So here we are at the halfway point in this surprising, and now downright frustrating 2008 season for the Phillies, and you almost can't help but get this strange feeling of deja vu dating back to five summers ago in 2003: You can catch The Hulk at the movie theaters, the Phillies' offense comes and goes like the weather, and the team is fighting the (insert expletive here) Florida Marlins (?!) for first place. This is a scenario that not only shouldn't be repeated, but CAN'T be repeated.
I must admit, watching the Phillies the last two weeks has been downright awful. More for the fact that their performance brings back dreadful memories of that summer in '03: You know, when the team would rack up 15 runs and then zero the next night, when the malcontents of the Larry Bowa managed squad coughed up four straight losses to the Marlins during the final week of the season as a round mound of a pitcher named Kevin Millwood and his teammates coughed up big game after big game time and time again. Millwood's performance has been duplicated by another overhyped, out of shape, right handed starter who seems to be losing every game to the opposition in 2008 (I think you all know who it is). In games against the big boys this year (ANY game against the AL is a big game), the Phillies have, to be blunt, STUNK. Like that 2003 team, it doesn't look like they ever came to play. I thought the stigma of those teams of the early 2000's were over, but ghosts of seasons past never want to rest in this town, and you can't help but feel you are watching "Groundhog Day" over and over and over again. Make no mistake: I like this team better than the 2003 team. This is a team who actually cares, but it the end, it's all for naught if the final results are the same.
Now to the Marlins. You've gotta be kidding me if that "joke" of a baseball franchise down in Florida is gonna go knock the Phillies out the playoffs as a result of these dramatic, last second shenanigans that first came to surface several years ago by Miguel Cabrera, Derek Lee, and whatever future superstars the franchise had to trade away because they can never afford their players and NOBODY GOES TO THEIR GAMES! First it was their "miracle" win yesterday against the floundering Diamondbacks. Tonight, a game winning home run by Josh (insert expletive here) Willingham- owner of just eight home runs for the entire season? Somethings got to stop-NOW. I mean it, no more joking around.
Then, there is The Tampa Bay Rays. The same Tampa Bay Rays that are now ranked number one in the Fox Sports Power Rankings- nine spots ahead of that team in red who right now is hanging onto first place by a thread in the dreadful NL East. The little scrawny kid that you always threw into the shower in gym class is now the muscle bound stud that nobody seems to want a part of, including the immortal Boston Red Sox. If Boston dismantled the Phillies, what would Tampa Bay, who ALWAYS gives the Phillies trouble- do to them in a- dare I say it, series in October? (not that we're gonna have to worry about that the way our "heroes" are playing right now).
I think two things that propelled me to write this article tonight were: 1) the fact that the Malrins always seem to win games with a dramatic home run (as Willingham did tonight). And as he triumphantly circles the bases, we are given the privilege of watching all three fans jump up and down in ecstasy as they edge within a half game of first place. This STINKS!
2) Shortly after Baseball Tonight airs this memorable moment in Marlins history, the viewer is forced to hear Dick Vitale gush about his "beloved Rays" (there should be a contest to see which franchise in Florida can attract the least number of fans) and how ownership is doing all the right things to turn this franchise around. It's like watching your younger brothers and sisters all grow up to make something of themselves, when you're still stuck in the same dead end job with no chances of progressing (and no, I don't have any younger brothers and sisters, LOL) When Fernando Vina and Chris Singleton donned Rays jerseys during this segment, I had seen enough and was forced to go outside to take out my trash. Speaking of trash, I'm not going to use this segment to to just that to the Phillies ownership, but let's just put it this way: you'll NEVER hear them gushing about how much money they have so they can buy some free agents that will maybe put them over the top (GO SIXERS!)
The Marlins won't win the World Series this year. Chances are, they're not going to make the playoffs either. As for Tampa Bay, if they don't fade by the end of July, you almost have to be convinced that they are the real deal. And to be honest, their future right now looks much better than that of our Phillies. Pathetic. If we have to watch The Tampa Bay Rays hoist a World Series trophy this year, Armageddon, while maybe not exactly at that moment, will happen soon after. Let those undeserving fans have that parade that they so desperately need.
Oh well, at least THIS years Hulk movie was good.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Totally out of their league
It's a good thing that Phillies GM Pat Gillick is openly discussing how he can improve his Phillies ball club. After watching the Phillies play during the last week, it is becoming more and more obvious that this team needs more than minor tweakings to even consider themselves on par with the Boston Red Sox and the Angels (the whole name is too long. You guys know who they are) if they are seriously considering making a run at just their second World Series Championship in (GULP!) 125 years.
It's no secret that as the Phillies offense goes, so does their team. So as their "potent" offense has apparently seemed to take a week long bender in Atlantic City, one must have to wonder if 1) The Phillies are just hitting a slide that commonly happens to teams every year with the exception of very few teams in MLB history (see 1984 Tigers, 1986 Mets, 1998 Yankees). After all, they uncharacteristically came out of the gate pretty strong in April, so maybe they are due for a rough skid. Or 2) as former Flyers Coach Terry Murray once said in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals: "Basically we're in a choking situation."
The Phillies are playing the cream of the crop of Major League Baseball during the last week, and to say they've come up small during these interleague games is a vast understatement. This was supposed to be the week that the Phillies were to make a statement to the rest of Major League Baseball: We ARE for real. We CAN compete with the big boys. As fate would have it, the only big boy's the Phillies competed with last week were the customers in line at the Bob's Big Boy's buffet, because they sure as hell didn't do it on the diamond. And in familiar fashion, Phillies fans were left not with a vote of confidence about their team, but if, when, and how they can graduate from boys to men in the grand scheme of reaching baseball's Mount Olympus. No matter how you look at the previously mentioned scenarios, the Phillies have been outhit, out pitched, and outclassed in virtually every category imaginable during the last week. With the exception of men LOB in last night's game: one can only imagine how last night's 7-1 debacle would have been if the Angels actually scored all of those potential runs. I may get my house egged for this, but Chase Utley does deserve part of the blame for the sputtering offense. If you're going to chastise Ryan Howard for his ridiculous strikeout total, or Shane Victorino for famously popping out to third base after valiantly working 3-0 counts, then you have to just sit back and ask yourself why Utley picked some of the biggest games in recent memory for this ball club to go into the biggest hitting funk of his career. Underlooked is the fact that Utley vanished last October as well. Utley will hit again, but one can only hope that this is just a funk, and not a recurring problem when the team needs to step up. Champions deliver when it matters. And right now, the look of champions has not yet been distributed to the Phillies.
