It's the day you all (meaning I) have been waiting for!
Before we get into it, we've already had one of my players to watch come on up to the majors in Lou Marson. He's only hitting .235 with 4 hits in 17 at-bats, but he has looked pretty solid behind the plate in my opinion. We will be finding out sometime over the weekend whether he will be staying up once Ruiz returns or if he'll be sent back down to AAA Lehigh Valley.
If Hamels' arm doesn't fall off by August as I predicted, I am sure some other part of his body will completely stop working in the 5th inning of his next start. So who knows how long he will be around. Along the same lines, Brad Lidge is having some type of knee problem, and we will find out Friday how bad that is and if he needs to be put on the DL. We would be looking for bullpen help either way. If Hamels goes down, we would just move Happ into the rotation I believe. If that were to happen, we'd probably want another lefthander. If Lidge is out, I don't think it will matter if the pitcher we get is righthanded or lefthanded. Here's a look at some pitchers who could possibly replace either one of them:
- Michael Stutes, RHP, Reading
He's 3-0 in 3 starts this year with a 1.59 ERA. He's 22 years old, so he might be a little bit young at this point, but he has very solid numbers. Opposing hitters are batting just .196 against him
- Vance Worley, RHP, Reading
Opposing hitters are batting just .176 against him in 24.1 innings this season. Only 21 years old, and I'm guessing we'll keep him in down either way so he can continue to start games. His ERA is 2.22
- Matt German, LHP, Reading
Like I said, I don't know if righthanded or lefthanded matters if Lidge is out, but I think German would definitely be at the top of the list if the Phils don't mind bringing up a lefty. He has pitched 11.2 innings in 8 appearances, giving up just 6 hits and 0 runs. He has 16 strike outs and has walked 6, and the opponents' batting average is .146. With those numbers and being 24 years old, I would put my money on him coming up. He's 6'8" too, which is awesome.
- Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Reading
He has numbers almost as good as German. He had 4 relief appearances before starting his last game and pitching 5 shut out innings. He's pitched 12.1 innings and given up 1 earned run and 6 hits. More impressive is his 1 walk in those innings, compared to German's 6 walks. The Phils may lean towards him because of his control.
- Carlos Carrasco, RHP, Lehigh Valley
I think Carrasco has to be the most likely candidate at this point. It seems like we've been on the brink of calling him up for about a year now. He has not been his sharpest this season. He's 0-2 with a 4.57 ERA. He does have only 3 walks in 21.2 innings along with 23 strikeouts, and I think when looking at people to call up control is a big thing. Because odds are that will only get worse once they get called up.
In the lower levels, 18-year-old Jason Knapp has been sharp in Lakewood. He is 1-2 but has a 1.85 ERA, opponents are hitting .150 against him, and he has 37 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. He won't be in the big leagues any time soon, but hopefully he keeps those numbers up and can move up through the system as the year goes on.
On the other end of the spectrum, Australian Drew Naylor has struggled with an 11.05 ERA and an opponents' batting average of .385. Despite his awesome Australianness, I may have to scratch him from my list of people to watch if he doesn't improve. It's obviously early though
As for hitters to look at, I've already replaced PJ Whateverhisname was from Clearwater with Dominic Brown in Clearwater. PJ wasn't even playing. I don't know what his deal was. And Brown is someone I kept an eye on last year and he has decent numbers so far this season.
Miguel Cairo has done all of nothing with the Phillies this season, and I would not be surprised to see him sent down or cut or whatever we need to do at this point. We still only have 4 outfielders, and I think we are happy with how they have all been hitting, but I am still uncomfortable with Matt Stairs actually playing in the outfield when we give someone a day off. Here are my most likely candidates to be called up at some point to provide outfield help (and hopefully replace Cairo).
- John Mayberry, OF, Lehigh Valley
There's really little doubt in my mind that he would be the one if we called up an outfielder. Through the first 9 games of the year he was hitting just .206, but in the past 8 he has brought it up to .277. He has 7 doubles and 5 home runs in those 17 games along with 13 RBIs. The only problem is his 18 strike outs. He was somebody who was one of the last people to be left off the major league roster, and we just got him in a trade in the off season. He's 25 years old, so his time is probably coming soon to be up. He's also a righthanded bat, which is an added bonus for our "lefty heavy" lineup. The only thing holding him back is that he would not be playing every day, and the Phillies probably want to have him playing more often. We don't have a need for a starting outfielder, just someone off the bench.
- Jeremy Slayden, OF, Lehigh Valley
He started off well but is hitting just .171 right now including being 2 for his last 25. I don't think he would have a chance at coming up right now, but later in the year if he gets hot I would not be surprised
Here are some other notable players:
- Michael Taylor, OF, Reading
He is currently my favorite Phillie. I can never pick a major leaguer to be my favorite, and it's so much easier to say that a minor leaguer is because I don't actually have to see him and others play every day. He started off slow, but in his last 10 games he's hitting .378 with 1 double, 1 triple, 2 home runs, and 3 stolen bases. He's hitting .317 on the year.
- Jason Donald, SS, Lehigh Valley
Donald is high on our prospect list, but he has struggled so far. He's hitting just .244 with 22 strike outs in 19 games. But if we decide to do a Brett Myers experiment on Jimmy Rollins and send him down, expect Donald to come on up. (I realize I've been really hard on Jimmy this season, and I don't feel bad about it. I have learned over the years that tough love is the only thing these guys respond to)
And finally, here is some trade bait for later in the season:
- Harold Garcia, 2B, Lakewood
He's hitting .317 with 3 triples and 6 stolen bases in 17 games. We don't need a second baseman for like 23 years because I honestly believe Chase will be consistently good for that long. So goodbye Harold, or else learn to play 3rd.
- Brian Stavinsky, 1B, Reading
First base is another position we do not have a need for at all. Stavinsky is hitting .300 though, and last year he hit .312 with 16 home runs. If it weren't for Howard, I'd take a .300 hitter at first. Hopefully another team feels the same way.
There are a few more players that I'm keeping track of, but these were the most worthy of being mentioned here. Pay attention to injury news the next few days, because Hamels and Lidge are both getting checked out on Friday to see how good they are to go. Although Hamels should be fine, who knows with Lidge. Also, keep an ear out for the decision regarding Ruiz/Coste/Marson. And cross your fingers that Miguel Cairo gets hurt.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Lame
We lost. It sucked. I hope those who read it enjoyed the live blog. It was definitely a bit of a challenge for me but I did enjoy it. I think I will do it again upon request. It doesn't seem like the kind of thing people will read now that the game is over, and that's fine with me.
Tomorrow we have off and then the Mets series (with Jeremiah!)
I plan on updating on the minor leaguers tomorrow, so tune in.
(tomorrow is referring to Thursday)
Tomorrow we have off and then the Mets series (with Jeremiah!)
I plan on updating on the minor leaguers tomorrow, so tune in.
(tomorrow is referring to Thursday)
Phillies vs. Nationals. Live!
10:17 I am wondering how many people have left the stadium already. In my opinion, you can't put a limit on a baseball game. You're either in or you're out. I don't know how many close games I've been to where the Phils were losing by 1 or 2 and people are just leaving after every inning. One game Matt and Charms and I went to ended up going into 14 innings. We stood in the outfield for the last 5 of them, and there were waves of people leaving after each one. I just don't understand that. Be prepared for anything. I would stay until 7 in the morning if the game wasn't over.
Coste grounds out to third like an old man. It's a shame.
Dobbs goes down 0-2 quickly and grounds out. 2 down. Jimmy gets a pressure situation. Show me something
I can see people in the background leaving now. Really? Are you beating any traffic by leaving with 1 out left? Just see what happens you made it this far.
Jimmy comes through with a line drive single. Now don't get thrown out doing something stupid.
Shane is definitely someone I want up right now.
CRAP
10:05 Happ is coming in, and it sounds like they're playing some real weak music for him to warm up to. I guess it could be the Phanatic Dance or whatever this inning.
OK Steve, I apologize. Nick Johnson does look like Ron Jeremy. But he's no Stan Van Gundy.
Happ gets Johnson on a real nasty curve ball. I really like Happ
T Mac is talking about minor leaguers. I hope you ignored that. I'll tell you what's up tomorrow.
