Game 121 - Lack of Offense Dooms Phils in St. Louis

Philadelphia Phillies	0
St. Louis Cardinals	2

2019 Topps Heritage #252

Tuesday Night, August 11th

Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-57, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a solid effort from Cristopher Sanchez, grounding into four double plays and collecting five singles in this 2-0 loss.

What It Means:  Really just a forgettable game.

What Happened:  Sanchez battled through six innings and 89 pitches thrown on a steamy St. Louis night, allowing four hits and striking out seven.  The Cardinals scored their two runs off relievers Alex McFarlane in the seventh and Tim Mayza in the eighth.  The Phillies offense was 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Luis Arraez is in the midst of 2 for 23 slump, batting .087 over the past five games.

Featured Card:  Jenna and I spent the day in Madison, Wisconsin, birthplace of Phillies reliever Pat Neshek, an All-Star with the team in 2017.  This is his Lowell Palmer inspired card from the 2019 Topps Heritage set.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs and McFarlane (rhp) was recalled.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies - Phils Hope to Rock On

2005 Topps #69

2025 Chachi Series Preview #3

Monday, May 19th - 8:40
Tuesday, May 20th - 8:40
Wednesday, May 21st - 8:40
Thursday, May 22nd - 3:10

Coors Field - Denver, CO
The Rockies are hoping a BOGO hot dog night on Tuesday draws some fans to the ballpark.

Philadelphia Phillies 28-18
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (4-1, 2.91)
Jesus Luzardo (4-0, 2.00)
Taijuan Walker (1-3, 2.62)
Ranger Suarez (2-0, 5.09)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .294
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 15
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 35
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 10

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 5
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.00
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 80
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 7

Colorado Rockies 8-38
5th Place in the N.L. West, 20 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Rockies Probables
Kyle Freeland (0-6, 6.15)
Antonio Senzatela (1-7, 6.39)
Carson Palmquist (0-1, 11.25)
German Marquez (1-6, 8.78)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Hunter Goodman - .299
Runs:  Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman - 24
Home Runs:  Jordan Beck - 8
RBIs:  Hunter Goodman - 29
Stolen Bases:  Jordan Beck - 5

Wins:  Chase Dollander - 2
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Chase Dollander - 38
Saves:  Zach Agnos and Seth Halvorsen - 2

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Phillies at Rockies: May 12th to May 14th

2014 Topps Heritage #48

2023 Chachi Series Previews #1

Friday 8:40, Saturday 8:10 and Sunday 3:10
Coors Field - Denver, CO

At the Ballpark:  The Rockies are hosting Healthcare Appreciation and Teacher Appreciation Homesteads, with special theme tickets available.  They'll wear their City Connect uniforms on Saturday night.

(I noticed too late I had inadvertently misspelled Pat Neshek's name on the card above, so this should be considered an unfortunate uncorrected error.)

Phillies 18-19
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.97)
Ranger Suarez (0-0, 0.00)
Aaron Nola (3-2, 4.44)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .322
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 28
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 8
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 25
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 5

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.80

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 53
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 5

Rockies 16-22
5th Place in the N.L. West, 7 games behind the Dodgers

Rockies Probables
Austin Gomber (3-4, 6.75)
Ryan Feltner (2-2, 5.08)
Kyle Freeland (3-4, 3.57)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Elias Diaz - .333
Runs:  Ezequiel Tovar - 18
Home Runs:  C.J. Cron - 6
RBIs:  Elias Diaz - 18
Stolen Bases:  Brenton Doyle - 5

Wins:  Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber - 3
ERA:  Kyle Freeland - 3.57
Strikeouts:  Ryan Feltner - 33
Saves:  Pierce Johnson - 6

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

Latest Round of Roster Moves - 8 More Free Agents

2020 Chachi Departures #12

2020 Chachi Departures #13

2020 Chachi Departures #14

In a flurry of roster moves on late Monday afternoon, the Phillies parted with eight more players and they now have 35 spots taken on their 40-man roster.