If the Phillies were indeed fortunate enough to get past a Diamondbacks pitching staff in a five game series come October, and fool everyone by beating a Cubs team that may actually stand the chance of a World Series berth, the suits at MLB would have to seriously consider changing the World Series format to three games instead of four. Watching our starters last week was reminiscnent of the Francona squads of 1997-2000, when you would sit back, hold on for dear life, and hope that our AA pitchers who Bill Giles tried to convince us were "talented prospects" routinely got their lunch handed to them game after game. It's not AS bad as the 1988-1989 "AAA teams", but were not kidding anyone when we think that Brett Myers is going to get it together. Adam Eaton was due for a bad start last night, but then there's Kyle Kendrick. One can only imagine why Kendrick had a major meltdown on Wednesday afternoon. He is no stranger to pressure- ALL of 2007 was a pressure cooker for him. Do YOU feel comfortable going to the postseason with our starters? I sure as hell don't. To sit back and actually consider these guys as potential champions borders on the absurd to borderline disillusioninal.
In closing, they made me do it. I didn't want to be here writing this article as I mentioned in my previous blog last week. The Phillies however, will do that to you. They had the girl of their dreams sitting next to them at the bar, and they just sat back and didn't say a word to her. We hope that last week's below caliber play of our eternally tragic heroes is just indeed a slide that came at absolutely the worst time possible. We also hope that the brass will indeed step up to put this team at least in the running to be a serious contender to get to the playoffs let alone World Series. However Phillies fans, if anything, are realistic (complete the sentence as you want). Or better yet, fill it in at the end of October. Let's hope not September.
To quote the great Jim Mora: "Playoffs?! Playoffs?!"
It's no secret that as the Phillies offense goes, so does their team. So as their "potent" offense has apparently seemed to take a week long bender in Atlantic City, one must have to wonder if 1) The Phillies are just hitting a slide that commonly happens to teams every year with the exception of very few teams in MLB history (see 1984 Tigers, 1986 Mets, 1998 Yankees). After all, they uncharacteristically came out of the gate pretty strong in April, so maybe they are due for a rough skid. Or 2) as former Flyers Coach Terry Murray once said in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals: "Basically we're in a choking situation."
The Phillies are playing the cream of the crop of Major League Baseball during the last week, and to say they've come up small during these interleague games is a vast understatement. This was supposed to be the week that the Phillies were to make a statement to the rest of Major League Baseball: We ARE for real. We CAN compete with the big boys. As fate would have it, the only big boy's the Phillies competed with last week were the customers in line at the Bob's Big Boy's buffet, because they sure as hell didn't do it on the diamond. And in familiar fashion, Phillies fans were left not with a vote of confidence about their team, but if, when, and how they can graduate from boys to men in the grand scheme of reaching baseball's Mount Olympus. No matter how you look at the previously mentioned scenarios, the Phillies have been outhit, out pitched, and outclassed in virtually every category imaginable during the last week. With the exception of men LOB in last night's game: one can only imagine how last night's 7-1 debacle would have been if the Angels actually scored all of those potential runs. I may get my house egged for this, but Chase Utley does deserve part of the blame for the sputtering offense. If you're going to chastise Ryan Howard for his ridiculous strikeout total, or Shane Victorino for famously popping out to third base after valiantly working 3-0 counts, then you have to just sit back and ask yourself why Utley picked some of the biggest games in recent memory for this ball club to go into the biggest hitting funk of his career. Underlooked is the fact that Utley vanished last October as well. Utley will hit again, but one can only hope that this is just a funk, and not a recurring problem when the team needs to step up. Champions deliver when it matters. And right now, the look of champions has not yet been distributed to the Phillies.
If the Phillies were indeed fortunate enough to get past a Diamondbacks pitching staff in a five game series come October, and fool everyone by beating a Cubs team that may actually stand the chance of a World Series berth, the suits at MLB would have to seriously consider changing the World Series format to three games instead of four. Watching our starters last week was reminiscnent of the Francona squads of 1997-2000, when you would sit back, hold on for dear life, and hope that our AA pitchers who Bill Giles tried to convince us were "talented prospects" routinely got their lunch handed to them game after game. It's not AS bad as the 1988-1989 "AAA teams", but were not kidding anyone when we think that Brett Myers is going to get it together. Adam Eaton was due for a bad start last night, but then there's Kyle Kendrick. One can only imagine why Kendrick had a major meltdown on Wednesday afternoon. He is no stranger to pressure- ALL of 2007 was a pressure cooker for him. Do YOU feel comfortable going to the postseason with our starters? I sure as hell don't. To sit back and actually consider these guys as potential champions borders on the absurd to borderline disillusioninal.
In closing, they made me do it. I didn't want to be here writing this article as I mentioned in my previous blog last week. The Phillies however, will do that to you. They had the girl of their dreams sitting next to them at the bar, and they just sat back and didn't say a word to her. We hope that last week's below caliber play of our eternally tragic heroes is just indeed a slide that came at absolutely the worst time possible. We also hope that the brass will indeed step up to put this team at least in the running to be a serious contender to get to the playoffs let alone World Series. However Phillies fans, if anything, are realistic (complete the sentence as you want). Or better yet, fill it in at the end of October. Let's hope not September.
To quote the great Jim Mora: "Playoffs?! Playoffs?!"
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Right now, Phils don't have "The Look Of Champions"
It has now been a little more than an hour since the Phillies concluded their week long road trip. Despite the successful 5-4 record which included a thrilling sweep of the Braves down in Atlanta, the Phillies proceeded to drop two games out of three from their division rival Florida Marlins and the Albert Pujols less St. Louis Cardinals. Much worse is the fact that even though the usual cracks in the armor have come to the surface once again with this team, new ones may have arisen that can't happen again as they prepare for the BIGGEST series of the year: a three game set against the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
After watching Sunday's 10-inning debacle against the Cardinals this afternoon, it is apparent to the entire show-me state of Missouri as well as the Delaware Valley that Brett Myers is obviously the weakest link in this starting rotation (that's right Adam Eaton, you're in the clear---for now). Myers constant failure to pitch consistently for this ball club will be a major hindrance for the Phillies down the stretch if they fail to acquire a proven starter at the trade deadline-or as it stands now, even before the deadline. With an ERA of 12 in the first inning of his started games, the Phillies bats are constantly playing catchup. And given Myers' record this year, the team has failed in doing so more often than not. The 20 home runs allowed by Myers leads the Major Leagues, and automatically spots the opposing team a run or more.
If you're the Phillies brass, what do you do? Move Myers back to the pen? The home runs will only occur later in the game as opposed to the beginning. Trade him? That's not going to happen at this particular time. This only further reinforces the fact the the Phillies MUST resign Brad Lidge, before the season ends or after. Indeed, Myers is an enigma and really always has been. He says he's a team player and will do anything to help the Phillies win. If that's the case Brett, maybe it's best that you do what the coaches tell you to do, perhaps do the recommended long toss, get yourself back into shape like you were during the off season. Although it will never be made public, one can easily imagine the frustration of the veteran players on this team constantly putting up with a headcase like Myers day in and day out in the clubhouse. Championship caliber teams do not have players like Brett Myers playing baseball the way he is playing right now. It's been seven years Brett. Get it together for yourself, the team, and the fans. How many chances can a guy get?
