2014 Donruss Game Gear #39 Domonic Brown

Phillies 9, Diamondbacks 5
Game 103 - Friday Night, July 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 45-58, 5th Place, 12 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The offense came alive against an equally mediocre Diamondbacks team, and the Phillies won one of their few laughers of the year, 9-5.

What It Means:  At this point, not much.  But it was nice to sit and watch the Phillies game, knowing they were probably going to win.  Even if Antonio Bastardo wanted to make it interesting by giving up a grand slam in the sixth to make it a 6-4 game at the time.

What Happened:  Grady Sizemore had three more hits, raising his average to .341 (14 for 41).  He also collected his 1,000th career hit in the first.  Domonic Brown had two hits, including a two-run home run in the 7th.  With his second plate appearance in this game, Jimmy Rollins' vesting option for 2015 kicked in, meaning he'll be around for at least one more season with the Phils.

Featured Card:  Sizemore needs a Phillies card!  I probably would have gone with a Sizemore card to celebrate his milestone hit, but he's still waiting for his first official Phillies card.  Instead, here's Brown's 1981 Donruss-like relic card from this year's Donruss offering.

Scheduling Note:  The Phillies Room World Headquarters will be shutting down temporarily for our annual summer inventory.  As such, game summary posts for the upcoming week will follow rapid fire upon our return.  If the team goes ahead and starts trading everyone over the next few days, we may squeeze in a post or two in order to bid farewell to the departed.

Go Phillies!

Diamondbacks at Phillies: July 25th to July 27th

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

Diamondbacks 44-58, 4th Place in the N.L. West, 13 games behind the Giants
Phillies 44-58, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 12 1/2 games behind the Nationals

Diamondbacks Probables:  Wade Miley (6-6, 4.16), Josh Collmenter (8-5, 3.64), Vidal Nuno (0-1, 3.78)
Phillies Probables:  Kyle Kendrick (4-10, 4.87), Cliff Lee (4-5, 3.67), Roberto Hernandez (4-8, 4.25)

At the Ballpark:  Former Phillie Placido Polanco returns to the ballpark on Saturday night.  He'll be signing autographs before the game and he'll throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  All kids will also receive a W.B. Mason collectible Phillies truck on Saturday.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Cole Hamels t-shirt.

Phillies Leaders

Average:  Ben Revere - .295

Runs:  Jimmy Rollins - 53

Home Runs:  Marlon Byrd - 19

RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 60

Stolen Bases:  Ben Revere - 28

Wins:  A.J. Burnett - 6

ERA:  Cole Hamels - 2.72

Strikeouts:  Cole Hamels - 125

Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 24

1988 Topps #669

1988 Topps Appreciation:  I wasn't sure where this card would fit it within these series preview posts, so I thought now was as good a time as any to feature it.  Topps phased out team cards beginning in 1982 when Team Leaders cards appeared in lieu of cards with photos of the entire teams.  From 1982 to 1984, each team's batting average and ERA leaders were featured together on a card, with the prior year's team leaders listed on the back.  Team cards disappeared completely in 1985, and I don't think I even noticed.  In 1986, Topps featured the "dean" of each team on a Leaders card.  Steve Carlton was featured on that year's Phillies Leaders card, as Lefty had been with the team since February 1972.

Topps continued the "Leaders" concept in 1987, and the Phillies Leaders card that year featured Glenn Wilson, Juan Samuel and Von Hayes standing around the batting cage.  One could argue that these players were indeed three of the team's leaders.  The card made sense.

And then we came to 1988.  Catcher Lance Parrish is squatting in what is presumably a spring training photo with coach Mike Ryan looking on, hand on his hip.  I'm not sure what Topps was going for with this photo, but the shot doesn't exactly scream "Phillies Leaders" to me.  Maybe if I find a decent photo of Carlos Ruiz squatting with Rod Nichols lurking in the background I'll create a 2014 Chachi version of this card.

2014 Bowman #67 Cole Hamels

Phillies 2, Giants 1
Game 102 - Thursday Afternoon, July 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 44-58, 5th Place, 12 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Cole Hamels pitched another gem as the Phillies salvaged the last game of the four-game series, winning 2-1.

What It Means:  Hamels is an amazing pitcher.