The club declined their options on pitchers Jared Hughes, Pat Neshek and Jason Vargas.  Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta, as expected, exercised his player option for 2020 and he'll attempt to bounce back from two lackluster seasons.

2020 Chachi Departures #15

2020 Chachi #13

2020 Chachi Departures #16

2020 Chachi #38

2020 Chachi Departures #17

Pitchers Jerad Eickhoff, Mike Morin, Blake Parker and Edubray Ramos along with infiedler Phil Gosselin were all outrighted off the 40-man roster and all five elected free agency.  The Morin and Parker moves surprised me a little, as I could see both playing a role in the team's 2020 bullpen.  I assume one or both could come back on minor league deals.  It's also tough to see Phillies Room favorite Gosselin let go.

Finally, pitchers Victor Arano, Arrieta, Seranthony Dominguez, Adam Morgan, David Robertson and Robert Stock along with outfielder Andrew McCutchen were activated from the 60-day IL.

This is a good time to link over to my Virtual Phillies Wall, which has been updated to reflect the current status of the team's 40-man roster.  As players are added, such as Stock, they'll appear on a 2020 Chachi New Additions insert card.  The next date to circle on our calendars is December 2nd, when the Phillies will need to make a decision on tendering contracts to Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco in advance of the annual Rule 5 draft.

Moving On - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Rob Brantly - c (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Fernando Salas - rhp (9/30/19) - Elected free agency.
• Corey Dickerson - of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Brad Miller - inf (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Logan Morrison - 1b (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Sean Rodriguez - inf-of (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Drew Smyly - lhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Nick Vincent - rhp (10/31/19) - Elected free agency.
• Jose Pirela - of (11/1/19) - Released.
• Jared Hughes - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jason Vargas - lhp (11/4/19) - Club option declined, elected free agency.
• Jerad Eickhoff - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Phil Gosselin - inf (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Mike Morin - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Blake Parker - rhp (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.
• Edubray Ramos - rhp - (11/4/19) - Outrighted, elected free agency.

New Arrivals - 2019-2020 Offseason

• Robert Stock - rhp (10/30/19) - Claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

Phillies Photo Night Returns! (Part Two)

Here's part two of the gallery of cards I created to commemorate our 2019 Phillies Photo Night experience.

2019 Chachi Photo Night #11

2019 Chachi Photo Night #12

2019 Chachi Photo Night #13

2019 Chachi Photo Night #14

2019 Chachi Photo Night #15

2019 Chachi Photo Night #17

2019 Chachi Photo Night #18

2019 Chachi Photo Night #19

Memory Lane
1984 Photo Day - Hudson, Maddox and Lefebvre
2004 Photo Day - First at Citizens Bank Park
2006 Photo Day - with Rick White
2007 Photo Day - with Shane Victorino
2016 Photo Day - Parts One, Two and Three
2017 Photo Night - Parts One, Two and Three
2018 Photo Night - Cancelled due to rain
2019 Photo Night - Part One and Part Two

2019 Chachi #22 Pat Neshek

#93
Patrick Neshek
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  221
Opening Day Age:  38
Born:  September 4, 1980, Madison, WI
Drafted:  Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the June 2002 draft
Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2006-2008, 2010; San Diego Padres 2011; Oakland Athletics 2012-2013; St. Louis Cardinals 2014; Houston Astros 2015-2016; Phillies 2017; Colorado Rockies 2017; Phillies 2018-
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Colorado Rockies, December 15, 2017
Contract Status:  Signed a two-year contract on December 15, 2017, taking him through 2019 with a club option for 2020

2007 Topps #29

2017 Topps Heritage #71

2017 Chachi #23

2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9

2017 Topps Update #US40

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2007 Topps #29
First Phillies Card:  2017 Topps Heritage #71
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #17
First Topps Phillies Flagship Base Card:  2017 Topps Update #US40
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2018 Reading Phillies Rehab Series #16
Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #93

