4.90)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (9-9, 3.58), Mark Leiter, Jr. (2-3, 3.86), Jerad Eickhoff (4-7, 4.36)

At the Ballpark:  It's another Bark at the Park tonight, with plenty of room available for man's best friend to roam the open sections.

Braves Leaders
Average:  Ender Inciarte - .299
Runs:  Ender Inciarte - 81
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 22
RBIs:  Nick Markakis - 65
Stolen Bases:  Ender Inciarte - 17

Wins:  Mike Foltynewicz - 10
ERA:  R.A. Dickey - 4.06
Strikeouts:  Mike Foltynewicz - 130
Saves:  Jim Johnson - 22

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .288
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 65
Home Runs:  Tommy Joseph - 19
RBIs:  Tommy Joseph - 63

1982 Topps #1

Stolen Bases:  Freddy Galvis and Cesar Hernandez - 13

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 9
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.58
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 135
Saves:  Hector Neris - 16

1982 Topps Appreciation:  Rhys Hoskins has been the recipient of two 2017 Chachi Highlights cards in the past week, and here's a look at the original.  Steve Carlton received the coveted #1 card in the 1982 Topps set, and yes we actually got pretty excited about that kind of thing back in the day.

2017 Chachi #57 Rhys Hoskins HL

Phillies 6, Cubs 3
Game 129 - Sunday Afternoon, August 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 48-81, 5th place

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Williams broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, while Rhys Hoskins started a triple play in the top of the inning and later hit his 11th home run of the season.

What It Means:  This Hoskins guy is pretty exciting.

What Happened:  With the Cubs up 3-0 and threatening in the fifth, Hoskins started a triple play when he made a shoestring catch.  He threw to Cesar Hernandez at second who stepped on the bag for the second out and Hernandez threw to Tommy Joseph at first to record the third out.  In the bottom of the inning, Freddy Galvis tied the game with a two-run single and Williams followed that up with his 8th home run of the season.

Featured Card:  For the second time this weekend, Hoskins earned a 2017 Chachi Highlight card (aka Chachi Now) for his feats on the field.  The triple play was already impressive enough, but his home run in the eighth off Koji Uehara broke the Phillies rookie home run record for a month set by Ryan Howard in September 2005.

He also became the fifth player in Phillies franchise history to hit a home run in five consecutive games, joining Chase Utley (who did it twice), Bobby Abreu, Mike Schmidt and Dick Allen.

Transaction:  Nick Pivetta was recalled to make the start and reliever Drew Anderson was sent back down to Triple-A.

2017 Topps Pro Debut In the Wings #ITW-RH Rhys Hoskins

Cubs 17, Phillies 2
Game 128 - Saturday Night, August 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 47-81, 5th place, 30 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Cubs demolished the Phillies, but Rhys Hoskins homered again and became the fastest player in Major League history to 10 home runs.

What It Means:  We picked the wrong game to go to in this series.  The 17 runs allowed to the Cubs were the most by an opponent in the history of Citizens Bank Park.

What Happened:  It wasn't a fun night to be a Phillies pitcher as no one was safe from the damage. Ben Lively allowed six runs in five innings including four home runs, Drew Anderson allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings, Jesen Therrien allowed just two runs in 1 2/3 innings and Yacksel Rios capped the night by allowing four more runs.

Featured Card:  It's been pretty much all Hoskins all the time at The Phillies Room recently, and why not?

Field Report:  Doug and I enjoyed this game from Section 117, behind the Phillies dugout.  For the first time all season, Doug struck out and didn't obtain any pre-game autographs.  Stationing himself in a different location, he had hoped to be in the right place at the right time when the starting line-up began to sign a few post-stretching, pre-game autographs.  He just missed both Hoskins and Nick Williams as they jumped around the crowd, trying to oblige as many of the autograph seekers as possible.

All was not lost however, as we headed over to Bull's BBQ in the third inning and Doug received another autograph from Greg Luzinski for his growing collection.

2017 Chachi #55 Yacksel Rios

#53
Yacksel Rios
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  185
Born:  June 27, 1993, Caguas, PR
Home:  Carolina, PR
Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 12th round of the June 2011 draft.
Teams:  Phillies 2017
Acquired:  Via draft

2013 Choice Williamsport
Crosscutters #26

5 Rios Baseball Cards in My Collection per The Phillies Room Checklist
First Card:  2013 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #26
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
Latest Card:  2017 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #23

Click to enlarge

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #55

Card statistics through 8/26/17.

