Series Preview - Mets at Phillies: September 30th to October 2nd

Friday 7:05, Saturday 1:05 and Sunday 3:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Mets 85-74, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 70-89, 4th place in the N.L. East, 23 games behind the Nationals

Mets Probables:  Robert Gsellman (3-2, 2.56), Bartolo Colon (14-8, 3.42), Noah Syndergaard (14-9, 2.60)
Phillies Probables:  Alec Asher (2-0, 1.66), Phil Klein (0-0, 12.15), Jared Eickhoff (11-14, 3.72)

At the Ballpark:  Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark, with "surprises and prizes" on tap for those in attendance.

Mets Leaders
Average:  Yoenis Cespedes - .283
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 85
Home Runs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 31
RBIs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 85

Stolen Bases:  Jose Reyes - 9

Wins:  Bartolo Colon and Noah Syndergaard - 14
ERA:  Noah Syndergaard - 2.60
Strikeouts:  Noah Syndergaard - 218
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 50

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .293
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 87
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 25
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 87
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 25

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 12
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.71
Strikeouts:  Jared Eickhoff - 159
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 37

1970 Topps #436

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Tomorrow, I'm going to feature a post listing all the cards within the 1970 Topps set with some sort of Phillies connection.  For now, this is the final 1970 Topps Phillies card yet to appear within a series summary post.  The team photo used for this card doesn't match the team photos from the Phillies' 1968, 1969 or 1970 yearbooks.  Which leads me to believe that perhaps this photo was taken especially for Topps?

Thanks for following along all season and thanks especially to Jim from Downingtown, who commented throughout the year on these posts with additional interesting tidbits about the players featured.  I'll be back next season with these series preview posts, looking at the cards with Phillies connections throughout the 1982 Topps set.

Series Preview - Phillies at Braves: September 27th to September 29th

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:10
Turner Field - Atlanta, GA

Phillies 70-86, 4th place in the N.L. East, 21 games behind the Nationals
Braves 63-92, 5th place in the N.L. East, 27 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (11-14, 3.75), Adam Morgan (2-10, 5.57), Jeremy Hellickson (12-10, 3.78)
Braves Probables:  Julio Teheran (6-10, 3.10), Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 4.41), Josh Collmenter (2-0, 3.00)

At the Ballpark:  This is the Phillies final visit to Turner Field, and the Braves have a number of "Final" moments scheduled throughout this series.  Tonight is the Final Walk, with fans invited to walk around the warning track prior to the game and Wednesday night is the Final Run, with all fans invited to run the bases post-game.  On Thursday, all fans will be able to take the Final Pic, which is similar to the Phillies Photo Day.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .293
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 85
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 25
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 87
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 25

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 12
ERA:  Jared Eickhoff - 3.75
Strikeouts:  Jared Eickhoff - 154
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 37

Braves Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .305
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 96
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 32
RBIs:  Freddie Freeman and Nick Markakis - 87
Stolen Bases:  Ender Inciarte - 16

Wins:  Mike Foltynewicz - 8
ERA:  Julio Teheran - 3.10
Strikeouts:  Julio Teheran - 152
Saves:  Jim Johnson - 17

1970 Topps #252

1970 Topps #546

1970 Topps Appreciation:  As far as I know, Lowell Palmer has no connection to the Braves, but I wanted to save one of the coolest Phillies cards from the early 1970s for last.  There's one more series preview post coming up for the weekend series with the Mets, and I'll feature the final 1970 Topps Phillies card of the season in that post.

Palmer started his five-year career with the Phillies, appearing in 67 games mostly as a reliever between 1969 and 1971.  In 207 innings, Palmer compiled a 5.39 ERA and a record of 3-10.  Over the next three seasons between 1972 and 1974, he'd wrap up his career with brief appearances with the Cardinals, Indians and Padres.