What Happened:  Hamels outdueled Tim Hudson scattering six hits over his eight innings of work while striking out 10.  Jonathan Papelbon didn't blow it this time, pitching a scoreless ninth for his 24th save.  The two Phillies runs came courtesy of RBI singles from Marlon Byrd and Chase Utley.

A notable subplot to this game was the fact that the struggling Ryan Howard was benched for the second day in a row in favor of Darin Ruf.  This despite Howard having great career numbers against the right-handed Hudson.  Ruf went 1 for 4 in the game.

Featured Card:  It's telling that I'm already running out of 2014 Hamels baseball cards to feature in this season's game summary posts.  That's a good indication that he's pitched a lot of great games this year, although he only has five wins to show for it due to the Phillies lethargic offense.

Field Report:  My wife Jenna and my oldest son Doug attended this game, and they were treated to Hamels' stellar performance.  As an added bonus, Doug got to run the bases following the game!

2011 Topps Tier One #73 Hunter Pence

Giants 3, Phillies 1
Game 101 - Wednesday Night, July 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 43-58, 5th Place, 13 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jonathan Papelbon failed again in the ninth inning as the Giants won their third in a row against the Phillies, 3-1.

What It Means:  I'm writing this knowing that (SPOILER ALERT) the Phillies already won their game this afternoon, so I'm much happier than I was at about 11:30 last night.  But man is Papelbon frustrating.  We're trying to trade you, dude!  Pitch like you're trying to get traded!  This whole team is frustrating.

What Happened:  A.J. Burnett pitched a fantastic ballgame, outlasting an hour long rain delay and throwing eight shutout innings.  He threw a season high 131 pitches while allowing only four hits.  Unfortunately, while he was holding the Giants scoreless, Madison Bumgarner was doing the same to the Phillies offense.

Papelbon entered the scoreless game in the ninth and loaded the bases with a hit by pitch, an intentional walk and an unintentional walk.  Hunter Pence doubled with the bases loaded and Papelbon's trade value took yet another hit.

Featured Card:  "Why would they trade Hunter Pence," is a question my oldest son Doug has asked throughout the series.  I think I knew the answer to this question at one point, but I've since forgotten it.  Following his big double in this game, Pence was 7 for 17 (.412) in the series with a home run and six RBIs.

Transactions:  Prior to this game, Carlos Ruiz was activated off the disabled list and reliever Phillippe Aumont was recalled from the IronPigs.  Jeff Manship was designated for assignment and catcher Cameron Rupp was sent back to Lehigh Valley.

2014 Topps Opening Day #26 Jonathan Papelbon

Giants 9, Phillies 6 (14 Innings)
Game 100 - Tuesday Night, July 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 43-57, 5th Place, 13 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies lost in spectacular fashion in the 14th after Jonathan Papelbon blew his third save of the year.

What It Means:  It means that Papelbon's trade value decreased ever so slightly.  For what it's worth, and based on everything I've read and heard (from media outlets - I have no inside sources) I think the following players are elsewhere as of August 1st:  Papelbon, Marlon Byrd, Antonio Bastardo and A.J. Burnett.  I think everyone else sticks around and perhaps a few more moves are made in the offseason.

What Happened:  The Phils plated three runs in the fifth, giving them a 5-3 lead.  Jimmy Rollins led the way with a two-run home run and Byrd followed with an RBI double.  Papelbon recorded the first out in the ninth but then allowed a home run to Buster Posey.  Long man Jeff Manship pitched a scoreless 13th, but allowed four Giants runs in the 14th.

Featured Card:  If my predictions above are correct, I won't be posting too many more Papelbon cards on my blog.  Posting this card also gives me the chance to promote my oldest son's want list for his 2014 Topps Opening Day set.  I've added the inserts he's looking for as well.  Anyone have a spare Mariner Moose card laying around?

1989 Fleer Update #U-107 Tommy Herr

Giants 7, Phillies 4
Game 99 - Monday Night, July 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 43-56

One Sentence Summary:  The home losses keep piling up as the Phillies dropped the series opener to the Giants, 7-4.

What It Means:  I'm actually looking forward to the trade deadline.  Something's got to give.

What Happened:  At least the Phillies offense tried to battle back into this game, but they just couldn't overcome the rough start from Cliff Lee.  Lee made his return from the disabled list and tied a career high with 12 hits allowed while surrendering six runs.

