GaryMrMets
08-01-2004, 07:36 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/9279091.htm
Posted on Fri, Jul. 30, 2004
Marlins in position to make a run
By MARCUS HAYES
hayesm@phillynews.com
MIAMI - They came home hooked, gaffed and freshly filleted by a pair of last-place teams.
But they came home to face the Phillies, a team they seem to be built to beat - stingy pitching, splendid defense, timely hitting by the meat of the lineup and a pair of hitters atop the order second to none in the major leagues.
The Marlins went 3-7 over a 10-game road trip to open the second half of the season, the losses coming to Pittsburgh and Montreal and one, even, to the Phillies, whom they own. It almost appeared as if their domination of the Phils was over after winning 19 of 22. Their tight, glib clubhouse was dead, fatherly manager Jack McKeon turning curmudgeonly, fingers pointing with Dolphins training camp starting.
And then the Phillies fell four times, twice in blowouts including yesterday's 10-1 joke. The Fish are back - and that's not the best news for Marlins fans.
They play three of the four worst teams in the National League - Montreal at home, then in Arizona, then back home for Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Phillies continue on the road against playoff contenders Chicago, San Diego and Los Angeles.
"They really have a chance to make hay here," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said.
It helps that they already began filling the mow.
Playing possum?
The trading deadline is tomorrow at 4 p.m. Unless the Phillies are blowing a convincing smoke screen, the chance of acquiring a significant player to bolster their roster doesn't look good.
Still unwilling to move top pitching prospects Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels as well as promising reliever Ryan Madson and hot-hitting Chase Utley, the Phillies find themselves wallflowers at the dance.
"Nothing's close," manager Larry Bowa said after his most recent round of conversations with general manager Ed Wade. "I have a feeling, if we get something, it'll be a relief pitcher."
Which wouldn't hurt.
Phillers
Billy Wagner was scheduled to be examined late yesterday by team doctor Michael Ciccotti in Philadelphia; results will be announced today. Wagner has been out since July 21 with a strained shoulder...Reliever Josh Hancock didn't tell anyone except his parents that he was promoted from Triple A on Tuesday, so he got a load of surprised friends calling him after they saw him pitch Wednesday...Righthanded starter Vicente Padilla's two-inning rehab start for the Class A Clearwater Threshers was canceled last night due to a 1-hour rain delay before the game. Padilla, on the DL since May 30 with triceps tendinitis and a bone bruise, was warmed up and ready to start when the rain came. He is scheduled to try again tomorrow. Due to the delay, he is now likely to return to the Phillies on Aug. 14 instead of Aug. 12.
Posted on Fri, Jul. 30, 2004
Marlins in position to make a run
By MARCUS HAYES
hayesm@phillynews.com
MIAMI - They came home hooked, gaffed and freshly filleted by a pair of last-place teams.
But they came home to face the Phillies, a team they seem to be built to beat - stingy pitching, splendid defense, timely hitting by the meat of the lineup and a pair of hitters atop the order second to none in the major leagues.
The Marlins went 3-7 over a 10-game road trip to open the second half of the season, the losses coming to Pittsburgh and Montreal and one, even, to the Phillies, whom they own. It almost appeared as if their domination of the Phils was over after winning 19 of 22. Their tight, glib clubhouse was dead, fatherly manager Jack McKeon turning curmudgeonly, fingers pointing with Dolphins training camp starting.
And then the Phillies fell four times, twice in blowouts including yesterday's 10-1 joke. The Fish are back - and that's not the best news for Marlins fans.
They play three of the four worst teams in the National League - Montreal at home, then in Arizona, then back home for Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Phillies continue on the road against playoff contenders Chicago, San Diego and Los Angeles.
"They really have a chance to make hay here," Phillies manager Larry Bowa said.
It helps that they already began filling the mow.
Playing possum?
The trading deadline is tomorrow at 4 p.m. Unless the Phillies are blowing a convincing smoke screen, the chance of acquiring a significant player to bolster their roster doesn't look good.
Still unwilling to move top pitching prospects Gavin Floyd and Cole Hamels as well as promising reliever Ryan Madson and hot-hitting Chase Utley, the Phillies find themselves wallflowers at the dance.
"Nothing's close," manager Larry Bowa said after his most recent round of conversations with general manager Ed Wade. "I have a feeling, if we get something, it'll be a relief pitcher."
Which wouldn't hurt.
Phillers
Billy Wagner was scheduled to be examined late yesterday by team doctor Michael Ciccotti in Philadelphia; results will be announced today. Wagner has been out since July 21 with a strained shoulder...Reliever Josh Hancock didn't tell anyone except his parents that he was promoted from Triple A on Tuesday, so he got a load of surprised friends calling him after they saw him pitch Wednesday...Righthanded starter Vicente Padilla's two-inning rehab start for the Class A Clearwater Threshers was canceled last night due to a 1-hour rain delay before the game. Padilla, on the DL since May 30 with triceps tendinitis and a bone bruise, was warmed up and ready to start when the rain came. He is scheduled to try again tomorrow. Due to the delay, he is now likely to return to the Phillies on Aug. 14 instead of Aug. 12.