Phils' late rally not enough vs. Padres

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- The handful of stragglers through the visitors' clubhouse were understandably quiet after Tuesday's 10-6 loss to San Diego at PETCO Park, barely lifting their heads, let alone making eye contact with each other.
For a few moments, the only audible sound was the season's clock ticking.
"When you see Atlanta winning, and the Mets are well ahead of us," said manager Charlie Manuel, "we can't be losing ground. We can't lose too many more."
The Phillies really can't lose any more if they're to keep their flickering postseason hopes alive. The latest defeat dropped them 13 1/2 behind the Mets. They're six games behind in the more forgiving Wild Card race, though they trail a daunting eight other teams.
"We have to block [the standings] out," Chase Utley said. "Every day is a new day. Every day, we have to find a way to win. When that game is over, win or lose, tomorrow is a new day."
The loss eliminates Philadelphia's chance to win a third straight series and drops its second-half mark to 2-3. At 42-50, the Phillies are in danger of falling to a season-low 10 games below .500.
Ryan Madson's trend of alternating between a good start and a bad start ended in a bad way when the righty had a second straight bad outing. Having followed up a bad start with a good start since rejoining the rotation on June 2, Madson (8-7) was due for a good outing.
He shattered that trend in a big way, allowing seven runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Mike Cameron started the charge for the Padres with a two-run homer in the first, and Mike Piazza added a solo shot in the fourth. Just when it seemed like he settled in, the Padres erupted for four runs in the sixth, chasing Madson.
"Usually, I have an answer for you, but I really don't know," Madson said, clearly frustrated. "In the later innings, I fell out of rhythm."
Adrian Gonzalez still has plenty of rhythm, punching an RBI double in that sixth inning, one of his three hits.
"It was very important," said Gonzalez, of the sixth-inning rally. "It was a one-run game at the time, and I went out there thinking, 'Try to get on base any way possible.' He's a great pitcher, and I just tried to keep fouling pitches off until I got something more comfortable."
Clay Hensley (6-6) went the first six innings and left with a 7-2 lead, then the Padres bullpen nearly evened the score, mimicking the Phillies relievers from the night before -- when they coughed up a three-run lead.
Doug Brocail allowed the first three Phillies to reach. The third hit extended Chase Utley's hitting streak to 20 games and plated two runs.
Alan Embree relieved and surrendered an RBI double to Bobby Abreu, but Cla Meredith rescued the 'pen. The Phillies cut the deficit to one off Scott Linebrink in the eighth and had to be motivated for Trevor Hoffman in the ninth.
"Hell's Bells" never played, though, because the Padres pulled away with a three-run eighth inning off Arthur Rhodes.
"We were right back in that game," Utley said. "We're all frustrated. We're working hard, getting some big hits and making some good pitches. For some reason, we can't get it going. It's a tough loss."
A tough loss in what has become a tough season.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Notes: Utley's hitting streak up to 21

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- The conversation has become repetitive.
The question goes: So, Chase Utley, how's that hitting streak?
"I can't hear you," the Phillies' All-Star second baseman says, with a sly smile. He added a new wrinkle on Wednesday, placing his finger in front of his lips.
Utley's bat has done most of the talking. Starting with a June 23 homer off Boston's Josh Beckett, Utley has bashed his way on base in a career-best 21 games. Through Wednesday, he's batting .411 (37-for-90) during the streak, with 10 doubles, one triple and four homers.
He extended his hitting streak to 21 with a third-inning double off Padres starter Mike Thompson. He is the 17th different Phillie to amass a streak of at least 20 games. His current run is the longest active streak in the Majors and is the third longest overall this season. Atlanta's Edgar Renteria had a 23-game streak earlier this season.
While Utley didn't want to jinx his amazing recent consistency, teammate Jimmy Rollins didn't mind, and the good news is that Rollins knows something about hitting streaks.
"He has a great swing, but that doesn't necessarily translate to long hitting streaks," Rollins said. "He's been doing it so far."
Rollins disputed the notion that Utley has a better chance of reaching that 56-game stratosphere because he's quick and can beat out infield hits. Speed is nice, Rollins said, but it's not everything.
"You're not going to get to 56 games by beating out infield hits all the time," Rollins said. "If you do, I need to talk to you and find out how you did that. They always want to play speed to a factor of a hitting streak, but it's your swing that gets you, not your speed. For the most part, when an infielder gets the ball, you're going to be out at first, regardless of how fast you are."
Rollins said he didn't really think about his streak until it reached 32, because that set a new franchise mark, then again just before the 2006 season. He figures Utley will have a similar experience, but still has to nearly double his current mark.
"If he gets to 37 with a chance to tie or break, then it will really mean something for us," Rollins said. "After that, it's 44. It's hard to pay attention until they start approaching the number of the last guy."