I am bored. I want the top of this inning to be over so I can see what we can do with the bats.
Dobbs makes a defensive play which is always exciting and we're out of the inning. Let's do this boys
9:56 Didn't the Phillies want to get Kip Wells a few years back? He seems like a tool. I don't know why.
Last year I would often say that I would take Chase Utley down 0-2 in the count to anyone else up 2-0. He's down 1-2 right now. I love his 2 strike hitting. As he fouls off another one, I realize I just really like his 2 strike batting in general. He fights a lot off and can usually put one in play.
This is looking like a really good at bat.
I just said something I think yesterday about Utley getting hit by pitches. He almost got out of the way of one just now but he actually sort of moved back into it. It barely missed him.
Beautiful at-bat, drawing a walk. "Now that's a guy who gets it." Wheels loves to say that about Chase Utley. And I completely agree with that.
Howard has not gone yard yet as I predicted. Now seems fine for that.
Howard hits a line drive directly into the shift. I feel like Howard should bunt there. If he can get a bunt down the third base line he'll be safe. Even if he can't get there, Utley is definitely at second. Maybe that's not the best move down 3 in the 8th, but something to think about at some point because we've never really tried it before.
Werth avoids a double play yet again.
I just realized I should've had Steve paying attention to walk-up music.
Bani comes up with 2 down and Werth on 2nd. Coming into this game, NMR led the majors in slugging percentage. Just an interesting little factoid for you.
.483 5 home runs 10 RBIs in the 7th inning or later for NMR. They are showing those stats for basically every player. I love it.
After a 3-0 count I think the umpire just wants to call a strike. It's like they're used to it. That strike was a little low, Bani should be on first.
And now he is on first with a walk. Matt Stairs comes up representing the tying run. I would love to be at the Cit right now.
Stairs grounds out to first. One more inning (unless we can only tie)
9:38 I just realized I'm not really paying attention. Sorry. Steve just texted me saying that Nick Johnson looks too much like Ron Jeremy. Steve is one of the bigger Sixers followers I know. I don't know how he can say ANYONE looks at all like Ron Jeremy after this series with the Magic and their Coach Stan Van Gundy
Coste grounds out to third like an old man. It's a shame.
Dobbs goes down 0-2 quickly and grounds out. 2 down. Jimmy gets a pressure situation. Show me something
I can see people in the background leaving now. Really? Are you beating any traffic by leaving with 1 out left? Just see what happens you made it this far.
Jimmy comes through with a line drive single. Now don't get thrown out doing something stupid.
Shane is definitely someone I want up right now.
CRAP
10:05 Happ is coming in, and it sounds like they're playing some real weak music for him to warm up to. I guess it could be the Phanatic Dance or whatever this inning.
OK Steve, I apologize. Nick Johnson does look like Ron Jeremy. But he's no Stan Van Gundy.
Happ gets Johnson on a real nasty curve ball. I really like Happ
T Mac is talking about minor leaguers. I hope you ignored that. I'll tell you what's up tomorrow.
I am bored. I want the top of this inning to be over so I can see what we can do with the bats.
Dobbs makes a defensive play which is always exciting and we're out of the inning. Let's do this boys
9:56 Didn't the Phillies want to get Kip Wells a few years back? He seems like a tool. I don't know why.
Last year I would often say that I would take Chase Utley down 0-2 in the count to anyone else up 2-0. He's down 1-2 right now. I love his 2 strike hitting. As he fouls off another one, I realize I just really like his 2 strike batting in general. He fights a lot off and can usually put one in play.
This is looking like a really good at bat.
I just said something I think yesterday about Utley getting hit by pitches. He almost got out of the way of one just now but he actually sort of moved back into it. It barely missed him.
Beautiful at-bat, drawing a walk. "Now that's a guy who gets it." Wheels loves to say that about Chase Utley. And I completely agree with that.
Howard has not gone yard yet as I predicted. Now seems fine for that.
Howard hits a line drive directly into the shift. I feel like Howard should bunt there. If he can get a bunt down the third base line he'll be safe. Even if he can't get there, Utley is definitely at second. Maybe that's not the best move down 3 in the 8th, but something to think about at some point because we've never really tried it before.
Werth avoids a double play yet again.
I just realized I should've had Steve paying attention to walk-up music.
Bani comes up with 2 down and Werth on 2nd. Coming into this game, NMR led the majors in slugging percentage. Just an interesting little factoid for you.
.483 5 home runs 10 RBIs in the 7th inning or later for NMR. They are showing those stats for basically every player. I love it.
After a 3-0 count I think the umpire just wants to call a strike. It's like they're used to it. That strike was a little low, Bani should be on first.
And now he is on first with a walk. Matt Stairs comes up representing the tying run. I would love to be at the Cit right now.
Stairs grounds out to first. One more inning (unless we can only tie)
9:38 I just realized I'm not really paying attention. Sorry. Steve just texted me saying that Nick Johnson looks too much like Ron Jeremy. Steve is one of the bigger Sixers followers I know. I don't know how he can say ANYONE looks at all like Ron Jeremy after this series with the Magic and their Coach Stan Van Gundy
It's Van Gundy on the left.
I don't know why but I don't know that I can ever consider Elijah Dukes a good baseball player. There's something about him that says to me, "I suck"
Coste is having trouble handling some of these pitches. The stolen base had nothing to do with it, but he just really seems to be struggling this season in general.
Coste is having trouble handling some of these pitches. The stolen base had nothing to do with it, but he just really seems to be struggling this season in general.
As soon as I say that he actually makes a good play. I really want him to do well, it's just been a rough season.
Intentionally walking Flores, I guess the Phils remember that fateful night in July '07 as well. Smart move.
Anderson Hernandez has like 23 career RBIs I think it just said. Seriously. Going back to what I said earlier, how the heck does this guy have good numbers against anyone?
HE'S 2 FOR 2 AGAINST TASCHNER! I didn't even think Taschner existed before this season. What is going on?
And stupid Hernandez gets a stupid double to put them up 4-1. It's not like I'm worried, but I am annoyed.
This ump is tough, he doesn't seem to be giving many close calls. Todd Tichenor. Let's remember that name
Inning over finally on a fly out to right with the bases loaded.
Look for Utley to lead off the next inning with a hit. He hasn't looked good at the plate today, but I think he comes through late as he normally does.
9:20 I hate Jose Mesa. The Dodge Stump the Fans Trivia Question reminded me that I do not say that enough.
I think Coste should come through right here. Even if it's a walk I think he'll do something.
Wheels and T Mac are talking about the possibility of putting Lidge on the DL. If you want to know who will get called up, read the blog tomorrow for Down on the Pharm! It's an off day and I am pumped to update everyone on my favorite minor leaguers.
Coste does come through by walking.
I am eager to see Dobbs get his bat going again this year. I know it is a matter of time with him. Or maybe it's a matter of pressure with him. Right now there is a decent amount of pressure, so he should be good to go.
I just saw the Phanatic's jersey with Vote All Stars on the back. If you haven't used up your 25 votes yet, go vote now! There is a link to where you can vote I believe in the post about All Star voting. You can find it on the right side of your browser window. Thank you.
Dobbs strikes out for the first out.
I always like when Jimmy is up with any kind of pressure. Because if he gets a hit then the team benefits. If he doesn't, he looks like a moron. Ever since he said that crap last year about Phillies fans and free agents not wanting to come here I've had a real problem warming back up to him. If he's gonna talk he needs to back it up. And he doesn't here as he flies out to left center.
Shane flies out to straight away center
Someone please tell the Phillies that leadoff walks should at least get to 2nd base. Especially against the Nationals' bullpen
9:11 (not funny) The Phillies specialty: a double switch! I hate to take Feliz out of a game when his bat is this hot and when Greg Dobbs sucks as bad as he does at defense, but the move makes sense.
Taschner strikes out Guzman.
Myers' line for the game: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R (all earned), 3 BB, 3 K
Ryan Howard is a defensive god.
Petz just mentioned how he wants to be in the Citizens 7 sometime. Once I was in the Bubba Burger Lucky Row along with the rest of the employees at Bux-Mont Awards (your one stop shop for all trophies, plaques, medals, gifts, engravings, and t shirts). We all got a free t shirt and a free box of Bubba Burgers. Which are like 20 some points on Weight Watchers. Thanks mom and dad
9:04 Well we got Olsen to 93 pitches as I recommended, so we should be in good shape as I predicted. Garrett Mock? Is this a joke? These players don't even exist. I'm convinced he's not a real person.
