Game 158 - Hangover Game Goes Poorly for Phils

2020 Chachi Departures #9

Cubs 10, Phillies 4
Game 158 - Tuesday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 93-65, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A day after celebrating their division-clinching win, the Phillies couldn't overcome the Cubs in this 10-4 loss.

What It Means:  One more win will give the Phillies a first-round bye in the playoffs and they would look to rebound on Wednesday night.

What Happened:  A bullpen game by design, Tanner Banks (three runs), Taijuan Walker (three more runs) and Kolby Allard (four runs) were hit hard and often.  Only Tyler Gilbert escaped unscathed, pithing two shutout innings of relief at the end of the game.  Bryce Harper (30) and Kyle Schwarber (38) both homered in the game.

Featured Card:  Former Phillie Drew Smyly got the win in relief for the Cubs.  Smyly made 12 starts for the Phillies in 2019, going 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA.  He has no official baseball cards marking his time with the club, but he appeared on a few Chachi cards, including the card featured here.

Transaction:  Austin Hays (of) was activated from the injured list and Cal Stevenson (of) was optioned to the complex in Clearwater.

2024 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2024 Season Summary Index / 2024 Chachi Set Checklist

Stay on Target . . . Getting Closer to Baseball

2020 Chachi New Additions #10

Most of my offseason attention has been turned towards building and posting my two other blogs, covering the 1956 and 1965 Topps sets.  After the Zack Wheeler and Didi Gregorius signings in December, transactions and non-roster invitees have slowly trickled in and I wanted to run another catch-up post before the joy of pitchers and catchers reporting kicks in.  Phillies pitchers and catchers are set to officially report on February 11th.

A number of ex-Phillies recently found new homes, as updated below.  The Phillies also made another waiver claim, taking Reggie McClain from the Mariners.  McClain has no major baseball card appearances to his name to date.

Trevor Kelley was designated for assignment to make room for McClain on the 40-man roster, but at least Kelley has a coveted Chachi New Additions insert card to show for his time in the Phillies organization.

2020 Chachi Departures #15

2020 Chachi Departures #1

2020 Chachi Departures #17

2020 Chachi Departures #9

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency, signed the San Francisco Giants (1/18/20).
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Miami Marlins (1/7/20).
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers (1/9/20).
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the Texas Rangers (1/22/20).
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency, signed with the San Francisco Giants (1/16/20).
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.
• Jared Hughes - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jerad Eickhoff - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the San Diego Padres (12/27/19).
• Mike Morin - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Milwaukee Brewers (1/31/20).
• Blake Parker - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Edubray Ramos - rhp - (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1/8/20).
• Maikel Franco - 3b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency, signed with the Kansas City Royals (12/27/19).
• Cesar Hernandez - 2b (12/2/19) - Non-tendered, elected free agency, signed with the Cleveland Indians (12/29/19).

2020 Chachi Departures #7

2020 Chachi Departures #16

Coming Back - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Phil Gosselin - inf (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency, signed with the Phillies (12/20/19).

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.
• Cristopher Sanchez - lhp (11/20/19) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for Curtis Mead.
• Trevor Kelley - rhp (12/2/19) - Claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.
• Zack Wheeler - rhp (12/9/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Mets.
• Didi Gregorius - ss (12/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the New York Yankees.
• Nick Martini - of (1/14/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
• Reggie McClain - rhp (1/31/20) - Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

8 File for Free Agency; Pirela Released

2020 Chachi Departures #4

2020 Chachi #23

2020 Chachi Departures #5

2020 Chachi Departures #6

2020 Chachi Departures #7

On Halloween, the day after the conclusion of the World Series, eight Phillies filed for free agency.  Of the eight, I could see Brad Miller returning to fill a bench role and Drew Smyly might provide some depth at Triple-A.  It would be great to see Corey Dickerson return, but it's not clear how he would fit in to an already crowded outfield.

In a paper move only, outfielder Odubel Herrera was activated from the restricted list where he has languished since mid-May due to his arrest for domestic violence.

2020 Chachi Departures #8

2020 Chachi Departures #9

2020 Chachi Departures #10

2020 Chachi Departures #11

Finally, outfielder Jose Pirela was released as he'll pursue an opportunity to play in Japan.  In 12 games for the Phillies, Pirela hit .235 (4 for 17) with a home run and two RBIs.  He leaves having appeared on zero Phillies baseball cards, making him a prime candidate for a future Phillies Missing Links custom set.