2017 Chachi #56 Rhys Hoskins HL

Phillies 7, Cubs 1
Game 127 - Friday Night, August 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 47-80, 5th place, 30 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins homered again and Cesar Hernandez added a three-run triple as the Phillies downed the first place Cubs, 7-1.

What It Means:  This was the first game in the three-game Players' Weekend series against the Cubs. Both teams (along with the other 28 Major League teams) wore youth baseball-inspired jerseys featuring bright colors, secondary or new logos on the hats and nicknames on the backs.  Given the chaos and confusion in our country these days, it's hard for me to get too worked up about these uniforms and my initial reaction has been - sure, why not?

What Happened:  The Phils scored six runs in the first two frames off Cubs starting pitcher Jose Quintana.  Jerad Eickhoff battled through five innings and the recently reliable Adam Morgan pitched two innings of scoreless relief.

Featured Card:  Hoskins earns the rare 2017 Chachi Highlight card for hitting his 9th home run in just 54 at-bats, becoming the quickest player since 1900 to have that many home runs in that few at-bats.  He's also the first player since at least 1913 to have nine home runs in his first 16 games.

On a baseball card related note, Hoskins has been granted three different Topps Now cards this week.

Transaction:  After his start on Thursday, Jake Thompson was sent down to the IronPigs and Daniel Nava was activated from the disabled list.

Series Preview - Cubs at Phillies: August 25th to August 27th

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

Cubs 68-58, 1st Place in the N.L. Central, 3 games ahead of the Brewers
Phillies 46-80, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 30 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Cubs Probables:  Jose Quintana (4-2, 3.73), Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.52), John Lackey (10-9, 4.90)
Phillies Probables:  Jerad Eickhoff (3-7, 4.46), Ben Lively (1-4, 3.70), Aaron Nola (9-9, 3.58)

At the Ballpark:  This weekend marks the inaugural Players' Weekend, which will feature all players, coaches and managers wearing special youth-baseball style jerseys with their nicknames on the backs.

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Kris Bryant - .287
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 83
Home Runs:  Anthony Rizzo - 28
RBIs:  Anthony Rizzo - 85
Stolen Bases:  Anthony Rizzo - 8

Wins:  Jake Arrieta - 13
ERA:  Jake Arrieta - 3.49
Strikeouts:  Jon Lester - 155
Saves:  Wade Davis - 26

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .287
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 63
Home Runs:  Tommy Joseph - 19
RBIs:  Tommy Joseph - 63
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 13

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 9
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.58
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 135
Saves:  Hector Neris - 15

1982 Topps #484

1982 Topps Traded #10T

1982 Topps #515

1982 Topps Traded #27T

1982 Topps Appreciation:  Here's another set of before and after cards from the base 1982 Topps set and the 1982 Topps Traded set featuring the principal players involved in the deal between the Phillies and Cubs on January 27, 1982.  The Phillies added a prospect to the deal, but I don't think he ever amounted to much.

2017 Topps Pro Debut #133 Rhys Hoskins

Marlins 9, Phillies 8
Game 126 - Thursday Afternoon, August 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 46-80, 5th place

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't hold a five-run lead as the Marlins came back to win the series finale, 9-8.

What It Means:  It doesn't get any easier for the Phillies as the Central division leading Cubs come to town for a three-game set beginning Friday night.

What Happened:  Luis Garcia, who has been more reliable of late, allowed the decisive winning run in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly.  The two teams' home run derby continued as the Phillies hit two more - Rhys Hoskins (8) and Tommy Joseph (19) - while the Marlins hit four.  One of the Marlins' home runs came from Giancarlo Stanton who hit his 47th of the season.

Featured Card:  At this point, I'm practically giddy about Hoskins who became only the third player in Major League history to hit at least eight home runs within his first 50 at-bats.  The other players to accomplish the feat were Trey Mancini (2016 and 2017 with the Orioles) and Carlos Delgado (1994 with the Blue Jays).

Transaction:  Before the game, Jake Thompson was recalled from the IronPigs and got the start. Reliever Ricardo Pinto was sent down.

2015 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils Update #21 Mark Leiter, Jr.

Phillies 8, Marlins 0
Game 125 - Wednesday Night, August 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 46-79, 5th place, 29 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Mark Leiter, Jr. took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and Rhys Hoskins homered again as the Phillies defeated the Marlins, 8-0.

What It Means:  In the midst of all the darkness that is the Phillies 2017 season, there has occasionally been some light.

What Happened:  Leiter allowed just a hit while striking out five over seven innings.  Hoskins hit his 7th home run in his 14th game and drove in five runs.