But somehow a bullpen pitcher from the Nationals does not give up any runs. Inning over, still 3-1. On to the 7th
9:01 Bottom of the 6th inning
We need some good at bats this inning. Olsen is pitching well and at 78 pitches. If we can get him into the 90s this inning we'll be in good shape. If we can score that will be even better, but I don't think we need to do anything more than just get to the bullpen.
Utley grounds out quickly. He hasn't looked so great at the plate tonight.
I'm now on to Yuengling #2 for my half birthday. So drunk
Howard with a hit up the middle. Soon enough teams are gonna have to stop shifting (not really). Steve just texted me from the game saying "Howard is noticeably smaller! He looks like a .300 guy" I can't wait to see him in person.
I really like the soundtrack from Slumdog Millionaire
Dwayne Wade is still playing.
Jayson Werth nearly grounds into a double play, but he manages to hit it well enough to make Christian Guzman suck at fielding and only get 1. I am about 95% sure that Werth has seriously grounded into less than 5 double plays as a Phillie. I remember in the second half of last year it was 1 or 2.
Ibanez is hitting .405 with 5 home runs at the Cit. I guess that has a lot to do with the fans loving him - they've only seen him at his best.
NMR gets a hit forcing Scott Olsen out of the game. HA. They are so screwed.
I enjoy the music played at the stadium - Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocket Full of Sunshine" at the part where it just keeps saying "Take me away"
See ya Olsen
8:50 There was just a commercial for LOST. That show sucks.
Cheese just called Raul Ibanez "Ban-e" (sounds basically like Bonnie but I guess with his last name it would be spelled Banny or Bani or Ban-e). Well done Cheese, I like that a lot. I will still try to call him NMR too, but I love Bani. And I'm settling on Bani for the spelling.
Sorry I'm a little behind this inning.
Zimmerman extended his hit streak to 18 with a double. Dukes just hit a ground ball up the middle and the Phillies forgot this was a game so Zimmerman scored easily.
Willingham is up and this at bat feels really long. I don't know how it's only a 1-2 count still.
He singles to center. Runners are on 1st and 2nd with 1 out
Flores is up. The game I referred to earlier in which he dominated the Phillies was July 26, 2007. He hit a home run to put the Nationals up 7-5 and we lost 7-6. I was there.
This whole live blogging deal is a bit tougher than I had imagined. I wish this thing updated automatically without me having to actually publish each post or whatever.
Flores flies out to Ibanez and the crowd loves it. I'm talking to Petz and he just said, "what a bunch of flowers that guy is." A little Spanish humor there.
Who is this Hernandez character? They talked at the beginning of this series about his good numbers against the Phillies. I have no idea who he is. He has 4 hits against Myers? Is this a joke? Is he like 36 and they were all in the minors? And what the hey he just got another hit against us. Dukes scored and Zimmerman moved to third. 3-1.
I like that Taschner is warming up right now. I really like this Taschner guy. I'm not sure why, I think I've only seen him pitch twice.
T Mac was just talking about the Phillies coming from behind in every win, and Sarge said something along the lines of, "ThEy HaVe To ReAlIzE eVeRy TeAm Is GoInG tO bE uP oN tHeM sInCe ThE wOrLd SeRiEs WiN"
THAT MAKES NO SENSE
Myers gets Olsen out to end the inning. Finally
8:31 Dwayne Wade is hurt for the Heat maybe. As if they weren't going to lose anyway. I know no one really cares about the NBA, but here's hoping Jeremiah is reading.
The Nationals have Myers figured out at the plate apparently, forcing him to ground out to 2nd.
Jimmy rips a hit between shortstop and third base but wastes it quickly by getting picked off. Unbelievable
They just showed the replay of Myers vs. Sabathia from the NLDS. That's my favorite at bat in baseball history.
The pop up king Shane Victorino pops out behind home plate. End of 5 still 1-1. Let's get to their bullpen so we can score some real runs.
8:25 Myers strikes out the first batter.
I finally saw the replay of Hamels getting hurt last night. I support my earlier statement of him being a 7 year old girl.
Utley gets a routine out at first. And speaking of Gold Gloves, I think Utley should have gotten one last year as well. Who won the Gold Glove in the NL at 2B? I'm sure they don't deserve it. Utley is unbelievable. As I said, this was routine, but overall he's a great defensive 2nd baseman I think.
Guzman breaks his bat and singles to right. He gets a lot of hits against us, but they always seem to be singles. I'll take that.
Myers throws some good pitches and gets Nick Johnson to ground out to short. Inning over. Myers leading off!
8:17 I didn't realize Sarge was in the booth until just now. Yay.
Utley grounds out to first for the first out.
Howard up. Watch out for this home run.
He is swinging at ugly low pitches again. Olsen has the scouting report on him for the first time in his career. Every one of these pitches is in the dirt. I've been saying for years that if I worked for a rival team, the Phillies would never ever win a game against them. How do more pitchers not know that he can't hit or lay off a pitch thrown at his big toe?
Howard goes the other way with a ball on the ground and gets an infield hit. THEN STEALS A BASE! I guess it's not really counted as a stolen base because the ball got away, but look at him go! Let the big dog eat! or something
Now a (speedy?) runner on second with 1 out. Werth comes through with a single, but he hit it a little too hard for Howard to score. That's OK. Ibanez can get 3 RBI on this homer now.
I just noticed in the background that Olsen has thrown 61 pitches and only 15 are balls. Well done, sir.
The Heat and Hawks are about to tip off. That's for you Jeremiah. You better be reading this.
I would seriously just walk Ibanez and Feliz and get Coste to strike out into a double play. It would happen. It's better to give up 1 run intentionally than 2 or 3 to these guys.
Walked Ibanez, bases loaded, still 1 out. Last year right now I would probably be praying that we get something out of this, but this year we're hitting like .550 or something (seriously) with the bases loaded. And Feliz is hot.
He flies out to right, and Howard stays at 3rd. I guess the smart move is keeping him there, but the throw kind sucked and he definitely would have scored. Oh well.
Chris Coste comes up with his staggering .184 average. T Mac just mentioned he's 3 for his last 20 at the plate.
I don't know how many people saw Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox steal home the other night, but I'm really feeling Howard doing the same here.
Ohhhhhhhh man. Coste almost had a grand slam there but was just a few feet foul. That would've been huge.
He hit the ball well, but Zimmerman made a good play to save at least one run. Inning over, still tied at 1
8:00 Myers gets Dukes out pretty quickly.
Bean just texted me pointing out that it's weird to see Brett so skinny. I completely agree. He looks (physically) like he did back in his first 2 years in the league.
Another pretty quick out. 2 down
Jesus Flores is up. I recall him killing the Phillies once or twice in his day. I was definitely at a game where Jesus did anything but save the Phillies. (is that OK to say?)
Whew I thought he had a homer there, but 1-2-3 inning for Myers. Utley Howard Werth Ibanez should be at least 1 run every time. Let's do this
7:56 There was just a commercial here at Penn State for OIP (Original Italian Pizza). Zack lives right next to that place, and one of his roommates and another friend of mine has a pizza named after him there as of this week. So if you're in State College or plan on making a trip up here any time, head over to OIP on West College Ave and get the James Doyle Pizza. It has fried chicken and honey mustard. Might not be my first choice, but I will definitely try it soon.
I love watching Brett Myers bat. Unfortunately, he flies out on the first pitch here and there's 1 out real quick.
Jimmy has a solid at bat, but strikes out looking on the 10th pitch.
Cheese is on his way back home to watch the rest of the game. He was at the library writing a paper. I assume he had to go to the library because otherwise he'd be too distracted by the Phillies. After the game we are celebrating my 21 1/2 birthday. Half birthdays are arguably better than the real thing. Everyone has a real birthday, but some people don't have a half birthday. Anyone born on Halloween is out of luck. People born at the end of August are out of luck as well. My dad, whose real birthday is August 29th, only gets a half birthday every 4 years.
