Morning Wood: Baezkill
Classic Baezkill game last night. Things were progressing smoothly for Danys then, boom, game over. Normally, a lead needs to be blown, but this one gets special dispensation because Baez lulled us into a false sense of security.
The Phillies lost in extras, 7-6.
Dom Brown told reporters he missed second base in the sixth inning. He was called out after seemingly hitting a leadoff triple and standing on third. John Mayberry Jr. hit his second home run of the game just a few minutes later. Had Brown actually touched the base, the Phillies would have likely won the game. [Delco Times]
"I didn't touch the base. Right there, I've at least got to go back and take the double. I don't know what I was thinking about there. Too aggressive I guess. Right there, it cost us the game. Live and learn."
Normally, this is where we would embed the video for you to watch, but since MLB seems to arbitrarily decide which videos you can and can't embed (stupid), here's a link.
For as much potential as our toolsy young steed shows, he also makes a lot of bonehead plays. More than once he has caused an adventure in shallow right. Two weeks ago, he failed to run out a ball, and, last year, he turned back to the dugout thinking a ball was caught. Now this. He's a bit of a flake.
Kyle Kendrick was apparently not happy when asked about being taken out after 81 pitches (ding ding ding- whoever had 81 in our contest can expect an email later). [CSN Philly]
“I took him out, didn’t I?” the manager said.
But when told about it afterwards, Kendrick thought he could have given much more and seemed a little chapped that he was removed from the game. Choosing his words cautiously, Kendrick told reporters that he “threw 80 pitches.”
“It’s not my decision,” Kendrick said between long pauses. “I had 80 pitches. Was I happy? No.
“It wasn’t pretty, but I was putting zeroes up.”
Hmm. Remember last week when their was an alleged incident between Rich Dubee and Kendrick? Yeah, me too.
I side with Kendrick here. The argument for taking him out after 81 pitches likely factors in the whole "he's not stretched out" mentality. Not sure that really matters, anymore. There are Christian kids waiting for marriage who haven't been jerked around as much as Kendrick has over the last few years. He likely has a rubber hose by now and could stand pushing 90-100 pitches.
Matt Gelb has more on Kendrick's anger.
Billy Lyon, legend, says Vance Worley can be great. I disagree. This just reeks of Kendrick-Happ first time through the league success.
From yesterday:
Placido Polanco will see a spinal doctor today. Polly has been bothered by a sore back and is hitting .216 since May 1st. The beat writers are convinced this is nothing more than wear and tear, but numbers don't lie and spinal doctors aren't good.
Ryan Lawrence has some quotes.
Shane Victorino made the media rounds yesterday, soliciting votes for the All-Star game. He told reporters his thumb feels better. The Phillies just announced that he is leading All-Star voting with less than 24 hours to go. It helps to play in a major media market. Vote here.
Big weekend series against the Braves coming up. Halladay, Lee, Hamels on tap. Mmm.
