Postgame: Nationals 5-Mets 3 [BEAST-OFF]

Full recap in the morning, but suffice it to say that Aaron Heilman imploded tonight, giving up 3 runs in a third of an inning in the 7th after Claudio Vargas pitched very well (6.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO, 97 P).

Tim Redding pitched well for the Nationals, holding the Mets to just two hits, one of which was a Brian Schneider home run.

This loss sits squarely on the shoulders of Heilman. Any explaination from Willie should be entertaining, to say the least. My guess is that Aaron isn’t going anywhere, but how nice would it have been to have traded him when the chance arose so many times in the past. The guy is done.

Like I said, more to come in the morning once I’m done fuming.

-Jonathan Kraft

Bush loves him some Utley

President Bush likes Chase Utley. Enrico at the 700 Level has the story:

Politico.com has a lengthy Q&A with our Commander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush. As often does when GW is involved, the conversation turned to baseball.

Q: Mr. President, I know you’re going to hate this, but I’m hoping that we may twist your arm and talk about baseball for just a moment. (Laughter.) Mr. President, you’re a Major League Baseball team owner again. Everyone is a free agent. You have a Yankees-like wallet. Who is your first position player? Who’s your pitcher?

THE PRESIDENT: That’s a great question. I like Ottley [sic] from the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s a middle infielder, which is always — you know, they say you have strength up the middle — there’s nothing better than having a good person up the middle that can hit. And Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays is a great pitcher. He’s a steady guy, he burns up innings.

You’d think a website that gets to interview the President could at least Google the baseball players names for accuracy? U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

-Greg Berlin

Phillies “Future Beasts”

[Note: NL Beast would like to welcome James from Phuture Phillies, who will be rounding up the Phils minor league prospects on a weekly basis. Phuture Phillies is a must-read blog for all serious Phillies fans, and we’re elated to have James contribute his immense knowledge of the Phils farm system.]

Hey guys, this is James from phuturephillies.com here to give you an update on the workings of the Phillies farm system, who’s hot, who’s not, and some random tidbits thrown in for good measure.

The Phillies farm system has made small strides over the past 2-3 seasons, with a decent amount of talent now spread from A ball all the way up through AAA. The Phillies system strength remains their pitching prospects, with JA Happ, currently in AAA, the closest thing to a major league ready prospect in the system. Happ got a brief cup of coffee last year for one spot start, but dealt with some minor arm injuries for much of the season, and the result was a loss of command and control.

Happ is still having control issues this season, but he’s limited his hits allowed and is still generating plenty of swings and misses. The Phillies rotation doesn’t exactly remind you of the ’72 Orioles at this point, so you have to think Happ is going to get his shot sometime soon. He features an 86-90 mph fastball with some movement, a curve, and a plus changeup. The key to success for him, like most pitchers without overpowering stuff, is to pitch aggressively and not nibble, just to locate pitches and pitch to his strengths. He’ll more than likely get his chance before the All Star Break.

Mets Batting Stances, past and present

This guy is an immediate beast of the week nominee:

Video uploaded by BattingStances. He’s got a host of other teams up on his page. All hilarious.

-Greg Berlin

Postgame: Phillies 5-Braves 4 [BEAST-OFF]

The Phillies fell behind 3-0 to the Braves in the first inning after RBI hits by Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur.  But Kyle Kendrick quickly calmed down after the first inning.  He ended up going the next five innings without allowing a run.  That gave him his third 6 inning, 3 earned run outing in a row.  From a guy fifth in the rotation, the Phillies should be happy that he gives them a chance to win.

Offensively, the Phillies came to play tonight.  Facing Jo-Jo Reyes, the Phillies started their attack in the 4th, when Jason Werth singled to center, driving in Chase Utley and big-man Ryan Howard.  Howard, who was part of the action all night long, notched an RBI of his own in the fifth, knocking in Shane Victorino.  Later in the inning, Werth continued his barrage, hitting in Howard.  And, in the 7th, Werth would grab yet another RBI to give the Phillies their fifth run.  Werth ended the night with 4 RBIs.

In the 9th, things got a little bit shaky as Brad Lidge faced adversity for one of the only times this season.  With one out, Mark Kotsay walked and then advanced to 2nd base after fielder interference.  At this point, Chipper Jones, who already had 3 hits on the night, hit a bomb just short of the fence in left.  Eric Bruntlett, who pinch-ran for Burrell in the 7th, caught the ball right in front of the wall, saving Phillies fans and Brad Lidge a lot of grief.  But the fight wasn’t over from the Braves.  Brian McCann came up next and doubled, driving in Kotsay and making it a 1 run game.  It should be noted that Jason Werth misplayed the ball, first breaking in and then running backwards as the ball flew well over his head.  He probably should have made the play.

Lidge was having trouble finding the plate at this point and walked Greg Norton, bringing up Francoeur, who was 0-4 lifetime against Lidge.  Falling behind quickly in the count, Francoeur finally lifted a ball between Werth and right fielder Shane Victorino.  Victorino called Werth off at the last second and caught the ball to end the game.  Not a moment too soon for Lidge, who let up his first earned run of the year in 18 innings of work.

The Phillies started their homestand with a thorough game all around, while the Braves continue to struggle on the road.  They are now 5-15 away from Turner Field.  Also, the Phillies have to be outright elated that Ryan Howard finally looks to be coming out of his slump.  He was 2-4 with a long double to center field and now has an RBI in each of his last three games, as well as in 4 out of his last 5 games.  He’s upped his average to .181 for the season.

-Greg Berlin