Featured Card:  The Phillies had 14 singles in the game, representing the first time they had 14 or more hits without an extra base hit in a game they lost since April 22, 1989.  (From Bob Vetrone Jr.'s Tweet.)  Tommy Herr led the way with three singles and Phillies Room favorite Bob Dernier added two singles as well.

This season is definitely taking on a 1989-ish type vibe.

Transactions:  In a flurry of roster moves before the game, Lee, Wil Nieves and Reid Brignac were all activated from the disabled list.  Koyie Hill and Cesar Hernandez were sent back to Lehigh Valley while Tony Gwynn, Jr. was designated for assignment.  By all accounts, Gwynn was a class act (like his father) and I hope he ends up on a winning team somewhere.

Giants at Phillies: July 21st to July 24th

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

Giants 54-44, Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. West, 11 games ahead of the Padres
Phillies 43-55, 5th Place in the N.L. East, 11 games behind the Braves and Nationals

Giants Probables:  Ryan Vogelsong (5-7, 3.86), Matt Cain (2-7, 4.18), Madison Bumgarner (11-7, 3.38), Tim Hudson (8-6, 2.78)
Phillies Probables:  Cliff Lee (4-4, 3.18), Roberto Hernandez (4-8, 4.22), A.J. Burnett (6-9, 4.08), Cole Hamels (4-5, 2.83)

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is Italian Heritage night at the ballpark and kids get to run the bases following Thursday afternoon's game.

Phillies Leaders

Average:  Ben Revere - .293

Runs:  Chase Utley - 52

Home Runs:  Marlon Byrd - 19

RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 58

Stolen Bases:  Ben Revere - 26

Wins:  A.J. Burnett - 6

ERA:  Cole Hamels - 2.83

Strikeouts:  Cole Hamels - 115

Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 23

1988 Topps #52 and #494

1988 Topps Appreciation:  If you're trying to figure out the connection between Don Robinson and Wally Ritchie, I'd be extremely impressed if you realized that both pitchers were teammates on the 1992 Phillies squad.  There's that and I needed somewhere to feature Ritchie's card since we're now more than half way through the season and I'm running out of series preview posts quickly.

Robinson ended his 15-year career pitching eight forgettable game with the 1992 Phillies.  He went 1-4 with a 6.18 ERA before earning his release in mid-July.  For Phillies fans, Robinson is probably best remembered as the pitcher who allowed Mike Schmidt's memorable 500th career home run back on April 18, 1987.

Ritchie spent parts of four seasons with the Phillies, first appearing with the club in 1987.  He'd appear in just 19 games with the 1988 club before being exiled to Triple-A for the entire 1989 and 1990 seasons.  He was one of the team's more reliable relievers in 1991 and 1992, appearing in 79 games and pitching to a 2.72 ERA.  The Phillies and Ritchie parted ways following the 1992 season and he bounced around with the Tigers and Reds organizations as well as a few independent league teams before hanging up his spikes in 1998.

1996 Leaf Signature Extended Autographs Mike Williams

Braves 8, Phillies 2
Game 98 - Sunday Afternoon, July 20th in Atlanta
Record - 43-55, 5th Place, 11 games behind the Braves and Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Kendrick's woes continued as the pitcher was roughed up yet again, and the Phillies couldn't dig out of an early hole.

What It Means:  Just brutal.  There was a lengthy rain delay in the sixth with the Phillies down 6-1, and I was honestly hoping they'd just call the game.

What Happened:  Kendrick's first inning ERA this season decreased to 11.37 after a scoreless first, but then he allowed six total runs in the second and third.  The four Braves runs in the third came on one hit, two walks, two hit batters and an error.  The Phils outhit the Braves 9-8, but had only two runs to show for it.  Both runs came on solo home runs from John Mayberry, Jr. (his 6th) and Marlon Byrd (his team leading 19th).

Featured Card:  As Matt Gelb pointed out in this Tweet, the modern record for the worst first inning ERA by a Phillies pitcher is Mike Williams' 9.93 ERA in 1996.  Kendrick is aiming to shatter that record, and no I will not make a Chachi Record Breaker card to commemorate the event.

2014 Topps Allen & Ginter #105 Cole Hamels

Phillies 2, Braves 1
Game 97 - Saturday Night, July 19th in Atlanta
Record - 43-54, 5th Place, 10 games behind the Braves and Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Cole Hamels pitched a gem and Jimmy Rollins provided a two-run home run as the Phillies downed the Braves, 2-1.

