This weekend wasn't delightful. Coming out of Pittsburgh with a 1-2 record and just six total runs scored over three games, things don't look so bright out of the gate. The offense is slumpish, but the rotation is gleaming. But it's only April 9th and there's still a long way to go. Don't be worried when we're 1-2, be worried in May if we're below .500.
The Phillies arrived in Philly last night and are ready to start their six-game homestand as they first host the new-look Miami Marlins for three games, followed by a three game series with the New York Mets. Hopefully these two series can put the Phillies in the right direction.
Tonight, Cole Hamels (2011: 14-9, 2.79 ERA) will get the nod against the Marlins in the 2012 Home Opener. With all eyes on Hamels' contract situation, he still has work to do on the field. Since 2008, every season Cole Hamels has pitched, his numbers have progressively gotten better. Last season, with a 14-9 record and a 2.79 ERA, Hamels finished fifth in the NL Cy Young voting. The 28 year-old lefty had a great Spring, going 1-1 with a 2.73 ERA in seven Grapefruit League starts. Expectations are high for Hamels, let's watch him do his thing against the Marlins. In his career (18 starts), he has a 6-7 record with a 3.44 ERA along with 125 strike outs against the Marlins.
Ozzie Guillen, Miami's new manager, will be sending out Anibal Sanchez (2011: 8-9, 3.67 ERA) against the Phillies today. The Marlins started off the season worse than the Phillies, they're 1-3 on the season having won just one game against Cincinnati over the weekend along with losing to the Cardinals last week. Sanchez has grown accustom to the Phillies' lineup over the years. In 16 career starts against the Fightin's, Sanchez has a 3-8 record with a 5.09 ERA. Now those numbers may be in the Phillies' favor, but it will also be a test for the offense.
Charlie Manuel will send out this lineup today for the home opener.
Today's lineup vs the Marlins:
- Juan Pierre LF
- Polly 3B
- J-Roll SS
- Hunter Pence RF
- Victorino CF
- John Mayberry Jr. 1B
- Chooch C
- Freddy Galvis 2B
- Cole Hamels P.
Today's game is on CSN and MLB Network.
Erik Seybold is a Contributor for Philliedelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
