Series Preview - Tigers at Phillies: April 30th to May 1st

2019 Chachi Fan Favorites #5

1971 Topps #246

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

Tigers 12-14, Tied for 3rd place in the A.L. Central, 5 games behind the Twins
Phillies 16-12, 1st place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

Tigers Probables:  Tyson Ross (1-3, 4.03), Spencer Turnbull (1-2, 2.77)
Phillies Probables:  Vince Velasquez (1-0, 1.99), Aaron Nola (2-0, 5.68)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is the third of four Dollar Dog Nights planned this season by the Phillies.

Tigers Leaders
Average:  Miguel Cabrera - .283
Runs:  Nicholas Castellanos - 14
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 3
RBIs:  Chrstin Stewart - 13
Stolen Bases:  Niko Goodrum - 3

Wins:  Victor Alcantara and Matthew Boyd - 2
ERA:  Spencer Turnbull - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Matthew Boyd - 48
Saves:  Shane Greene - 11

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .278
Runs:  Andrew McCutchen - 23
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 23
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 2

Wins:  Jake Arrieta - 4
ERA:  Zach Eflin - 3.34
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 32
Saves:  Hector Neris - 4

2019 Chachi #20 Adam Morgan

#46
Adam Christopher Morgan
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  208
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  February 27, 1990, Tampa, FL
Drafted:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 3rd round of the June 2011 draft
Teams:  Phillies 2015-
Acquired:  Via draft
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2020, free agency eligible in 2022

2012 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #23

2013 Bowman Chrome Cream of the Crop #CC-PP5

2015 Chachi #45

2015 Chachi Special Edition #12

2016 Topps #610

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2012 Grandstand Clearwater Threshers #23
First Phillies Card:  2013 Bowman Chrome Cream of the Crop Mini Refractors #CC-PP5
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #39
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2016 Topps #610
Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #46

2016 Phillies Team Issue #39

19 - Morgan baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/26/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi #45
2015 Chachi Special Edition #12
2016 Chachi #39
2017 Chachi #19
2017 Chachi Photo Night #26
2018 Chachi #19
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #15 (with Vince Velasquez)
2019 Chachi #20

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

2019 Chachi #19 Seranthony Dominguez

#58
Seranthony Ambioris Dominguez
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  185
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  November 25, 1994, Esperanza, DR
Signed:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, October 6, 2011
Teams:  Phillies 2018-
Acquired:  Via free agency
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2022, free agency eligible in 2025

2016 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #5

2018 Chachi #36

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #10

2018 Topps Update #US161

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #5
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2018 Topps Update #US161
First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #58
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #58
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Gypsy Queen #96

2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #58

13 - Dominguez baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/26/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi #36
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #10 (with Edubray Ramos)
2019 Chachi #19

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Game 28 - 2019 Topps Phillies #PP-15 Zach Eflin

Phillies 5, Marlins 1
Game 28 - Sunday Afternoon, April 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 16-12, 1st place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin tossed the Phillies first complete game victory since 2016 as the Marlins were defeated, 5-1.

What It Means:  Jeremy Hellickson threw the last complete game victory for the Phillies back on September 17, 2016.

What Happened:  Eflin needed 107 pitches for the win, allowing seven hits and one run while striking out three and walking none.  Rhys Hoskins started the scoring with an RBI-double in the first.  Jean Segura had a three-hit day including an RBI triple in the third.

Featured Card:  If he keeps pitching like this, I'm going to need some more Eflin cards for these game summary posts!  He has two Topps cards so far this year, found within the retail team set and the Topps Heritage set.

Game 27 - 2019 Topps Heritage #218 Nick Williams

Phillies 12, Marlins 9
Game 27 - Saturday Night, April 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 15-12, 1st place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Leading by a score of 10-1 in the fifth, the Phillies held off the Marlins' comeback efforts in this 12-9 win.

What It Means:  Not related to the game, but this was the first game in Citizens Bank Park history where Dan Baker did not serve as the public address announcer.  Reports are that Baker was feeling under the weather.  Phillies P.R. guy Scott Palmer took his place on an interim basis.