What It Means:  It was fun to watch Hamels pitch this ballgame.  If was even funner once Rollins hit his two-run home run.

What Happened:  Hamels no-hit the Braves through 4 2/3 innings and he'd finish after seven innings having allowed only one run on four hits.  Hamels struck out nine.  Ken Giles continued his solid work out of the bullpen with a scoreless eighth and Jonathan Papelbon closed it out with a five-pitch save.

Featured Card:  I've opened my first packs of this year's Allen & Ginter cards, and I've already ordered and received the complete Phillies team set.  It's another nice offering from Topps, but I get the feeling I've already seen all the photos used for the Phillies cards multiple times.  The sole exception is the Hamels card, which features a photo I don't think I've seen before on cardboard.

Help Doug Complete His 2014 Topps Opening Day Set!

UPDATE (September 28th) - Doug successfully completed the 2014 Topps Opening Day set at the Philly Show held at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.  He still needs some of the cards for the insert sets, listed below.

Between Innings - 1 Racing Presidents, 2 Pierogie Race

Fired Up - 11 Ellsbury, 25 Lawrie

Thanks again to Section 36, Fantastic Catch, Base Set Calling and Remember the Astrodome for the assists!

My seven-year-old son Doug recently dove head first into the world of set collecting.  The first set he decided to tackle was this year's Topps Opening Day set.  We started out with a few packs purchased from Target, and then graduated to a few blaster boxes.  The list you see below (both sides) are the cards he needs to complete the entire 220-card set.  I'm proud to say this is his first official checklist.

2014 Topps Opening Day #41

How can you help, you may be asking yourself.  It's easy!  If you have any of these cards just sitting around, please e-mail me and I'll pass along Doug's address.  (He still lives at home.)  Doug may not be able to send you back anything in return, but I might be able to help you out with a nice assortment of cards from the team or player of your choice.

I'm hoping this is the first step in Doug's long baseball card collecting journey, so I sincerely appreciate anything you can do to help him out.  Even if you only have one of these cards and you're willing to part with it, it would make his day to receive a plain white envelope with one of the needs for his quest.

His original lists are below, and I've also typed out the cards he needs.  He's also interested in the Topps Opening Day Mascots insert set, and he's currently working on putting together his want list for that set.  (Update 7/21/14 - Insert set want lists not below.)

Thank you for your help!

1983 Donruss #181 Larry Andersen (cc: @FranzkeLA)

Braves 6, Phillies 4
Game 96 - Friday Night, July 18th in Atlanta
Record - 42-54, 5th Place, 11 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A.J. Burnett struggled in Atlanta as the Braves defeated the Phillies 6-4 to start the second half of the 2014 season.

What It Means:  And we're back!  I wonder how many days until pitchers and catchers report in Clearwater?

What Happened:  Burnett lasted five innings, allowing six runs on 10 hits.  Ryan Howard contributed a two-run single in the loss.

Featured Card:  I spend more time these days wading through trade rumors than I do actually focused on that day's game or how the current players are performing.  The latest round of rumors has the Phillies close to dealing Marlon Byrd to the Mariners for a few prospects.  Thanks to the wonder of interleague play, the Mariners visit Philadelphia in mid-August.  So if Byrd does end up in Seattle, we'll be able to watch him play again, albeit for the visiting team.

I didn't take the time to check the official records, but I believe this clunker of a deal was the last time the Phillies and Mariners hooked up to make a trade.  Before that, the Phils reached out to the Mariners in August 2006 to acquire Jamie Moyer.

All of this has nothing to do with Larry Andersen of course, but I still enjoy his commentary throughout the team's radio broadcasts and I thought this card would be fitting for this post.  I imagine the look on Andersen's face on this card is pretty much the same look on just about every Phillies fan's face at this point.  (This card is in my Phillies collection as Andersen played with the Phils in 1983.)

2014 Chachi #50 Ken Giles

#53

Kenneth Robert Giles

Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  205

Born:  September 20, 1990, Albuquerque, NM

Home:  Phoenix, AZ

Drafted:  Selected by the Phillies in the 7th round of the June 2011 draft

Teams:  Phillies 2014

Acquired:  Via draft

Phillies Cards in My Collection:

#1 - 2014 Bomman Prospects #BP99

#2 - 2014 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP99

In addition to the two cards above, I have three minor league cards of Giles in my collection.

First Chachi Card:  2014 Chachi #50