Series Preview - Mets at Phillies: April 30th to May 2nd

1986 Topps #191

1986 Topps #69

Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 7:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Sunday night, as part of the team's annual Mother's Appreciation Day, all women will receive a pink J.T. Realmuto t-shirt.

Mets 9-10
Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Marlins

Mets Probables
Marcus Stroman (3-1, 2.25)
Taijuan Walker (1-1, 2.14)
David Peterson (1-3, 5.59)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Brandon Nimmo - .345
Runs:  Pete Alonso - 9
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 5
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 12
Stolen Bases:  Brandon Nimmo - 2

Wins:  Marcus Stroman - 3
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 0.51

Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 59
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 2

Phillies 12-13
Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Marlins

Phillies Probables
Chase Anderson (0-3, 6.48)
Zack Wheeler (2-2, 3.13)
Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.58)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .329
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 19
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius and Rhys Hoskins - 14
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 4

Wins:  Connor Brogdon - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.11
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 39
Saves:  Hector Neris - 5

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 25 - 2020 Topps Heritage #691 Roman Quinn

Cardinals 4, Phillies 3 (10 Innings)
Game 25 - Thursday Afternoon, April 29th in St. Louis
Record - 12-13, Tied for 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies let yet another game slip away as the Cardinals scored the winning run on a 10th inning David Hale wild pitch.

What It Means:  The Phillies and Cardinals split the series and fortunately it appears as if Bryce Harper and Didi Gregorius, hit with Genesis Cabrera fastballs on Wednesday night, both escaped serious injury.  The Phillies come home now, opening a seven-game homestead against the Mets and Brewers.

A footnote to this game - Phillies reliever Hector Neris drilled Nolan Arenado in the ninth, seemingly in retaliation for the Harper and Gregorius hit by pitches the night before.

What Happened:  The Phillies had a 1-0 lead heading to the bottom of the fifth thanks to J.T. Realmuto RBI double earlier in the game.  In the fateful bottom of the fifth, Aaron Nola allowed a bloop single to Andrew Knizner, misplayed by center fielder Odubel Herrera allowing Knizner to take second.  Manager Joe Girardi then opted to intentionally walk Edmundo Sosa to get to the pitcher's spot.  But Matt Carpenter pinch-hit and blasted a three-run home run to right.  The Phillies tied it up in the seventh with RBIs from Andrew McCutchen and Alec Bohm.

In the bottom of the 10th, ghost runner Tyler O'Neill started at second, went to third on a ground out and scored the winning run on Hale's wild pitch.

Featured Card:  Roman Quinn, starting in right while Harper underwent concussion protocols, almost made the play of the year as he leapt over the fence but couldn't squeeze Carpenter's home run ball.  The struggling outfielder went 1 for 4 in this game to increase his season average to .083.  He was also caught stealing and picked off, just for good measure.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 24 - 2021 Topps 70 Years of Topps #70YT-13 Bryce Harper

Phillies 5, Cardinals 3
Game 24 - Wednesday Night, April 28th in St. Louis
Record - 12-12, Tied for 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper was hit in the face with a 97mph fastball and the Phillies rallied to defeat the Cardinals, 5-3.

What It Means:  Harper is apparently going to be fine, but it was an incredibly scary moment.  He walked off the field on his own and posted a video to his social media account following the game announcing his "face is still there."  Pitcher Genesis Cabrera drilled Didi Gregorius in the back with his next pitch, leading to home plate umpire Chris Segal warning both benches.  That prompted manager Joe Girardi's first ejection of the season as Girardi rightfully argued there was no need to issue the warning against the Phillies.  To be continued . . .

What Happened:  Following that drama, Andrew McCutchen singled home pinch-runner Matt Joyce, giving the Phillies a 4-3 lead.  The Cardinals had led 3-1 after four innings on home runs hit by Tyler O'Neill and Paul Goldschmidt off Phillies starter Vince Velasquez.  Brad Miller tied the score in the top of the fifth with a two run home run.

The Phillies bullpen threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings after Velasquez's early departure, with Hector Neris locking down his fifth save.

