Results tagged ‘ Scott Franzke ’
Drought Talk
Not sure what else can be said about the Phillies’ offense at this point.
They’ve scored nine runs in 10 games, which is why they’ve fallen from first place in the National League East for the first time since May 1. The Phillies had a season-high five-game lead in the NL East following a 12-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 17. They had the second-best offense in baseball at the time, averaging 5.73 runs per game. Only the New York Yankees (5.76) had averaged more.
But entering tonight’s game against the Braves, the Phillies rank 12th in baseball, averaging 4.69 runs per game.
Quite a fall.
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The Phillies have gone 63 innings without a home run. It’s their longest home run drought since a 73-inning streak in 1999.
Who breaks the streak?
When?
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Dan Levy talks to Tom McCarthy and Scott Franzke about calling Roy Halladay‘s perfect game.
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The Zo Zone is on Facebook and Twitter. His Phillies book “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly” is available online, and at Delaware Valley bookstores!
Leaving Atlanta Pitching Well, Catching the Ball
The Phillies pitched impressively (except for the ninth and 10th innings Tuesday) and played fantastic defense this week in Atlanta, which is why they took two of three from the Braves and improved to 10-5.
It’s early. It’s Friday. Maybe it’s time to look at some numbers?
Yes? No?
OK, here we go:
- The Phillies are fourth in baseball in runs (91). Only the Dodgers (98), Brewers (97) and Rays (93) have scored more. That 20-spot on the Pirates yesterday sure helped the Brewers jump to the top of the charts, huh?
- The Phillies’ .822 OPS ranks fourth. Only the Dodgers (.867), Brewers (.864) and Yankees (.830) are better.
- The Phillies are averaging a home run every 32.81 at-bats, which is 14th in baseball. They haven’t homered since Jayson Werth‘s solo shot in the ninth inning Saturday against the Marlins. Who said they rely too much on the long ball?
- The Phillies have just three stolen bases, which is last in baseball. It doesn’t help to have Jimmy Rollins on the DL, but dead last is a little surprising.
- They have struck out just 87 times, which is third-fewest in baseball. Only the White Sox (86) and Royals (86) have struck out less.
- Phillies starters have a 3.07 ERA, which is tied with Oakland for fifth in baseball. The Rays (2.67 ERA), Cardinals (2.82 ERA), Padres (2.91 ERA) and Giants (3.04 ERA) are better.
- The bullpen has a 4.24 ERA, which is 18th. Brad Lidge threw a scoreless inning last night, and is going to throw again tonight in Reading. The Phillies seem encouraged by last night’s performance in Lehigh Valley because his fastball hovered in the 90-92 mph range, hitting 93 mph. J.C. Romero rejoined the team last night. If Lidge and Romero do what everybody expects them to do, you would think the bullpen’s performance will improve.
- The Phillies have committed eight errors, which is tied for the fourth-fewest in baseball. The Twins have just one error so far to lead the pack.
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Congratulations to Scott and Lori Franzke, who had their son August at 10:13 last night. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Lori and August are doing fine.
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The Zo Zone is on Facebook and Twitter. His Phillies book “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly” is available online, and at Delaware Valley bookstores!
Game Postponed, A Look at the HK Patch
Tonight’s Phillies game against the Nationals at Nationals Park has been postponed because of rain.
The makeup date will be announced in the coming days.
Phillies right-hander Joe Blanton will pitch tomorrow night in the series finale against the Nationals, meaning left-hander Cole Hamels, who had been scheduled to pitch tomorrow, will pitch Friday night against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Right-hander Shairon Martis will pitch for the Nationals.
Phillies catcher Lou Marson had been scheduled to catch tonight. It would have been his first start of the season and second of his career.
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People have been asking how the broadcast schedule will work without Kalas. Here is what it looks like at the moment: Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen will be broadcasting all nine innings on the radio. Tom McCarthy will be doing play-by-play for all nine innings on TV. Chris Wheeler will provide color commentary for innings 1-3 and 6-9, and Gary Matthews will provide color commentary for innings 4-6.
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Todd Zolecki
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