I think there is a Cy Young winner in the house tonight. Is it the home team's staff ace, Cole Hamels (14-6/IP-171.1 /ERA-2.94/K-168/BB-42/WHIP-1.11)? Is it his opponent Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto (16-6/IP-169.2/ERA-2.44/K-135/BB-37/WHIP-1.13)? Personally if I had a vote, it would have to go to Reds closer Aroldis Chapman. How does anyone get a hit off this guy? Without a doubt, he has the fiercest arm in the game right now and while I don't root against the Phils, it was a pleasure to watch him work last night. Anyone who racks up 112 K's in 62 innings while holding the oppostion to a .139 batting average should get some votes.
That being said, if you're of the school of starters only for Cy Young, then Hamels vs. Cueto is quite the match up. I've personally enjoyed Hamels' last three starts more than any stretch he's had that doesn't have to do with chasing a World Series ring. He's a man in control right now, throwing everything where he wants it. The season has been for the birds mostly, but he is certainly bringing the A-game lately. He's absolutely in the running for the hardware at season's end.
Kevin Frandsen, who took a beating at third the other day, gets another start at third. Having watched him in Lehigh Valley over the past two seasons, I'm enjoying watching him make the most of his opportunity. The fight that him and Erik Kratz have shown in them is inspiring. After all, these are two guys who have to hunt for jobs harder than most. I'd be proud to have them both on the roster next season.
Jimmy Rollins gets a day off after getting no-hit once again and also earning an error on a terrible throw in the first inning. Losing and Jimmy Rollins never seemed to mix too well when he was younger I often felt. That being said, I really can't hate on the guy's season. It hasn't been great but to point the finger at him alone, seems a bit harsh. Starting at shortstop is Michael Martinez who helped get Randy Wolf released from Milwaukee after blasting a two run shot off him on Sunday. Sorry, if you throw home run balls to Mini Mart, I think it's a sign that there are better and younger arms in the system that you're blocking. That being said, wish the best to Mr. Wolf and hope he finds a gig down the stretch somewhere.
Line up:
- Pierre LF
- Frandsen 3B
- Utley 2B
- Howard 1B
- Brown RF
- Nix CF
- Kratz C
- Martinez SS
- Hamels P
A breaking note: Jeremy Horst has been activated from paternity leave. Michael Schwimer gets optioned back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. I actually think Schwimer has a future as a decent reliever but it's no shock that he drew the shortest straw after some recent struggles.