Then there is Tom Gordon. Yes, he was pretty much torn to pieces by yours truly in an article several months back after his meltdown in the season's inaugural contest against Washington. However, Gordon has almost Rheal Cormieried himself in a decent season. That is, until last week. After surrendering Dan Uggla's gargantuan grand slam on Wednesday, it is obvious to all that there is decreased velocity on Gordon's fastball. This most likely indicates that he is being overused by Charlie Manuel, and/or that he is 40 years old, and the Phillies simply can't depend on him the way they do. For the record, the Phillies starters need to depend less on the bullpen altogether. You've already seen signs of Gordon wearing down, and who knows if Rudy Seanez (39) isn't too far behind. Of course, there's always the chance of 45 year-old Jamie Moyer losing steam, but let's cross that bridge when it comes. J.C. Romero, while still effective, is being exposed after almost a year in the National League. However, this may have more to do with Romero being the only left handed pitcher in the Phillies bullpen. Where is Eddie Orepesa when you need him?!!! As for today's embarrassing bottom of the 10th inning, you can equally blame Chase Utley and Gordon for failure to execute properly on those two ground balls. The first throw Utley threw wide, the second throw, Gordon didn't catch. Once is understandable, but twice on a similar play? Get it together guys. You're making LOTS of money. Lapsed judgment equals losses, and this one hurt-bad.
Another concern that has crept upon this team in recent days is the disappearance of the offense after a massive onslaught the previous evening, and the stranding of runners on base particularly during Sunday's loss. The 20-2 drubbing of the redbirds in Friday's opening game was very impressive. However, just as I was about to give the team the tremendous props that were apparently well deserved, they manage just 2 measly runs off their old buddy Kyle Lohse on Saturday afternoon. As far as Lohse goes, I'm not about to knock him, for the job he did for the Phillies during last year's stretch drive, to his now 8-2 record in 2008. The Phillies gave him an offer (about three years in the $21 million range) that no other team really matched. With decent starting pitching an oddity in today's game, it kind of makes you wonder if 1) MLB is really trying to stick it to Scott Boras-Lohse's agent, or 2) Lohse is more of a headcase than teams are willing to disclose. A pitcher with Lohse's talent should have received better offers than just the offer of teh Phillies. Although their weren't any reported problems with Lohse in the Phillies clubhouse last year, there was that time in Minnesota back in 2005 when he practically demolished Ron Gardenhire's office door with a baseball bat after being removed from a game. Hmmmmmmmmm.
Though Lohse pitched a fine game, this weekend's offensive scenario is one all too familiar with Phillies fans from the years of 2003 until the beginning of 2007. Score 14 one night, zero the next. One must hope that this team doesn't fall into this kind of rut like its predecessors did. This was a pattern that costs those early teams of the 2000's some playoff spots. And for the record, the Phillies led all of Major League baseball for years in the Runners Left On Base department. It's only one game, but stranding 15 runners on base can't be a continuing trend. Bottom line: a championship caliber team who loads the bases four times in one game HAS to score at least a run. A team who is as just as good won't let you get away with it. As well as the Phillies are playing, the Cardinals are playing just as well- and now have a better record to show for it. And to top that, the Boston Red Sox are coming into town tomorrow, and there really isn't an explanation needed as far as to what that team will do as far as capitalizing on other's mistakes. Now this isn't the 2007 squad, but they are still the World Champs, and as of tomorrow the city of Boston will probably have another champion. Let's not give them anymore of a reason to celebrate.
So in closing, the Phils need a 1) Dependable number two starter, 2) Another lefthanded reliever to compliment Romero in the pen, and 3) A consistent offense who manufacture runs when it counts. Sounds good to me, but obviously it's not that simple. The Phils have made a pretty good dent in the National League up to this point. Let's see if they can play up to par with the big boys in the American League. And yes, Anaheim will be in just a few days after Boston. A true test of a champion will be measured this week. Will the Phils prevail and prove to all of us that they are a legitimate World Series contender? Or will Philly fans remain disgruntled, and again are left to wonder what the future holds for our heroes?
I really hope that I'm not sitting here next week typing a similar article. Isn't it about time things changed around here? Somebody? Anybody? Hello?...........
After watching Sunday's 10-inning debacle against the Cardinals this afternoon, it is apparent to the entire show-me state of Missouri as well as the Delaware Valley that Brett Myers is obviously the weakest link in this starting rotation (that's right Adam Eaton, you're in the clear---for now). Myers constant failure to pitch consistently for this ball club will be a major hindrance for the Phillies down the stretch if they fail to acquire a proven starter at the trade deadline-or as it stands now, even before the deadline. With an ERA of 12 in the first inning of his started games, the Phillies bats are constantly playing catchup. And given Myers' record this year, the team has failed in doing so more often than not. The 20 home runs allowed by Myers leads the Major Leagues, and automatically spots the opposing team a run or more.
If you're the Phillies brass, what do you do? Move Myers back to the pen? The home runs will only occur later in the game as opposed to the beginning. Trade him? That's not going to happen at this particular time. This only further reinforces the fact the the Phillies MUST resign Brad Lidge, before the season ends or after. Indeed, Myers is an enigma and really always has been. He says he's a team player and will do anything to help the Phillies win. If that's the case Brett, maybe it's best that you do what the coaches tell you to do, perhaps do the recommended long toss, get yourself back into shape like you were during the off season. Although it will never be made public, one can easily imagine the frustration of the veteran players on this team constantly putting up with a headcase like Myers day in and day out in the clubhouse. Championship caliber teams do not have players like Brett Myers playing baseball the way he is playing right now. It's been seven years Brett. Get it together for yourself, the team, and the fans. How many chances can a guy get?
Then there is Tom Gordon. Yes, he was pretty much torn to pieces by yours truly in an article several months back after his meltdown in the season's inaugural contest against Washington. However, Gordon has almost Rheal Cormieried himself in a decent season. That is, until last week. After surrendering Dan Uggla's gargantuan grand slam on Wednesday, it is obvious to all that there is decreased velocity on Gordon's fastball. This most likely indicates that he is being overused by Charlie Manuel, and/or that he is 40 years old, and the Phillies simply can't depend on him the way they do. For the record, the Phillies starters need to depend less on the bullpen altogether. You've already seen signs of Gordon wearing down, and who knows if Rudy Seanez (39) isn't too far behind. Of course, there's always the chance of 45 year-old Jamie Moyer losing steam, but let's cross that bridge when it comes. J.C. Romero, while still effective, is being exposed after almost a year in the National League. However, this may have more to do with Romero being the only left handed pitcher in the Phillies bullpen. Where is Eddie Orepesa when you need him?!!! As for today's embarrassing bottom of the 10th inning, you can equally blame Chase Utley and Gordon for failure to execute properly on those two ground balls. The first throw Utley threw wide, the second throw, Gordon didn't catch. Once is understandable, but twice on a similar play? Get it together guys. You're making LOTS of money. Lapsed judgment equals losses, and this one hurt-bad.