I'm showing off some of the 2020 Chachi cards I created for these departed players above.  As I've done in the past, I'll also create a variation card for each player with whatever new team they land with.  I have to say I'm enjoying working with the 1991 Topps template more than I thought I would, and I'm looking forward to spending all next season with this design.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Game 141 - 2019 Topps Rangers #TR-14 Drew Smyly

Phillies 5, Mets 0
Game 141 - Saturday Night, September 7th in Queens
Record - 73-68, 3rd place, 15 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Drew Smyly threw seven shutout innings and Cesar Hernandez, J.T. Realmuto and Corey Dickerson paced the offense in this 5-0 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies are now looking up at the Diamondbacks ahead of them in the race for the second N.L. Wild Card.  They're tied with the Brewers at three games behind the Cubs, while Arizona is only 1 1/2 games back.

What Happened:  Hernandez led off the game with a home run (9), and he'd score the second run of the game in the fourth with an RBI single.  Realmuto followed that with an RBI single of his own before Dickerson brought them both home with an RBI double.

Featured Card:  Smyly allowed four hits and struck out six in his winning effort.  Smyly may not ever receive a Phillies baseball card, and to date his only 2019 baseball card can be found in the Topps Rangers retail team set.

Game 116 - Harper Silences Oracle Park with 2 Homers

Phillies 9, Giants 6
Game 116 - Late Friday Night, August 9th in San Francisco
Record - 60-56, Tied for 3rd place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper hit a pair of home runs in this 9-6 win, silencing the Giants and their fans at Oracle Park.

What It Means:  Of the three games we saw in San Francisco, this was the only Phillies win.

What Happened:  Harper's first home run gave the Phillies a 5-3 lead and his second home run, which landed in McCovey Cove, gave them an 8-6 lead.  Harper silenced the crowd as he crossed home plate following his second blast.  Corey Dickerson had three hits, including a bases clearing triple in the third.

Starter Drew Smyly pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing six runs (four earned) before handing the game over to the bullpen.  Hector Neris pitched a scoreless ninth for his 20th save.

Featured Card/Field Report:  We took the Oracle Park ballpark tour on Friday morning, enjoying our views from the Phillies dugout and briefly meeting with former Giants Mike Felder and Bill Laskey.  After the tour, we walked around Fisherman's Wharf for a while, stopping by Pier 39 to meet the sea lions.  We then took the Big Bus tour around the city, with the highlight being our trip over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Doug stationed himself by the Phillies bullpen (which is in foul territory in right field) before each of our three games, but he didn't get any autographs.  We enjoyed this game, more garlic fries and Harper's performance, from Section 101.


Transactions:  Jay Bruce re-injured himself (left flexor strain) in Thursday night's game, and fortunately Adam Haseley stuck around San Francisco.  Bruce landed back on the injured list and Haseley was recalled.

Game 106 - Smyly Shines; Phils Acquire Vargas and Parker

2018 Topps Heritage #455

Phillies 4, Giants 2
Game 106 - Tuesday Night, July 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 56-50, 3rd place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Drew Smyly pitched seven shutout innings as the Phillies took the series opener against the Giants, 4-2.

What It Means:  I'm not going to get carried away here, but the last Phillies left-handed pitcher before Smyly to pitch at least seven innings and not allow a run was Cole Hamels in his no-hitter on July 25, 2015.  (Per Jayson Stark Tweet.)

What Happened:  Smyly allowed four hits while striking out five.  Nick Pivetta entered in the eighth in his new set-up role and promptly allowed two home runs.  Hector Neris pitched a scoreless ninth to record his 19th save.  The big hits came from Adam Haseley (RBI double in the fourth) and Rhys Hoskins (two-run home run in the fifth).

Featured Card:  Smyly's best bet for a Phillies card this season is in the Topps Update set or if the Phillies issue an updated photo card set.  For now, here's his card from the 2018 Topps Heritage set, showing him with the Cubs.  Smyly never actually threw a pitch for the Cubs as he missed the entire 2018 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

2019 Topps #418

2019 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils #18

2019 Topps Heritage #132

Transactions:  On Monday afternoon, the Phillies acquired left-handed starting pitcher Jason Vargas from the Mets for Double-A catcher Austin Bossart.  Vargas is a 14-year veteran and a one-time All-Star with the Royals in 2017.  With the Mets this year, he was 6-5 in 18 starts with a 4.01 ERA, and even though the move isn't that major, it immediately provides an upgrade to the Phillies' starting rotation.  Yacksel Rios was designated for assignment to make room for Vargas on the 40-man roster.

Vargas' latest baseball cards can be found in Topps Series 2 and the Topps Total online set.  Bossart has been in the Phillies' system for five years, appearing in a number of minor league team sets.  He was one of the Reading players who signed for Doug during our trip to Harrisburg back in late May.

