J.C. Romero News

Each game is captured in analytical detail by Philadelphia Magazinea s 2008 a oeBest Sportswritera Jason Weitzel, along with photos, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews by Michael McNesby, making this 370-page compendium a must-own for all fans.

Two years ago, the Phillies acquired Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros during the general managers' meetings.

Now that it's over, now that the parade has been canceled and there is no championship left to defend, the Phillies have to be honest with themselves.

Clifford the Big Red Dog was running loose on the mound again, and there wasn't a whole lot the New York Yankees could do to chain him.

Remember, it was the powerful New York lineup that knocked Smoltz clear out of the American League and very nearly all the way into retirement with a resounding thumping back in August.

One of the oddities of the 2009 National League Championship Series has been the absence of a big winner among starting pitchers.

The last two weeks of Phillies baseball have been filled with so many highs that it's easy to forget about all their regular-season challenges and struggles.

It was supposed to be reality television, baseball style. Instead, it resembled an episode of 'MASH.' The story of the Phillies bullpen, captured on film in a weekly six-episode series that aired during the summer on MLB Network, hardly played out the way anyone imagined.

Phillies infield coach Sam Perlozzo does not believe that Chase Utley is injured, and worked with the second baseman on throwing mechanics during Tuesday's optional workout.

Lost in the drama of Jimmy Rollins' game-winning, two-run double in the ninth inning of Game 4 were the two relievers who kept the Phillies in position to seize their improbable come-from-behind victory.

One name rocked all of Baseball, the other merely stunned fans of the Phillies .

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel keeps his hands in his jacket as he chats with players in the dugout before the Phillies faced the Colorado Rockies in Game 3 of the National League division series.

After playing the role of World Series hero last year, J.C. Romero can only serve as a Phillies cheerleader this October.

So what's the cost of admission to the League Championship Series this year? How about $100 million? All four of the remaining teams -- Yankees, Angels, Phillies and Dodgers -- have payrolls numbering in nine digits this season.

What we are talking about after the Phillies' 5-1 victory in Game 1 of the National League Division Series: * Cliff Lee.

Suddenly, the Phillies have an asset, one with a titillating future. Charlie Manuel handed the baseball to lefthanded rookie Antonio Bastardo and told him, "Your best pitch is the fastball." He left the mound and told catcher Carlos Ruiz, "Make him throw the fastball." The bases were loaded with Rockies.

Here are three facts about the Phillies , who finished the season at 93-69 to win the NL East by six games.

Despite holding a 1-0 lead in this best-of-five National League Division Series against the Rockies, Charlie Manuel managed Game 2 as if it were a "must" win.

J.C. Romero reacts after striking out Rocco Baldelli to cap the Phillies' 10-2 win over the Rays in Game 4 of the World Series.

As the Phillies prepare for the National League division series that will begin Wednesday, one of the unanswered questions is the role J.A. Happ will play.