Phils Win Game 1 of World Series
October 23, 2008 by Steve Quinto
Filed under Major League Baseball, Phillies
Another strong playoff performance by Cole Hamels helped the Philadelphia Phillies take a 1-0 lead on the Tampa Bay Rays. Hamels cruised through 7 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 earned runs. A turning point took place when Carlos Pena was picked off first on a play where Hamels appeared to balk.
Chase Utley provided an early spark with a 2 run HR in the top of the first. With the Rays using a Ryan Howard-like infield shift, Utley tried to bunt early in the count. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge pitched the 8th and 9th without allowing any runners on base. If the starters can give 6 or 7 solid innings, the Phils should be in good shape.
A problem in the series may be the continued struggles of Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell, who were 0-12 with 7 strikeouts. Rollins and Howard have looked terrible at the plate, and their contributions will be needed. I do not have the exact numbers on front of me, but the Phils were 0-12 at least with runners in scoring position. Howard struck out twice with a runner on third and less than 2 outs.
Brett Myers and James Shields will go in Game 2. Perhaps a Phils lineup with at least one left handed hitter in Dobbs (at either 3B or DH) or Matt Stairs (as DH) in the lineup will provide more offense. Using Chris Coste as DH showed a major weakness in their lineup (lack of a good right handed bat off the bench). Tampa is loaded with lefties in the pen, but Scott Kazmir is their only left handed pitcher that will likely start in the series.
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Last post (s) by Steve Quinto
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October 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
They didn’t play to bad off the layoff, I would think going 0 - 11 with runners in scoring position is not likely to be repeated again if they can’t push 3 or 4 of those in it will certainly help them strive for what they want.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
Yeah they looked good. The bottom of the lineup was getting on base a lot, which is a good sign. I would like to see Howard and Burrell do something tonight. Howard is going to have to hit some HRs eventually…
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 am
i would also consider putting burrell at 4 if not just to split the back to back lefties in the order.
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
Ive never liked Utley/Howard back to back. Rays have a lot of LHP in pen.. Manuel should put Burrell between them
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
I still feel Burrell should be DH tonight with Dobbs in left field. I keep thinking we need to keep in bat in the lineup all game not lift him in the 7th or 8th and then no longer have his bat if perhaps a game is extended beyond the 9th.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
That sounds like a good idea, but I dont think they like using Dobbs in the OF anymore for some reason.
This would allow them to have Dobbs play the first 6-7 innings, then put in Bruntlett for defense or to face a LHP. It would keep Burrell in the whole game. I dont like taking out Burrell in close games for defense.
Maybe they could try Stairs or Jenkins in the OF. I wouldnt mind starting them in RF (and Werth in LF) and putting Burrell at DH
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:40 am
If they are going to replace the left fielder anyway, i’d rather then replace dobbs then burrell just because I want his bat in the lineup.
I wonder how Jenkins health is but I wouldn’t have a problem with him out there either. He is not bad and does have a solid arm.
Then if they still want to put Brunlett in later in the game fine, just keep burrell’s bat in the game. This is a dangerous rays team if they catch fire.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 am
Yeah I agree there. Burrell should be DH. It just makes too much sense.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am
So because it makes to much sense it won’t happen. But at this point I have to give it to Charlie most of what he has chosen to do works,.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:54 am
I would love to see Philly win it all! Philly deserves a winner!
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I sure hope so, the last time it happend I was 3 so I don’t recall anything about it. That and it would really steam me to have another one slip through the cracks.