The Philadelphia Phillies lost their seventh straight game on Saturday night, falling to the Tigers 10-0. Their record drops to 49-55.
- Cliff Lee was scheduled to start this game, but was scratched due to stiffness in his neck that he felt during yesterday’s bullpen session. As a result, the team was laughably forced to hand to ball to Raul Valdes.
- Valdes made it clear right away that this game was going to be a complete and utter waste of time. He put the team down eight runs, allowing five in the first inning, and three in the second.
- Strangely enough, Valdes got the first two batters out in the first inning before allowing any damage. After picking up two quick outs, the lefty gave up five straight hits, capped off by a three-run homer to Matt Tuiasosopo.
- Valdes allowed one more run to score in the fourth inning, giving him a final line of 3.2 innings pitched with nine runs allowed on 12 hits.
- The only element of tonight’s game more laughable than Raul Valdes on the mound was Michael Martinez getting the start in centerfield.
- Things got so bad, that Manuel emptied his bench after the fourth inning to give his spare parts some playing time. Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Michael Young were all removed from the game while Steve Susdorf went in to play left field, John McDonald came in to play shortstop, John Mayberry manned centerfield, and Michael Martinez and Darin Ruf shifted from their outfield positions to third and first base.
- J.C. Ramirez pitched 2.1 innings, allowing one run.
- Jake Diekman and Justin De Fratus each pitched a scoreless inning to finish the game.
Final Thoughts
Why did the Phillies bother showing up tonight?
Honestly, why? They couldn’t seriously have thought they had any business winning tonight’s game did they? They could have saved themselves a little dignity and simply forfeited the contest.
Raul Valdes has been dreadful just about every time he’s taken the mound. He’s had only four scoreless appearances out of the 12 games he’s pitched in. He’s given up 27 runs in 24 innings pitched. Do I need to explain any further about just how bad that is? I mean this guy is so unbelievably terrible, he makes Danys Baez, Chad Qualls, and Adam Eaton look like Cy Young Award candidates.
Valdes brings absolutely nothing positive to the table.
And the Phillies decided their best option was to give him the start? Against Max Scherzer? The guy who made the All-Star team with a 14-1 record? Oh and by the way, the offense wasn’t interested in playing baseball tonight either; they didn’t even bother making Scherzer work hard tonight, earning just one hit off of the righty in six innings and forcing him to throw only 75 pitches.
They had no shot tonight, absolutely no shot.
Just several days ago, the Phillies released Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano has been dealing with an injury, but he had pitched pretty well during his time in the minors with an ERA in the 2.00’s. The Phillies could have brought him up to the majors, but instead opted to release Zambrano and recall Valdes from Triple-A. You mean to tell me that Carlos Zambrano couldn’t have helped this team out more than Raul Valdes? That’s ridiculous.
We have witnessed the low point of the 2013 season folks, this was it. It can’t possibly get any worse than this. Raul Valdes on the mound getting lit up left and right through under four innings with an outfield consisting of Michael Martinez in center and Laynce Nix in right. Ruben Amaro and Charlie Manuel really outdid themselves to put the team in a situation this miserable tonight.
The only thing that could possibly be more insulting than tonight’s effort would be if Valdes was still a member of the organization tomorrow morning.
Lmfao I’ve been saying this about Valdez since may , he is an embarrassment to this franchise as is that outfield.
On a positive note the minute I saw Valdes was starting I took a months work of paychecks and made 2 wagers 1 on detroits team total runs over 4.5 and Detroit -1.5 runs -130. Paid!!!!!!
Shrewd.
If there is no chance to enjoy the actual game, might as well get some other satisfaction out of its misery!!
Between the human bobblehead running the team as if it’s still got four 30+ HR per season starters (flounder around each game waiting for a couple guys to knock one out) and the pitching coach whose super power is turning average pitchers into human gas cans, I think we have to take immediate action on multiple fronts.
The players have checked out because they know how good they are compared to the likes of the Tigers. They know they have no chance of winning anything this season. It’s human nature. Anyone who tries to tell them they can compete with the Cardinals and Tigers is going to get no respect at all.
We need to sell before the deadline passes to load up on near-term prospects. Then we need to send Charlie (maybe re-assign to work with Amaro temporarily as a goodwill gesture?) and Dubee (he’s horrible) on their way at the same time we bring in prospects so that Sandberg can grab hold of the clubhouse and start working on a plan for 2014.
Some players may not like that approach, but everyone has to be on notice that the team has to alter it’s approach at the plate and field to become successful in the absence of four 30+ HR hitters. It may be unfair to Charlie, but it can’t get any more clear than it is today that he can’t get anything out of these players. And running this mess out for the next couple months is more unfair to the fans than to any of the millionaires wearing a uniform (coaches and players alike).
If he’s going to be gone next year, there is no sense to me to waste the rest of the season – use the opportunity to start working on a new approach.
Its no coincidence that Cliff Lee mysteriously has neck discomfort and missed a start. They decided to sell last week and don’t want to risk Lee injuring himself before they deal him.
I don’t see anyway we sell cliff. Cliff is a beast and IMO u tweak this year. Sell paps an eat half the deal and get a 2015 ready prospect. Sell chase and get a 2013/2014 ready prospect
Sell young young rollins and or Ruiz for young 2014 Bp arms.
Sign a rf in offseason and a 2b and a catcher and see what shakes out next year. If we suck next year then you sell lee and whoever you don’t get rid of this year most likely Rollins…
No all or nothing sell everyone this year. IMO u take back more next year with lee…
We need to find a way to get a stud ss stud catcher stud 2b and stud of in or system over the next 12 months