2017 Phillies Team Issue #17

22 - Neshek baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/1/19.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi New Additions #1
2017 Chachi #23
2017 Chachi #47 AS
2017 Chachi Archives #11
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9
2017 Chachi Photo Night #7
2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #17
2018 Chachi New Additions #2
2018 Chachi #23
2019 Chachi #22

2019 Chachi Set Checklist
Virtual Phillies Wall - Featuring Current Active Roster

Game 113 - 2018 Topps Living Set #60 Pat Neshek

Phillies 5, Diamondbacks 2
Game 113 - Late Tuesday Night, August 7th in Phoenix
Record - 64-49, 1st place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Another Post-Vacation Catch-Up, Part 4 of 7

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies bounced back from their late night, extra-inning loss the night before to down the D-Backs, 5-2.

What It Means:  With the Braves splitting a double header against the Nationals, the Phillies increased their lead in the East to a game and a half.

What Happened:  Pivetta threw six scoreless innings while striking out six.  Nick Williams started the scoring in the 3rd with a solo home run (16).  The Phillies added four insurance runs in the 8th, including a "Little League" home run when Cesar Hernandez bunted back to pitcher Jake Diekman and came all the way around to score on two throwing errors.

Featured Card:  Pat Neshek has quietly done his job all season, and his scoreless 9th inning netted him his 2nd save.  This is his card from the ongoing Topps Living Set, which he's offered to sign to anyone sending it to him with a SASE in care of the Phillies.

2018 Choice Lehigh
Valley IronPigs #7

Transactions:  In need of an extra arm following the 14 inning game on Monday night, the Phillies sent Dylan Cozens to Lehigh Valley and recalled Enyel De Los Santos.  Additionally, reliever Zac Curtis officially left the organization when he was claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers.  Curtis is going to join the ranks of the Missing Links as his only Phillies-related baseball card can be found in this year's Lehigh Valley IronPigs team set.

Curtis Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #61
2018 Chachi #34

Arrived During the 2018 Season
Trevor Plouffe (4/23/18) - Signed as a minor league free agent, formerly with the Texas Rangers organization.
Asdrubal Cabrera (7/27/18) - Acquired from the New York Mets for Franklyn Kilome.
Wilson Ramos (7/31/18) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later or cash.
Aaron Loup (7/31/18) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Jacob Waguespack.

Departed During the 2018 Season
Drew Hutchison (6/5/18) - Designated for assignment and elected free agency.
Hoby Milner (7/15/18) - Sold to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Zac Curtis (7/31/18) - Designated for assingnment and claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, 8/7/18.

2018 Chachi #23 Pat Neshek

#93
Patrick Neshek
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  221
Opening Day Age:  37
Born:  September 4, 1980, Madison, WI
Drafted:  Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the June 2002 draft
Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2006-2008, 2010; San Diego Padres 2011; Oakland Athletics 2012-2013; St. Louis Cardinals 2014; Houston Astros 2015-2016; Phillies 2017; Colorado Rockies 2017; Phillies 2018
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Colorado Rockies, December 15, 2017

2007 Topps #29

2017 Topps #272

2017 Topps Heritage #71

2017 Chachi #23

13 Neshek Baseball Cards in My Collection per The Phillies Room Checklist
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2007 Topps #29

First Card:  2017 Topps #272

First Phillies Card:  2017 Topps Heritage #71
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2017 Phillies Team Issue #17
Newest Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue 2 #93

2017 Phillies Team Issue #17

First Mention on The Phillies Room:  November 5, 2016 - Here's the First Pat Neshek (Unofficial) Phillies Card . . . I get inordinately excited whenever the Phillies make offseason player moves, and the first acquisition of the 2016-2017 offseason was announced yesterday.  The Phillies acquired reliever, and fellow baseball card collector, Pat Neshek from the Houston Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

An All-Star in 2014, Neshek has pitched for 10 seasons with the Twins, Padres, Athletics, Cardinals and Astros.  His most recent mainstream baseball cards can be found within the 2016 Topps flagship and 2016 Topps Heritage sets.  Neshek will have to find a new number for 2017, as the #37 he wore with the Astros is currently occupied by Odubel Herrera.