Another concern that has crept upon this team in recent days is the disappearance of the offense after a massive onslaught the previous evening, and the stranding of runners on base particularly during Sunday's loss. The 20-2 drubbing of the redbirds in Friday's opening game was very impressive. However, just as I was about to give the team the tremendous props that were apparently well deserved, they manage just 2 measly runs off their old buddy Kyle Lohse on Saturday afternoon. As far as Lohse goes, I'm not about to knock him, for the job he did for the Phillies during last year's stretch drive, to his now 8-2 record in 2008. The Phillies gave him an offer (about three years in the $21 million range) that no other team really matched. With decent starting pitching an oddity in today's game, it kind of makes you wonder if 1) MLB is really trying to stick it to Scott Boras-Lohse's agent, or 2) Lohse is more of a headcase than teams are willing to disclose. A pitcher with Lohse's talent should have received better offers than just the offer of teh Phillies. Although their weren't any reported problems with Lohse in the Phillies clubhouse last year, there was that time in Minnesota back in 2005 when he practically demolished Ron Gardenhire's office door with a baseball bat after being removed from a game. Hmmmmmmmmm.
Though Lohse pitched a fine game, this weekend's offensive scenario is one all too familiar with Phillies fans from the years of 2003 until the beginning of 2007. Score 14 one night, zero the next. One must hope that this team doesn't fall into this kind of rut like its predecessors did. This was a pattern that costs those early teams of the 2000's some playoff spots. And for the record, the Phillies led all of Major League baseball for years in the Runners Left On Base department. It's only one game, but stranding 15 runners on base can't be a continuing trend. Bottom line: a championship caliber team who loads the bases four times in one game HAS to score at least a run. A team who is as just as good won't let you get away with it. As well as the Phillies are playing, the Cardinals are playing just as well- and now have a better record to show for it. And to top that, the Boston Red Sox are coming into town tomorrow, and there really isn't an explanation needed as far as to what that team will do as far as capitalizing on other's mistakes. Now this isn't the 2007 squad, but they are still the World Champs, and as of tomorrow the city of Boston will probably have another champion. Let's not give them anymore of a reason to celebrate.
So in closing, the Phils need a 1) Dependable number two starter, 2) Another lefthanded reliever to compliment Romero in the pen, and 3) A consistent offense who manufacture runs when it counts. Sounds good to me, but obviously it's not that simple. The Phils have made a pretty good dent in the National League up to this point. Let's see if they can play up to par with the big boys in the American League. And yes, Anaheim will be in just a few days after Boston. A true test of a champion will be measured this week. Will the Phils prevail and prove to all of us that they are a legitimate World Series contender? Or will Philly fans remain disgruntled, and again are left to wonder what the future holds for our heroes?
I really hope that I'm not sitting here next week typing a similar article. Isn't it about time things changed around here? Somebody? Anybody? Hello?...........
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Phillies Ownership Truly at Crossroads
They may not admit it. Let me rephrase that, they will NEVER admit it, but the phantom five (as referred to in a less than favorable manner in the recent "Philadelphia Magazine" article) hear a clock ticking. This is not unlike the clock that former Phillies owner Ruly Carpenter heard sometime at the end of 1980 or early 1981. With the impending baseball strike looming which would forever change the face of Major League Baseball, salaries skyrocketing in the new era of free agency, and having finally won that elusive World Championship, there was nothing left for Ruly Carpenter to accomplish as an owner of a professional baseball team. So a few days into spring training 1981, Carpenter tearfully announced that he was selling the franchise that was in his family for almost half a century. They say that history repeats itself. Sadly, there hasn't been another World Championship for the Phillies since 1980, a baseball strike won't be a serious problem until the new collective bargaining agreement rears its ugly head in a few years. So the only certainty here are the salaries of our boys of summer, which are INCREASING faster than gas prices!
With a winning team (and say what you want about the Phillies, but they have posted a winning record in seven of the last eight seasons) comes good players, and their future salaries that will follow. This scenario hasn't really affected the Phillies, that is until now. Baseball fans have seen time and time again the Kansas City's (Carlos Beltran), Minnesota's (Tori Hunter) and Montreal's (there's too many to list!!!!) not being able to afford their high priced stars, and were either forced to trade them or let them leave via free agency. Make no mistake, the Phillies are in a higher market than those previously mentioned teams, but with the intense contract talks between Ryan Howard, and the rather pompous mud slinging of Cole Hammels, the Phillies may find themselves in a quandry when the time comes for these young stars to receive their increased pay. This doesn't even include Jimmy Rollins (signed through 2010 with an option for 2011), Pat Burrell (see "Bring Back The Bat"), Brad Lidge (signed through this season), Greg Dobbs (this year), and Jayson Werth (you guessed it). Lost in the mess is the recently incompetant Brett Myers', whose contract is up in 2009 (don't even go there with Adam Eaton).
One can imagine that Burrell and Lidge will both command somewhere around the $30 million mark if not higher during their contract discussions with the Phillies as well as other teams. With his 2007 MVP season, Rollins has already outplayed his contract, and if you thought the arbitration hearings with Howard were ugly THIS Spring, just wait until 2010 if he still doesn't have a long-term deal (YIKES!) Dobbs and Werth were the two most underrated players on the 2007 Division Champions, and the team will probably make a decision on Myers based on his performance during the next two years. Which brings us to that clock again.
It's no secret that 1. This is probably THE best all-around nucleus in the long history of The Philadelphia Phillies 2. To let this group of guys leave town without EVER winning a World Series title would probably be the biggest travesty in the history of the franchise (and we've had MANY travesties). And last but not least, the blatantly obvious weak link of this 2008 Phillies squad 3. Their starting pitching (other than anyone not named Hammels) has been lackluster to say the least. This leaves the Phillies brass with several options as the trade dealine approches in July and the rosters get expanded on September 1st.
1. Go for all the marbles and WIN NOW! Now we all know that there is a better chance of Connie Mack coming back from the dead than this scenario coming to fruition. But consider the facts: There (with maybe the exception of Boston) is no clear cut favorite in the American or National League this season. For the most part teams have improved, with only a handful of teams performing worse than they did last year (Colorado, San Diego, Yankees, Mets (YES!), Detroit). Everyone knows that the Phillies everyday lineup is among the best in the major leagues. Why not get the trophy girl so she can ride with you in your Ferrari? As we all know in baseball, you may NEVER get another chance. I know, I know, it's easier said than done. In order to upgrade your starters so the bullpen doesn't burn out in July, you need either good players in your organization to offer other teams, or good prospects. The Phillies have a little of both, but not that much. Enough to mortgage your future? With the exception of Cole Hammels and (GULP!) Larry Christenson, can you name another Phillies pitching prospect in the last 35 years that went on to perform well for the Phillies for more than three years? In saying that, do you risk trading away a Josh Outman, Joe Savery, Antonio Bastardo, or a Carlos Carrasco for a 42 year-old Greg Maddux at the deadline? I would say no. Chances are that the Phillies would probably say no as well and it's understandable. However, we all know what Kyle Lohse did for this team last year when he was acquired from the Reds......and I'm way ahead of you: Kris Benson is not the answer.