A member of the 1980 World Championship club, I had this to say about Ron Reed back in a series preview post from 2013, although he's now been dropped to seventh place on the team's all-time saves list:

Reed spent the first 10 years of his career with the Braves (1966-1975) before he was shipped to the Cardinals early in the 1975 season.  Used as a starting pitcher for the Braves and Cardinals, the Phillies converted Reed to a reliever and he enjoyed a successful eight year run (1976-1983) with the club.  His 90 saves with the Phillies place him sixth on the team's all-time saves list.

Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: September 22nd to September 25th

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 1:10
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

Phillies 69-83, 4th place in the N.L. East, 20 games behind the Nationals
Mets 80-72, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (2-10, 5.57), Jeremy Hellickson (12-9, 3.57), Alec Asher (1-0, 2.16), Jake Thompson (3-5, 5.62)
Mets Probables:  Seth Lugo (4-2, 2.35), Steven Matz (9-8, 3.40), Noah Syndergaard (13-9, 2.63), Robert Gsellman (2-2, 3.13)

At the Ballpark:  It's Fan Appreciation Weekend at Citi Field, with a whole host of giveaways scheduled.  On Friday, all fans will receive a Mets t-shirt and on Saturday all fans will receive a Mets fleece blanket.  On Sunday afternoon, the Mets final home game of 2016, all fans will receive a 2017 schedule magnet.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .291
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 82
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco and Ryan Howard - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 79
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 24

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 12
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.57
Strikeouts:  Jared Eickhoff - 154
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 37

Mets Leaders
Average:  Yoenis Cespedes - .283
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 76
Home Runs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 30
RBIs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 81

Stolen Bases:  Jose Reyes - 9

Wins:  Bartolo Colon - 14
ERA:  Noah Syndergaard - 2.63
Strikeouts:  Noah Syndergaard - 210
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 49

1970 Topps #302

1970 Topps #634

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Jeff James has no connection to the Mets, but he's one of the few remaining Phillies cards from the 1970 Topps set I've yet to feature this season in these series preview posts.  In 35 games with the Phillies in 1968 and 1969, James went 6-6 with a 4.52 ERA over 147 1/3 innings pitched.  He was included within both the 1969 and 1970 Topps sets.

I wrote about Bud Harrelson's career and Phillies tenure in a series preview post from 2012:

In March 1978, the Phillies acquired Bud Harrelson from the Mets for Fred Andrews and cash.  Harrelson had spent the first 13 years of his career with the Mets and reunited with his former teammate and friend Tug McGraw, he hit .214 in 71 games with the '78 Phils. 

Harrelson retired following the season, but an injury to Larry Bowa, early in the 1979 season, convinced Harrelson to un-retire and come back to the Phillies.  (He became a teammate of former brawl-mate Pete Rose on the 1979 Phillies - see here and here.)  He hit .282 in 53 games in 1979, but was released at the end of spring training in 1980.  He played in 87 games for the 1980 Texas Rangers before calling it a career.

Series Preview - White Sox at Phillies: September 20th to September 21st

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

White Sox 72-78, 4th place in the A.L. Central, 14 1/2 games behind the Indians
Phillies 24-17, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Nationals

White Sox Probables:  James Shields (3-10, 6.94), Chris Sale (16-8, 3.03)
Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (2-5, 5.64), Jared Eickhoff (10-14, 3.74)

At the Ballpark:  There are special theme night tickets available for both these games, but there are otherwise no giveaways scheduled.

White Sox Leaders
Average:  Jose Abreu - .300
Runs:  Adam Eaton - 84
Home Runs:  Todd Frazier - 37
RBIs:  Jose Abreu - 96
Stolen Bases:  Adam Eaton and Todd Frazier - 12

Wins:  Chris Sale - 16
ERA:  Chris Sale - 3.03
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 215
Saves:  David Robertson - 35

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .290
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 79
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco and Ryan Howard - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 77
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 22

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 12
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.57
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 37

1970 Topps #56

1970 Topps Appreciation:  This is the first card of two on which prospects Joe Lis and Scott Reid would appear as Phillies Rookie Stars.  Both would appear on Rookie Stars cards again within the 1971 Topps set - Lis with Willie Montanez and Reid with Greg Luzinski.

