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THE OFFICIAL PHILLIES FAN UNION WEBSITE - THE PFU NEWSLETTER

The April 21st, 2008 Edition Membership as of
April 20th, 2008: 125,521___
FEATURE STORY
Injuries are still doing their job on the Phillies with both Shane
Victorino and Jimmy Rollins out of the starting line up. The offense
still hasn’t put things together in consistent fashion yet. Fortunately,
for the most part, the pitching hasn’t been that bad. It has actually
kept the team in the games. If this team doesn’t gel soon, someone else
will set the pace in NL East. If Howard & Company begin to play hard ball
like hard ball is suppose to be played, it may be the Phillies who get
hot. Now wouldn’t that be nice.
GET THE FULL STORY

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION Sponsored By , andSupporting the Philadelphia
Chapter of the ALS Association ***Do whatever you can***This Week's
Question:I was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the
Phillies in 1980. A three-time All-Star, I earned National League Rookie
of the Year honors from The Sporting News in 1984, when I tied for the NL
lead with 19 triples and placed second with 72 stolen bases. In 1987, I
became the first player in major league history to reach double figures in
doubles, triples, home runs,and stolen bases in each of his first four
major league seasons. I am a major league coach now. Who am I?Scroll
down for the answer.
__

UNION NEWS:NOT A MEMBER OF THE UNION YET?Join Us And spread the
word!WELCOME WAGNER FREE INSTITUTEThe Union is pleased to, once again, be
working with the Wagner FreeInstitute, one of Philadelphia's more
interesting information sources.Philadelphia's unique Wagner Free
Institute has an upcoming (free) May 15thprogram of interest to baseball
fans. Baseball historian Dr. Jerrold Caway will talk about the 19th
century birthplaces of baseball in North Philadelphia, which includes a
spot right across the street from the Wagner Museum. The lecture is
scheduled for Thursday May 15th, at 5:30. There is a reception around the
lecture from 4:00-7:00. You can get more information at the Institute
website. The Wagner Free Institute is located at 17th & Montgomery
Avenue, near Temple University's Liacouras Center Parking Facility, a
short distance from North Broad Street. Check them out!PFU HALL OF FAME
VOTING - Have a favorite Phillie? Nominate him for the PFU Hall of Fame.
The top two make it in.Feel free to use the Phillies All-Time Roster -
Courtesy The Sports CubeTHE 2008 PFU HALL OF FAME VOTING BEGINS.THE TOP
TWO WILL BE ENSHRINED AT THE END OF THE YEAR.THE TOP TEN VOTE RECIPIENTS,
SO FAR, ARE:Paul Owens 5322 VotesJohn Vukovich 5231
VotesJim Fregosi 4833 VotesCurt Simmons 4637
VotesManny Trillo 4291 VotesCookie Rojas 3803
Votes Jim Konstanty 3269 VotesGranny Hamner 2457 Votes
Sam Thompson 2018 VotesCy Williams 1793 VotesVOTE
HERE for 2008. View the PFU Hall of Fame HERE. You can also find the
PFU Newsletter on the web Here.RESULTS OF THE WEEKLY SURVEYWho do you
think has the best team in Nl East?Phillies 71%Mets
13%Braves 16%
GET THE BEST IN PHILLIES MERCHANDISE PHILLIES NEWS: THE LEAD STORIES

DL FOR JIMMYPhillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is headed to the disabled
list for the first time in his eightyear Major League career. The
Phillies announced before Sunday's finale of a threegame series against
the Mets that Rollins was placed on the 15-day DL. Rollins has not
started the last ten straight games since the injury occurred. He has
appeared as a pinch-hitter four times. Rollins is hitting .308
(12-for-39) with two doubles, two home runs, six RBI, and two stolen
bases. Eric Bruntlett has seen the bulk of playing time atshortstop in
his absence. Rollins, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player,
originally suffered the left ankle sprain against the Mets on April 8th,
running the bases in the top of the eighth inning at Shea Stadium.
Rollins will be eligible to be activated for the Diamondbacks series in
Arizona on May 5th.

COSTE(ING) ALONGPhillies catcher Chris Coste tied a career high with four
hits. He went 4 for 5 with a double, capping the day with a two-run homer
off Astros closer Jose Valverde in the eighth inningon Thursday. Coste is
hitting .400 (8 for 20) with two homers and four RBI. Starting catcher
Carlos Ruiz is hitting .186 (8 for 43) with no homers and no RBI. It's
unclear if Coste has earned any additional starts considering his play and
Ruiz's struggles. Coste says he isn'tinterested in playing every day. He
insists that the more he plays, the worse hitter he willbecome. Charlie
Manuel said he doesn't envision him as a 7-day-a-week catcher, thoughafter
Coste's performance on Thursday, Manuel did say the veteran could earn
some moreplaying time. Coste is a clutch player, whose maturity doesn't
seem to allow him to choke.If Carlos Ruiz does continue to struggle at the
plate, do expect to see more Chris Coste.It's one of those pleasant
dilemmas that managers just love.