What Happened:  Nick Williams (1) and Andrew McCutchen (5) both homered during the scoring barrage while Bryce Harper and Sean Rodriguez each contributed two-run doubles.  Maikel Franco added a two-run single in the fifth and he and Hoskins are now tied for the team lead in that category with 22.  Jake Arrieta didn't fare so well, exiting after getting into trouble in the sixth.  After Jose Alvarez allowed all three of his inherited runners to score, Arrieta's final line was five innings pitched and five runs allowed on nine hits.

Featured Card:  Making his second straight start in left field, Williams hit his first home run of the year.  His 2 for 4 night raised his season average to .200.

Transactions:  Jean Segura was activated from the Injured List and Dylan Cozens was sent back down to Lehigh Valley.  Segura would exit this game in the second after getting hit in the head by Marlins starter Trevor Richards.

2019 Chachi #18 Jose Alvarez

#52
Jose Ricardo Alvarez
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  May 6, 1989, Barcelona, VZ
Signed:  Signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent, July 2, 2005
Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2013; Los Angeles Angels 2014-2018; Phillies 2019
Acquired:  Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Luis Garcia, December 6, 2018
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2020, free agency eligible in 2021

2013 Topps Update #US278

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2013 Topps Update #US278
First Phillies Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #52
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #52
Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #52

2019 Phillies Team Issue #52

1 - Alvarez baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/26/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi New Additions #4
2019 Chachi #18

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Game 26 - 2018 Topps #621 Jerad Eickhoff

Phillies 4, Marlins 0
Game 26 - Friday Night, April 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 14-12, 1st place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jerad Eickhoff pitched seven scoreless innings and the Phillies relied solely on the long ball for their offense in this 4-0 win.

What It Means:  The Mets lost, meaning the Phillies traded places with them again in the N.L. East standings.

What Happened:  Eickhoff allowed only two hits in his outing, striking out six.  J.T. Realmuto (4), Maikel Franco (7) and Bryce Harper (6) all homered in the win.

Featured Card:  This is Eickhoff's card from the second series of last year's Topps flagship set.  To date, his only 2019 baseball card can be found within the team-issued photo card set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I should have been at this game, but the weather and the wear and tear from the past week kept us home.  Instead of using our two tickets, we bet on the game getting washed out and we opted to watch a movie instead.  We bet incorrectly and the game started after a 93 minute rain delay.  Not that I wasn't rooting for Eickhoff to throw a no-hitter, but I was secretly relieved when Jorge Alfaro singled to start the fifth.

Transactions:  Designated for assignment on Wednesday, James Pazos was traded to the Rockies on Friday for minor league infielder Hunter Stovall.  I expect we'll see Stovall playing for the Lakewood BlueClaws this summer.

2019 Chachi #17 Vince Velasquez

#21
Vincent John Velasquez
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  203
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  June 7, 1992, Montclair, CA
Drafted:  Selected by the Houston Astros in the 2nd round of the June 2010 draft
Teams:  Houston Astros 2015; Phillies 2016-
Acquired:  Acquired with Mark Appel, Brett Oberholtzer, Thomas Eshelman and Harold Arauz from the Houston Astros for Ken Giles and Jonathan Arauz, December 12, 2015
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2020, free agency eligible in 2022

2015 Topps Update #US258

2016 Chachi #18

2016 Chachi Photo Day #18

2016 Topps Update #US55

2017 Chachi Photo Night #27

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2015 Topps Update #US258
First Phillies Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #28
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #28
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  2016 Topps Update #US55
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Phillies #PP-12

2016 Phillies Team Issue #28

31 - Velasquez baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/23/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi New Additions #10
2016 Chachi #18
2016 Chachi #35 HL
2016 Chachi #69 Pitching Leaders (with Jeremy Hellickson and Jerad Eickhoff)
2016 Chachi #70 Strikeout Leaders (with Jerad Eickhoff and Jeremy Hellickson)
2016 Chachi Archives #8
2016 Chachi Photo Day #18
2017 Chachi #18
2017 Chachi Photo Night #27
2018 Chachi #15
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #15 (with Adam Morgan)
2019 Chachi #17

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Game 25 - 2019 Phillies Team Issue #13 Sean Rodriguez

Marlins 3, Phillies 1 (10)
Game 25 - Thursday Night, April 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 13-12, 2nd place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' offensive slump continued and the Marlins won this game when Starlin Castro hit a two-run home run off Hector Neris in the 10th.