2. Skip the trade possibilities, and call up these "studs" with the hope that they can deliver when it counts: Relying on rookies in the middle of a pennant race is not always the best idea (see September 2001: David Coggin, Nelson Figueroa, Brandon Duckworth). That is a very tall order to ask of a young kid. Not everyone is a Marty Bystrom or even Kyle Kendrick. In saying that, the Phillies are probably going to be competitive for a number of years, so is any time really the right time to see what these guys are made of?
History has shown that the Phillies are willing to spend money, they just don't always spend it wisely. Let's fast forward to the off season of 2008: Do you "Bring Back The Bat" as well as your closer who seems to have been found new life after several uneven years? Do you break the bank and sign Howard and Hammels to long-term deals? Do you go after a stud free agent pitcher to help balance this uneven rotation? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Over the next few years, the Phillies brass clearly has some important moves to make. Decisions that, for better or for worse, could set this frnachise back 10 to 20 years in a positive or negative way. 1984 was a long time ago, but some of those choices that were made during that era robbed us of baseball in our childhood, and it took 17 years (not counting 1993) to get them back. That's too long for the best fans in the world to have to endure again! Will history repeat itself? Or will Montgomery and company do the right thing? Break the bank? or for God's sake sell the team to somebody who will so we can FINALLY have that parade? (I'm so sick of talking about that damn parade and we haven't even had one for 25 years!) Do they really want to have it on their conscience that they dismantled this potential dynasty? It is safe to say that baseball would probably NEVER recover in this town. It took almost 20 years, and fans will NOT come back next time. That is a very tall order for the legacy of this ownership to carry. Despite the fact that they have made 10 times the amount of what the club was sold for back in 1981, you would have to think that sometimes, pride triumphs over greed. We've seen what happened to the Boston Red Sox. Wouldn't that be nice here? Will this year be any different than years past? You've let us down time and time and time again. If you're on the fence Mr. Montgomery, I'm sure you guys still talk to Ruly............right?
Tick...Tock...Tick....Tock
With a winning team (and say what you want about the Phillies, but they have posted a winning record in seven of the last eight seasons) comes good players, and their future salaries that will follow. This scenario hasn't really affected the Phillies, that is until now. Baseball fans have seen time and time again the Kansas City's (Carlos Beltran), Minnesota's (Tori Hunter) and Montreal's (there's too many to list!!!!) not being able to afford their high priced stars, and were either forced to trade them or let them leave via free agency. Make no mistake, the Phillies are in a higher market than those previously mentioned teams, but with the intense contract talks between Ryan Howard, and the rather pompous mud slinging of Cole Hammels, the Phillies may find themselves in a quandry when the time comes for these young stars to receive their increased pay. This doesn't even include Jimmy Rollins (signed through 2010 with an option for 2011), Pat Burrell (see "Bring Back The Bat"), Brad Lidge (signed through this season), Greg Dobbs (this year), and Jayson Werth (you guessed it). Lost in the mess is the recently incompetant Brett Myers', whose contract is up in 2009 (don't even go there with Adam Eaton).
One can imagine that Burrell and Lidge will both command somewhere around the $30 million mark if not higher during their contract discussions with the Phillies as well as other teams. With his 2007 MVP season, Rollins has already outplayed his contract, and if you thought the arbitration hearings with Howard were ugly THIS Spring, just wait until 2010 if he still doesn't have a long-term deal (YIKES!) Dobbs and Werth were the two most underrated players on the 2007 Division Champions, and the team will probably make a decision on Myers based on his performance during the next two years. Which brings us to that clock again.
It's no secret that 1. This is probably THE best all-around nucleus in the long history of The Philadelphia Phillies 2. To let this group of guys leave town without EVER winning a World Series title would probably be the biggest travesty in the history of the franchise (and we've had MANY travesties). And last but not least, the blatantly obvious weak link of this 2008 Phillies squad 3. Their starting pitching (other than anyone not named Hammels) has been lackluster to say the least. This leaves the Phillies brass with several options as the trade dealine approches in July and the rosters get expanded on September 1st.
1. Go for all the marbles and WIN NOW! Now we all know that there is a better chance of Connie Mack coming back from the dead than this scenario coming to fruition. But consider the facts: There (with maybe the exception of Boston) is no clear cut favorite in the American or National League this season. For the most part teams have improved, with only a handful of teams performing worse than they did last year (Colorado, San Diego, Yankees, Mets (YES!), Detroit). Everyone knows that the Phillies everyday lineup is among the best in the major leagues. Why not get the trophy girl so she can ride with you in your Ferrari? As we all know in baseball, you may NEVER get another chance. I know, I know, it's easier said than done. In order to upgrade your starters so the bullpen doesn't burn out in July, you need either good players in your organization to offer other teams, or good prospects. The Phillies have a little of both, but not that much. Enough to mortgage your future? With the exception of Cole Hammels and (GULP!) Larry Christenson, can you name another Phillies pitching prospect in the last 35 years that went on to perform well for the Phillies for more than three years? In saying that, do you risk trading away a Josh Outman, Joe Savery, Antonio Bastardo, or a Carlos Carrasco for a 42 year-old Greg Maddux at the deadline? I would say no. Chances are that the Phillies would probably say no as well and it's understandable. However, we all know what Kyle Lohse did for this team last year when he was acquired from the Reds......and I'm way ahead of you: Kris Benson is not the answer.
2. Skip the trade possibilities, and call up these "studs" with the hope that they can deliver when it counts: Relying on rookies in the middle of a pennant race is not always the best idea (see September 2001: David Coggin, Nelson Figueroa, Brandon Duckworth). That is a very tall order to ask of a young kid. Not everyone is a Marty Bystrom or even Kyle Kendrick. In saying that, the Phillies are probably going to be competitive for a number of years, so is any time really the right time to see what these guys are made of?
History has shown that the Phillies are willing to spend money, they just don't always spend it wisely. Let's fast forward to the off season of 2008: Do you "Bring Back The Bat" as well as your closer who seems to have been found new life after several uneven years? Do you break the bank and sign Howard and Hammels to long-term deals? Do you go after a stud free agent pitcher to help balance this uneven rotation? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Over the next few years, the Phillies brass clearly has some important moves to make. Decisions that, for better or for worse, could set this frnachise back 10 to 20 years in a positive or negative way. 1984 was a long time ago, but some of those choices that were made during that era robbed us of baseball in our childhood, and it took 17 years (not counting 1993) to get them back. That's too long for the best fans in the world to have to endure again! Will history repeat itself? Or will Montgomery and company do the right thing? Break the bank? or for God's sake sell the team to somebody who will so we can FINALLY have that parade? (I'm so sick of talking about that damn parade and we haven't even had one for 25 years!) Do they really want to have it on their conscience that they dismantled this potential dynasty? It is safe to say that baseball would probably NEVER recover in this town. It took almost 20 years, and fans will NOT come back next time. That is a very tall order for the legacy of this ownership to carry. Despite the fact that they have made 10 times the amount of what the club was sold for back in 1981, you would have to think that sometimes, pride triumphs over greed. We've seen what happened to the Boston Red Sox. Wouldn't that be nice here? Will this year be any different than years past? You've let us down time and time and time again. If you're on the fence Mr. Montgomery, I'm sure you guys still talk to Ruly............right?