Neither player would receive a solo Phillies mainstream baseball card, although Lis appeared in both the 1971 and 1972 Phillies Photocards set.  Lis served as a back-up outfielder for the Phils between 1970 and 1972 and he was shipped to the Twins in November 1972 as part of the Cesar Tovar deal. He wrapped up his eight-year career with 9 games for the expansion Mariners club in 1977.

Reid appeared in 38 games with the Phillies in 1969 and 1970, hitting .147 (10 for 68).  Following his playing career, Reid served as a scout for the Phillies and he was responsible for the signing of Mike Maddux.  He later worked in the front offices for the Cubs and Marlins, and he's currently a senior advisor for the Tigers.

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

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

Marlins 73-73, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 14 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 65-82, 4th place in the N.L. East, 22 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Marlins Probables:  Tom Koehler (9-11, 3.97), Jose Urena (4-6, 4.89), Andrew Cashner (1-4, 6.13)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (2-10, 5.73), Jeremy Hellickson (11-9, 3.76), Alec Asher (1-0, 1.46)

At the Ballpark:  On Sunday afternoon, all adult fans will receive a Budweiser desert camo Phillies t-shirt.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .313
Runs:  Christian Yelich - 72
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 25
RBIs:  Christian Yelich - 91
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 20

Wins:  Jose Fernandez - 15
ERA:  Jose Fernandez - 2.99
Strikeouts:  Jose Fernandez - 241
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 36

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .288
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 74
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 75
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 21

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 11
ERA:  Jared Eickhoff - 3.74
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 37

1970 Topps #564

1970 Topps Appreciation:  As we wrap up the 2016 season, I need to find places to feature 1970

Phillies cards of players who had no logical connection to the Phillies' opponents throughout the year. Johnny Briggs, who spent his entire 12-year career with the Phillies, Brewers and Twins is one such player.  I had this to say about Briggs a few years ago before a Brewers series:

Johnny Briggs spent the first eight years of his career with the Phillies before being traded to the Brewers in April 1971 for Pete Koegel and Ray Peters.  His best season may have been 1972 when he hit 21 home runs and drove in 65.  Briggs appears as a Phillie within Topps sets from 1965 to 1971.

Series Preview - Pirates at Phillies: September 12th to September 15th

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

Pirates 69-72, 3rd place in the N.L. Central, 21 games behind the Cubs
Phillies 63-80, 4th place in the N.L. East, 22 games behind the Nationals

Pirates Probables:  Gerrit Cole (7-9, 3.55), Ivan Nova (5-0, 2.53), Steven Brault (0-2, 3.38), Chad Kuhl (3-3, 4.09)
Phillies Probables:  Jeremy Hellickson (10-9, 3.90), Alec Asher (1-0, 0.00), Jake Thompson (1-5, 6.05), Jared Eickhoff (10-13, 3.73)

At the Ballpark:  It's hard to believe, but other than some theme nights there aren't any special giveaways for this four-game weekday series with the Pirates.  Should be plenty of leg room at the ballpark this week!

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Starling Marte - .311
Runs:  Gregory Polanco - 73
Home Runs:  Gregory Polanco - 21
RBIs:  Gregory Polanco - 82
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 47

Wins:  Jeff Locke and Juan Nicasio - 9
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  Juan Nicasio - 122
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 30

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .290
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 72
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 73
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 20

Wins:  Jared Eickhoff and Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jared Eickhoff - 3.73
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 36

1970 Topps #532

1970 Topps #6

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Danny Murtaugh and Grant Jackson just missed each other in Pittsburgh as the long-time manager's last season at the helm for the Pirates was 1976 and Jackson joined the club in 1977.