BACK TO FORMBrett Myers returned to the Phillies rotation this season and
initially, he felt himselfstruggling a bit. Myers says that he did not
pitch like himself in his first two starts. It showed in the stats. He
was 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA after two starts, but he is 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in
his two games since. On Thursday, he allowed five hits, one run, and one
walk in seven innings of a 10-2 victory over the Houston Astros. He
struck out eight, which is a season high for Phillies pitchers. In his
previous start, Myers looked as comfortable as he's been since his return
to the starting rotation. He allowed three runs over eight innings while
striking out five and walking none to earn his first win of the season by
beating the Cubs. He is showing good velocity, hitting his spots, andhis
curve and slider are as devastating as ever. If Myers continues to excel,
the moveto acquire Brad Lidge and move Myers back into the rotation will
make his generalmanager look real good.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKSPhillies outfielder Jayson Werth is, once again, making
the most of an opportunity. Werthwas riding a five-game hitting streak as
the weekend commenced and was batting .389 during that span. With Shane
Victorino on the 15-day disabled list, Werth has shifted to center field
and exhibited good range and a strong throwing arm. Phillies manager
CharlieManuel says he is almost as fast as the fleet-footed Victorino.
Werth was first-round pick in 1997 and was drafted by Phillies GM Pat
Gillick when he was general manager of the Baltimore Orioles. He became a
free agent when Los Angeles failed to offer a contract by the December
11th, 2006 deadline. He was signed by the Phillies. Werth hit .234 with
seven home runs and 43 RBIs in 2005 with Los Angeles, but also missed two
months withinjuries. Previous to last season, had his best season in
2004, hitting .262 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs in just 89 games with the
Dodgers. Last season, he hit .299 with eight home runs and a .863 OPS.

BIG LEAGUE TIMEChris Snelling is back in the major leagues, at least for
now. The journeyman outfielder returned to the big Leagues with his
fourth organization, the beneficiary of OF Shane Victorino being placed on
the 15-day disabled list. Snelling has been backing up the corner
outfield spots and serving as Phillies manager Charlie Manuel's second
lefty bat off the bench. On Tuesday, pinch-hitter Snelling hit a leadoff
homer in the ninth thatstarted a dramatic comeback staking the Phillies to
a 4-3 come from behind win overHouston. Snelling joined the Phillies in
the offseason as a potential left-handed bench option, though that
situation became clouded when the team added free agent OF So Taguchi.
Snelling was claimed off waivers from the Athletics by the Tampa Bay Devil
Rays on October 25th, 2007. With a crowded outfield, the Rays traded
Snelling to the Phillies for cash considerations on November 20th, 2007.
The Phillies sent him outright to the minors on March 28th, 2008. On
April 12th, 2008, Snelling was recalled from the AAA IronPigs.
Unfortunately, Snelling was put on the 15 day DL on Sunday, retroactive to
April 17th with left knee inflammation.

RETURNING TO FORM?Adam Eaton, who allowed three runs in 7 2/3 innings in a
4-3 loss to the Reds on April 5thand three runs in six innings of a 4-3
loss to the Mets last Thursday, still hasn't recorded a decision this
season, but his 3.95 ERA is more than a run-and-a-half lower than it was
at any point in 2007. In fact, this is the first time since last June
that he has pitched at least six innings and allowed fewer than four runs
in back-to-back starts. Eaton accomplished that feat in just seven of his
30 starts in 2007. This isn't the first time he has had success as a
Phillie though. From May 8th to June 17th of last season, he went 4-2
with a 3.38 ERA in eight starts. Unlike last year, when he struggled with
shoulder pain, Eaton thinks his success is here to stay. Eaton says
everything comes down to his shoulder. The joint in his pitching shoulder
hurt him all last season, particularly from July through September, when
opponents hit .331 against him and his ERA checked in at 7.03. An
offseason MRI exam didn't reveal the need for any surgery, but Eaton knew
it needed something, and so he began working with Mariners trainer Ken
Roll in Washington state to strengthen the joint.All offseason, two or
three times a week, Eaton and Roll focused on building strength and
flexibility in the shoulder. It looos like it worked, hopefully for the
entire season.

PHILLIES FANS MOURN MARZANO'S PASSINGThe Phillies family is mourneing the
loss of a favorite son who died Saturday at the age of 45. John Marzano, a
former first-round draft pick and member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic baseball
team, passed away at his Philadelphia home. He apparently fell down a
flight of stairs after reportedly suffering a possible heart attack.
Marzano went to grade school at Annunciation BMV Catholic Elementary
School, then Central High School, and finally Temple University.He proudly
mentioned it whenever possible. After playing, Marzano remained in the
game as an analyst on "Phillies Post Game Live" for Comcast SportsNet and
was serving as co-host of "Leading Off" on MLB.com with Vinny Micucci.
Marzano's insights and his humor were infectious. MLB.com will establish
an internship program in his memory. The closest John Marzano got to
playing for his beloved Phillies came when he spent the 1994 season with
AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Marzano was Philadelphis to the core, and we
all knew that.Our thoughts and our prayers go to his family. John Marzano
is survived by his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren. Find the
release from MLB Here.
ORGANIZATIONAL NEWS:
Phillies Webcasts - From The PhilliesIronPigs Radio Network - From The
Lehigh Valley IronPigsReading Phillies Broadcasts - From The Reading
PhilliesThreshers Gameday Audio - From the Clearwater
ThreshersCrosscutters' Broadcasts - From the Williamsport Crosscutters
BlueClaw Webcasts - From the Lakewood BlueClaws


PHIL-INS
Pedro Feliz's RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning capped a
four-run rally that carried the Phillies to a 4-3 victory over the Houston
Astros on Tuesday night. Pinch-hitter Chris Snelling hit a leadoff homer
in the ninth and Chase Utley was hit by a pitch. After Ryan Howard struck
out, Pat Burrell tied the score at 3 with a two-run homer to right.
Rudy Seanez (1-1) earned the win with a hitless inning.
The Phillies failed to give starter Adam Eaton any run support while he
was in the game. He gave up seven hits and three runs in six innings, his
third straight start of at least six innings.
The Seattle Mariners purchased the contract of former Phillies LHP
Arthur Rhodes from Tacoma.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs assigned INF Gookie Dawkins to Reading and
recalled INF Joey Hammond from Reading.
The Newark Bears agreed to terms with former Clearwater and Reading RHP
J.J. Trujillo.
The Boston Red Sox purchased the contract of former Phillies INF Joe
Thurston from Pawtucket.
Roy Oswalt pitched seven strong innings, Michael Bourn hit a
tie-breaking solo homer, and theAstros beat the Phillies 2-1 Wednesday
night.
Jimmy Rollins pinch-hit Wednesday, but was clearly hobbled and was away
from the Phillies until Saturday while attending his uncle's funeral.
Charlie Manuel hasn't had the easiest time coming up with a lineup with
first Jimmy Rollins and then centerfielder Shane Victorino unavailable
because of injuries. The manager has used six combinationsin the top two
spots: Victorino/Eric Bruntlett (twice), Victorino and Greg Dobbs (once),
Victorino and Jayson Werth (once), Jenkins and Werth (once), Werth and
Carlos Ruiz (once), and Werth and Pedro Feliz (once).
Former Phillies LHP Randy Wolf picked up his first decision as a San
Diego Padre on Tuesday, pitching no-hit ball against the Colorado Rockies
for 6 2/3 innings before allowing a single.
Steve Kline made his first appearance Tuesday for AAA Lehigh Valley,
walking two and allowing no runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Brett Myers pitched seven impressive innings, Chris Coste tied a career
high with four hits, and the Phillies beat the Houston Astros 10-2
Thursday.
Coste, who was 4-for-5, had an RBI double in the third and homered off
Astros closer Jose Valverde in the eighth.
Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell had back-to-back homers for the Phillies,
who tied a season-high with 16 hits. Chase Utley added a two-run shot.
Pat Burrell's homer in the sixth inning was the 224th of his career,
moving him past Greg Luzinski forfourth place on the Phillies' all-time
list.
Every Phillies starter had at least two hits except Myers and SS Eric
Bruntlett, who was 0-for-5.
The Texas Rangers placed former Phillies OF Marlon Byrd on the 15-day
DL.
ShaneVictorino (strained right calf) has made progress, and the
Phillies hope to have him on a rehabilitation assignment next week. He's
eligible to be activated from the disabled list April 28th.
Righthander Scott Mathieson, who had right arm surgery (ulnar nerve
transposition), has been slow to progress. He's playing long toss and
throwing some bullpen sessions.
Righthander Francisco Rosario (strained right shoulder) sought a second
opinion about his shoulder. He does not need surgery, so the Phillies hope
he can return to the mound within a couple of weeks.
With Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino still unavailable, Manuel used
his seventh combination for the top two spots in the lineup on Thursday.
Centerfielder So Taguchi hit leadoff and third baseman Greg Dobbs was
second. Taguchi (.286) went 2 for 5 and scored a run. Dobbs (.250) went 2
for 5 and scored twice.
Phillies pitchers have already had 12 quality starts, which ranks third
in the league. The bullpen entered the weekend with a 3.17 ERA, which
ranked second in the NL. Only St. Louis' bullpen has been better, with a
3.07 ERA.
Johan Santana (2-2) allowed three runs and four hits, out-pitching Cole
Hamels in a matchup of two of the best left-handers in the majors. The
Mets won 6-4 on Friday night.
Hamels (2-2) gave up five runs, four earned, and eight hits in
seven-plus innings.
Pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs hit a three-run homer off reliever Aaron
Heilman to cut the Phillies' deficit to 5-4 in the eighth. Chase Utley
also homered.
Over the last two seasons, the Phillies have been held to one or fewer
runs just 11 times, nine times in 2007 and twice this year.
The Phillies already have used five leadoff batters and six No. 2
hitters in 16 games.
Charlie Manuel said he urged Ryan Howard, who entered Friday's hitting
only .211, to move up in the batter's box before the game, but Howard told
the manager afterward he felt as if it made him easier to jam. The first
baseman struck out twice against Johan Santana and went 0-for-4 to fall to
.197.
Entering the weekend, the Phillies were seventh in the league in
hitting (.261) and had committed 16 errors, more than any other National
League team except the Pirates (21). Phillies pitchers had the league's
sixth-best ERA (3.45).
Oliver Perez pitched 5 2-3 scoreless innings, Jose Reyes hit a two-run
homer, and the Mets defeated the Phillies 4-2 Saturday.
Struggling Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard botched Endy Chavez's
hard grounder that could've been an inning-ending double play, allowing
Jose Reyes to homer in the next at-bat.
Jamie Moyer pitched 6 innings, surrendering two earned runs. He got
the loss.
Each of New York's wins has come with Rollins missing from the
Phillies' lineup because of a sprained left ankle.
Forbes magazine has announced its annual valuations of Major League
Baseball's 30 teams, reporting that the average club is worth $472
million, up 9 percent in a year. The Phillies are ranked 10th at $481
million.
On April 20, 1948, Richie Ashburn made his Major League debut, going
1-for-5 against the Boston Braves at Shibe Park in North Philadelphia.
Get the story.
Phillies first base coach Davey Lopes visited the team on Saturday and
hopes to resume duties by the end of April.
To fill the roster spots of Jimmy Rollins and Cheis Snelling, the
Phillies called-up infielder Brad Harman rom AA Reading and outfielder
T.J. Bohn was recalled from AAA Lehigh Valley. Harman, 22, was hitting
.222 (12 for 54) with three doubles, one home run, and three RBIs in 16
games for Reading. He hit .281 with 13 home runs, and 62 RBI in 122 games
last season for single-A Clearwater. Bohn was hitting .190 (8 for 42)
with one double in 13 games for Lehigh Valley. Bohn previously played in
the major leagues with Seattle in 2006. He was claimed off waivers by the
Phillies last September.
AAA IronPigs catcher Pete Laforest was released after Friday's game.
Chase Utley hit two home runs and Pedro Feliz added a tiebreaking
pinch-hit homer in the seventh to help the Phillies avoid a sweep and beat
the New York Mets 5-4 on Sunday night.
Utley went 3-for-3 with four RBI and two runs and the Phillies won the
finale of the three-game series and ended the team's four-game losing
streak against the Mets.
J.C. Romero pitched two scoreless innings for the win.
Brad Lidge pitched a scoleless ninth for his third save as a Phillie.
The Phillies travel to Colorado tomorrow. Game time is 8:35 pm EST.
PHILLIES QUOTE OF THE WEEK''Obviously, I'm not comfortable and I'm not
seeing the ball well.'Once I get comfortable, I'll be all right.''Phillies
1B Ryan HowardPHILLIES DID YOU KNOW?The Phillies finished the 2007 season
with an 89-73 record.You can view the Phillies all-time franchise record
Here. Phillies Player Contracts - Courtesy Cot's Baseball Contracts MLB
Standings - Courtesy Sports IllustratedPhillies 2008 Schedule - Courtesy
MLB and the PhilliesUp-To-Date Phillies Transactions - Courtesy Fox
SportsBaseball Statistics 101 - Courtesy Baseball AlmanacMLB Team Pages -
Courtesy USA TodayPhillies Farm Report - Courtesy Minor League Baseball

THE PFU FEATURE OF THE WEEKSponsored by Phillies Pitcher STEVE KLINE
GET THE FOTW HERE!
ANSWER TO TRIVIA QUESTION:

Former Phillies 2B Juan Samuel

---------------------------------

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