He's the first card in the 2017 Chachi New Additions set, and I've added him to the Phillies Virtual Wall, which now stands at 32 players.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi New Additions #1
2017 Chachi #23
2017 Chachi #47 AS
2017 Chachi Archives #11
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9
2017 Chachi Photo Night #7
2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #17
2018 Chachi New Additions #2
2018 Chachi #23

Card statistics through 5/31/18.

Galvis Traded to Padres; Neshek & Hunter Officially Signed

2018 Chachi Departures #4

Early Friday afternoon, the Phillies traded shortstop Freddy Galvis to the Padres for Double-A starting pitcher Enyel De Los Santos.  Having made his debut on April 5, 2012, Galvis had been the team's longest tenured player, and that title now falls to Cesar Hernandez.  Moving the 28-year-old Galvis to the Padres opens up the shortstop position to J.P. Crawford.

2016 Topps Heritage Minors #60

Galvis had become a veteran leader in the Phillies clubhouse over the past few seasons, and he obtained his goal of playing in all 162 games in 2017.  The team's regular shortstop beginning in 2015, Galvis was the club's opening day second baseman in 2012 due to an injury to Chase Utley.  In six seasons with the Phils, Galvis hit .245 over 642 games while providing solid infield defense.  I'll miss seeing Galvis out at short, but with his free agency approaching at the end of the 2018 season, it was time for him to move on and give Crawford a shot.

I have 47 different Galvis baseball cards in my collection, beginning with his 2007 card in the Williamsport Crosscutters team set and ending with his 2017 Topps Now Players Weekend card.  He'll most likely find his way to a few more Phillies cards within early 2018 Topps releases.

De Los Santos spent the 2017 season with the San Antonio Missions.  Todd Zolecki Tweeted that he was the No. 13 prospect in the Padres system and he'll land at the No. 9 spot in the Phillies system.  That seems like a pretty good return for Galvis.  De Los Santos appeared in the 2016 Topps Heritage Minors set.

Freddy Galvis Complete Chachi Checklist
2011 Chachi Almost #4
2012 Chachi #8
2013 Chachi #11
2013 Chachi #39 HL - Walk-Off HR
2014 Chachi #35
2015 Chachi #8
2016 Chachi Preview #5
2016 Chachi #8
2016 Chachi #66 RBI Leaders
2016 Chachi Archives #13
2016 Chachi Photo Day #15
2017 Chachi Preview #5
2017 Chachi #8
2017 Chachi #34 HL - 1st Inning Explosion
2017 Chachi Archives #7
2017 Chachi Photo Night #17
2018 Chachi Preview #1
2018 Chachi Departures #4

2018 Chachi New Additions #2

2018 Chachi New Additions #3

Finally, the Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter free agent signings were made official by the Phillies.  Rumor has it the Phils are working on some more smooth transactions.

Moving On - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Henderson Alvarez - rhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Ty Kelly - 2b-of (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Kevin Siegrist - lhp (10/4/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency.
• Pedro Beato - rhp (10/13/17) - Elected free agency.
• Andres Blanco - inf (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Clay Buchholz - rhp (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Hyun Soo Kim - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Daniel Nava - of (11/2/17) - Elected free agency.
• Jesen Therrien - rhp (11/6/17) - Outrighted off 40-man roster and elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 11/29/17.
• Michael Mariot - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the San Diego Padres, 11/29/17.
• Colton Murray - rhp (11/6/17) - Elected free agency.
• Brock Stassi - 1b (11/6/17) - Elected free agency, signed as a minor league free agent with the Minnesota Twins, 12/7/17.
• Cameron Perkins - of (12/11/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.
• Freddy Galvis - ss (12/15/17) - Traded to the San Diego Padres for Enyel De Los Santos.

Coming Back - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Pedro Florimon - inf-of (11/13/17) - Signed to a minor league contract.