Murtaugh guided the Pirates to two World Series titles in 1960 and 1971.  Until looking at this career managerial record, I had no idea that Murtaugh had four different stints at the helm of the Pirates - 1957 to 1964, 1967, 1970 to 1971 and 1973 to 1976.  Before his managing days, Murtaugh was a semi-successful infielder in the Majors for parts of nine seasons between 1941 and 1951.  His career was put on hold for two years while he served in the military.  With the Phillies between 1941 and 1946, Murtaugh hit .246 and was the team's starting second baseman in 1943.  It looks as if his only baseball card representing his time with the Phillies can be found within the 1943 team issued picture pack set.  (And good luck finding that!)

I featured Jackson's 1979 Topps Pirates card in this series preview post from 2012, and I had this to say about the pitcher:

Jackson began his 18-year career with six seasons with the Phillies.  Initially a relief pitcher, Jackson developed into a semi-reliable starting pitcher for the Phils in the late 1960s.  Between 1965 and 1970, he went 23-43 with a 3.99 ERA.  Jackson was traded to the Orioles following the 1970 season in the deal that brought Roger Freed to Philly.  Not counting his 1 game appearance in 1982, Jackson spent five full seasons with the Pirates between 1977 and 1981.  He pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Orioles in the 1979 World Series.

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: September 8th to September 11th

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:05, Sunday 1:35
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

Phillies 62-77, 4th place in the N.L. East, 20 games behind the Nationals
Nationals 82-57, 1st place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables:  Alec Asher (0-0, 0.00), Jake Thompson (1-5, 6.48), Jared Eickhoff (10-13, 3.86), Adam Morgan (2-9, 5.90)
Nationals Probables:  A.J. Cole (1-1, 3.86), Tanner Roark (14-8, 2.89), Max Scherzer (16-7, 2.88), Gio Gonzalez (10-9, 4.40)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 25,000 fans will receive a Michael A. Taylor bobblehead and tomorrow night the first 20,000 fans will receive a Nationals beer stein.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .289
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 71
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 73
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 20

Wins:  Jared Eickhoff and Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jared Eickhoff - 3.86
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 35

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .345
Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 83
Home Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 25
RBIs:  Daniel Murphy - 100
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 21

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 16
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.88
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 243
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 19

1970 Topps #403

1970 Topps #442

1970 Topps Appreciation:  In retrospect, it seems a little cruel to feature cards of Jim Bunning and Gene Mauch in September as teams around the Majors are trying to earn a spot in the postseason. Bunning and Mauch will forever be linked for their roles on the 1964 Phillies team and that team's cruel and historic September collapse.

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 5th to September 7th

Monday 1:10, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10
Marlins Park - Miami, FL

Phillies 60-76, 4th place in the N.L. East, 19 games behind the Nationals
Marlins 68-69, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 11 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (9-13, 3.90), Adam Morgan (1-9, 6.21), Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.88)
Marlins Probables:  Jake Esch (0-0, 4.15), Jose Urena (3-5, 5.40), Andrew Cashner (0-4, 5.57)

At the Ballpark:  Wednesday night is Roberto Clemente night at Marlins Park, and fans with special tickets will receive a Marlins/Clemente t-shirt.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .283
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 68
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 73
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.88
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 152
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Martin Prado - .316
Runs:  Christian Yelich - 71
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 25
RBIs:  Christian Yelich - 85
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 15

Wins:  Jose Fernandez - 13
ERA:  Jose Fernandez - 3.03
Strikeouts:  Jose Fernandez - 224
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 32

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: September 2nd to September 4th

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

Braves 51-83, 5th place in the N.L. East, 27 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 60-73, 4th place in the N.L. East, 18 games behind the Nationals

Braves Probables:  Joel De La Cruz (0-7, 4.66), John Gant (1-3, 4.59), Julio Teheran (4-9, 3.12)
Phillies Probables:  Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.80), Vince Velasquez (8-6, 4.21), Jake Thompson (1-4, 7.86)

At the Ballpark:  As the final month of the 2016 season begins, the Phillies have no give-aways scheduled for this weekend series against the last place Braves.  Great seats are still available!

