Phillies/Marlins

The Philadelphia Phillies 52-44, find themselves atop the NL East, but barely. With the Mets win Thursday night, the teams are deadlocked, and the Marlins are right behind them waiting for them both to slip. Florida comes in 50-45, just 1.5 back of both the Mets and Phillies. With the Phillies picking up Joe Blanton, look for the Mets to make a move to pick up a quality bat, or arm.

Tonight, Jamie Moyer will take the mound for the Phillies. Moyer is 8-6, with a 3.85 era on the season. Earlier this season Moyer went 8 strong innings, allowing just 2 hits and no runs in a win over the Fish. Moyer is 5-3 in his last eight decisions, and is 4-3 this season on the road. Moyer is 9-0 lifetime against Florida.

For Florida, Ricky Nolasco will pitch. Nolasco has been a pleasant surprise for the Marlins, starting the year 10-4, with a 3.70 era. The 25 year old righthander beat the Phillies earlier in the year, going 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs. He is 3-2 career against Philadelphia, and during the 2008 season is 4-2 at home. In 44 career starts Nolasco is 22-17.

Our boy Chase Utley is 3-11 career against Nolasco, all singles. He has walked twice and struck out twice, driving in just one run.

Let’s hope Chase can garner his first extra base hit, or four tonight, and get the Phillies rolling in the second half!

Phillies get help

The Phillies, right after the All Star Break got some pitching help. The Oakland A’s sent Joe Blanton to Phily, and in return Oakland received - top position player Adrian Cardenas, promising lefthander Josh Outman, and 2007 third-round draft pick Matthew Spencer.

Welcome to Phily Joe!

Chase in action at All Star Game

Chase in action:

Chase 2008 so far..

So, the Phillies lead the NL East by 0.5 game.. It’s been hot and cold for the Phillies. Utley has had another nice season, but look for a huge second half. Here are Chase’s numbers at the break:

94 games
364 at bats
106 hits
68 runs
25 doubles
3 triples
25 homeruns
69 RBI’s
39 walks
59 strikeouts
10 stolen bases
.291 batting average
.372 OBP
.582 SLG

Utley out early in HR Derby

Phillies Chase Utley hit five homeruns, the second lowest in the MLB Homerun Derby. Justin Morneau of Minnesota was the winner over Josh Hamilton of Texas. The last Phillie to win the HR Derby was Bobby Abreu in 2005, after that Abreu only hit 6 homeruns the rest of the season.