Featured Card:  Hopefully, Leiter shows up in the 2017 Topps Update set but for now I'll need to keep featuring his minor league cards from prior years.

Transaction:  Nick Pivetta (who had been the 26th man in Tuesday's double header) was optioned back to the IronPigs.  In need of bullpen arms, Drew Anderson was recalled and Cameron Perkins was sent down.

2017 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #23 Yacksel Rios

Marlins 7, Phillies 4 (Game 2)
Game 124 - Tuesday Night, August 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 45-79, 5th place, 30 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Pivetta was chased in the second inning and the Phillies couldn't recover as the Marlins won, 7-4.

What It Means:  The Phillies were swept in the double header, and the Marlins reached .500 for the first time since late April.

What Happened:  Pivetta allowed six runs in 1 1/3 innings.  Nick Williams (7), Andres Blanco (3) and Tommy Joseph (18) all homered for the Phils, with Christian Yelich taking a second home run away from Williams.

Featured Card:  Yacksel Rios made his big league debut in this game (see below) and this is the only 2017 baseball card of his in my collection to date.

Field Report:  Jenna, Doug, Ben and Uncle Drew made it to the sixth inning of Game 2 of the double header.  I found this incredibly impressive especially considering the Phillies were looking rough in both games.  At least they saw a lot of home runs!

Phillies Debuts:  Rios became the 12th Phillies player making his Major League debut when he entered in relief in the fifth inning.

22.  Yacksel Rios (rhp) - Relieved Edubray Ramos with one out in the fifth and a runner on second. Rios pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out two and walking one.

2017 Topps National Baseball Card Day Phillies #14 Juan Samuel

Marlins 12, Phillies 8 (Game 1)
Game 123 - Tuesday Afternoon, August 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 45-78, 5th place, 30 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  A six-run seventh inning from the Marlins sunk the Phillies in this 12-8 loss.

What It Means:  This was a make-up of the game rained out between the two teams way back on April 25th.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola struggled again, and before it was all over his pitching line didn't look good - 6 1/3 innings, 9 hits, 7 runs and two home runs allowed.  Rhys Hoskins (6), Cameron Rupp (13), Cesar Hernandez (8), Tommy Joseph (17) and Andres Blanco (2) all homered from the Phillies but the Marlins' home runs came in more timely spots.  Both Ichiro Suzuki and JT Realmuto hit three-run home runs for the Marlins.

Featured Card/Field Report:  I was out of town for work, but Jenna, being an absolute trooper, took both our sons to this double header.  They had never before attended a double header, and they wanted to experience one first-hand.  Their Uncle Drew also joined them at the game.  Before the game, Doug added autographs from coaches Juan Samuel and Mickey Morandini (again), Blanco (again), Hoby Milner, Jesen Therrien and Ty Kelly (again).  He asked Samuel to sign the sweet spot of a baseball and the Wall of Famer kindly obliged.

Transactions:  Pivetta was recalled from the IronPigs to be the 26th man on the roster due to the double header.  Zach Eflin was placed on the disabled list and Yacksel Rios was recalled.  To make room for Rios on the 40-man roster, Vince Velasquez was moved to the 60-day disabled list, effectively ending his disappointing season.

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s - #3 Bryan Ward

#37
Bryan Matthew Ward
Relief Pitcher

Bryan Ward pitched relatively well in his 20-game cameo with the 2000 Phillies, compiling a 2.33 ERA over 19 1/3 innings.  Having appeared in 68 games with the White Sox in 1998 and 1999, Ward was signed as a minor league free agent and invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee in 2000. He wouldn't make the opening day roster, but his services were required on May 30th when fellow lefty Scott Aldred landed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.  His spot in the bullpen seemingly secure, Ward was the odd-man out on July 26th when Curt Schilling was traded to the Diamondbacks and the Phillies needed to open a 40-man roster spots for their four newly acquired players - Travis Lee, Omar Daal, Nelson Figueroa and Vicente Padilla.