Featured Card:  If I had any more Miller cards, and if not for the scary moment with Harper, there would be a Miller card featured here.  Instead, here's another recently added Harper card, this one from the 70 Years of Topps Baseball insert set, celebrating the 1963 Topps design.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #18 Chase Anderson

#57
Robert Chase Anderson
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  33
Born:  November 30, 1987, Wichita Falls, TX
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays, February 4, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Arizona Diamondbacks 2014-2015; Milwaukee Brewers 2016-2019; Toronto Blue Jays 2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2014-2015, 2017-2020

0 - Anderson baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/28/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi New Additions #9

2021 Chachi #18

Anderson was a 9th round pick by the Diamondbacks in the 2009 amateur player draft, and he made his debut with the team on May 11, 2014.  On January 30, 2016, Arizona traded him to the Brewers with Isan Diaz and Aaron Hill for Tyler Wagner and current Phillies second baseman Jean Segura.  His best season to date came in 2017 when he went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA for the Brewers over 25 starts.

He's gotten off to a slow start with the Phillies, going 0-3 with a 6.48 over his first four starts, prompting the team to start to stretch out Spencer Howard as a starting pitcher in Lehigh Valley.  Hopefully Anderson can turn things around soon and I'd like to see him receive a Phillies card either in a late-season Topps set or within a team-issued photo card set.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 23 - 2021 Topps 582 Montgomery Club #12 Bryce Harper

Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
Game 23 - Tuesday Night, April 27th in St. Louis
Record - 11-12, Tied for 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' offense managed three hits in this 5-2 loss to the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The bats just can't get going.

What Happened:  Zach Eflin didn't have his best stuff, but he still battled through almost seven innings, departing with the Phillies trailing, 3-2, and runners on the corners.  Sam Coonrod entered and quickly allowed a two-run double to Paul Goldschmidt, adding two more runs to Eflin's total.  The center field offensive black hole continued with Odubel Herrera going 0 for 3 and dropping the season average for all Phillies center fielders to .106 with 30 strikeouts in 95 plate appearances.  Alec Bohm's offensive struggles also continued with Bohm's 0 for 3 dropping him below the Mendoza line at .198.

Featured Card:  But Bryce Harper continues to hit.  Harper was 2 for 4, raising his average to .329, as he single-handedly tries to carry the entire offense.  I have plenty of 2021 Harper cards to feature (18 to date) so I'll gladly celebrate the team's best hitter here.  This is from the second set of Topps cards available exclusively to Montgomery Club members this year and it features what Topps is calling a "lost design."  The large outline of Pennsylvania behind Harper is odd, as is the fact his name isn't anywhere on the front of the card, but I do like the city and team name elements here.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 22 - 2021 Topps Heritage #355 Zack Wheeler

Phillies 2, Cardinals 1
Game 22 - Monday Night, April 26th in St. Louis
Record - 11-11, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler dominated the Cardinals for eight innings and Rhys Hoskins hit two more home runs in this 2-1 series opening win.

What It Means:  Hoskins has eight home runs, which leads the major leagues.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed one hit in his outing while walking three and striking out nine.  Hector Neris allowed an inherited runner to score, but then shut down the Cardinals to secure his fourth save.  Wheeler out dueled Adam Wainwright who pitched all nine innings, striking out eight.  J.T. Realmuto had three of the Phillies' six hits.

Featured Card:  I'm going to quickly run out of Wheeler cards to feature if he continues to pitch like this.  He's got three baseball cards so far in 2021 - this Topps Heritage card, a Donruss card and a Topps Now card from his one-hitter against the Braves on April 3rd.

Transactions:  Before the game, Jose Alvarado (lhp) and Matt Moore (lhp) were both activated from the injured list (Covid protocols) and Odubel Herrera (of) had his contract selected.  Herrera batted seventh, started in center field, and went 0 for 3 in his first Phillies game since May 26, 2019.  He's been absent the past two years following his arrest and subsequent suspension for domestic abuse.  Bailey Falter (lhp), Spencer Howard (rhp) and Mickey Moniak (of) were all optioned to Lehigh Valley.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #17 Matt Moore

#31
Matthew Cody Moore
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  June 18, 1989, Fort Walton Beach, FL
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as a free agent formerly with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (Japan), February 3, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Tampa Bay Rays 2011-2016; San Francisco Giants 2016-2017; Texas Rangers 2018; Detroit Tigers 2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2012-2019

0 - Moore baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/26/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi New Additions #8
2021 Chachi #17

With no team-issued photo cards produced by the Phillies in 2021 (yet), and the likelihood of his receiving a base card in an upcoming Topps set remote, Matt Moore, the team's fourth starter at the beginning of the season, may realistically never appear on a Phillies baseball card.  Moore spent last season pitching in Japan, so his only 2020 baseball cards were produced by BBM and can be found on eBay.