Who would that be?
"In media circles, it will be he's chasing Jimmy Rollins," Rollins said, smiling, then began of thinking of headlines. "Then it will be CHASEing DiMaggio."
Coste-ing: Catcher Chris Coste likely doesn't remember each of the steps during his first career jog around the bases, but he'll always remember the feeling.
"When I crossed home plate, I said to [Padres catcher] Josh Bard, 'I didn't think this was ever going to happen.'"
Coste, 33, might as well have been talking about his Major League run, which is approaching its third month and may be reaching its apex. The right-handed hitter started his career 0-for-12, but is now batting .333 (17-for-51).
Coste has driven in nine runs starting at catcher, adding offense to one of the more dormant offensive positions.
"I'm starting to like Coste more," Manuel said. "I say he's going to play some more. Keep hitting, you might play forever. I've been pleased with how he's caught. I think we'll ride the wave and see where it takes us."
While Coste hopes his offense and defense keeps him in the big leagues longer, he knows the reality of his situation. The Phils might have a decision to make as early as Friday, when Sal Fasano is eligible to come off the disabled list.
"A guy in my shoes, there's not a lot of breathing room for me to stick around," Coste said. "I can't afford to have two bad games in a row. I feel like I have to get two hits a game, and that may not be true, but that's what it feels like."
Does he feel more secure after Wednesday?
"Certainly, but at the same time, I don't know what move they can possibly make, other than me, so ... if I were to get sent down, it wouldn't be as heartbreaking, because I proved at the highest level that I can play and did everything in my power to stay," Coste said. "It would be disappointing, certainly, but it wouldn't be shocking."
Coste was thrilled that Bard was there to see his homer. The two became good friends as Minor Leaguers in 2001 and 2002 in the Indians organization, and the two had a friendly competition going.
"We have a little contest, offense, defense, team win kind of thing," Coste said. "Last time we kind of pushed. We each hit a home run and a double, but we won, so I won."
Coste retrieved the home run ball and said he plans to spread the wealth. He gave the ball from his first hit to his mother, and has this one earmarked for his grandfather.
First time finally: The first time reliever Geoff Geary came to San Diego as a big leaguer, he watched the game from the stands.
To explain, the right-hander had been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the day before that 2004 trip, so he spent the first game in the seats he left for his family and friends. They watched with him.
When he made the trip to San Diego last season, he survived being optioned, but he didn't pitch in the series. The righty made up for lost time this week, when he appeared in all three games.
"I waited so long to pitch here," Geary said. "My parents said it brought them to tears to finally get a chance to be with their family and friends and watch their hometown son pitch. Then it brought me back to Jack Murphy Stadium [now Qualcomm Stadium] saying, 'One day, I'm going to be out there playing against those guys.' It all came true that [first game of the series]."
Geary, who estimated that he had about 80-100 people during the series, described in great detail his thought process during his first outing, when he gave up two long fly outs. He thought both were home runs, but was delighted to see them land in outfielder Shane Victorino's glove. Geary's emotions were much higher than he thought they'd be, just because of the location.
"It didn't really hit me until I got out on the mound," he said. "Normally, my adrenaline is pretty high, but it was through the roof. I'm 30 years old, been doing this a while, but I still felt a rush.
"There were so many people in the stands that I know, high school coaches. It wasn't like I was nervous or scared to be out there. It was like I'm going to show all you people that I belong here."
Coming up: After eight straight outings without a victory, Cory Lidle, who faces Atlanta's John Smoltz in Friday's 7:05 p.m. ET series opener at Citizens Bank Park, has won each of his previous two starts. In Lidle's last outing in San Francisco, he figured out a way to win despite not having his best stuff.
The Phillies right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings, but the Phils battled back to get him the victory. Lidle is 2-0 in two starts against the Braves this season, allowing a combined five earned runs in 12 innings while striking out 12.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Amid trade rumors, Abreu lifts Phillies

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- While the front of Bobby Abreu's uniform still displays the word "Phillies," as opposed to an interlocking NY or one of up to nine other possibilities, this month's most sought after player will keep swinging.
His latest smooth, compact stroke lifted the Phillies to a come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Padres on Wednesday, delivering the Phils from the brink of a three-game sweep at PETCO Park to a .500 West Coast road trip. Adding to the short-term inspiration was that the win came off veteran closer Trevor Hoffman, who had blown only two other games this season.
"He's a tremendous player, and I can see why 10 teams would want him," said manager Charlie Manuel, referring to the rumors surrounding Abreu's trade status. "He's been one of the most consistent players in baseball. Probably all 30 would like to have him."
Or at least those of the 29 other teams who are A) in contention, B) need a right fielder and C) can afford his contract -- though that discussion is for Phillies general manager Pat Gillick to sort out over the next two weeks.