Tick...Tock...Tick....Tock
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Why Not Us?- by Todd Flynn
Why Not Us?
Paul Holmgren brazenly coined the moniker, “Why Not Us,” that the Flyers have used as the central theme during their march into the Eastern Conference Finals. The Organization even went as far as handing-out 20,000 orange tee-shirts with those very words adorned on the front, right above the corporate sponsors, of course. As the once-frenzied, rabid building morphed into an orange funeral procession last night at the corner of Broad and Pattison, the scene became all too familiar. It was Groundhog Day, only this time, Bill Murray had just changed from his Eagles jersey into an orange and black sweater.
The proverbial fat lady was already singing even before it was over; she wore a real bad dress and was overweight. Her name was Kate Smith. Minus their top two defensemen, the Fly Boys succumbed to the Pens and sent their fans home begrudgingly staring at those very words on the front of their orange shirts that once stood for championship dreams. In unison, all 20,000 fans looked upward to the sporting Gods and shouted, “Why Not Us?”
Why not us? It’s a very simple question. As Philadelphia fans, what have we ever done to deserve this fate? As we loyally and painstakingly sit back and unwaveringly support our teams, why do the endings always seem so tragic? Why do horrible expansion teams like the Marlins and Heat with even more horrible fans get rewarded with Championship bliss? How about the Carolina Hurricanes? The freakin’ Arizona Diamondbacks. Why not us?
The Curse of the Billy Goat. The Curse of the Bambino. I don’t what hear it. Chicago had a guy named Jordan winning titles every year. They had the Bears. Before the Red Sox won their two titles, Boston had one of the greatest dynasties of all-time in the Celtics. Boston had the Orr-led Bruins. Boston now has the Pats. You get the point. Nothing compares to the absolute, unadulterated, abject futility of being a Philadelphia sports fan.
Twenty-Five times four. For the scholars out there, that equals 100. For close to 25 straight years, all four Philadelphia teams have been devoid of a Championship. It is almost unfathomable, an entire generation of fans never being able to witness a championship, watching that championship train derail just when you thought you had a chance, when the champagne bubbles were almost tickling your nose. One-hundred straight season have ended the same way, without a title.
How could a title not be stumbled upon? How could Philadelphia not have that one magical season? I am not even talking about multiple titles or dynasties, what about just that one Wild Card team or low seed that catches lightning in bottle and wins a title? Nothing, Nada, Zilch. How can we not have one title? Why not us?
Yeah, there were chances, but it seemed like those chances just ended in more direct, brutal bouts of depression for longer periods of time. Joe Carter’s home run shut down local bridges and brought suicide hot lines back in vogue. The Kodak moment of our generation is Lindros out cold, motionless on the ice after getting rocked by Stevens, the symbolism never so apparent at the time. When the Birds made the big dance, the star QB was throwing-up the product he endorsed down the stretch. Iverson’s tantalizing game one against the Lakers in the Finals just made the feeling that much more bottomless after the Sixers got white-washed the rest of the series.
Someone else can fill in the rest of the close calls, fleecings, conspiracy theories, collapses, soap operas, scandals, cheapskates, busts, and whatever the hell else they want to remember, or should I say forget. As the years go by and as we sit on the sidelines watching other cities win titles, the attainment of a championship seems more and more distant. Visions of grandeur simply become replaced by jaded cynicism, each season and sport becoming less and less enjoyable. Other cities are envied, they really are, as we all sit aghast and wonder, “Why Not Us?”
Paul Holmgren brazenly coined the moniker, “Why Not Us,” that the Flyers have used as the central theme during their march into the Eastern Conference Finals. The Organization even went as far as handing-out 20,000 orange tee-shirts with those very words adorned on the front, right above the corporate sponsors, of course. As the once-frenzied, rabid building morphed into an orange funeral procession last night at the corner of Broad and Pattison, the scene became all too familiar. It was Groundhog Day, only this time, Bill Murray had just changed from his Eagles jersey into an orange and black sweater.
The proverbial fat lady was already singing even before it was over; she wore a real bad dress and was overweight. Her name was Kate Smith. Minus their top two defensemen, the Fly Boys succumbed to the Pens and sent their fans home begrudgingly staring at those very words on the front of their orange shirts that once stood for championship dreams. In unison, all 20,000 fans looked upward to the sporting Gods and shouted, “Why Not Us?”
Why not us? It’s a very simple question. As Philadelphia fans, what have we ever done to deserve this fate? As we loyally and painstakingly sit back and unwaveringly support our teams, why do the endings always seem so tragic? Why do horrible expansion teams like the Marlins and Heat with even more horrible fans get rewarded with Championship bliss? How about the Carolina Hurricanes? The freakin’ Arizona Diamondbacks. Why not us?
The Curse of the Billy Goat. The Curse of the Bambino. I don’t what hear it. Chicago had a guy named Jordan winning titles every year. They had the Bears. Before the Red Sox won their two titles, Boston had one of the greatest dynasties of all-time in the Celtics. Boston had the Orr-led Bruins. Boston now has the Pats. You get the point. Nothing compares to the absolute, unadulterated, abject futility of being a Philadelphia sports fan.
Twenty-Five times four. For the scholars out there, that equals 100. For close to 25 straight years, all four Philadelphia teams have been devoid of a Championship. It is almost unfathomable, an entire generation of fans never being able to witness a championship, watching that championship train derail just when you thought you had a chance, when the champagne bubbles were almost tickling your nose. One-hundred straight season have ended the same way, without a title.
How could a title not be stumbled upon? How could Philadelphia not have that one magical season? I am not even talking about multiple titles or dynasties, what about just that one Wild Card team or low seed that catches lightning in bottle and wins a title? Nothing, Nada, Zilch. How can we not have one title? Why not us?
Yeah, there were chances, but it seemed like those chances just ended in more direct, brutal bouts of depression for longer periods of time. Joe Carter’s home run shut down local bridges and brought suicide hot lines back in vogue. The Kodak moment of our generation is Lindros out cold, motionless on the ice after getting rocked by Stevens, the symbolism never so apparent at the time. When the Birds made the big dance, the star QB was throwing-up the product he endorsed down the stretch. Iverson’s tantalizing game one against the Lakers in the Finals just made the feeling that much more bottomless after the Sixers got white-washed the rest of the series.