New Additions - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Engelb Vielma - inf (11/20/17) - Claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (12/15/17) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Colorado Rockies.
• Tommy Hunter - rhp (12/15/17) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Already Gone - 2017-2018 Offseason

• Engelb Vielma - inf (12/11/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Phillies Winter Meetings Recap

2017 Topps Chrome #196

The Phillies had a fairly eventful week in Orlando at the annual Winter Meetings, and I wanted to recap their transactions here.

- Although it's not yet official (as of this writing), the Phillies are bringing back All-Star reliever Pat Neshek.  The Phillies traded Neshek to the Rockies on July 26th for a trio of prospects, and he appeared in 28 games for the eventual second Wild Card winners.  Neshek's deal is reportedly for two years and $16.25 million.

- Also added to the bullpen (also not yet officially) was Tommy Hunter, who appeared in 61 games last season for the Rays.  Hunter made his mainstream baseball card debut within the 2010 Topps set and it looks as if his last major cardboard appearance came within the 2015 Topps Update set.

- In the annual Rule 5 draft, the Phillies selected pitcher Nick Burdi from the Rangers with the third overall pick but then immediately traded him to the Pirates for $500,000 in international signing bonus pool money.  Prospect Carlos Tocci was lost in the draft to the White Sox and then traded to the Rangers.

- Finally, Gabe Kapler's coaching staff was completed with the addition of Jose Flores as the first base, infield and baserunning coach.  Flores had been the Cubs' minor league infield coordinator for the past five seasons.  I'm now fairly sure this is not the same Jose Flores who played in the Phillies system between 1994 and 1999.  That Jose Flores was Jose Carlos Flores and he was traded to the Mariners in 1999 for Domingo Cedeno.  The new Phillies coach is Jose David Flores.

Final Listing of 2016-2017 Phillies Player Moves

2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #17

2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #18

2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #19

After the final game of the 2017 regular season for the Phillies, the list below will be reset and I'll start the process once again of tracking the offseason comings and goings.  Here's one last look at those players who joined and departed the organization between the final pitch of the 2016 season and the final pitch of the 2017 season.

Moving On - 2016-2017 Offseason

• Cedric Hunter - of (10/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Cincinnati Reds, 4/4/17.
• James Russell - lhp (10/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Cleveland Indians, 2/13/17.
• Emmanuel Burriss - inf (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Washington Nationals, 12/13/16.
• Frank Herrmann - rhp (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles (Japan).
• Jimmy Paredes - of (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan), 1/15/17.
• Patrick Schuster - lhp (10/7/16) - Outrighted off 40-man roster, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, 11/5/16.
• Ryan Howard - 1b (11/3/16) - Team option declined, elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Atlanta Braves, 4/6/17.
• Charlie Morton - rhp (11/3/16) - Team option declined, elected free agency and signed with the Houston Astros, 11/16/16.
• Peter Bourjos - of (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox, 1/27/17.
• A.J. Ellis - c (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed with the Miami Marlins, 12/12/16.
• David Hernandez - rhp (11/3/16) - Elected free agency and signed as a minor league free agent with the San Francisco Giants, 2/14/17.
• Darin Ruf - 1b-of and Darnell Sweeney - inf-of (11/11/16) - Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Howie Kendrick.
• Elvis Araujo - rhp (11/18/16) - Claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.
• David Buchanan - rhp (11/23/16) - Released and signed with the Yakult Swallows (Japan), 12/20/16.
• Cody Asche - of (12/2/16) - Designated for assignment, non-tendered and signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago White Sox, 1/6/17.
• Phil Klein - rhp (12/14/16) - Released and signed with the Yokohama BayStars (Japan), 12/20/16.
• Severino Gonzalez - rhp (1/19/17) - Designated for assignment and traded to the Miami Marlins for a player to be named later or cash considerations, 1/24/17.
• Alec Asher - rhp (3/28/17) - Traded to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

New Additions - 2016-2017 Offseason

• Pat Neshek - rhp (11/4/16) - Acquired from the Houston Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
• Howie Kendrick - lf (11/11/16) - Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Darin Ruf and Darnell Sweeney.
• Joaquin Benoit - rhp (12/6/16) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Pedro Florimon - inf (12/12/16) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Daniel Nava - of (12/12/16) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Kansas City Royals.
• Clay Buchholz - rhp (12/20/16) - Acquired from the Boston Red Sox for Josh Tobias.
• Pedro Beato - rhp (12/21/16) - Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Baltimore Orioles organization.
• Michael Saunders - of (1/19/17) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Departed During the 2017 Season

• Tyler Goeddel - of (4/5/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
• Dalier Hinojosa - rhp (5/16/17) - Released.
• Mario Hollands - lhp (5/23/17) - Released.
• Taylor Featherston - inf (6/9/17) - Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash.
• Joely Rodriguez - lhp (6/13/17) - Traded to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash.
• Jeanmar Gomez - rhp (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment, released on 6/25/17 and signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers' organization, 7/15/17.
• Michael Saunders - of (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment, released on 6/25/17 and signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays' organization, 6/28/17.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (7/26/17) - Traded to the Colorado Rockies for Jose Gomez, Alejandro Requena and J.D. Hammer.
• Howie Kendrick - lf-2b (7/28/17) - Traded with cash to the Washington Nationals for McKenzie Mills and future considerations.
• Jeremy Hellickson - rhp (7/28/17) - Traded with cash to the Baltimore Orioles for Hyun Soo Kim, Garrett Cleavinger and future considerations.
• Joaquin Benoit - rhp (7/31/17) - Traded with cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Seth McGarry.
• Casey Fien - rhp (9/1/17) - Released.
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (9/6/17) - Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Eliezer Alvarez.

Arrived During the 2017 Season

• Ty Kelly - inf (4/22/17) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.
• Casey Fien - rhp (5/9/17) - Purchased from the Seattle Mariners.
• Hyun Soo Kim - of (7/28/17) - Acquired with Garrett Cleavinger and future considerations from the Baltimore Orioles for Jeremy Hellickson and cash.
• Henderson Alvarez - rhp (8/25/17) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Long Island Ducks (Independent).
• Juan Nicasio - rhp (8/31/17) - Claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Kevin Siegrist - lhp (9/2/17) - Claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Zac Curtis - lhp (9/11/17) - Claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

Memory Lane

2011-2012 Offseason Moves
2012 In-Season Transactions
2012-2013 Offseason Moves
2013 In-Season Transactions
2013-2014 Phillies Transactions
2014-2015 Phillies Transactions
2015-2016 Phillies Transactions
2016-2017 Phillies Transactions

Neshek Traded to Rockies for Prospects

2017 Stadium Club #91

Pat Neshek's services were not needed in Wednesday night's 9-0 win over the Astros.  Had he entered that ballgame, he would have tried to extend his home scoreless streak to 24 games.  Following the game, Neshek, the team's "most targeted player," was sent to Colorado for three Single A prospects. He joins a Rockies team 13 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the N.L. West, but atop the Wild Card standings in the league.

Neshek appeared in 43 games for the Phillies, pitching to an unbelievable 1.12 ERA over 40 1/3 innings.  He was the Phillies' lone representative at the 2017 All-Star Game in Miami.  He gave collectors three major-release Topps cards (to date) - Heritage, Gypsy Queen and Stadium Club - along with the team-issued photo card.  A fellow collector himself, Neshek was a willing TTM signer, returning cards to my son Doug within a week's time.

He could be the first of several trades executed by the Phillies between now and August 31st.


The three players received in return - shortstop Jose Gomez, pitchers Alejandro Requena and J.D. Hammer - all were South Atlantic League All-Stars this year.  Each appears in the this year's Asheville Tourists team set, and the cards featured below are from currently active eBay auctions.  It will be awhile until we can judge the Neshek trade on the return received, as each of these prospects is at least several years away from the majors.  (Larry Shenk had more here on these prospects, including where they'll be assigned.)

Pat Neshek Complete Chachi Collection
2017 Chachi New Additions #1
2017 Chachi #23
2017 Chachi #47 AS
2017 Chachi Archives #11
2017 Chachi Phillies Phestival #9
2017 Chachi Photo Night #7

Departed During the 2017 Season

• Tyler Goeddel - of (4/5/17) - Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.
• Dalier Hinojosa - rhp (5/16/17) - Released.
• Mario Hollands - lhp (5/23/17) - Released.
• Taylor Featherston - inf (6/9/17) - Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash.
• Joely Rodriguez - lhp (6/13/17) - Traded to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash.
• Jeanmar Gomez - rhp (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment, released on 6/25/17 and signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers' organization, 7/15/17.
• Michael Saunders - of (6/20/17) - Designated for assignment, released on 6/25/17 and signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays' organization, 6/28/17.
• Pat Neshek - rhp (7/26/17) - Traded to the Colorado Rockies for Jose Gomez, Alejandro Requena and J.D. Hammer.

Arrived During the 2017 Season

• Ty Kelly - inf (4/22/17) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.
• Casey Fien - rhp (5/9/17) - Purchased from the Seattle Mariners.

Comeback Falls Short; Photo Night Highlights! (Part One)

2017 Chachi Photo Night #22

Brewers 9, Phillies 8
Game 95 - Saturday Night, July 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 33-62, 5th place, 24 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Down 8-1 heading the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies mounted an improbable comeback but ultimately fell short in a 9-8 loss to the Brewers.

What It Means:  It was a fun few innings, but Hector Neris couldn't keep the Brewers off the board in the top of the ninth.

What Happened:  Cesar Hernandez (7) hit a three-run home run in the seventh, followed by a three-run home run from Cameron Rupp (7) in the eighth to tie it up.  Odubel Herrera went 4 for 4 with a solo home run (9) in the fifth, and an extremely impressive bat flip following a double in the second.

Jeremy Hellickson didn't improve his trade value with his shaky outing, allowing six runs on seven hits over five innings.

2017 Chachi Photo Night #3

2017 Chachi Photo Night #7

Featured Cards/Field Report:  This past December 4th, while walking around the Valley Forge baseball card show, I missed a call from Phillies broadcaster Larry Andersen.  Andersen left me a voice mail explaining I had won a prize in the early-bird season ticket holder sweepstakes (we have a partial plan), and I'd later find out that my prize was four Diamond Club tickets to a 2017 Phillies game.  My first choice for the game was the Pete Rose Wall of Fame night, but I was told no Diamond Club tickets remained for that entire weekend.  So I chose last night, Photo Night, as my second choice.

We had a blast on the field before the game getting pictures with the Phillies, and then we were lucky enough to be inside the Diamond Club when a brief tropical rainstorm passed over the area.  Similar to what I did last year (see below), I decided to make a Chachi insert set for the photos we took.  The Phillies were more than accommodating when posing for pictures and we only missed a few players.

Jenna and I felt that they were a little sped up this year due to the approaching bad weather and we missed pictures with Aaron Altherr, Ty Kelly, Cameron Perkins and Hoby Milner.  Those four players never made it to the area where we were standing.  Cesar Hernandez sped by too fast for a picture and Jeremy Hellickson understandably wasn't walking around as he was preparing for his start.

This is the first time I can remember the Phillies holding the event prior to a night game.  Both our boys have already asked if we can go back again for Photo Day/Night in 2018.

2017 Chachi Photo Night #1

2017 Chachi Photo Night #2

2017 Chachi Photo Night #4

2017 Chachi Photo Night #5

2017 Chachi Photo Night #6

2017 Chachi Photo Night #9

2017 Chachi Photo Night #10

2017 Chachi Photo Night #11

Memory Lane
1984 Phillies Photo Day
2006 Phillies Photo Day with Rick White
2007 Phillies Photo Day with Shane Victorino
2016 Phillies Photo Day - Parts One, Two and Three
2017 Phillies Photo Night