For the moment, the Phillies found a way to win a game that looked grim after Brian Giles' two-out liner in the seventh glanced off the chalk along the left-field line and bounced into foul territory. As pinch-hitter Rob Bowen, who singled to start the inning, raced around to score, the words sweep could be seen forming in the chalk that remained.
Starter Jon Lieber had settled in after allowing a three-run homer to Josh Bard in the first, but fell victim to the double on his season-high 123rd pitch of the 79-degree afternoon.
When Jimmy Rollins' soft liner landed in Khalil Greene's glove, ending an eighth-inning, bases-loaded threat against Pads reliever Scott Linebrink, the formality of Hoffman's save seemed all that remained.
But Hoffman, who had blown a save on Friday night against Atlanta, hit Shane Victorino with the first pitch, and walked Chase Utley on five pitches. The only reason Utley had one strike was because he showed bunt on the first offering.
Abreu fell behind 0-2 before slicing an 84-mph fastball to right-center, scoring both runners -- making him the hero of the game and affording the team a flight home that will seem much shorter.
"A lot shorter," reliever Rheal Cormier said.
"It's good to leave San Diego with a win in the last game," Abreu said. "We're 3-3 on the trip, and battled each game. Our team looks pretty good right now, offensively and defensively. Our pitchers are starting to respond. It's good to go back home, have a day off and rest up for Atlanta."
Abreu's good fortune provided good feelings on what might have been a frustrating afternoon. Lieber left the game trailing, and put his team in a hole after surrendering the three-run homer to Bard. Philadelphia clawed back, thanks to Chris Coste's first career homer in the fourth and his game-tying RBI double in the sixth.
The 33-year-old rookie catcher is hitting .333 (17-for-51), and forcing his way into the lineup.
"If he keeps hitting, he might play forever," Manuel said.
Phils closer Tom Gordon maintained that advantage and recorded his 22nd save with a 1-2-3 ninth, salvaging the game and the series.
"You don't salvage games, you just win them," Rollins said. "It was a good to get a game in and finish a road trip .500. It's just wins and losses. You salvage cars, but not baseball games."
Semantics aside, Gordon said a win in Game 93 was a big lift for a team unsure about which players will be here on Aug. 1.
"We know how important every game is," Gordon said. "You don't want to be one the road for six games and put yourself in the hole. Today was big for us."
Speaking to the larger picture, Gordon stressed Abreu's importance.
"For us, we know we need Bobby in this clubhouse to be a winning ballclub," Gordon said. "But those things are out of our control. We have to continue to play up until that deadline. Trade rumors are trade rumors. They're only rumors until something happens."
Abreu didn't add any grist to the rumor mill, either, smiling and shrugging off all inquiries regarding him or any of the team's veterans.
"I don't want to think about it," said Abreu, who batted .240 on the road trip and made several fine defensive plays. "If you listen, it's going to get into your head. I really don't pay attention."
The broad smile that makes Abreu one of the happiest guys on the team never left his face. He knows he's wanted, and realizes he might wind up somewhere else. He seems willing to listen and agreeable to waiving his no-trade clause, but for now, he will keep his focus on the field.
"You know what? I'm just playing hard, trying to get better every day," Abreu said. "I'm doing everything I can do to help the team win. My offense and my defense. That's me every day. I think people are starting to see that more often because people are talking about me. That's how I play the game.
"I don't known if it's going to happen. Whatever happens, I'm just going to keep playing the game and try to help the team win."
Just like he did on Wednesday.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/

Gordon proving nice guys finish games

07/20/2006
We've all heard it said often that a baseball team is like a family. Players, coaches and the manager spend as much or more time with each other as they do around their wives and children. That's why it's so important to develop solid relationships in the clubhouse. In his 20-year career, Tom Gordon has been around long enough to know all about both baseball and strong families.
The Phillies closer grew up in the small town of Avon Park, Fla., and his mother and father made sure he learned a value system that would stay with him as an adult.
"Everybody knew each other, really got along together, went to church together and prayed together," Gordon said. "Everybody looked out for each other. We were brought up to recognize all the things that are important to a family."
Because the Gordons didn't have enough money to buy a house, they rented a place with no air conditioning. Despite their limited income, his parents opened their home to two cousins.
Gordon, 38, puts what he learned as a youngster about families staying close into practice as a Major League player.
"It's very important because we are together for so many days," Gordon said. "If we don't become family, we don't play well together. We don't understand each other's lives and what's important to us. It's important for me to know whom I'm around every day, to gain their respect and learn to respect them. If you don't build those relationships and take the time to find out about the guy next to you in the clubhouse, it will definitely be a long season."
Gordon is a quiet presence in the Phillies clubhouse. He commands his teammates' respect with a resume that includes postseason experience with both the Red Sox and Yankees. The playoffs are still a plateau this group of Phillies is still trying to reach.