Moore was an All-Star with the Rays in 2013, the same year he won a career-high 17 games.  The Phillies are hoping he can bounce back from his stint on the Covid-protocol injured list and help stabilize the back-end of their pitching rotation.  Through his first three starts with the club, Moore is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA over 11 innings pitched.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Cardinals: April 26th to April 29th

1986 Topps #120

1986 Topps #550

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:45, Thursday 1:15
Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO

At the Ballpark:  This looks like a cool giveaway.  On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Jack Buck statute with a voice chip featuring one of Buck's famous calls.  And then on Thursday afternoon, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Lou Brock and Bob Gibson label pin set, featuring the #20 and #45 worn by the Hall of Famers.

Phillies 10-11
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (1-2, 3.80)
Zach Eflin (1-0, 2.77)
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 6.75)
Aaron Nola (2-1, 2.84)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .338
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 17
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins - 6
RBIs:  3 tied with - 12
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 3

Wins:  Connor Brogdon - 3
ERA:  Zach Eflin - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 32
Saves:  Hector Neris - 3

Cardinals 11-10
2nd Place in the N.L. Central, 2 games behind the Brewers

Cardinals Probables
Adam Wainwright (0-2, 5.03)
Carlos Martinez (0-4, 6.00)
Johan Oviedo (0-0, 0.00)
Kwang Hyun Kim (1-0, 4.15)

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Yadier Molina - .339
Runs:  Dylan Carlson - 14
Home Runs:  Paul DeJong and Yadier Molina - 5
RBIs:  Yadier Molina - 14
Stolen Bases:  Tommy Edman - 4

Wins:  Jack Flaherty - 4
ERA:  Jack Flaherty - 3.18

Strikeouts:  Jack Flaherty - 27
Saves:  Alex Reyes - 5

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 21 - 2021 Topps 1952 Topps Redux #T52-21 Bryce Harper

Rockies 12, Phillies 2
Game 21 - Sunday Afternoon, April 25th in Denver
Record - 10-11, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies escaped Denver after being demolished in this 12-2 loss.

What It Means:  Somehow, despite mediocre play, a complete lack of production from any outfielder not named Bryce Harper, only three good starting pitchers and a bullpen that has looked incredibly 2020-ish at times, the Phillies are in second place and only one game in back of the Mets.  They'll open a four-game series in St. Louis tonight against the Cardinals, who are riding a three-game winning streak.

What Happened:  The first three innings were great for the Phillies, with Harper hitting two home runs and Chase Anderson shutting down the Rockies.  The fourth inning was a nightmare.  Anderson allowed four singles and a pair of walks to allow the Rockies to take a 3-2 lead.  David Hale entered the game with the bases loaded and promptly surrendered a grand slam to Trevor Story.  Spencer Howard and Bailey Falter were then sacrificed for the final two innings with the duo allowing five more runs on eight hits.  Falter was making his major league debut and he K'd Ryan McMahon in the eighth for his first career strikeout.

Nick Maton continues to swing a hot bat, and his two hits in this game raised his season average to an even .500 (11 for 22).

Featured Card:  Harper is on fire, and he's almost single-handedly carrying the offense at this point.  His two homers tied him for the team lead (with six) with Rhys Hoskins.  Topps once again went back to the 1952 well for an insert set called 1952 Topps Redux included within packs of 2021 Topps.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 20 - 2021 Topps Heritage #19 Rhys Hoskins

Phillies 7, Rockies 5
Game 20 - Saturday Night, April 24th in Denver
Record - 10-10, Tied for 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Rhys Hoskins hit a pair of home runs and Aaron Nola battled through a seven-inning outing in this 7-5 win over the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Phillies haven't won a series in Denver since 2012, and they'll try to do that today.  Following the game, the team heads to St. Louis for a four-game series.

What Happened:  Nola was off, but he lasted seven innings, giving up four runs on six hits.  Connor Brogdon allowed a run in the eighth before Hector Neris threw a relatively easy ninth on the way to his third save.

Nick Maton had two more hits to raise his average to .474 and there's already talk about whether or not the rookie could possibly play some center field.

Featured Card:  Hoskins is going on one of his hot streaks.  He started the Phillies' four-run outburst in the third inning with a two-run home run.  His three-run home run in the sixth broke a 4-4 tie and proved to be the difference in this much-needed win.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #16 Zach Eflin

#56
Zachary Adams Eflin
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  220
Opening Day Age:  26
Born:  April 8, 1994, Orlando, FL
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers with Tom Windle for Jimmy Rollins, December 19, 2014
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2021, free agency eligible in 2023
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2016-

First Phillies Card:  2016 Topps Now #211
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2015 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #16
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 Update #56

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Heritage #318

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2019-2020

32 - Eflin baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/24/21.