Ward was designated for assignment, clearing waivers and ultimately being outrighted back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  His time with the Red Barons was short, as he was released on August 12th and signed with the Anaheim Angels on August 16th.  Ward would appear in seven games for the Angels, marking the end of his big league career.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  210
Born:  January 28, 1972, Bristol, PA
Drafted:  Drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 20th round of the June 1993 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  Chicago White Sox 1998-1999; Phillies 2000; Anaheim Angels 2000
Professional Affiliations:  Florida Marlins 1993-1997; Chicago White Sox 1998-1999; Phillies 2000; Anaheim Angels 2000; Boston Red Sox 2001; Torreon Algodoneros (Mexico) 2002; Colorado Rockies 2002-2003; Saltillo Saraperos (Mexico) 2003; Camden Riversharks (Independent) 2003-2004; Seattle Mariners 2004; Acereros de Monclova (Mexico) 2005

Phillies Career
20 games - all in relief, 0-0, 2.33 ERA, 19 1/3 innings, 11 strikeouts, 8 walks
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Chicago White Sox, November 2, 1999.
Debut:  May 30, 2000 - In San Francisco, with the Phillies trailing the Giants 5-1, relieved Andy Ashby in the sixth inning and promptly allowed a two-run home run to Bill Mueller.
Final Game:  July 21, 2000 - Relieved Paul Byrd in the fifth inning in Pittsburgh, pitching three innings of scoreless relief.
Departed:  Released on August 12, 2000, and signed with the Anaheim Angels on August 16, 2000.

1999 SP Signature Edition Autographs #BW

2000 Q Cards Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #23

1 Ward Baseball Card in My Collection
2000 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #23

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1999 SP Signature Edition #101
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  1999 SP Signature Edition #101
Other Notable Cards:  1993 Classic Best Elmira Pioneers #26, 1994 Fleer/ProCards #163, 1999 SP Signature Edition Autographs #BW

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s
1 Kirk Bullinger
2 Chris Pritchett
3 Bryan Ward

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s - #2 Chris Pritchett

#28
Christopher Davis Pritchett
First Base

A second round pick of the California Angels in 1991, Chris Pritchett spent the decade of the '90s playing with the Angels organization before finishing up his big league career with the Phillies in 2000.  Pritchett appeared in 56 games over three seasons with the Angels before signing with the Phillies as a minor league free agent following the 1999 season.  He was a non-roster invitee to spring training in 2000, starting the season in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before getting called up to the Phillies on May 11th after Rico Brogna broke his arm.  Pritchett lasted nine days on the active Phillies roster before Pat Burrell was recalled from the Red Barons to take over at first base.

Pritchett wouldn't make it back up to the Phillies in 2000 and he was let go following the season.

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  185
Born:  January 31, 1970, Merced, CA
Drafted:  Drafted by the California Angels in the 2nd round of the June 1991 amateur player draft.
Major League Teams:  California Angels 1996, Anaheim Angels 1998-1999; Phillies 2000
Professional Affiliations:  California Angels 1991-1996, Anaheim Angels 1997-1999; Phillies 2000; Anaheim Angels 2001; Pittsburgh Pirates 2002; Chicago Cubs 2003

Phillies Career
5 games, .091 (1 for 11), 3 strikeouts
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Anaheim Angels, November 1, 1999.
Debut:  May 14, 2000 - Started at first base going 1 for 3 against the Braves, including his sole Phillies hit against John Burkett.
Final Game:  May 23, 2000 - Pinch-hit in the fourth inning for Randy Wolf, drawing a walk against the Astros' Chirs Holt.
Departed:  Granted free agency on October 3, 2000, and signed with the Anaheim Angels organization that offseason.

1993 Bowman #665

1996 Topps #103

1999 Fleer Mystique #125

2000 Q Cards Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #16

1 Pritchett Baseball Card in My Collection
2000 Q Cards Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #16

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  1992 Stadium Club Dome #142
First Topps Base Card:  1996 Topps #103
Last Mainstream Card:  1999 Pacific Omega #7
Other Notable Cards:  1991 ProCards #3889, 1993 Bowman #665, 1999 Fleer Mystique #125

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

Phillies Missing Links of the 2000s
1 Kirk Bullinger
2 Chris Pritchett

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

Series Preview - Marlins at Phillies: August 22nd to August 24th

Tuesday Double Header 4:05, Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Marlins 60-62, 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 14 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 45-77, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 29 games behind the Nationals

Marlins Probables:  Dan Straily (7-8, 3.80), Jose Urena (11-5, 3.61), Justin Nicolino (2-1, 4.11), Vance Worley (2-3, 4.82)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (9-8, 3.26), Nick Pivetta (4-8, 6.25), TBD, Jerad Eickhoff (3-7, 4.46)

At the Ballpark:  Fans 15 and over attending the double header today will receive a pair of Phillies texting gloves.  On Thursday afternoon, all fans will receive the annual Pride of the Phillies print, featuring Freddy Galvis this year.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Marcell Ozuna - .306
Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 94
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 45
RBIs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 97
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 43

Wins:  Jose Urena - 11
ERA:  Jose Urena - 3.61
Strikeouts:  Dan Straily - 123
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 20*

*Now with the Mets

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .287
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 60
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 17
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 59
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 13

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 9
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.26
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 128
Saves:  Hector Neris - 15

1982 Topps #152

1982 Topps #220

1982 Topps #449

1982 Topps Appreciation:  Topps did a great job capturing the only three players to have started games at second base for the Phillies during the strike-shortened 1981 season.  Manny Trillo started 93 games, Luis Aguayo started 13 and Ramon Aviles started 1 game.