Sorry I rambled about that, Victorino got out
7:47 I always love when Milt Thompson gets interviewed during games. I don't know why but he just soothes me. Maybe that's a little gay, but whatever. It's the Phillies.
Brett Myers has now thrown like 6 pitches in this game for the first 7 outs after getting some random Nationals player to pop out to Feliz.
Great play by Werth trying to gun down Anderson Hernandez. I am honestly shocked that a ball got around Ryan Howard. Well done Werth, but Hernandez is in for a double.
Wheels just asked Milt if Chase Utley is becoming more of a pull hitter. Seriously? When has he EVER hit the ball the other way? Can anyone seriously remember a time?
Bean informed me last night that our win officially gave us a winning April. She just informed me now that every time we have had a winning record in April since 2008 we have won the World Series. And I actually think that's true since like 2004 or something at least. Something to think about folks.
After jinxing Myers' low pitch count, he took the pitcher to a full count and walked him. Runners on first and second 1 out. Guzman could provide a tough double play too.
RYAN HOWARD JUST MADE A THROW TO SECOND BASE! I cannot remember that ever happening. This was the true test, and I honestly think he should be given a Gold Glove right now. Wheels and T Mac are talking about how big of a deal this is too, so I guess I'm not even exaggerating. Not that I thought I was, but they seem pretty amped about that throw.
Chris Coste lets a ball go by easily, giving yet another reason to send him down to the minors. I don't want it to happen, but less and less am I seeing him sticking around. We'll see soon enough.
Ball 4 to Nick Johnson looked pretty close to me. Bases loaded now with 2 down. I really don't want Ryan Zimmerman up right now with his 16 or 17 game hit streak or whatever he has.
Myers' third walk of the inning ties the game at 1. They just showed he had 18 pitches in the first 2 innings and has 21 in the third inning.
Myers finally gets a call against Adam Dunn. It seems like he hasn't been getting anything close up to this point.
Someone hit a ball in the air to the outfield in this series and it didn't go over the fence. Ibanez puts Dunn away on a routine fly ball. On to the bottom of the 3rd inning tied at 1
7:32 Wheel of Fortune is coming on and I plan on having that on the other TV. Sorry if that ends up being too much of a distraction for me.
Werth started off this season real well, especially in that Colorado series. Since then he's been very quiet. A strike out here is really no surprise. I expect him to get going at some point, but we don't really need him to get going right now with the way everyone else is hitting.
Ibanez shows that he may or may not be human with an ugly strike out. 2 out
The Pirates just got swept by the Brewers today, and all is right with the world. The only run in that game was a home run by the Brewers' pitcher.
Feliz gets walked. At the beginning of last year, one thing I kept saying during Phillies games was that I was "really warming up to Feliz." Well I warmed up to him a lot quicker than most and I haven't looked back. Most still haven't warmed up to him, but the way I see it is we don't need him to hit well considering the rest of our lineup, and his glove is outstanding.
Chris Coste is up in what could be one of his last games. Giving a reason to keep Marson up and send Chris down, he has an ugly strike out. Olsen is dealing. Who is this guy? We used to kill him
7:24 Adam Dunn is up, and I'm glad we got out of the first inning and have him leading off because I basically expect a home run out of him at this point.
Our future Gold Glover at first takes care of a ground ball from Dunn, 1 down.
Wheels is talking about Myers getting ground ball outs and how that's good and all that stuff, and he mentioned the old Braves pitchers. I feel like Wheels mentions Braves pitching at every possible opportunity he could even invent.
Dukes gets a hit to centerfield which brings up Willingham. I was just about to say how I remember him dominating the Phillies in the past but Wheels stole my thunder. When Willingham was on the Marlins he would always seem to get big hits against us.
Dukes gets picked off, most likely because he's not good. 2 down.
Myers strikes out Willingham, and he is looking pretty darn good through 2 innings. If Brett Myers can get through the first 2 innings of a game without giving up a run, the other team is in trouble.
7:17 I'm making the decision to put my most recent posts up top so if you are refreshing along you don't have to scroll down each time.
My roommate Jack just pointed out that Wheels was describing Scott Olsen as a stereotypical left hander, and all he really described was a gangster. Something about his hat being a certain way and him talking trash and other crap like that. Weird. But you know what I always say: I like Wheels.
Jimmy grounds out as quickly as ever to continue sucking. 1 down on 2 pitches.
VICTORINO!! 10 game hit streak for Shane on a line drive home run. I can't say enough I really like the way he is swinging the bat. It would've been extra cool to lead off the game with that home run...
Chase struck out pretty quickly and you just don't see that very often.
I need Howard to get a hit tonight. I currently have a 5-game hit streak in MLB.com's Beat the Streak game and today I picked Howard. He is 11 for 24 lifetime against Olsen. I expect at least 1 bomb out of him tonight.
Not this time around. Howard didn't hit a home run, so historically we know that means he struck out.
End of the first, 1-0 Phils
7:10 So I decided I'm just going to type as I watch and post at each commercial break, whether that be the inning or a pitching change or whatever. 1 out on a Guzman groundout to Jimmy. Guzman had a 5 for 5 game against us earlier this year I believe. Yes, that was just confirmed by T Mac. Jimmy really had to hurry on that one. Nick Johnson with a single to get things started for the Nationals. Good to see Brett giving up base runners early, that way when someone hits a home run it's not a solo shot. Thanks for proving me wrong Brett. Zimmerman grounds into a double play and the inning is over. Let's get things started early this time Phils
7:02 We had a bit of a scare there. The game is not on Comcast but luckily it is on one of these random myphl17 or whatever channels. Starting Lineup: SS Rollins CF Victorino 2B Utley 1B Howard RF Werth LF Ibanez 3B Feliz C Coste P Myers Pretty standard. I'm really hoping Jimmy steps it up tonight and against the Mets this weekend, and if he doesn't, I'd love to see Shane leading off soon. Hit Jimmy down at 7 or something until he figures himself out. Move Pedro up because he's been hitting really well this season.
6:56 So I am going to be watching the game and updating this as I go along. I will udpate at least every half inning probably. I guess I have to keep editing this post and reposting it, so if you are following along you may have to keep refreshing the window. I don't really know how it works or how else to do it. Game starts pretty soon, I'm gonna finish my dinner
I think Coste should come through right here. Even if it's a walk I think he'll do something.
Wheels and T Mac are talking about the possibility of putting Lidge on the DL. If you want to know who will get called up, read the blog tomorrow for Down on the Pharm! It's an off day and I am pumped to update everyone on my favorite minor leaguers.
Coste does come through by walking.
I am eager to see Dobbs get his bat going again this year. I know it is a matter of time with him. Or maybe it's a matter of pressure with him. Right now there is a decent amount of pressure, so he should be good to go.
I just saw the Phanatic's jersey with Vote All Stars on the back. If you haven't used up your 25 votes yet, go vote now! There is a link to where you can vote I believe in the post about All Star voting. You can find it on the right side of your browser window. Thank you.
Dobbs strikes out for the first out.
I always like when Jimmy is up with any kind of pressure. Because if he gets a hit then the team benefits. If he doesn't, he looks like a moron. Ever since he said that crap last year about Phillies fans and free agents not wanting to come here I've had a real problem warming back up to him. If he's gonna talk he needs to back it up. And he doesn't here as he flies out to left center.
Shane flies out to straight away center
Someone please tell the Phillies that leadoff walks should at least get to 2nd base. Especially against the Nationals' bullpen
9:11 (not funny) The Phillies specialty: a double switch! I hate to take Feliz out of a game when his bat is this hot and when Greg Dobbs sucks as bad as he does at defense, but the move makes sense.
Taschner strikes out Guzman.
Myers' line for the game: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R (all earned), 3 BB, 3 K
Ryan Howard is a defensive god.
Petz just mentioned how he wants to be in the Citizens 7 sometime. Once I was in the Bubba Burger Lucky Row along with the rest of the employees at Bux-Mont Awards (your one stop shop for all trophies, plaques, medals, gifts, engravings, and t shirts). We all got a free t shirt and a free box of Bubba Burgers. Which are like 20 some points on Weight Watchers. Thanks mom and dad
9:04 Well we got Olsen to 93 pitches as I recommended, so we should be in good shape as I predicted. Garrett Mock? Is this a joke? These players don't even exist. I'm convinced he's not a real person.