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
2020 Chachi #19
2021 Chachi #16

One of the two pitching prospects acquired from the Dodgers in 2014 for all-time Phillies great Jimmy Rollins, Zach Eflin has appeared on more Topps Now cards to date (five) than Topps flagship cards (two).  As his stock continues to rise, I'm hoping the number of his baseball card appearances increases too.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 19 - 2009 O-Pee-Chee #259 Joe Blanton

Rockies 5, Phillies 4
Game 19 - Friday Night, April 23rd in Denver
Record - 9-10, Tied for 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bullpen woes and lack of clutch hitting again doomed the Phillies in this 5-4 loss in Denver.

What It Means:  The Phillies are clearly not firing on all cylinders yet, as there were several facets of their gameplay to blame for this loss.  The bullpen couldn't get the job done and the offense went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position, stranding eight runners.

What Happened:  The usually reliable bullpen allowed single runs to score in the final three innings, including the walk-off home run hit by Raimel Tapia off Hector Neris to end the ballgame.  The Phillies led 4-2 prior to the seventh inning stretch, but David Hale, Sam Coonrod and Neris couldn't close the door.  Rhys Hoskins had a pair of hits, including his fourth home run in the seventh.  Andrew McCutchen went 0 for 3 to see his average dip down to .155.

Featured Card:  Vince Velasquez got the spot start here with Matt Moore currently out due to the league's Covid protocols, and Velasquez did a semi-decent job.  He started off with three shutout innings before allowing home runs in the fourth to Trevor Story and C.J. Cron.  Matt Gelb pointed out this was Velasquez's 100th start for the Phillies, making him the 59th pitcher to join that club.  He's now tied with Joe Blanton on the list, as Blanton had exactly 100 starts during his time with the Phillies between 2008 and 2012.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #15 Zack Wheeler

#45
Zachary Harrison Wheeler
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  195
Opening Day Age:  30
Born:  May 30, 1990, Smyrna, GA
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as a free agent, December 9, 2019
Contract Status:  Signed through 2024
Major League Teams:  New York Mets 2013-2014, 2017-2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  2019 Topps Now Offseason #OS-48
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Heritage #355

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2013-2020

14 - Wheeler baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/22/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi New Additions #7
2020 Chachi Photo Cards #45
2020 Chachi #16
2021 Chachi Preview #6
2021 Chachi #15

Wheeler made his Topps flagship debut in the 2013 Topps Update set, and he's appeared in each flagship set since.  His first flagship Phillies card appeared in the 2020 Topps Update set.

His first official Phillies card, from the 2019 Topps Now Offseason set, features him in a Mets uniform and was limited to a print run of only 167.  Like every other Phillie player to debut in 2020 or 2021, he's still waiting (and hoping) for his first team-issued photo card.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Rockies: April 23rd to April 25th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #14

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #14

Friday 8:40, Saturday 8:10 and Sunday 3:10
Coors Field - Denver, CO

At the Ballpark:  The first 10,000 fans at each game this series will receive a Rockies tote bag presented by the MLB Network.  Coors Field is currently capped at 42.6% capacity, or about 21,000 fans.

Phillies 9-9
Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 game ahead of the Braves and Marlins

Phillies Probables
Vince Velasquez (0-0, 9.00)
Aaron Nola (1-1, 2.19)
Chase Anderson (0-2, 4.15)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .357
Runs:  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins - 13
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 4
RBIs:  Alec Bohm and Didi Gregorius - 10
Stolen Bases:  3 tied with - 2

Wins:  Connor Brogdon - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.19
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 28
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

Rockies 6-12
5th Place in the N.L. West, 7 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Rockies Probables
German Marquez (1-1, 3.57)
Antonio Senzatela (1-3, 5.40)
Jon Gray (2-1, 2.42)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Ryan McMahon - .275
Runs:  Garrett Hampson - 14
Home Runs:  Ryan McMahon - 6
RBIs:  Ryan McMahon - 10
Stolen Bases:  Garrett Hampson - 5