What It Means:  Since starting the season hot at 4-0, the Phillies are 9-12.  The loss dropped the team back into second place behind the Mets.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola showed improvement, pitching into the seventh inning and allowing a run on seven hits.  Unfortunately, the offense couldn't solve Marlins starting pitcher Caleb Smith, or the Marlins' bullpen, generating four hits and going 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Sean Rodriguez homered for the Phillies in the second inning.  He became the fourth starting shortstop used by the club so far in 2019, after Jean Segura and Scott Kingery both went down with injuries.  Phil Gosselin has also seen time at short.

Rodriguez, an 11-year veteran, received his first (and only?) Phillies card in the team-issued photo card set.

Transactions:  Roman Quinn injured his groin running out a bunt base hit in Wednesday night's game, landing him on the Injured List for the second time this season.  Dylan Cozens was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Game 24 - 2019 Donruss #104 Rhys Hoskins

Phillies 6, Mets 0
Game 24 - Wednesday Night, April 24th in New York
Record - 13-11, Tied for 1st place, 1/2 game ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jacob Rhame threw at Rhys Hoskins' head the night before, so Hoskins earned his revenge with a two-run home run and an extremely slow trot around the bases in this 6-0 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies wrapped up an awful seven-game road trip with a win, limping home after going 2-5.

What Happened:  Hoskins also collected his first career triple in this game.  Bryce Harper started the scoring with an RBI-double in the first.  RBI singles from Maikel Franco, Phil Gosselin and Roman Quinn (on a bunt) gave the team a 4-0 lead heading into the ninth.

Vince Velasquez (1-0) and four relievers combined on the shutout.

2019 Chachi Almost #2

Featured Card:  I can't believe they actually keep track of this, but Hoskins' home run trot took 34.2 seconds, making it the longest trot since 2015 when tracking of such things started.

Transactions:  The Phillies made a flurry of roster moves before this game, optioning reliever Drew Anderson and third baseman Mitch Walding back to the IronPigs while recalling Enyel De Los Santos and selecting the contract of infielder Sean Rodriguez.  To make room for Rodriguez on the 40-man roster, left-handed reliever James Pazos was designated for assignment.  If Pazos never makes it back to the Phillies, he'll at least have his team-issued photo card as well as a coveted spot in the Chachi Almost insert set.

Game 23 - 2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball #T84-4 Rhys Hoskins

Mets 9, Phillies 0
Game 23 - Tuesday Night, April 23rd in New York
Record - 12-11, 2nd place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler struck out 11 and hit a home run as the Phillies went down quietly to the Mets, 9-0.

What It Means:  Let's move on from this game as quickly as possible.

What Happened:  Zach Eflin and Drew Anderson both threw four innings, and neither fared particularly well.  Eflin gave up four runs on four hits, while Anderson allowed five runs on six hits.  The Phillies had five hits and a pair of errors.

Featured Card:  The only drama in this game came in the ninth inning when Mets reliever Jacob Rhame sailed a few fastballs behind the head of Rhys Hoskins.  The Mets had apparently taken exception with J.T. Realmuto attempting to steal a base during the blow-out, leading to the ridiculous retaliation attempt from Rhame.  Hoskins would have his revenge in the following game.