Someone else can fill in the rest of the close calls, fleecings, conspiracy theories, collapses, soap operas, scandals, cheapskates, busts, and whatever the hell else they want to remember, or should I say forget. As the years go by and as we sit on the sidelines watching other cities win titles, the attainment of a championship seems more and more distant. Visions of grandeur simply become replaced by jaded cynicism, each season and sport becoming less and less enjoyable. Other cities are envied, they really are, as we all sit aghast and wonder, “Why Not Us?”
Monday, March 31, 2008
Phils talk a good game, but........................
Jimmy Rollins predicts 100 wins. Brett Myers says that fans shouldn't be concerned about anything as far as their pitching staff is concerned. This team now has a swagger, a bitter taste if you will from last years winless October. Funny thing is, you would never know it after watching the debacle known as the ninth inning of the Phillies season opener.
Yes I know, we are only a few days into the Phillies 2008 season and I am writing a blog on this site to vent my frustration at the teams 11-6 loss at the hands of the now 2-0 Washington Nationals(?). However, before you go calling me a "negadelphian" and throw slogans out there like "it's only one game" and "Brad Lidge will be back soon," there's good reason (as always) to approach this team with caution. Washington's 5-run ninth inning off Phillies "interim closer" Tom "flash in the pan" Gordon only reassured the obvious: The Phillies, considered a playoff contender by many baseball insiders, still have glaring holes in the bullpen, and one can only hope that Brad Lidge can return to his pre-October 2005 form when he returns from the disabled list in a few days. In fairness to Lidge, that is a lot to ask for. Lidge has already missed several weeks of spring training due to the re injuring of his knee-- on the first pitch he threw off of a mound this year! Charlie Manuel does not want to resort to J.C. Romero as his closer. Although Romero clearly showed signs today that his 2007 was no fluke, he is best served where he belongs as the deadly left-handed set up man from the bullpen. Romero's fiery optimism and competitive personality easily make him this generations Mr. T (Al Holland for those of you born past 1984). Oddly enough, this will NOT be the only Mr. T reference in this blog. More on that later.
The same however, cannot be said for Gordon. Once a venerable force in the Red Sox and Yankees bullpen, the 40-year old hurler more or less proved that his brief but effective performance in the 2007 NLDS may have been a mirage. The Phillies were depending on Gordon to hold the role of middle relief this season. Assuming that his arm lasts for six months and he pitches as effectively as he did when he returned from injury last summer. In saying that, the brass must have suspected that age and his torn labrum could both be problems for Gordon as the season started. In true Phillies fashion, the "suits" have never been one for a backup plan, and that usually goes to hell in a hand basket anyway (see Tim Worrell, Jon Lieber, Freddie Garcia, or any of the other 15 starting pitchers the team put on the mound last season). The team will never release Flash, for that would be swallowing money- a whole other story for another blog. One can only hope that he gets it together. If you think you can't stand Adam Eaton, wait until Gordon keeps this going all summer. Although his comeback last season at his advanced age was indeed admirable, Gordon can talk as much as he wants to the press about how good he thought his stuff was today. However, Flash is a veteran of 20-plus major league seasons and should do the team a favor and retire if he is hurting the team instead of helping them. Carlos Ruiz insists that there was nothing wrong with his arm or his stuff on Monday, leading to speculation that perhaps Gordon is tipping off his pitches. Gordon is not tradable due to his shoulder history, age, and expensive contract, so he is out of options.
Then there's Ryan Madson. After today's rocky outing, it's not an issue of whether he's recovered from his injury that forced him to miss last season's playoffs. Instead, the brass may HAVE to cut their losses with Madson and just accept the fact that he may simply no longer be an effective major league pitcher. Consistency has always been an issue with Madson, and the Phillies are only kidding themselves if they think that is going to change. As this fan watched Lastings Milledge launch a rocket delivered from Madson's hands right into the outfield seats, my thoughts were best expressed in a line from Kevin Costner from "Bull Durham": anything travelling that far outta here should have a........well you know the line. The Phillies should have had a plan b for Madson as well, but we've already addressed that (see Tom Gordon).
Several defensive miscues also led to the Phillies demise this afternoon. Though he tied the game with his dramatic two-run homer, Jimmy Rollins booting a ground ball is almost as shocking as Garry Maddox dropping routine fly balls in Los Angeles- it rarely happens, but when it does, it occurs at the worse time possible. Also lost on this team at is the art of the relay throw to home plate. Rollins to Ruiz sure as hell isn't Bowa to Boone. No longer can you blame Mike Lieberthal and his bum knee for not crowding home plate. An MVP Gold Glove shortstop should be able to master the relay throw to home in his sleep. What was once one of the more exciting plays on the field has become somewhat of a lost art in today's game.
Offensively, the Phillies lineup top to bottom may be among the best in the major leagues. Although good pitching is an oddity in today's offensive minded game, if the Phillies had a staff that even closely matched their potent offense, many a banner would be waving from the Citizens Bank Park flagpoles in the coming years. Problem is with the Phillies, they only have "so much money to spend." What someone should tell them is that is not how much money you spend, it's where you spend the money (see Boston Red Sox). I'm not even going to get into selling the team and all of that nonsense- everyone knows that will not happen. And when it does, pigs will indeed take flight. One thing is certain: if pitching continues to be this shaky, they cannot help but do something- and I don't mean 39 year-old Rudy Seanez.
After the game, the mood in the clubhouse is always upbeat and positive with today being no exception. Truth be told, it is only one game. Whether this team cares goes without saying-they obvoiusly do. After a while though, the optimism is almost to a fault. While earning their division title fair and square in 2007, the Fightin's were also the beneficiary of the worst collapse in baseball history (I must admit it feels great just typing that!). This team swears that there's no reason to worry about a thing. Their inaugural contest of 2008 was anything but championship caliber baseball. Just remember when a certain Philly icon got too cocky and Clubber Lang gave him his lunch. We can only hope that art does not indeed imitate life. 100 more wins, J-Roll. The countdown begins Wednesday.
And yes, Johan Santana is now 1-0. Oh well, at least Atlanta is 0-2, right?
Yes I know, we are only a few days into the Phillies 2008 season and I am writing a blog on this site to vent my frustration at the teams 11-6 loss at the hands of the now 2-0 Washington Nationals(?). However, before you go calling me a "negadelphian" and throw slogans out there like "it's only one game" and "Brad Lidge will be back soon," there's good reason (as always) to approach this team with caution. Washington's 5-run ninth inning off Phillies "interim closer" Tom "flash in the pan" Gordon only reassured the obvious: The Phillies, considered a playoff contender by many baseball insiders, still have glaring holes in the bullpen, and one can only hope that Brad Lidge can return to his pre-October 2005 form when he returns from the disabled list in a few days. In fairness to Lidge, that is a lot to ask for. Lidge has already missed several weeks of spring training due to the re injuring of his knee-- on the first pitch he threw off of a mound this year! Charlie Manuel does not want to resort to J.C. Romero as his closer. Although Romero clearly showed signs today that his 2007 was no fluke, he is best served where he belongs as the deadly left-handed set up man from the bullpen. Romero's fiery optimism and competitive personality easily make him this generations Mr. T (Al Holland for those of you born past 1984). Oddly enough, this will NOT be the only Mr. T reference in this blog. More on that later.