But somehow a bullpen pitcher from the Nationals does not give up any runs. Inning over, still 3-1. On to the 7th
9:01 Bottom of the 6th inning
We need some good at bats this inning. Olsen is pitching well and at 78 pitches. If we can get him into the 90s this inning we'll be in good shape. If we can score that will be even better, but I don't think we need to do anything more than just get to the bullpen.
Utley grounds out quickly. He hasn't looked so great at the plate tonight.
I'm now on to Yuengling #2 for my half birthday. So drunk
Howard with a hit up the middle. Soon enough teams are gonna have to stop shifting (not really). Steve just texted me from the game saying "Howard is noticeably smaller! He looks like a .300 guy" I can't wait to see him in person.
I really like the soundtrack from Slumdog Millionaire
Dwayne Wade is still playing.
Jayson Werth nearly grounds into a double play, but he manages to hit it well enough to make Christian Guzman suck at fielding and only get 1. I am about 95% sure that Werth has seriously grounded into less than 5 double plays as a Phillie. I remember in the second half of last year it was 1 or 2.
Ibanez is hitting .405 with 5 home runs at the Cit. I guess that has a lot to do with the fans loving him - they've only seen him at his best.
NMR gets a hit forcing Scott Olsen out of the game. HA. They are so screwed.
I enjoy the music played at the stadium - Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocket Full of Sunshine" at the part where it just keeps saying "Take me away"
See ya Olsen
8:50 There was just a commercial for LOST. That show sucks.
Cheese just called Raul Ibanez "Ban-e" (sounds basically like Bonnie but I guess with his last name it would be spelled Banny or Bani or Ban-e). Well done Cheese, I like that a lot. I will still try to call him NMR too, but I love Bani. And I'm settling on Bani for the spelling.
Sorry I'm a little behind this inning.
Zimmerman extended his hit streak to 18 with a double. Dukes just hit a ground ball up the middle and the Phillies forgot this was a game so Zimmerman scored easily.
Willingham is up and this at bat feels really long. I don't know how it's only a 1-2 count still.
He singles to center. Runners are on 1st and 2nd with 1 out
Flores is up. The game I referred to earlier in which he dominated the Phillies was July 26, 2007. He hit a home run to put the Nationals up 7-5 and we lost 7-6. I was there.
This whole live blogging deal is a bit tougher than I had imagined. I wish this thing updated automatically without me having to actually publish each post or whatever.
Flores flies out to Ibanez and the crowd loves it. I'm talking to Petz and he just said, "what a bunch of flowers that guy is." A little Spanish humor there.
Who is this Hernandez character? They talked at the beginning of this series about his good numbers against the Phillies. I have no idea who he is. He has 4 hits against Myers? Is this a joke? Is he like 36 and they were all in the minors? And what the hey he just got another hit against us. Dukes scored and Zimmerman moved to third. 3-1.
I like that Taschner is warming up right now. I really like this Taschner guy. I'm not sure why, I think I've only seen him pitch twice.
T Mac was just talking about the Phillies coming from behind in every win, and Sarge said something along the lines of, "ThEy HaVe To ReAlIzE eVeRy TeAm Is GoInG tO bE uP oN tHeM sInCe ThE wOrLd SeRiEs WiN"
THAT MAKES NO SENSE
Myers gets Olsen out to end the inning. Finally
8:31 Dwayne Wade is hurt for the Heat maybe. As if they weren't going to lose anyway. I know no one really cares about the NBA, but here's hoping Jeremiah is reading.
The Nationals have Myers figured out at the plate apparently, forcing him to ground out to 2nd.
Jimmy rips a hit between shortstop and third base but wastes it quickly by getting picked off. Unbelievable
They just showed the replay of Myers vs. Sabathia from the NLDS. That's my favorite at bat in baseball history.
The pop up king Shane Victorino pops out behind home plate. End of 5 still 1-1. Let's get to their bullpen so we can score some real runs.
8:25 Myers strikes out the first batter.
I finally saw the replay of Hamels getting hurt last night. I support my earlier statement of him being a 7 year old girl.
Utley gets a routine out at first. And speaking of Gold Gloves, I think Utley should have gotten one last year as well. Who won the Gold Glove in the NL at 2B? I'm sure they don't deserve it. Utley is unbelievable. As I said, this was routine, but overall he's a great defensive 2nd baseman I think.
Guzman breaks his bat and singles to right. He gets a lot of hits against us, but they always seem to be singles. I'll take that.
Myers throws some good pitches and gets Nick Johnson to ground out to short. Inning over. Myers leading off!
8:17 I didn't realize Sarge was in the booth until just now. Yay.
Utley grounds out to first for the first out.
Howard up. Watch out for this home run.
He is swinging at ugly low pitches again. Olsen has the scouting report on him for the first time in his career. Every one of these pitches is in the dirt. I've been saying for years that if I worked for a rival team, the Phillies would never ever win a game against them. How do more pitchers not know that he can't hit or lay off a pitch thrown at his big toe?
Howard goes the other way with a ball on the ground and gets an infield hit. THEN STEALS A BASE! I guess it's not really counted as a stolen base because the ball got away, but look at him go! Let the big dog eat! or something
Now a (speedy?) runner on second with 1 out. Werth comes through with a single, but he hit it a little too hard for Howard to score. That's OK. Ibanez can get 3 RBI on this homer now.
I just noticed in the background that Olsen has thrown 61 pitches and only 15 are balls. Well done, sir.
The Heat and Hawks are about to tip off. That's for you Jeremiah. You better be reading this.
I would seriously just walk Ibanez and Feliz and get Coste to strike out into a double play. It would happen. It's better to give up 1 run intentionally than 2 or 3 to these guys.
Walked Ibanez, bases loaded, still 1 out. Last year right now I would probably be praying that we get something out of this, but this year we're hitting like .550 or something (seriously) with the bases loaded. And Feliz is hot.
He flies out to right, and Howard stays at 3rd. I guess the smart move is keeping him there, but the throw kind sucked and he definitely would have scored. Oh well.
Chris Coste comes up with his staggering .184 average. T Mac just mentioned he's 3 for his last 20 at the plate.
I don't know how many people saw Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox steal home the other night, but I'm really feeling Howard doing the same here.
Ohhhhhhhh man. Coste almost had a grand slam there but was just a few feet foul. That would've been huge.
He hit the ball well, but Zimmerman made a good play to save at least one run. Inning over, still tied at 1
8:00 Myers gets Dukes out pretty quickly.
Bean just texted me pointing out that it's weird to see Brett so skinny. I completely agree. He looks (physically) like he did back in his first 2 years in the league.
Another pretty quick out. 2 down
Jesus Flores is up. I recall him killing the Phillies once or twice in his day. I was definitely at a game where Jesus did anything but save the Phillies. (is that OK to say?)
Whew I thought he had a homer there, but 1-2-3 inning for Myers. Utley Howard Werth Ibanez should be at least 1 run every time. Let's do this
7:56 There was just a commercial here at Penn State for OIP (Original Italian Pizza). Zack lives right next to that place, and one of his roommates and another friend of mine has a pizza named after him there as of this week. So if you're in State College or plan on making a trip up here any time, head over to OIP on West College Ave and get the James Doyle Pizza. It has fried chicken and honey mustard. Might not be my first choice, but I will definitely try it soon.
I love watching Brett Myers bat. Unfortunately, he flies out on the first pitch here and there's 1 out real quick.
Jimmy has a solid at bat, but strikes out looking on the 10th pitch.
Cheese is on his way back home to watch the rest of the game. He was at the library writing a paper. I assume he had to go to the library because otherwise he'd be too distracted by the Phillies. After the game we are celebrating my 21 1/2 birthday. Half birthdays are arguably better than the real thing. Everyone has a real birthday, but some people don't have a half birthday. Anyone born on Halloween is out of luck. People born at the end of August are out of luck as well. My dad, whose real birthday is August 29th, only gets a half birthday every 4 years.
Sorry I rambled about that, Victorino got out
7:47 I always love when Milt Thompson gets interviewed during games. I don't know why but he just soothes me. Maybe that's a little gay, but whatever. It's the Phillies.