"He's great, he's kind of a quieter guy," left fielder Pat Burrell said. "He goes about his business but he's always there if you need anything. If you have questions, he's there to answer them. He's been around so long, he's a great leader to have on your team because of what he does on the field and what he brings to the clubhouse."
Phillies reliever Aaron Fultz looks at Gordon as a steady influence in the clubhouse and on the mound.
"You see the way he goes about his business," Fultz said. "He's serious. He doesn't take anything for granted and he works hard. I can talk to Flash and ask him some things, but I really learn more just by watching him go about his business. That's what is so important about Flash. He goes out there and when the bell rings, you know he's going to be there."
As a young man, Gordon had a favorite teacher he could count on. Grace Brown had Gordon as a student for three years as they both made the transition from middle school to high school.
"It seemed like every year I moved up, she went to the next grade along with me," recalled Gordon. "We had the best relationship as student and teacher. She was really a motivator and she helped every one of her kids to be successful."
His teacher remembers Tom as a good kid from a warm and cordial family. Ms. Brown, as Tom still calls her, must also have had a good eye for talent, because she saved some of his schoolwork, thinking that he might actually make good on his promise to one day be a Major League player.
It's no surprise that the teacher says of her former student, "He got along well with everyone."
Gordon says what set Brown apart from his other teachers was the way she motivated her students.
"She not only taught her kids, she looked after them as well."
That might have been the most important lesson Gordon learned from his teacher, because as an adult, he still goes out of his way to look after Brown. When her husband passed away in 1997, Gordon not only flew back home for the funeral, he also provided Brown with what she calls a sizeable check to cover all of her expenses and more.
"Family means everything to him," said Brown.
That goes for his extended family as well. He still buys equipment for the school's baseball team. And every once in a while, Brown says he surprises her and his old baseball coach by flying them to a road game so they can watch him pitch.
It's important for family members to count on each other, and the Phillies know they can count on Gordon in the ninth inning.
He has answered any questions about his age by remaining one of the game's premier closers. Phillies fans know they've put one in the win column when Gordon points his index finger skyward after recording the final out. For a man whose nickname is Flash, ironically there is very little flashy about his game. But for this one moment, a deeply religious man takes the liberty of making a very public display of his faith. It's his way of thanking God for all of his blessings, on the field and off.
"I'm just so grateful because of all I have been able to overcome," Gordon said. "First, I was told I would never be drafted. Later, I was told I would never make it back from Tommy John surgery. I heard so many negative things that I got to the point where I needed something more. I always knew God was there for me, but I didn't know why I was being tested. My belief in God has given me those answers."
Some of his questions about life are still answered only by his faith. Like why people are afflicted with fatal diseases like ALS. Doing his part, as always, Gordon has found a way to help, by lending his name to SAVES4ALS, a program that donates money for the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease by pledging money for every one of his saves.
"It makes you understand that they need us and we need them," Gordon said. "Charity is a sign of a wonderful heart, to find someone who is not worried about themselves, but instead concerned with finding a cause and a cure so no one has to go through a disease like ALS. Me being healthy, I'm humbled by my ability to play the game of baseball."
Gordon also has an appreciation for the extended family of baseball. He talks of those who have paved the way for him, like Jackie Robinson and Tug McGraw, the former Phillies closer whose No. 45 he proudly wears.
"Guys like Tug McGraw have inspired me," Gordon said. "I pay tribute to Tug's plaque in Ashburn Alley. I think it's great that the Phillies have put it there to represent a guy who strived to be one of the best closers in the game. Although I never got a chance to meet Tug, he is a guy who loved the game and helped develop the closer's role in baseball. So there are no greater role models for me than guys like that."
Gordon's setup man Arthur Rhodes says he and Flash keep a close eye on the clubhouse.
"We sit back and just watch," Rhodes said. "Because you can't come over to a new team and just try and be a leader. But Flash leads by example. He does his own thing. We're lucky to have a veteran bullpen. Me as a left-handed setup guy, and Flash as a right-handed closer."
When all is said and done, there is only one place that Gordon doesn't feel confident closing things out. An avid fisherman, Flash knows there is always the big one that gets away. A quiet lake is the one place he can concentrate on his bait -- instead of a game -- on the line.
"When I get a chance to go fishing, I can be free to just think about the things that are important," Gordon said. "If I catch one fish or 50 fish, I still have a great day."
And, on the mound, if things are going well for this good man, he won't let a slugger like Albert Pujols off the hook either.
"You want to stay on him and keep the line tight."
So while Tom Gordon has the confidence and self-assurance of a man who would never go fishing for a compliment, we'll give him one anyway. Nice guys don't finish last -- they finish games.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/