On Tuesday afternoon, reliever Blake Parker was also added to the mix.  Parker is a seven year veteran and he started the season as the closer for the Twins.  In 37 games this season, he was 1-2 with a 4.21 ERA and 10 saves with 34 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings.  He elected free agency after declining a minor league assignment and the Phillies quickly nabbed him.  Edgar Garcia was optioned back to Lehigh Valley and Mitch Walding was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for Parker.

From a baseball card perspective, Parker returned to mainstream cardboard in 2019 after a five year absence.  Before his cards in the 2019 Topps flagship and Heritage sets, his last major appearance came in the 2014 Topps set.

Arrived During the 2019 Season

• Jay Bruce - of (6/2/19) - Acquired from the Seattle Mariners with cash considerations for Jake Scheiner.
• Brad Miller - inf (6/13/19) - Purchased from the New York Yankees.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (6/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
• Mike Morin - rhp (7/20/19) - Acquired from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (7/21/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (7/29/19) - Acquired with cash from the New York Mets for Austin Bossart.
• Blake Parker - rhp (7/30/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Minnesota Twins.

Departed During the 2019 Season

• Aaron Altherr - of (5/12/19) - Selected off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.

Phillies Photo Night Returns! (Part Two)

Here's part two of the gallery of cards I created to commemorate our 2019 Phillies Photo Night experience.

2019 Chachi Photo Night #11

2019 Chachi Photo Night #12

2019 Chachi Photo Night #13

2019 Chachi Photo Night #14

2019 Chachi Photo Night #15

2019 Chachi Photo Night #17

2019 Chachi Photo Night #18

2019 Chachi Photo Night #19

Memory Lane
1984 Photo Day - Hudson, Maddox and Lefebvre
2004 Photo Day - First at Citizens Bank Park
2006 Photo Day - with Rick White
2007 Photo Day - with Shane Victorino
2016 Photo Day - Parts One, Two and Three
2017 Photo Night - Parts One, Two and Three
2018 Photo Night - Cancelled due to rain
2019 Photo Night - Part One and Part Two

2019 Chachi #56 Drew Smyly

#18
Todd Andrew Smyly
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  June 13, 1989, Little Rock, AR
Drafted:  Selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round of the June 2010 draft
Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2012-2014; Tampa Bay Rays 2014-2016; Texas Rangers 2019; Phillies 2019
Acquired:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization, July 21, 2019
Contract Status:  Free agency eligible in 2020

2012 Topps Update #US221

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2012 Topps Update #US221
First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A

0 - Smyly baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 7/21/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #56

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

Game 100 - Halladay Enters Hall of Fame; Hoskins Homers in 11th

2009 Phillies Team Issue
Special Edition #34

Phillies 2, Pirates 1 (11)
Game 100 - Sunday Afternoon, July 21st in Pittsburgh
Record - 52-48, 3rd place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Drew Smyly kept the Phillies in the game and Rhys Hoskins hit an 11th inning solo home run to send the Phillies to a 2-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies fly to Detroit for a Monday off-day before opening a quick two-game series on Tuesday night against the Tigers.

What Happened:  In his Phillies debut, Smyly allowed four hits and a run while striking out eight in his six-inning outing.  The bullpen held the Pirates in check with Ranger Suarez pitching the final two scoreless innings.  The offense was quiet, save for an RBI-single from Cesar Hernandez in the fourth and Hoskins' clutch homer (21) in the 11th.

Featured Card:  Normally Hoskins would get the card here, but I wanted to pay tribute again to Roy Halladay for his Hall of Fame induction.  His wife Brandy delivered his induction speech and Halladay shared the day with new fellow Hall of Famers Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Lee Smith, Mariano Rivera and Harold Baines.  Doc's new Hall of Fame plaque can be viewed here.

2017 Topps Heritage #589

Transactions:  Smyly officially joined the team on Sunday morning and Fernando Salas was designated for assignment (again) to free up a spot on the roster for him.  Smyly has appeared on a decent amount of baseball cards since 2012, with appearances in most major Topps releases.

Arrived During the 2019 Season

• Jay Bruce - of (6/2/19) - Acquired from the Seattle Mariners with cash considerations for Jake Scheiner.
• Brad Miller - inf (6/13/19) - Purchased from the New York Yankees.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (6/13/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
• Mike Morin - rhp (7/20/19) - Acquired from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (7/21/19) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Departed During the 2019 Season

• Aaron Altherr - of (5/12/19) - Selected off waivers by the San Francisco Giants.