Brett Myers has now thrown like 6 pitches in this game for the first 7 outs after getting some random Nationals player to pop out to Feliz.
Great play by Werth trying to gun down Anderson Hernandez. I am honestly shocked that a ball got around Ryan Howard. Well done Werth, but Hernandez is in for a double.
Wheels just asked Milt if Chase Utley is becoming more of a pull hitter. Seriously? When has he EVER hit the ball the other way? Can anyone seriously remember a time?
Bean informed me last night that our win officially gave us a winning April. She just informed me now that every time we have had a winning record in April since 2008 we have won the World Series. And I actually think that's true since like 2004 or something at least. Something to think about folks.
After jinxing Myers' low pitch count, he took the pitcher to a full count and walked him. Runners on first and second 1 out. Guzman could provide a tough double play too.
RYAN HOWARD JUST MADE A THROW TO SECOND BASE! I cannot remember that ever happening. This was the true test, and I honestly think he should be given a Gold Glove right now. Wheels and T Mac are talking about how big of a deal this is too, so I guess I'm not even exaggerating. Not that I thought I was, but they seem pretty amped about that throw.
Chris Coste lets a ball go by easily, giving yet another reason to send him down to the minors. I don't want it to happen, but less and less am I seeing him sticking around. We'll see soon enough.
Ball 4 to Nick Johnson looked pretty close to me. Bases loaded now with 2 down. I really don't want Ryan Zimmerman up right now with his 16 or 17 game hit streak or whatever he has.
Myers' third walk of the inning ties the game at 1. They just showed he had 18 pitches in the first 2 innings and has 21 in the third inning.
Myers finally gets a call against Adam Dunn. It seems like he hasn't been getting anything close up to this point.
Someone hit a ball in the air to the outfield in this series and it didn't go over the fence. Ibanez puts Dunn away on a routine fly ball. On to the bottom of the 3rd inning tied at 1
7:32 Wheel of Fortune is coming on and I plan on having that on the other TV. Sorry if that ends up being too much of a distraction for me.
Werth started off this season real well, especially in that Colorado series. Since then he's been very quiet. A strike out here is really no surprise. I expect him to get going at some point, but we don't really need him to get going right now with the way everyone else is hitting.
Ibanez shows that he may or may not be human with an ugly strike out. 2 out
The Pirates just got swept by the Brewers today, and all is right with the world. The only run in that game was a home run by the Brewers' pitcher.
Feliz gets walked. At the beginning of last year, one thing I kept saying during Phillies games was that I was "really warming up to Feliz." Well I warmed up to him a lot quicker than most and I haven't looked back. Most still haven't warmed up to him, but the way I see it is we don't need him to hit well considering the rest of our lineup, and his glove is outstanding.
Chris Coste is up in what could be one of his last games. Giving a reason to keep Marson up and send Chris down, he has an ugly strike out. Olsen is dealing. Who is this guy? We used to kill him
7:24 Adam Dunn is up, and I'm glad we got out of the first inning and have him leading off because I basically expect a home run out of him at this point.
Our future Gold Glover at first takes care of a ground ball from Dunn, 1 down.
Wheels is talking about Myers getting ground ball outs and how that's good and all that stuff, and he mentioned the old Braves pitchers. I feel like Wheels mentions Braves pitching at every possible opportunity he could even invent.
Dukes gets a hit to centerfield which brings up Willingham. I was just about to say how I remember him dominating the Phillies in the past but Wheels stole my thunder. When Willingham was on the Marlins he would always seem to get big hits against us.
Dukes gets picked off, most likely because he's not good. 2 down.
Myers strikes out Willingham, and he is looking pretty darn good through 2 innings. If Brett Myers can get through the first 2 innings of a game without giving up a run, the other team is in trouble.
7:17 I'm making the decision to put my most recent posts up top so if you are refreshing along you don't have to scroll down each time.
My roommate Jack just pointed out that Wheels was describing Scott Olsen as a stereotypical left hander, and all he really described was a gangster. Something about his hat being a certain way and him talking trash and other crap like that. Weird. But you know what I always say: I like Wheels.
Jimmy grounds out as quickly as ever to continue sucking. 1 down on 2 pitches.
VICTORINO!! 10 game hit streak for Shane on a line drive home run. I can't say enough I really like the way he is swinging the bat. It would've been extra cool to lead off the game with that home run...
Chase struck out pretty quickly and you just don't see that very often.
I need Howard to get a hit tonight. I currently have a 5-game hit streak in MLB.com's Beat the Streak game and today I picked Howard. He is 11 for 24 lifetime against Olsen. I expect at least 1 bomb out of him tonight.
Not this time around. Howard didn't hit a home run, so historically we know that means he struck out.
End of the first, 1-0 Phils
7:10 So I decided I'm just going to type as I watch and post at each commercial break, whether that be the inning or a pitching change or whatever. 1 out on a Guzman groundout to Jimmy. Guzman had a 5 for 5 game against us earlier this year I believe. Yes, that was just confirmed by T Mac. Jimmy really had to hurry on that one. Nick Johnson with a single to get things started for the Nationals. Good to see Brett giving up base runners early, that way when someone hits a home run it's not a solo shot. Thanks for proving me wrong Brett. Zimmerman grounds into a double play and the inning is over. Let's get things started early this time Phils
7:02 We had a bit of a scare there. The game is not on Comcast but luckily it is on one of these random myphl17 or whatever channels. Starting Lineup: SS Rollins CF Victorino 2B Utley 1B Howard RF Werth LF Ibanez 3B Feliz C Coste P Myers Pretty standard. I'm really hoping Jimmy steps it up tonight and against the Mets this weekend, and if he doesn't, I'd love to see Shane leading off soon. Hit Jimmy down at 7 or something until he figures himself out. Move Pedro up because he's been hitting really well this season.
6:56 So I am going to be watching the game and updating this as I go along. I will udpate at least every half inning probably. I guess I have to keep editing this post and reposting it, so if you are following along you may have to keep refreshing the window. I don't really know how it works or how else to do it. Game starts pretty soon, I'm gonna finish my dinner
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Stupid Sixers and Stupid Ty Murray
I didn't get to watch the game tonight due to Sixers coverage once again. Hey! TNT! Step up to the plate, show some Sixers games, and tell Comcast they're not allowed. OK? See ya there
One comment on the actual game: Hamels needs to stop being a 7 year old girl.
The Phillies are awesome
Dad - I'm calling you tomorrow about Dancing With The Stars. Ty Murray does not deserve to be in the final 5.
Running diary of the game tomorrow so follow along with me! 7 pm. If you watch LOST on Wednesday nights, don't. Watch it online later. Jeremiah.
One comment on the actual game: Hamels needs to stop being a 7 year old girl.
The Phillies are awesome
Dad - I'm calling you tomorrow about Dancing With The Stars. Ty Murray does not deserve to be in the final 5.
Running diary of the game tomorrow so follow along with me! 7 pm. If you watch LOST on Wednesday nights, don't. Watch it online later. Jeremiah.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rauuuuuul!!
Sarge Says:
"ThAt'S bEcOmE hIs ThEmE sOnG aLmOsT . . . Ra-UuUuUl"
Holy shnikies!
I'll warn you, this one could be long
There are few things I love in this world more than texting people and having people call me during Phillies games. There is something that's real special to me about that. It's a little corny and maybe a little deep but I just love knowing that no matter where we are that this team truly brings us together. I was texting Bean throughout the game (as usual), Brianna texted me during the game, Jeremiah called me during the game, my dad called me after the grand slam, Cheese was watching in another room and came out while on the phone to give me a high five, and Steve and Aaron both texted me after the game. There is nothing like my Phillies family.
I wanna get this out of the way early so if my mom is reading and doesn't read the whole thing, she at least gets to read this. I love Jimmy wearing his pants pulled up and showing off those socks. There is no doubt in my mind that if I were in the majors, I would be wearing my socks high and proud. And I know my mother would love that
So Jeremiah called me after Scott Eyre fell apart and I told him, "I am equally as worried about this game right now as I would be if we had already won." Despite my confidence in this team, the pure elation is never lessened when we come through.
Being down 6-2 with Howard up and the bases loaded, I think most people said to themselves that he was gonna hit a grand slam, but I was excited that I actually said that one out loud to someone else.