Braves Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .289
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 81
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 28
RBIs:  Nick Markakis - 73
Stolen Bases:  Mallex Smith - 14

Wins:  Mike Foltynewicz - 8
ERA:  Julio Teheran - 3.12
Strikeouts:  Julio Teheran - 136
Saves:  Jim Johnson - 14

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .288
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 68
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 144
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

Series Preview - Nationals at Phillies: August 29th to August 31st

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

Nationals 75-55, 1st place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Marlins
Phillies 60-70, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Nationals Probables:  Tanner Roark (13-7, 2.99), Max Scherzer (14-7, 2.92), Gio Gonzalez (9-9, 4.25)
Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (1-3, 9.78), Jared Eickhoff (9-12, 3.87), Adam Morgan (1-8, 6.50)

At the Ballpark:  The only give-aways for this series are available via special tickets for various theme nights.  The most intriguing item up for grabs is the Franco-Stein available on Wednesday as part of a Zombie Night promotion.

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Daniel Murphy - .343
Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 80
Home Runs:  Daniel Murphy - 25
RBIs:  Daniel Murphy - 98
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 18

Wins:  Stephen Strasburg - 15
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.92
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 227
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 19

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .294
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 67
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.80
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 144
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

1970 Topps #666

1970 Topps #677

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Today's featured cards are for two players who both spent parts of their careers with the Expos and Phillies.

Adolfo Phillips played in parts of three seasons with the Phillies between 1964 and 1966, before leaving to serve as the Cubs' regular center fielder between 1966 and 1968.  With the Phillies, Phillips appeared in 56 games, hitting .223 before being included in the ill-fated (for the Phillies) Fergie Jenkins trade with the Cubs.  The Phillies outfield at the time was already occupied by Johnny Callison, Tony Gonzalez and Johnny Briggs.  Phillips was an original Expo in 1969, splitting center field duties with Ty Cline.  His sole Phillies baseball card can be found in the 1966 Topps set.

Woodie Fryman pitched in parts of 18 seasons in the Majors, spending the bulk of his career with the Phillies (1968-1972) and Expos (1975-1976, 1978-1983).  The Phillies originally acquired him from the Pirates in December 1967 as part of the deal that sent Jim Bunning to Pittsburgh.  He appeared on a number of Phillies baseball cards between 1968 and 1972, although he'd have to wait for his 1970 Topps card to actually show him wearing a Phillies uniform.  Both his 1968 and 1969 Topps cards use the same photo of Fryman in a Pirates jersey.

Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: August 26th to August 28th

Friday and Saturday 7:10, Sunday 1:10
Citi  Field - Flushing, NY

Phillies 59-68, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals
Mets 64-63, 3rd place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Nationals

Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.21), Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.60), Vince Velasquez (8-6, 4.31)
Mets Probables:  Bartolo Colon (11-7, 3.36), Noah Syndergaard (11-7, 2.61), Robert Gsellman (1-0, 0.00)

At the Ballpark:  It's a good weekend for giveaways at Citi Field.  Tonight, all fans will receive a Yoenis Cespedes "Yo" t-shirt as part of the Mets' Free Shirt Friday promotion.  Tomorrow night is Matt Harvey bobblehead night and on Sunday afternoon fans will receive a Steven Matz lunch bag.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .296
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 66
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 137
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 34

Mets Leaders
Average:  Yoenis Cespedes - .291
Runs:  Curtis Granderson - 58
Home Runs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 25
RBIs:  Yoenis Cespedes - 64

1970 Topps #610

Stolen Bases:  Jose Reyes - 6

Wins:  Bartolo Colon and Noah Syndergaard - 11
ERA:  Noah Syndergaard - 2.61
Strikeouts:  Noah Syndergaard - 177
Saves:  Jeurys Familia - 42

1970 Topps Appreciation:  I first wrote about Jerry Koosman four years ago this week in a series
preview post featuring his 1979 Topps card:

Koosman started his 19-year career playing in parts of 12 seasons with the Mets and he ended his career with two uneventful seasons with the Phillies.  Between 1967 and 1978, Koosman was a two-time All-Star and compiled a 140-137 record with the Mets.  In four World Series games, in 1969 and 1973, Koosman went 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA.  His time with the 1984-1985 Phillies was less impressive, although he did manage a 20-19 record in 55 games with a 3.67 ERA.

Series Preview - Phillies at White Sox: August 23rd to August 24th

Tuesday and Wednesday 8:10
U.S. Cellular Field - Chicago, IL

Phillies 58-67, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals
White Sox 59-64, 4th place in the A.L. Central, 13 games behind the Indians

Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (1-2, 8.79), Jared Eickhoff (8-12, 3.91)
White Sox Probables:  Carlos Rodon (3-8, 4.26), James Shields (3-8, 7.62)

At the Ballpark:  The White Sox are celebrating Halfway to Mardi Gras tonight complete with jazz music and masquerade masks.  There will also be stilt walkers, face painters and a strolling juggling jester walking around.  Fans will be able to purchase "beads, masks and other party wear" at the ballpark.

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .295
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 66
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 72
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 10
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 137
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 33

White Sox Leaders
Average:  Melky Cabrera - .295
Runs:  Todd Frazier - 66
Home Runs:  Todd Frazier - 31
RBIs:  Todd Frazier - 76
Stolen Bases:  Adam Eaton - 12

Wins:  Chris Sale - 15
ERA:  Jose Quintana - 2.84
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 165
Saves:  David Robertson - 32

Series Preview - Cardinals at Phillies: August 19th to August 21st

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

Cardinals 64-56, 2nd place in the N.L. Central, 13 games behind the Cubs
Phillies 57-65, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Cardinals Probables:  Adam Wainwright (9-7, 4.72), Luke Weaver (0-0, 4.50, Mike Leake (8-9, 4.78)
Phillies Probables:  Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.62), Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.65), Vince Velasquez (8-5, 4.14)

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday night, all fans will receive a nice looking mini Harry Kalas replica statute.  On Sunday afternoon, all kids will receive a ShopRite back-to-school set, including two Phillies folders, a spiral notebook, spiral memo pad, eraser, pencil pouch and four pencils.  Nicely done, Phillies.

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Aledmys Diaz - .312
Runs:  Stephen Piscotty - 67
Home Runs:  Brandon Moss - 22
RBIs:  Stephen Piscotty - 67
Stolen Bases:  Jeremy Hazelbaker and Kolten Wong - 5

Wins:  Carlos Martinez - 11
ERA:  Carlos Martinez - 3.24
Strikeouts:  Carlos Martinez - 119
Saves:  Trevor Rosenthal - 14

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .294
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 64
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 22
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 71
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 9
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 130
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 32

1970 Topps #220

1970 Topps #605

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Matching up the cards of Rick Wise and Steve Carlton is always a natural fit when looking for cards to feature before a Cardinals-Phillies series.  Back in 2013, I featured their 1973 cards and I had this to say:

Rick Wise and Steve Carlton were traded for each other in a straight-up pitcher for pitcher deal in February 1972.  Both pitchers received "Traded" cards within the 1972 Topps high series, but the 1973 Topps set contained their first proper base cards with their new teams.  Over the short-term and eventually over the long-term, it's safe to say the Phillies got the better end of the deal. 

Wise lasted two seasons in St. Louis, going a combined 32-28 in 70 games and making the All-Star team in 1973.  He enjoyed one of his best seasons as a member of the 1975 Red Sox when he went 19-12 and helped the Sox reach the World Series.  Lefty's first season in Philly marks perhaps one of the best single-season pitching performances in the game's history.  Pitching for a horrendous 1972 Phillies squad, Carlton went 27-10 with a 1.97 ERA and 310 strikeouts in 346 1/3 innings.  His 27 wins represented almost half of the team's 59 wins for the entire season.