The same however, cannot be said for Gordon. Once a venerable force in the Red Sox and Yankees bullpen, the 40-year old hurler more or less proved that his brief but effective performance in the 2007 NLDS may have been a mirage. The Phillies were depending on Gordon to hold the role of middle relief this season. Assuming that his arm lasts for six months and he pitches as effectively as he did when he returned from injury last summer. In saying that, the brass must have suspected that age and his torn labrum could both be problems for Gordon as the season started. In true Phillies fashion, the "suits" have never been one for a backup plan, and that usually goes to hell in a hand basket anyway (see Tim Worrell, Jon Lieber, Freddie Garcia, or any of the other 15 starting pitchers the team put on the mound last season). The team will never release Flash, for that would be swallowing money- a whole other story for another blog. One can only hope that he gets it together. If you think you can't stand Adam Eaton, wait until Gordon keeps this going all summer. Although his comeback last season at his advanced age was indeed admirable, Gordon can talk as much as he wants to the press about how good he thought his stuff was today. However, Flash is a veteran of 20-plus major league seasons and should do the team a favor and retire if he is hurting the team instead of helping them. Carlos Ruiz insists that there was nothing wrong with his arm or his stuff on Monday, leading to speculation that perhaps Gordon is tipping off his pitches. Gordon is not tradable due to his shoulder history, age, and expensive contract, so he is out of options.
Then there's Ryan Madson. After today's rocky outing, it's not an issue of whether he's recovered from his injury that forced him to miss last season's playoffs. Instead, the brass may HAVE to cut their losses with Madson and just accept the fact that he may simply no longer be an effective major league pitcher. Consistency has always been an issue with Madson, and the Phillies are only kidding themselves if they think that is going to change. As this fan watched Lastings Milledge launch a rocket delivered from Madson's hands right into the outfield seats, my thoughts were best expressed in a line from Kevin Costner from "Bull Durham": anything travelling that far outta here should have a........well you know the line. The Phillies should have had a plan b for Madson as well, but we've already addressed that (see Tom Gordon).
Several defensive miscues also led to the Phillies demise this afternoon. Though he tied the game with his dramatic two-run homer, Jimmy Rollins booting a ground ball is almost as shocking as Garry Maddox dropping routine fly balls in Los Angeles- it rarely happens, but when it does, it occurs at the worse time possible. Also lost on this team at is the art of the relay throw to home plate. Rollins to Ruiz sure as hell isn't Bowa to Boone. No longer can you blame Mike Lieberthal and his bum knee for not crowding home plate. An MVP Gold Glove shortstop should be able to master the relay throw to home in his sleep. What was once one of the more exciting plays on the field has become somewhat of a lost art in today's game.
Offensively, the Phillies lineup top to bottom may be among the best in the major leagues. Although good pitching is an oddity in today's offensive minded game, if the Phillies had a staff that even closely matched their potent offense, many a banner would be waving from the Citizens Bank Park flagpoles in the coming years. Problem is with the Phillies, they only have "so much money to spend." What someone should tell them is that is not how much money you spend, it's where you spend the money (see Boston Red Sox). I'm not even going to get into selling the team and all of that nonsense- everyone knows that will not happen. And when it does, pigs will indeed take flight. One thing is certain: if pitching continues to be this shaky, they cannot help but do something- and I don't mean 39 year-old Rudy Seanez.
After the game, the mood in the clubhouse is always upbeat and positive with today being no exception. Truth be told, it is only one game. Whether this team cares goes without saying-they obvoiusly do. After a while though, the optimism is almost to a fault. While earning their division title fair and square in 2007, the Fightin's were also the beneficiary of the worst collapse in baseball history (I must admit it feels great just typing that!). This team swears that there's no reason to worry about a thing. Their inaugural contest of 2008 was anything but championship caliber baseball. Just remember when a certain Philly icon got too cocky and Clubber Lang gave him his lunch. We can only hope that art does not indeed imitate life. 100 more wins, J-Roll. The countdown begins Wednesday.
And yes, Johan Santana is now 1-0. Oh well, at least Atlanta is 0-2, right?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Hope Springs Eternal With A Worthy Read
It's been several months since I've updated the blog section of the website. In the last few months, The Flyers have been floundering, the Sixers are surging, the Eagles improved their defense, still need some work on offense before they take flight, and last but not least, our Fightin' Phils take the field for the first official game of 2008 in a mere 11 days. So while we're on the topic of the Phillies, I would be remiss if I failed to inform our Philly faithful of the newest book to feature our beloved boys of summer.
"The Fall of the 1977 Phillies: How a Baseball Team's Collapse Sank a City's Spirit", is written by Mitchell Nathanson. "The Falls" focal point is the infamous Black Friday game vs the hated Dodgers in October of 1977. Nathanson uses Black Friday, the darkest day in the history of the ballclub, to analyze the city of Philadelphia, it's love/hate relationship with the Phillies, and how the the current state of The Phillies at any particular time can eerily reflect the pulse of the city. The general question that the book asks is why our city, who can be quick to give the Birds, Sixers, and Flyers a free pass at times, is not as forgiving when it comes to the Phillies. The answers may suprise you.
Part of the book is based upon an article that won the 2006 McFarland-SABR Award for the best article on baseball history or biography of the year. You can either click on the title of the blog at the top of the page, or highlight the following link to Mitchell's book on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-1977-Phillies-Baseball-Collapse/dp/0786432179/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203354045&sr=8-1
And that, my disgruntled fans, is the Disgruntled Fans book selection of the month.
LET'S GO PHILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"The Fall of the 1977 Phillies: How a Baseball Team's Collapse Sank a City's Spirit", is written by Mitchell Nathanson. "The Falls" focal point is the infamous Black Friday game vs the hated Dodgers in October of 1977. Nathanson uses Black Friday, the darkest day in the history of the ballclub, to analyze the city of Philadelphia, it's love/hate relationship with the Phillies, and how the the current state of The Phillies at any particular time can eerily reflect the pulse of the city. The general question that the book asks is why our city, who can be quick to give the Birds, Sixers, and Flyers a free pass at times, is not as forgiving when it comes to the Phillies. The answers may suprise you.
Part of the book is based upon an article that won the 2006 McFarland-SABR Award for the best article on baseball history or biography of the year. You can either click on the title of the blog at the top of the page, or highlight the following link to Mitchell's book on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Fall-1977-Phillies-Baseball-Collapse/dp/0786432179/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203354045&sr=8-1
And that, my disgruntled fans, is the Disgruntled Fans book selection of the month.
LET'S GO PHILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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