People always talk about The Cit being a hitters park and everything. That was completely irrelevant tonight. Every one of those would have been gone in any ballpark in the country. The seven total home runs totaled 2,917 feet. That's over a half mile.
Our pitchers. Yikes. It's nice though that Scott Eyre can pitch that crappy in a game that we end up winning. He has had essentially a perfect season up until tonight, and he got about 6 bad outings out of the way in his 0 innings tonight. Although it backfired, I like that Charlie kept him in the game as long as he felt he could. Our bullpen is getting way too much work, and we need guys to get all the outs they can.
It's good to see Shane hitting the way he's been hitting over the past 4 or 5 games. He had one catch tonight going to right center that convinced me he's the fastest man alive. With those things being said, can we please have him lead off? Jimmy had 3 hits today and I can't complain about that, but look at the "double" that he hit in the 6th inning. No one out, men on 2nd and 3rd, down by 1. Someone who has been in the league for as long as Jimmy has should know how to just ground out to the right side there. Instead, J Roll popped out to the left side of the field, and got lucky because we were playing the Nationals.
Someone who would never mess that up is Chase Utley. Chase Utley is baseball. That's really all there is to it. The best example of that (other than the play in Game 5) is how often he gets hit by pitches. So many times I see people jump out of the way or kick their feet out in order to avoid getting hit, and I think to myself "Take one for the team." But then I think it is probably just a natural reaction to get out of the way of a 90 mph rock coming at you. And I know it is a natural reaction, but Chase Utley somehow manages to just stand in there and get hit as if it's what he is supposed to do. Bean texted me after that pointing out how he just "casually got nailed." It's so true. I've always said, if Chase Utley had it his way, he'd get hit twice every plate appearance.
I think Lou Marson looks pretty good, and we've been playing him an awful lot. That means a decision is going to be made in the next few days about his future. I would love to keep him up, I just don't really see us sending down Coste. I think we find out Wednesday or Thursday.
Ok so on to the man of the hour, Raul Ibanez.
I cannot believe how well he has handled being in Philadelphia. He was unpopular from the start because, after winning the World Series, just about everyone wanted Pat to stay (except you Kev). Whether that made sense or not in terms of actual baseball, it was just the way it was. Philly fans were waiting for Raul to mess one thing up so they could jump down his throat, but he has yet to falter. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Raul, and I am thrilled to have him playing for us every day. His interview after the game just shows how much of a class act he is and how much he truly loves being in Philadelphia. I thought it looked like he was getting a little emotional, but maybe he was just sweaty. The fans clearly love him, yelling Rauuul any time they notice he is still on the field it seems. I think the chant is a bit lame, but it's the thought that counts. As Sarge Said, the fans have "tAkEn To [him] LiKe...DuCkS oN tHe WaTeR!" Whether you think he looks like Voldemort, a zombie from I Am Legend, or male genitalia, I am just glad he is a Phillie. With that being said, Bean and I discussed the fact that he needs a nickname of some sort. I considered starting to call him NMR, standing for naked mole rat (because he looks like one of them too). It's a work in progress. Any Raul Ibanez nickname ideas are welcome. Until then I'm gonna try to force NMR until it flows, which I think it actually could. It is clear to me that the guy has not a single hair on his body other than the soul patch. So that's where these things are coming from, and any nickname ideas should probably somehow be related to that.
That's really long, but I hope you read it and enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed typing it. I think Wednesday night I'm going to do my first LIVE BLOG! So you can watch the game with me essentially. I'm excited about it.
And to close: I thought my hair today, although a bit greasy, looked fantastic. I was really happy and wanted to share that with you all.
"ThAt'S bEcOmE hIs ThEmE sOnG aLmOsT . . . Ra-UuUuUl"
Holy shnikies!
I'll warn you, this one could be long
There are few things I love in this world more than texting people and having people call me during Phillies games. There is something that's real special to me about that. It's a little corny and maybe a little deep but I just love knowing that no matter where we are that this team truly brings us together. I was texting Bean throughout the game (as usual), Brianna texted me during the game, Jeremiah called me during the game, my dad called me after the grand slam, Cheese was watching in another room and came out while on the phone to give me a high five, and Steve and Aaron both texted me after the game. There is nothing like my Phillies family.
I wanna get this out of the way early so if my mom is reading and doesn't read the whole thing, she at least gets to read this. I love Jimmy wearing his pants pulled up and showing off those socks. There is no doubt in my mind that if I were in the majors, I would be wearing my socks high and proud. And I know my mother would love that
So Jeremiah called me after Scott Eyre fell apart and I told him, "I am equally as worried about this game right now as I would be if we had already won." Despite my confidence in this team, the pure elation is never lessened when we come through.
Being down 6-2 with Howard up and the bases loaded, I think most people said to themselves that he was gonna hit a grand slam, but I was excited that I actually said that one out loud to someone else.
People always talk about The Cit being a hitters park and everything. That was completely irrelevant tonight. Every one of those would have been gone in any ballpark in the country. The seven total home runs totaled 2,917 feet. That's over a half mile.
Our pitchers. Yikes. It's nice though that Scott Eyre can pitch that crappy in a game that we end up winning. He has had essentially a perfect season up until tonight, and he got about 6 bad outings out of the way in his 0 innings tonight. Although it backfired, I like that Charlie kept him in the game as long as he felt he could. Our bullpen is getting way too much work, and we need guys to get all the outs they can.
It's good to see Shane hitting the way he's been hitting over the past 4 or 5 games. He had one catch tonight going to right center that convinced me he's the fastest man alive. With those things being said, can we please have him lead off? Jimmy had 3 hits today and I can't complain about that, but look at the "double" that he hit in the 6th inning. No one out, men on 2nd and 3rd, down by 1. Someone who has been in the league for as long as Jimmy has should know how to just ground out to the right side there. Instead, J Roll popped out to the left side of the field, and got lucky because we were playing the Nationals.
Someone who would never mess that up is Chase Utley. Chase Utley is baseball. That's really all there is to it. The best example of that (other than the play in Game 5) is how often he gets hit by pitches. So many times I see people jump out of the way or kick their feet out in order to avoid getting hit, and I think to myself "Take one for the team." But then I think it is probably just a natural reaction to get out of the way of a 90 mph rock coming at you. And I know it is a natural reaction, but Chase Utley somehow manages to just stand in there and get hit as if it's what he is supposed to do. Bean texted me after that pointing out how he just "casually got nailed." It's so true. I've always said, if Chase Utley had it his way, he'd get hit twice every plate appearance.
I think Lou Marson looks pretty good, and we've been playing him an awful lot. That means a decision is going to be made in the next few days about his future. I would love to keep him up, I just don't really see us sending down Coste. I think we find out Wednesday or Thursday.
Ok so on to the man of the hour, Raul Ibanez.
I cannot believe how well he has handled being in Philadelphia. He was unpopular from the start because, after winning the World Series, just about everyone wanted Pat to stay (except you Kev). Whether that made sense or not in terms of actual baseball, it was just the way it was. Philly fans were waiting for Raul to mess one thing up so they could jump down his throat, but he has yet to falter. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Raul, and I am thrilled to have him playing for us every day. His interview after the game just shows how much of a class act he is and how much he truly loves being in Philadelphia. I thought it looked like he was getting a little emotional, but maybe he was just sweaty. The fans clearly love him, yelling Rauuul any time they notice he is still on the field it seems. I think the chant is a bit lame, but it's the thought that counts. As Sarge Said, the fans have "tAkEn To [him] LiKe...DuCkS oN tHe WaTeR!" Whether you think he looks like Voldemort, a zombie from I Am Legend, or male genitalia, I am just glad he is a Phillie. With that being said, Bean and I discussed the fact that he needs a nickname of some sort. I considered starting to call him NMR, standing for naked mole rat (because he looks like one of them too). It's a work in progress. Any Raul Ibanez nickname ideas are welcome. Until then I'm gonna try to force NMR until it flows, which I think it actually could. It is clear to me that the guy has not a single hair on his body other than the soul patch. So that's where these things are coming from, and any nickname ideas should probably somehow be related to that.
That's really long, but I hope you read it and enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed typing it. I think Wednesday night I'm going to do my first LIVE BLOG! So you can watch the game with me essentially. I'm excited about it.