Trillo (147) and Aguayo (11) saw the bulk of the playing time at second base for the Phillies again in 1982, with the newly acquired Dave Roberts also getting 4 starts.

2017 Chachi In Action #8 Pedro Florimon

Phillies 5, Giants 2
Game 122 - Sunday Afternoon, August 20th in San Francisco
Record - 45-77, 5th place, 29 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Pedro Florimon was the unexpected hero in this 5-2 win over the Giants.

What It Means:  After a 2-5 road trip out West, the Phillies head back home where they'll start a four-game series against the Marlins with a double header on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Florimon had three RBIs, including a two-run single in the eighth that broke a 2-2 tie.  He also threw out a runner at the plate and made a nice diving catch during the game.  Before Florimon's big hit in the eighth, Jorge Alfaro had tied up the game with a single to score Rhys Hoskins.  Hoskins added a solo home run (5) in the ninth.

Ben Lively pitched well in his return to the Majors, allowing two runs over six innings.  Hector Neris recorded the final four outs of the game to record his 15th save.

Featured Card:  P. Flo* gets the In Action treatment for his big game.  Florimon is in the IronPigs team set, but it's doubtful he'll ever receive an official Phillies baseball card.  If there is a second series, team-issued photo card set released, I would be stunned (albeit pleasantly stunned) if he makes the set.

*This is not actually his nickname, but it makes us giggle when I say it out loud.

Transaction:  Lively was recalled from the IronPigs, taking the injured Odubel Herrera's spot on the active roster.

5th Annual Lakewood BlueClaws Outing

Our summer has been slightly more jam packed that our typical summers due to sports, camps, vacations and other fun activities, but we were determined to make it to Lakewood for the fifth year in a row to enjoy a BlueClaws game.  As accommodating as the BlueClaws players have been in the past when it comes to signing autographs, they were even more so last night.  Doug came away with nine player autographs, including two from the Phillies last two top draft picks - Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley.  Haseley signed Doug's mini BlueClaws bat, which is now being proudly displayed in his bedroom.


At one point, a gaggle of BlueClaws players congregated around a bunch of autograph-seeking kids, helping the kids to find their cards within the BlueClaws team set.  Some of the players were quick to point out that they hadn't made it into the team set.  When the flurry of signing was over, Doug had added autographs from Colby Fitch, Bailey Falter, Darick Hall, Casey Brown, Jonathan Hennigan, Haseley, Moniak, Gustavo Armas and Daniel Brito.


Our youngest son Ben added a few autographs to his collection (including Moniak's) but he was more interested in the playground in left field than autograph seeking.  He was also happy to pose for a picture with Sparky from the Brick, NJ Fire Department.  As usual, we had a blast and we can't wait to return next season!

The BlueClaws prevailed in this game over the Delmarva Shorebirds, 4-3 in 11 innings, thanks to an Austin Listi walk-off single.  Haseley had hit a three-run home run, his first with the BlueClaws, to give the team a 3-1 lead in the eighth.

2017 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #6

2017 Topps Pro Debut #1

2017 Choice Phillies Top 30 Prospects #5

2017 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #15

Memory Lane
2013 BlueClaws Game
2014 BlueClaws Game
2015 BlueClaws Game
2016 BlueClaws Game

Meanwhile, in San Francisco . . .

Phillies 12, Giants 9
Game 121 - Saturday Night, August 19th in San Francisco
Record - 44-77, 5th place, 29 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The offense, capped by a pinch-hit grand slam from Ty Kelly and a three-run home run from Rhys Hoskins, unexpectedly exploded and the Phillies held on to win this game, 12-9.

What It Means:  The six game losing streak is over and the Phillies are now 1-11 in games played in California this season.

What Happened:  Also adding unexpected RBIs were Cameron Perkins and Pedro Florimon. Perkins had an adventure in this game in the outfield that included kicking a Denard Span hit that led to the official scorer giving Span an inside the park home run on the first pitch of the game.  Kelly's pinch-hit grand slam was the first by a Phillies pinch-hitter since Hector Luna did it on May 16, 2012.