Preview Phillies v Jays series

Friday May 16th, 2008

Jays on a hot streak of four wins the best (streak) in the majors right now, however I would suggest that is a result of parity around both leagues.

Jays met Phillies several times in Spring training both at Knology Park and Bright House Field.so both sides know each other very well. Phillies coming of Divisional championship in 2007 are a very good side and will really test the Jays.
From Rollins down the order this side has everything, power, lots of it, great fielding and good pitching. The infield with Uttley, Howard and Rollins is second to none. Burell in the outfield is providing lots of extra power already this season. Ex-Jay Jayson Werth is also in outfield.

Howard has had three home runs in last five games, but look for power also from Uttley and Burell. Howard hit major-league leading 58 home runs in 2006 and the third-most in the majors in 2007 with 47, has just nine in 42 games this season .185 average (28-for-151) with a major league-high 58 strikeouts this season.

Pitchers: Game 1. Jays have left-hander David Purcey making his second start in the majors both as result of lineup changes for Burnett. Purcey is (0-0, 2.08) and pitched 4 1/3 innings in first appearance against Detroit April 18, allowing one run and two hits in the 8-4 loss.
Philadelphia has veteran 45 year old Jamie Moyer (2-3, 5.02 ERA). His last start against Giants May 10th was his worst of the season. A season-high six earned runs and nine hits in four innings of an 8-2 loss.
Moyer has had 18 starts against Toronto is 8-3 and a high 5.69 ERA.

Phillies are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time in almost two weeks. They had 12 hits yesterday, with four players having multihit games.
Toronto yesterday won a great game against Minnesota with Ingeltt’s rbi in the 11th. Toronto has won four straight, including a three-game sweep of the Minnesota. They are now 4-3 on the road trip.
2007 Phillies took two of three home games against Toronto to take an 11-10 lead in the all-time interleague series.
Listen for the home crowd boos tonight for Scott Rolen who had his problems when with the Phillies 1996-2002. Rolen is a career .342 hitter in nine games at Citizens Bank Park.

Jays pitching starters and bullpen have been excellent most of the season. The relievers had the fifth-best ERA in the league at 3.35 before six scoreless innings in yesterday’s game. If Purcey falters tonight they could all be in action.
B.J. Ryan has been a great advertisement so far for Tommy John surgery a perfect 7-for-7 in save situations and hasn't allowed a run in 12 innings.
Jesse Carlson allowed just three earned runs over his past 17 games. Tallet has not allowed a run in seven consecutive games and has held left-handed hitters to a .185 average (5-for-27). Camp has been overpowering against right-handers, who have gone 2-for-19 against him.