Phillies Series Preview: When Padilla Comes to Town

After taking two of three from Mets this weekend, the Phillies welcome the familiar Los Angeles Dodgers to CBP this week. As we all know, our Phils have eliminated these same Dodgers in both of the past two postseasons to the point where one could say we kinda own them, especially in Philly. With the Phillies playing well and the Dodgers struggling recently on the road, the Phillies have a good shot of continuing their winning ways.

However, that isn't the only reason to get excited for this series. Reason #1 is simple, Vicente Padilla. You know, that ugly, overweight, asshole pitcher that throws at people just for shits and giggles and kinda looks like a Goomba?

Yep, that guy.


I know there are a few good memories of Padilla here in the Philadelphia, particularly Padilla's Flotilla. But let's be honest, we hate this dude. Rooting against him last year in Game 5 of the NLCS was awesome. The guy could not handle the fans at CBP and he was mentally done by the fifth batter. I'm hoping for much more of the same tomorrow night. Here are the matchups for the three game set:

Tuesday: Vicente Padilla (5-3, 3.09 ERA) v. Kyle Kendrick (7-4, 4.37 ERA)
Wednesday: Chad Billingsley (9-6, 3.82 ERA) v. Roy Oswalt (6-13, 3.50 ERA)
Thursday: Clayton Kershaw (10-7, 3.19 ERA) v. Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65 ERA)

A quick look gives the pitching advantage to the Dodgers, but Kershaw (6.64 ERA) hasn't had much success against the Phillies and Billingsley has been up and down this year. Throw in Padilla and the Phillies, while facing pitchers with great stuff, should still be able to score some runs this series. Let's just hope the pitching holds up.

Speaking of pitching, Roy #2 will make his home debut this week. Oswalt has struggled some in his first two starts as a Phillie, but you have to think he needs at least a little time to adjust to a new situation. The guy had spent his whole career in Houston after all and was extremely happy and comfortable there. Once he settles in, I expect him to pitch very well the rest of the season. He's not a true ace anymore, but he's a friggin' great #2 pitching as our #3. I'm willing to bet he throws a good game on Wednesday (not that I'm a betting man). Let's say 7 IP, 1 ER, 8 K's. Sounds good to me.

All told, the Phils are in a pretty good position to keep rolling against the fading Dodgers. Now we just need the damn Braves to lose. Bastards.

Go Phils.