Wins:  Jon Gray - 2
ERA:  Jon Gray - 2.42

Strikeouts:  Jon Gray - 21
Saves:  Daniel Bard - 2

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #14 Roman Quinn

#24
Roman Tredarian Quinn
Center Field

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  175
Opening Day Age:  27
Born:  May 14, 1993, Port St. Joe, FL
How Obtained:  Selected by Phillies in 2nd round of June 2011 amateur player draft
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2022, free agency eligible in 2025
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2016, 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2013 Bowman Prospects #BP95
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2012 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #24
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #24

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps #79

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (4):  2017, 2019-2021

71 - Quinn baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/22/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi #63
2016 Chachi Fan Appreciation Day #1
2017 Chachi Almost #23
2018 Chachi #47

2019 Chachi #34
2019 Chachi #60 - Weird Loss HL with Vince Velasquez
2019 Chachi Photo Night #7
2020 Chachi #9
2021 Chachi #14

Roman Quinn was active for 48 of the Phillies' 60 games last season, so he has yet to play a full season without losing time to injury.  He was on the injured list three times in 2019 and he missed most of 2017 with a left arm injury.  He's always been a favorite in our household, and we're still pulling for him at The Phillies Room HQ.

I'm again surprised at the number of Quinn's baseball cards in my collection, but then again he's been appearing on prospect and minor league cards since 2012.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 18 - Phils Salvage Series on Knapp's Walk-Off Single

2018 Topps Heritage Minor League
1969 Topps Deckle Edge #29

Phillies 6, Giants 5
Game 18 - Wednesday Afternoon, April 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 9-9, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Despite Darin Ruf's best efforts, the Phillies managed to walk-off with a 6-5 win after Andrew Knapp singled Bryce Harper home in the ninth.

What It Means:  It's a win, and I'll take it.  But the Phillies are definitely struggling right now and they'll try to right the ship with three games in Denver followed by four games in St. Louis.

What Happened:  Mickey Moniak delivered his first career home run with a three-run shot to left in the second.  The Phillies held a 4-1 lead going into the seventh when pinch-hitter Ruf hit a three-run home run of his own off reliever Brandon Kintzler.  The Giants eventually took the lead in the inning after Andrew McCutchen dropped a Mike Yastrzemski fly ball in left field and Yastrzemski would come around to score on an Alex Dickerson single.  In the bottom of the inning, the red hot Harper homered to center to again tie the game.  Harper walked to lead off the ninth, went to second on Brad Miller's fourth hit of the day, and scored the winning run on Knapp's single.

Featured Card:  While Knapp had the game-winning hit here, I wanted to celebrate Moniak's first career home run.  He's off to a slow start (batting .111 - 2 for 18) but hopefully he picks it up soon.  Aside from McCutchen's awful start, the team's lack of production from center field has been one of its biggest problems through the first 18 games.

Transaction:  Jean Segura (2b) officially landed on the injured list with a right quad strain and Ramon Rosso (rhp) was sent back to Lehigh Valley.  Scott Kingery (inf) and Spencer Howard (rhp) were both recalled with Howard striking out the side in the eighth.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 17 - 2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 #18 Darin Ruf

Giants 10, Phillies 7
Game 17 - Tuesday Night, April 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-9, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Connor Brogdon gave up two three-run home runs in the eighth inning as the Giants came from behind to stun the Phillies with a 10-7 loss.

What It Means:  With the suddenly depleted bullpen due to injury (Archie Bradly) and Covid protocols (Jose Alvarado), Brogdon was inexplicably left in the game after giving up his first three-run home run to Alex Dickerson, giving the Giants a 7-6 lead.  Wilmer Flores followed a few batters later with the second three-run home run and the Phillies were on their way to their second loss in a row to the Giants.

What Happened:  Everything was going relatively well with Mickey Moniak and Nick Maton making great defensive plays in the early going.  Maton collected his first RBI in the second, driving home Moniak with a double to right.  Brad Miller hit a three-run home run in the third and Alec Bohm added a two-run home run in the fifth.

Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler went 5 2/3 innings and allowed four runs on five hits while striking out six.  Jean Segura left the game with a quad injury and given Didi Gregorius' nagging elbow injury, the Phillies were forced to use Miller and then Andrew Knapp at second base to finish the game.

Featured Card:  Doug and I were there (see below) and we were both disappointed at the lukewarm
reception given to Darin Ruf when he pinch-hit in the fifth.  Ruf was with the Phillies between 2012 and 2016, and this was his first trip back to Citizens Bank Park since his final game with the Phillies on October 1, 2016.

Field Report:  Fortunately, since it was a (virtual) school night, we left before the eighth inning and the highlight of the game for Doug was the heckler in Section 122 who was inexplicably dragging Matt Joyce the entire game.  What did that guy have against Joyce?  I made my first and last trip to Shake Shack this season, after a 20-minute ordeal in which I attempted and ultimately succeeded in ordering a burger without cheese. 

Transactions:  The Covid-related bullpen shuffle continued with Damon Jones (lhp) and Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) optioned back to Lehigh Valley and Bailey Falter (lhp) and Ramon Rosso (rhp) recalled.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Happy Birthday Ben!

I've had a tough time lately with the gauging of time, and I'm probably not alone in that I often forget what day of the week we're on.  Given the events of the past year, the passage of time has either seemed dreadfully slow or remarkably fast with whole months slogging along at a snail's pace or weeks zipping by  with no time to catch my breath.

Our youngest son Ben turns 11 today, which seems hard to believe.  I feel it was only a short time ago we were discussing his turning 10 and entering into the realm of double digit ages.  The past year has been largely a blur.  This year's birthday has already been more fun for him than last year's, as he's back in school and we had a small gathering of close family members last weekend to celebrate his big day.  Last year, we settled for a small cake and his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents singing to him over a Zoom.

Ben's resilience over the past year (and the resiliency of his older brother, Doug) has been amazing.  Like everyone else, he's had to deal with virtual classrooms, cancelled plans, postponed vacations and holidays with just the four of us, essentially sheltering in place.  But he never stopped smiling, never stopped being silly and never stopped being hopeful.  His piano playing took leaps and bounds over the past year, he's now an accomplished bike rider and his tennis game continues to improve.  But most of all, he's showed us over the past year he's got a huge heart.  Knowing his birthday celebration would fall on the same day as his grandmother's actual birthday, he requested a joint cake to share with her, since his Mimi had celebrated her birthday virtually alone last year too.  He's 11 now and I couldn't be prouder of him.

Memory Lane

2010 - Welcome Ben!

2010 - Ben is born, Roy Halladay wins, all is right with the world

2011 - Ben turns one as Roy Oswalt pitches the Phillies past the Padres

2012 - Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!

2013 - Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!
2014 - Ben is Four!
2015 - Ben is Five!
2016 - Ben and Chewbacca
2017 - Ben is Seven!
2018 - Ben is Eight!
2019 - Ben at the Grand Canyon
2020 - Ben is Ten! (Social distancing version)

2021 - Ben, accomplished piano player, amazing kid, turns 11

2021 Chachi #13 Matt Joyce

#7
Matthew Ryan Joyce
Outfield

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  194
Opening Day Age:  36
Born:  August 3, 1984, Tampa, FL
How Obtained:  Selected by Phillies in 1st round of June 2014 amateur player draft
Contract Status:  Signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent, formerly with the Miami Marlins, February 10, 2021
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2008; Tampa Bay Rays 2009-2014; Los Angeles Angels 2015; Pittsburgh Pirates 2016; Oakland Athletics 2017-2018; Atlanta Braves 2019; Miami Marlins 2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Heritage #421

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (9):  2009, 2011-2018

1 - Joyce baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/19/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #13

Matt Joyce and Brandon Kintzler won the non-roster invitee lottery this spring for the Phillies, both making the opening day roster on the strength of their springs.  Joyce will provide a left-handed bat off the bench while occasionally spelling the corner outfielders. 

Like a lot of Phillies on the 2021 club, he's waiting for his first Phillies baseball card appearance. The sole card of his in my collection right now is his short-printed card from the 2021 Topps Heritage set.  Joyce was an All-Star with the Rays in 2011.  He's appeared in every Topps flagship set except one between 2009 and 2018, getting omitted for some reason from the 2010 set.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 16 - 2018 Choice Lakewood BlueClaws #15 Nick Maton

Giants 2, Phillies 0
Game 16 - Monday Night, April 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-8, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' offensive troubles continued as they were shut out by Kevin Gausman and the Giants, 2-0.

What It Means:  The Phillies set an unfortunate record, with their center fielders now hitless in the last 13 games.  That breaks the record set by the Cubs' center fielders in 1965 who were hitless in 12 games.  Lead-off hitter Andrew McCutchen went 0 for 4 to drop his season average down to .157.

What Happened:  The offense had plenty of chances, but went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left 11 runners stranded.  Bryce Harper was the sole bright spot with three hits.  Jean Segura collected his 200th career double and Nick Maton blooped a single to left in the sixth inning for his first big league hit.

Starting pitcher Chase Anderson's only blemish was the two-run home run he allowed to Brandon Belt in the third.  The bullpen had another stellar performance, with David Hale, Sam Coonrod, Brandon Kintzler and JoJo Romero throwing five scoreless innings.

Featured Card:  Didi Gregorius banged up his elbow, so Maton started at shortstop and batted eighth in his big league debut.  He's the first shortstop to wear #29 in his debut since Jimmy Rollins back in 2000.

Transactions:  In a flurry of pre-game Covid-related moves, Jose Alvarado (lhp), Matt Moore (lhp) and Ronald Torreyes (inf) were all placed on the injured list with the Phillies recalling Damon Jones (lhp), Maton (inf) and Cristopher Sanchez (lhp).  First base coach Paco Figueroa and coaching assistant Bobby Meacham both also entered Covid protocols with infield coach Juan Castro serving as first base coach last night and Lehigh Valley IronPigs manager Gary Jones serving as third base coach.

Castro was the third first base coach in four games, with Figueroa and Meacham coming before him.  There's a precedent for me issuing Chachi cards for interim coaches, so I'll need to add Gary Jones to the 2021 set at some point.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Giants at Phillies: April 19th to April 21st

1986 Topps #655

1986 Topps #585

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

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday and Wednesday, all fans in attendance will receive a Phillies reusable straw set.

Giants 9-6
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. West, 3 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Giants Probables
Kevin Gausman (0-0, 3.20)
Logan Webb (0-1, 4.76)
Anthony DeSclafani (1-0, 1.06)

Giants Leaders
Average:  Donovan Solano - .311
Runs:  Evan Longoria - 8
Home Runs:  Evan Longoria - 4
RBIs:  Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria - 9
Stolen Bases:  Brandon Crawford - 2

Wins:  3 tied with - 2
ERA:  Anthony DeSclafani - 1.06
Strikeouts:  Johnny Cueto and Kevin Guasean - 18
Saves:  Jack McGee - 6

Phillies 8-7
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Chase Anderson (0-1, 4.00)
Zack Wheeler (1-2, 3.00)
Zach Eflin (1-0, 3.15)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .352
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 12
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 3
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 10
Stolen Bases:  Alec Bohm and Roman Quinn - 2

Wins:  Connor Brogdon - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 2.19
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 28
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 15 - 2020 Topps Now #250 Aaron Nola

Phillies 2, Cardinals 0
Game 15 - Sunday Afternoon, April 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-7, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola threw his first career, nine-inning complete game shutout in this 2-0 win over the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, and they'll open up a three-game set against Gabe Kapler and the Giants on Monday night.

What Happened:  Nola's gem came on the day nearly 11,000 fans celebrated the Phanatic's birthday.  Nola allowed a second inning single to center by Yadier Molina and an eighth inning single to left by Paul DeJong.  Other than that, and an error he committed in the third, Nola was perfect.  He struck out 10 while throwing 109 pitches, and I was happy manager Joe Girardi left him in the game to finish it.  The Phillies scored their runs on a long solo home run from Bryce Harper in the first, and an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Technically, Nola's first career complete game shutout came last season during game two of a double header against the Marlins.  On September 11th last season, Nola held the Marlins to three hits over seven innings as the Phillies won in the double-header shortened game.  Nola received a Topps Now card for his efforts, and I'm hoping he receives one for this game as well.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #12 Ronald Torreyes

#74
Ronald Alcides Torreyes
Infield

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'8"  Weight:  155
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  September 2, 1992, Libertador de Barinas, VZ
How Obtained:  Signed as a minor league free agent, January 2, 2020
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Dodgers 2015; New York Yankees 2016-2018; Minnesota Twins 2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2017-2019

0 - Torreyes baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 4/18/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #50
2021 Chachi #12

Ronald Torreyes had his contract selected last season on September 11th, replacing Neil Walker on the active roster when Walker was designated for assignment.  Torreyes, who has played previously with manager Joe Girardi when both were with the Yankees, was the final player to make the team's opening day roster this season.  Collectors are still waiting for his first official Phillies baseball card.

Torreyes is the second player in franchise history to wear #74, following in the footsteps of relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina who first wore the number briefly in 2005.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 14 - 1962 Topps #249 Ed Keegan

Cardinals 9, Phillies 4
Game 14 - Saturday Afternoon, April 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 7-7, Tied for 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Moore and JoJo Romero helped dig an early hole, and the Phillies couldn't come back, ultimately losing 9-4.

What It Means:  Moore's first three starts have not gone well, and this was the worst of the three.  He's now 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA with 12 earned runs, 17 hits and nine walks allowed over 11 innings pitched.

What Happened:  Moore and Romero combined to allow eight runs on seven hits in the first three innings.  Yadier Molina did the most damage, with two home runs and four RBIs.  With Bryce Harper on the bench with a bad back, Matt Joyce went 0 for 3 and stranded five runners.  Didi Gregorius and Rhys Hoskins tried their best to pace the offense with Gregorius contributing an RBI-double in the fifth and Hoskins having a three-hit day.

Featured Card:  The start of Moore's Phillies career has been historically bad.  Looking at Phillies pitchers all-time with 11 innings or less pitched and having started at least three games, allowing at least 10 earned runs, Moore finds himself in the company of John Milligan (1929), Ed Keegan (1959) and Seth Morehead (1959).  Moore still isn't in Joe Cowley territory however.  In Cowley's first four starts with the Phillies in 1987, he went 0-4 with a 13.91 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs in 11 innings pitched.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 13 - 2020 Topps Now #171 Jackie Robinson Salute

Phillies 9, Cardinals 2
Game 13 - Friday Night, April 16th in Philadelphia
Record - 7-6, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The offense came to life and Zach Eflin was fantastic in this 9-2 series opening win against the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The game's easy, Harry.  When you get pitching, good fielding and score a few.

What Happened:  Nine straight Phillies reached in the second, giving the team a much-needed crooked numbers inning.  The big hits in the inning were Jean Segura's wind-aided RBI double, Andrew McCutchen's two-run single and Bryce Harper's two-run double.  Also contributing was questionable Cardinals defense, an intentional walk to Mickey Moniak and two hit batters, including Eflin getting grazed on his pants zipper with the bases loaded.  The line-up enjoyed a nine-hit night with Segura (three hits) and McCutchen (two hits) leading the way.

Featured Card:  McCutchen gets the card here for his three-RBI night, and for busting out of his 0 for 14 slump.  He featured prominently in a pre-game video in which the Phillies dedicated a new space at the ballpark to celebrate the history of the Negro League's Philadelphia Stars.  All fans also received McCutchen Philadelphia Stars t-shirts upon entering the ballpark.  The other players featured on the card, released last year to celebrate a delayed Jackie Robinson celebration, are Mookie Betts, Dexter Fowler and Dominic Smith.

Field Report:  We braved the cold and the drizzle to witness the Phillies' second inning offensive outburst.  After getting our four McCutchen Philadelphia Stars t-shirts we grabbed dinner and settled into our four-seat pod in Section 116 for the night.  Hot chocolates were a popular choice following the seventh inning stretch.

Transaction:  It's not necessarily an official transaction, but the team announced hitting coach Joe Dillon, third base coach Dusty Wathan and bullpen coach Dave Lundquist were not with the team due to COVID-19 safety protocols.  Paco Figueroa moved over to coach third with Bobby Meacham coaching first in this game.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Cardinals at Phillies: April 16th to April 18th

1986 Topps #178

1986 Topps #39

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All fans attending tonight's game will receive an Andrew McCutchen Philadelphia Stars t-shirt, paying tribute to the former Negro League team.  The Cardinals and Phillies will also all wear #42 as part of Major League Baseball's Jackie Robinson Salute.  On Sunday, the Phanatic celebrates his birthday with all fans receiving a Phillie Phanatic knit hat.

Cardinals 6-6
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 1 game behind the Brewers and Reds

Cardinals Probables
Carlos Martinez (0-2, 6.30)
Kwang-Hyun Kim (0-0, 0.00)
John Gant (0-1, 3.00)

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Yadier Molina - .342
Runs:  Paul DeJong - 9
Home Runs:  Nolan Arenado and Dylan Carson - 3
RBIs:  Dylan Carson - 9
Stolen Bases:  Tommy Edman - 3

Wins:  Jack Flaherty and Giovanny Gallegos - 2
ERA:  Jack Flaherty - 4.11
Strikeouts:  Jack Flaherty - 16
Saves:  Alex Reyes - 3

Phillies 6-6
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (0-0, 3.46)
Matt Moore (0-0, 7.56)
Aaron Nola (0-1, 3.45)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .324
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
Home Runs:  3 tied with - 2
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 9
Stolen Bases:  Alec Bohm and Roman Quinn - 2

Wins:  Connor Brogdon - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.00
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 20
Saves:  Hector Neris - 2

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist