Game 148 - Disaster in Atlanta

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Atlanta Braves	6

11 Innings

2023 Topps #589

Friday Night, September 11th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
82-66, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen blew three save opportunities, and all seems pretty grim for the Phillies after this nightmarish 6-5 loss to the Braves in 11 innings.

What It Means:  I'm not feeling very positive these days.  Immediately after the loss, the Phillies announced Jesus Luzardo would miss Saturday's start with shoulder stiffness.  The beleaguered bullpen will need to cobble together nine innings tonight as the Phillies' chances of winning the division slip away.

What Happened:  There was stuff that happened early and then stuff that happened late.  After a 47 minute rain delay at the outset, Aaron Nola gave the Phillies another solid start.  He went six innings, allowing two solo home runs, six hits overall and three walks.  The Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the second when Derek Hill connected for a bases-clearing double off the tough Chris Sale.

Jonathan Bowlan entered for the save in the ninth as Jhoan Duran had pitched two days in a row.  Bowlan blew it.  Pinch-hitter Justin Crawford singled home ghost runner Bryson Stott in the top of the 10th.  Chase Shugart entered for the save in the bottom of the 10th.  Shugart blew it.  In the top of the 11th, Luis Arraez singled home ghost runner Garrett Stubbs, but the Phillies couldn't push across any more runs and left the bases loaded.  In the bottom of the 11th, Brooks Raley took over for Shugart with one out.  Raley blew it.  Ha-Seong Kim singled home ghost runner Ozzie Albies, and Drake Baldwin doubled to the center field wall to score Kim with the winning run.

Featured Card:  @BoopStats posted on X this was the fourth time the Phillies had three blown saves in a game, with Bowlan, Shugart and Raley joining the club shown below.  Seems like more than three years ago that Craig Kimbrel was blowing saves for the Phillies.

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NLCS Game 4 - Nightmare in the Desert Continues

Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 5
NLCS Game 4 - Friday Night, October 20th in Phoenix
Series tied, 2-2

One Sentence Summary:  Holding a 5-2 lead and needing seven outs for a Game 4 victory, the bullpen duo of Orion Kerkering and Craig Kimbrel stumbled again and the Diamondbacks stunned the Phillies, winning 6-5.

What It Means:  Just brutal.  Doug and I watched this game from our hotel room in Providence, Rhode Island.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies and allowed two runs (one earned) over 2 1/3 innings before yielding to the bullpen.  The Phillies clawed back with a solo home run from Kyle Schwarber in the fourth and an RBI-double from Brandon Marsh in the fifth, tying the score at 2-2.  They took a 4-2 lead in the sixth when Alec Bohm's infield single to third base plated a pair of runners, aided by a throwing error by Diamondbacks' third baseman Emmanuel Rivera.  An insurance run was added in the seventh when Trea Turner's sacrifice fly scored Johan Rojas, who had tripled to reach.

And then everything started to fall apart.  With two outs and runners on first and second, Kerkering entered the game and allowed two straight walks, making it 5-3 Phillies.  In the eighth, Kimbrel gave up a lead-off double to Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. and then a two-run home run to Alex Thomas, tying the score.  He'd give up another single and drill Corbin Carroll to put runners on first and second before departing.  Jose Alvarado entered, gave up an RBI-single to Gabriel Moreno, and the Diamondbacks had a 6-5 lead.  In the bottom of the ninth, Kyle Schwarber laced a two-out double, but Paul Sewald would strike out Trea Turner to end the game and allowing the Diamondbacks to tie the series.

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2023 Chachi #69 NLCS Game 3 / 2023 Chachi #71 NLCS Game 5

NLCS Game 3 - Bullpen, Bats Lost in Desert

Diamondbacks 2, Phillies 1
NLCS Game 3 - Thursday Afternoon, October 19th in Phoenix
Phillies lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of production from the Phillies' offense and late-inning bullpen problems led to this disappointing 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  I'm composing these posts in hindsight, having been away for the weekend on a few college visits with our oldest son Doug.  It wasn't easy to go to sleep following this loss, or the loss on Friday night, and if not for a few missed opportunities, the Phillies would be in the World Series by now.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Not much happened for the game's first six innings.  The Phillies could not figure out Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, who allowed only two hits while striking out nine over the first five-plus innings.  Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez nearly matched him, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The Phillies scored their only run in the top of the seventh.  Bryce Harper was issued a lead-off walk and eventually came home to score on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the seventh, rookie reliever Orion Kerkering gave up a single to Tommy Pham and an RBI double to Lourdes Gurriel Jr., with the Diamondbacks quickly tying the score.  Kerkering departed having not retired a batter, and Jose Alvarado worked out of the inning with no further damage.  In the bottom of the ninth, Craig Kimbrel walked the lead-off batter, Gurriel.  A single, a fielder's choice out and yet another walk loaded the bases.  Ketel Marte singled to center, giving the Diamondbacks a walk-off win, and most damaging, some confidence and momentum.

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2023 Chachi #68 NLCS Game 2 / 2023 Chachi #70 NLCS Game 4

Thomson Manages National League to All-Star Game Win

National League 3, American League 2
All-Star Game - Tuesday Night, July 11th in Seattle

One Sentence Summary:  The National League, managed by Rob Thomson with help from the entire Phillies coaching staff, beat the American League for the first time since 2012, breaking a nine-year losing streak.

What It Means:  I'm getting old.  Our oldest son Doug had a baseball game on Tuesday night, and I was largely disinterested in the game once we returned home.  I recorded the game, watching the pre-game introductions and the first few innings over this past weekend.  I was not impressed.  The All-Star Game uniforms were atrocious, the game was secondary to the on-field interviews and other non-stop antics and I came away missing the All-Star Games of my youth.  I couldn't tell who most of the players were or even what team they were from.

What Happened:  The American League held a 2-1 lead until the Rockies' Elias Diaz hit a two-run home in the eighth to give the National League the lead and eventual win.  Diaz would win MVP honors for his big hit.

Featured Cards:  Thomson, manager of the 2022 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies, in case anyone forgot, brought his entire coaching staff and both bullpen catchers with him to Seattle.  In the bottom of the fifth, Nick Castellanos replaced starting center fielder Mookie Betts.  Castellanos had never before appeared in center field during his 10-plus seasons in the majors.  He came to bat in the top of the sixth and struck out swinging against Orioles' All-Star reliever Yennier Cano.  Cano is a player I didn't realize existed until I just typed that sentence.  In the top of the eighth, with another Orioles' mystery reliever on the mound, Felix Bautista, Castellanos led off with a walk.  Castellanos would get to second on a wild pitch before Diaz hit his eventual game-winning home run.

In the bottom of the ninth, Thomson called on his closer, Craig Kimbrel, to record the final three outs.  Wander Franco flied out to right and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. struck out swinging.  Kimbrel then walked Kyle Tucker and Julio Rodriguez before striking out the Guardians' Jose Ramirez to end the game and secure the win.

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2023 Chachi #44 J.T. Realmuto HL / 2023 Chachi #48 Johan Rojas

2023 Chachi #24 Craig Kimbrel

#31

Craig Michael Kimbrel
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  34

Born:  May 28, 1988, Huntsville, AL
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, January 4, 2023

Contract Status:  Signed through 2023
Major League Teams:  Atlanta Braves 2010-2014; San Diego Padres 2015; Boston Red Sox 2016-2018; Chicago Cubs 2019-2021; Chicago White Sox 2021; Los Angeles Dodgers 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

World Series Appearances:  Boston Red Sox 2018

Craig Kimbrel signed with the Phillies in January in an effort to solidify the back-end of the club's bullpen.  He's done that so far, converting all seven of his save opportunities through Thursday night and pitching well with the exception of two appearances where he gave up three runs or more.  Kimbrel was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2011, and he led the league in saves four years in a row between 2011 and 2014.  An eight-time All-Star, he had to wait until 2018 to pitch in a World Series, with his Red Sox squad prevailing over the Dodgers in five games.

A border-line future Hall of Famer, Kimbrel recently reached the 400-save plateau, becoming one of only eight relievers in that exclusive club.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2010 Topps Pro Debut #5
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (12):  2011-2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2022 Topps Heritage Real One Autographs #ROA-TMC
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 6/2/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist

2023 Chachi New Additions #5

2023 Chachi #24

2023 Chachi #42 - 400th Save HL

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2023 Chachi #23 Gregory Soto / 2023 Chachi #25 Jose Alvarado

Game 51 - Kimbrel Notches 400th Career Save

Phillies 6, Braves 4
Game 51 - Friday Night, May 26th in Atlanta
Record - 24-27, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Following a late surge from the offense, Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to clinch his 400th career save, becoming just the eighth pitcher in MLB history to join that club.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more games to go against the Braves, and then inexplicably have an off day on Memorial Day.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored twice in the third, sixth and seventh innings.  Nick Castellanos laced a two-run RBI triple to right in the third, collecting his first triple with the Phillies.  Brandon Marsh added a two-run single in the sixth.  In the seventh, insurance runs were added when Trea Turner doubled home Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper scored Turner with a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker pitched into the seventh inning, departing with only three runs allowed despite giving up 10 hits.

Featured Card:  With his family and friends watching the game from the stands, Kimbrel induced a ground out to third from Ronald Acuna, Jr. to secure the win and his 400th save.  Kenley Jansen joined the club just a few weeks ago.  As it stands now, Kimbrel joins a group of elite relievers:  Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), Lee Smith (478), Francisco Rodriguez (437), John Franco (424), Billy Wagner (422), Jansen (401) and now Kimbrel (400).

Transaction:  Before the game, the Phillies claimed Cal Stevenson (of) off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Noah Song (rhp) was moved to the 60-day Inured List to make room for Stevenson on the 40-man roster.

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2023 Chachi #41 Dylan Covey / 2023 Chachi #43 Drew Ellis

Phils Ink Kimbrel for Bullpen; Jean Signs with Fish

2023 Chachi New Additions #5

2023 Chachi New Additions #4

2022 Topps Now Postseason #PS-120

2022 Topps Heritage #670

The National League Champions have been keeping busy since the holidays.  Reliever Craig Kimbrel (rhp), the major league's active saves leader with 394, was signed to a one-year, $10 million contract on January 4th, with Francisco Morales (rhp) being designated for assignment to clear 40-man roster space.  Kimbrel solidifies an already strong bullpen, and he'll join manager Rob Thomson's closer by committee program.  In 63 games with the Dodgers in 2022, Kimbrel was 6-7 with a 3.75 ERA and 22 saves in 27 opportunities.  His most recent baseball cards can be found in the Topps Heritage and Topps Update sets.

Before the Kimbrel signing was made official, the Phillies also announced they had acquired Erich Uelmen (rhp) from the Cubs for cash considerations.  Vinny Nittoli (rhp) was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.  Uelmen made his big league debut in July for the Cubs, and he'd pitch in 25 games, all in relief, earning a 4.67 ERA over 27 innings.  He had an autographed insert in the 2018 Bowman set, but he's been otherwise absent from major Topps releases.

There were also a few moves made with former Phillies, most notably with Jean Segura (2b) signing a two-year deal with the Marlins.  Segura was a key player for the team over the past four seasons, appearing in 427 games overall and batting .281 with 43 home runs and 176 RBIs.  He had a number of clutch hits last year in the regular and postseason, and made several unforgettable defensive plays as well. He'll be missed, and I'm sure he'll have a huge hit for the Marlins in the next two seasons against his former team.

Finally, Noah Syndergaard (rhp), a big acquisition for the club for the stretch drive, signed a deal with the Dodgers.  Thor appeared in just 10 regular season and four postseason games for the Phillies, going 5-2 in nine starts with a 4.12 ERA in August, September and early October.  He was the losing pitcher in Game 5 of the World Series against the Astros.

Departures - 2022-2023 Offseason

• Johan Camargo - inf (10/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Minnesota Twins, 11/27/22.
• Michael Kelly - rhp (10/14/22) - Elected free agency.
• Chris Devenski - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Angels, 11/28/22.
• Kyle Gibson - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Baltimore Orioles, 12/5/22.
• Brad Hand - lhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Knebel - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency.
• David Robertson - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the New York Mets, 12/9/22.
• Noah Syndergaard - rhp (11/6/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 12/16/22.
• Zach Eflin - rhp (11/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, 12/13/22.
• Jean Segura - 2b (11/7/22) - Elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins, 1/4/23.
• Mark Appel - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Jorge Bonifacio - of (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Duron - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Yairo Munoz - inf (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.
• Bubby Rossman - rhp (11/11/22) - Elected free agency.

New Additions - 2022-2023 Offseason

• Luis Ortiz - rhp (11/9/22) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
• Andrew Vasquez - rhp (11/9/22) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
• Jake Cave - of (12/2/22) - Claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
• Noah Song - rhp (12/7/22) - Selected from the Boston Red Sox in the annual rule 5 draft.
• Trea Turner - ss (12/8/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Matt Strahm - lhp (12/9/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Boston Red Sox.
• Taijuan Walker - rhp (12/16/22) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• Erich Uelmen - rhp (1/4/23) - Acquired from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations.
• Craig Kimbrel - rhp (1/4/23) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.