Series Preview - Dodgers at Phillies: August 16th to August 18th

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

Dodgers 65-52, 2nd place in the N.L. West, 1/2 game behind the Giants
Phillies 56-63, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Nationals

Dodgers Probables:  Kenta Maeda (11-7, 3.31), Scott Kazmir (9-6, 4.44), Bud Norris (3-2, 4.34)
Phillies Probables:  Vince Velasquez (8-4, 3.94), Jake Thompson (1-1, 8.68), Jared Eickhoff (8-12, 3.82)

At the Ballpark:  The big event with this series is the return of former Phillie (and a Phillies Room favorite) Chase Utley.  Utley will be entering the field from the visitor's dugout at Citizens Bank Park for the first time.

Tonight is also Beatles Night at the ballpark, and fans with a special theme ticket will receive a special Beatles fleece blanket (which will not be needed for this game).  The special night pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Beatles playing a concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on August 16, 1966.

There's a post-game concert on Thursday night featuring country singer Chase Rice.

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Corey Seager - .309
Runs:  Corey Seager - 74
Home Runs:  Corey Seager and Justin Turner - 21
RBIs:  Justin Turner - 67
Stolen Bases:  Howie Kenrick - 8

Wins:  Clayton Kershaw and Kenta Maeda - 11
ERA:  Clayton Kershaw - 1.79
Strikeouts:  Clayton Kershaw - 145
Saves:  Kenley Jansen - 35

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .289
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 64
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 21
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 69
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 19

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 9
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 121
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 31

1970 Topps #446

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Billy Grabarkewitz enjoyed the best season of his seven-year career in 1970 with the Dodgers.  Selected to represent the Dodgers in the All-Star Game, Grabarkewitz finished the 1970 season with what would be career highs in average (.289), home runs (17) and RBIs (84).  He was never able to duplicate this success due to injuries, and the crowded Dodgers infield of the 1970s led to his being traded to the Angels (with Frank Robinson) following the 1972 season.

The Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Angels in August 1973, and his Phillies career spanned just 59 games over two seasons in which he hit .240 with three home runs.  The Phils sold Grabarkewitz to the Cubs in July 1974, but not before he'd appear on three baseball card related releases with the club - 1974 Topps, 1974 Topps Stamps and the 1974 Phillies Photocards set.

And I missed my chance to pay tribute to this original card with the 2016 Chachi card for Brett Oberholtzer.  I clearly should have listed the current Angels pitcher's name as "B. Oberholtzer" on the front of his card.

Series Preview - Rockies at Phillies: August 12th to August 14th

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

Rockies 56-59, 3rd place in the N.L. West, 9 1/2 games behind the Giants
Phillies 53-63, 4th place in the N.L. East, 15 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Rockies Probables:  Jon Gray (8-5, 4.26), Tyler Anderson (4-3, 3.04), Tyler Chatwood (10-7, 3.58)
Phillies Probables:  Jake Thompson (0-1, 12.46), Jared Eickhoff (7-12, 3.78), TBD

At the Ballpark:  One of the best weekends all season is the Phillies annual Alumni Weekend.  Jim Thome will be honored in a pre-game ceremony on Friday and inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.  All fans will receive a commemorative print of the former Phillies slugger.

On Saturday night, Randy Wolf will return and officially retire and there will be a pre-game tribute to returning Phillies alumni.  Larry Bowa will also be honored pre-game with the annual John Vukovich award.

On Sunday afternoon, Placido Polanco will officially retire as a Phillie and all fans will receive a Phillies Wall of Fame Fathead collectible.

Rockies Leaders
Average:  DJ LeMahieu - .326
Runs:  Nolan Arenado - 85
Home Runs:  Nolan Arenado - 30
RBIs:  Nolan Arenado - 92
Stolen Bases:  Charlie Blackmon - 14

Wins:  Chad Bettis and Tyler Chatwood - 10
ERA:  Tyler Chatwood - 3.58
Strikeouts:  Jon Gray - 123
Saves:  Jake McGee - 15

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Cesar Hernandez - .285
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 61
Home Runs:  Maikel Franco - 20
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 66
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 18

Wins:  Jeremy Hellickson - 9
ERA:  Jeremy Hellickson - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 121
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 29

2003 Fleer Tradition Update #U74

2003 Fleer Tradition #322

2003 Fleer Tradition Update #U193