2019 Chachi #16 Zach Eflin

#56
Zachary Adams Eflin
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  211
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  April 8, 1994, Orlando, FL
Drafted:  Selected by the San Diego Padres between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the June 2012 draft
Teams:  Phillies 2016-
Acquired:  Traded with Tom Windle from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Jimmy Rollins, December 19, 2014
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2020, free agency eligible in 2023

2015 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #16

2016 Chachi #46

2016 Topps Now #211

2016 Chachi Photo Day #19

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #8

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2015 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #16
First Phillies Card:  2016 Topps Now #211
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 Update #56
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Phillies #PP-15

2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 Update #56

20 - Eflin baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/23/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #46
2016 Chachi Photo Day #19
2017 Chachi #36
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #5 (with Joely Rodriguez)
2018 Chachi #35
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #8
2019 Chachi #16

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Series Preview - Marlins at Phillies: April 25th to April 28th

2019 Chachi Fan Favorites #4

2019 Chachi 1971 Topps Missing Links #15

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05 and Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Marlins 7-17, 5th place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Mets and Phillies
Phillies 13-11, Tied for 1st place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Braves

Marlins Probables:  Caleb Smith (2-0, 2.35), Jose Urena (1-3, 5.74), Trevor Richards (0-3, 3.72), Pablo Lopez (2-3, 4.44)
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (2-0, 6.84), Jerad Eickhoff (0-1, 3.60), Jake Arrieta (3-2, 2.65), Zach Eflin (2-3, 4.15)

At the Ballpark:  All adults will receive an Andrew McCutchen retro t-shirt at tonight's game and on Sunday the Phanatic will celebrate his birthday with all kids receiving a hooded Phanatic towel.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Rojas - .279
Runs:  Starlin Castro - 8
Home Runs:  Jorge Alfaro - 4
RBIs:  Curtis Granderson - 8
Stolen Bases:  Brian Anderson and Rosell Herrera - 3

Wins:  Pablo Lopez and Caleb Smith - 2
ERA:  Trevor Richards - 3.72
Strikeouts:  Pablo Lopez and Caleb Smith - 29
Saves:  Sergio Romo - 3

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .282
Runs:  Andrew McCutchen - 19
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 7
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 20
Stolen Bases:  Cesar Hernandez - 2

Wins:  Jake Arrieta - 3
ERA:  Jake Arrieta - 2.65
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 28
Saves:  Hector Neris - 3

1971 Topps Missing Links:  Ray Rippelmeyer served as the Phillies pitching coach between 1970 and 1978, first for manager Frank Lucchesi and then for Danny Ozark.  He oversaw quite a few above average pitching staffs for the team throughout the 1970s.

2019 Chachi #15 Jake Arrieta

#49
Jacob Joseph Arrieta
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  33
Born:  March 6, 1986, Farmington, MO
Drafted:  Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the June 2007 draft
Teams:  Baltimore Orioles 2010-2013; Chicago Cubs 2013-2017; Phillies 2018-
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Chicago Cubs, March 12, 2018
Contract Status:  Signed a 3-year contract, taking him through 2020 with team options for 2021 and 2022

2010 Topps Update #US251

2018 Topps Now Spring Training #ST-10

2018 Chachi #30

2018 Topps #606

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #16

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2010 Topps Update #US251
First Phillies Card:  2018 Topps Now Spring Training #ST-10
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #49
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  2018 Topps #606
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Gypsy Queen #31

2018 Phillies Team Issue #49

25 - Arrieta baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/23/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2018 Chachi New Additions #5
2018 Chachi #30
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #16
2019 Chachi #15

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

2019 Chachi #14 Nick Pivetta

#43
Nicholas Jhoncarlo Pivetta
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'5"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  February 14, 1993, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Drafted:  Selected by the Washington Nationals in the 4th round of the June 2013 draft
Teams:  Phillies 2017-
Acquired:  Acquired from the Washington Nationals for Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations, July 28, 2015
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2021, free agency eligible 2024

2016 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #23

2017 Chachi #40

2017 Chachi Photo Night #9

2017 Chachi #40

2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #19

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #23
First Phillies Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue Phillies Phestival #43
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue Phillies Phestival #43
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2017 Topps Update #US235
Newest Card Added:  2019 Topps Phillies #PP-11

2017 Phillies Team Issue Phillies Phestival #43

18 - Pivetta baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/20/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi Almost #10
2017 Chachi #40
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #15
2017 Chachi In Action #6
2017 Chachi Archives #3
2017 Chachi Photo Night #9
2018 Chachi #14
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9
2019 Chachi #14

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster