Apr. 17, 2009 (Morning Call delivered by Newstex ) --
Whats new: ?All the Harry Kalas ?stuff, including a billboard in left-center field with his initials, birth year and death year and a microphone on a Baseball diamond, and his signature painted on the grass in foul territory on the third- and first-base sides. ?
Of note: Fans unable to attend Saturdays Memorial Tribute to Harry Kalas at Citizens Bank Park can watch it live on Phillies.com beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Web site will then pick up coverage from Comcast SportsNet at noon, followed by the formal program at 1:30.
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Pre-game quote of the day:??"If you look past Ben Franklin and William Penn, Harry Kalas may have been the greatest person to gracePhiladelphia ," Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt said.
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Best of Charlies chat:? "I think we've got two tremendous pinch hitters [in Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs]," Manuel said.
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Stat of the day: ?Cole Hamels struggles continue. In two games, including Fridays start, the left-hander has an 11.17 ERA. Hes given up 12 earned runs (five on Friday) in 9 2/3 innings. Hes allowed four home runs, has just five strikeouts and a WHIP of 2.17.
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Visiting team tidbits: ?In Heath Bells first five appearances this season (all saves chances he converted), he didnt allow a run and limited opponents to just one hit (1-for-14) in 4 2/3 innings.
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Next games pitching matchup: Phillies RHP Brett Myers (1-1, 5.54 ERA) vs. Padres RHP Shawn Hill (1-0, 3.60 ERA).
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On the horizon (next series): ?After a four-game set withSan Diego, the Phillies host the Milwaukee Brewers from April 21-23.
Newstex ID: AA-2402-34226196