And to close: I thought my hair today, although a bit greasy, looked fantastic. I was really happy and wanted to share that with you all.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Half Awesome
I intentionally waited to update because I did not want to jinx my sweep prediction
So I was completely right about the outcome of the series, but I was completely wrong about how or why it happened. All that really matters is that we got the wins, but boy was I a moron.
Game 1:
Prediction: Myers pitches well, we rock Josh Johnson, win easily
Actual: Myers pitches well, Josh Johnson rocks us, a 7 run 9th inning gets us a win
Game 2:
Prediction: Park sucks, we rock Volstad, win by scoring 10-11 runs
Actual: Park pitched pretty well, Volstad pitched pretty well, we win by scoring 6 runs in 10 innings
Game 3:
Prediction: Moyer is awesome, their pitcher is awesome, we win a close one
Actual: Moyer is awesome, their pitchers SUCK, we blow them out 13-2
So I guess everything I predicted wasn't completely off, but it was in terms of the Marlins pitchers for sure. But I am not here to evaluate other teams so get over it. The bottom line is we are now 9-8 and it looks like we may be turning things around (just as I predicted). The Nationals are next, and I expect nothing less than a sweep. After that, we have the Mets. I don't like our pitchers against the Mets (right now it looks like Park, Moyer, Blanton), but they haven't been playing very well this season I don't think. They just lost to the Nationals 8-1 today, bringing their record to 8-10. Things are looking up for the Phils, and we should be very hot going into that series with New York.
I don't know if anyone else saw this today, but the Phillies coming into the game were hitting .538 with the bases loaded, and we were 3 for 4 today with the bases loaded. Holy crap. Clutch hitting from the Phillies? I'll take it. And that batting average obviously does not include all of the runs that we've had walked in this season. To my count, I think it's at or around 7 right now. I love it
So I was completely right about the outcome of the series, but I was completely wrong about how or why it happened. All that really matters is that we got the wins, but boy was I a moron.
Game 1:
Prediction: Myers pitches well, we rock Josh Johnson, win easily
Actual: Myers pitches well, Josh Johnson rocks us, a 7 run 9th inning gets us a win
Game 2:
Prediction: Park sucks, we rock Volstad, win by scoring 10-11 runs
Actual: Park pitched pretty well, Volstad pitched pretty well, we win by scoring 6 runs in 10 innings
Game 3:
Prediction: Moyer is awesome, their pitcher is awesome, we win a close one
Actual: Moyer is awesome, their pitchers SUCK, we blow them out 13-2
So I guess everything I predicted wasn't completely off, but it was in terms of the Marlins pitchers for sure. But I am not here to evaluate other teams so get over it. The bottom line is we are now 9-8 and it looks like we may be turning things around (just as I predicted). The Nationals are next, and I expect nothing less than a sweep. After that, we have the Mets. I don't like our pitchers against the Mets (right now it looks like Park, Moyer, Blanton), but they haven't been playing very well this season I don't think. They just lost to the Nationals 8-1 today, bringing their record to 8-10. Things are looking up for the Phils, and we should be very hot going into that series with New York.
I don't know if anyone else saw this today, but the Phillies coming into the game were hitting .538 with the bases loaded, and we were 3 for 4 today with the bases loaded. Holy crap. Clutch hitting from the Phillies? I'll take it. And that batting average obviously does not include all of the runs that we've had walked in this season. To my count, I think it's at or around 7 right now. I love it
Friday, April 24, 2009
Marlins Preview
Let me start out by saying I love our chances. It's time for us to start winning games, and this is an opportune time that I think we will take advantage of. You all know that I am pretty high on the Marlins this year, but definitely not in regards to matching up with the Phillies. Ramirez Uggla and Cantu are all bona fide starters on any Phillie Killer team. Ramirez fits that against any team I think, Uggla kills Brett Myers, and Cantu hit .366 with 6 home runs against the Phils last year. And their starters dominated us for the most part last year. With all of that being said, I still like our matchup. The Phillies always suck against young starters they are facing for the first time, which was basically every game against the Marlins last season. The Phillies do not struggle against pitchers they've seen before. Being the 2nd 3rd or 4th time around against these pitchers for most of our hitters, I couldn't be less worried about the bats. As for our pitching, I think it's about to take a turn for the better. I just have a feeling that they're going to step up soon, and this series is perfect. I think Myers has looked the best of any starter in terms of consistency this season, and I think he will only get better. He faces Josh Johnson, who we actually have had a lot of success against. Park is a question mark obviously, and he pitches against Volstad who I think we've faced twice with little success. That's perfect, we have him right where we want him, I think we light him up. The only starter we should worry about is Badenhop on Sunday, but that's nothing to worry about because Jamie's pitching for us. The Marlins are a young team who can hit the snot out of the ball, something that sucks really bad against Jamie Moyer. If I remember correctly, he won his first 11 career starts against the Marlins or something ridiculous before losing one last year (a game I attended with Aaron). I would say we win game 1 with ease. Game 2 will be a high scoring affair that we take, and game 3 will be the opposite and we'll win 3-1 or something. It should be a fun series and we'll be back over .500 before you know it.
The Marlins just got swept by the Pirates, too. And rarely does something actually mean the Pirates are good, so it must mean the Marlins are struggling.
The Marlins just got swept by the Pirates, too. And rarely does something actually mean the Pirates are good, so it must mean the Marlins are struggling.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Starters vs. Bullpens
You've probably noticed that I often mention the Phillies' succcess against opposing bullpens as compared to starters. Well I have been keeping track of this very success (or lack thereof) this season, and I think after Dave Bush took a no-hitter into the 8th against us, it would be an appropriate time to look at some of those stats.
Through 14 games:
The Phillies have faced opposing starters for 82 innings
They have faced relievers for 40 innings
Despite the fact that the starters have more than double the innings, we have scored the same amount of runs against both. 36 against starters, 36 against relievers.
11 of our 18 home runs have come against relievers this season.
Against starters, we are hitting just .226 and they have a combined 3.51 ERA against us.
Against relievers, we are hitting .306 and they have a combined 7.88 ERA against us.
I don't know what all of this means necessarily, and the only thing I have to compare it to is other teams against Phillies pitchers:
Starters: 76.2 IP, 108 H, 61 R, 61 ER, 21 BB, 65 K, 23 HR, 7.16 ERA, .320 AVG.
Bullpen: 47.1 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 26 ER, 23 BB, 42 K, 8 HR, 4.94 ERA, .211 AVG.
Once again, I really don't know what all of this means. It may not be a bad thing necessarily, but we are certainly put in a tough spot when our starters are giving up as many runs as they are and opposing starters are dominating our lineup. Yes, we are very good at coming from behind, but at some point that will probably come back to haunt us. Make of this what you will, but if you like baseball, you probably like stats, so you're welcome.
In other news, I didn't get to watch the game. Again. Saint Kevin Petzold was concerned that I had missed a few games, and yesterday he gave me his name and password for MLB.TV. Thanks again, Petz. Unfortunately, MLB.TV blacks games out if I'm in the viewing area. Seriously? Why would I have MLB.TV if I could watch a game on TV. Why would I do that? What kind of sick freak would prefer to watch a game on a slight delay on a computer over completely live on television? If anyone can answer this, please do. So I still didn't get to watch the game last night due to the Sixers game, and I didn't watch today because of class. I know, I'm just as disappointed as everyone else that I went to class rather than watching the game, but it just had to be done. And kudos to Cheese - he texted me during class with an update from the game. Bean also texted me a few updates and I don't want her efforts to go unnoticed.
I'm going to end this post here, but look for a Marlins series preview tomorrow afternoon. This weekend is Blue White weekend, so I may be on a bit of a delay after tomorrow afternoon.
Through 14 games:
The Phillies have faced opposing starters for 82 innings
They have faced relievers for 40 innings
Despite the fact that the starters have more than double the innings, we have scored the same amount of runs against both. 36 against starters, 36 against relievers.
11 of our 18 home runs have come against relievers this season.
Against starters, we are hitting just .226 and they have a combined 3.51 ERA against us.
Against relievers, we are hitting .306 and they have a combined 7.88 ERA against us.
I don't know what all of this means necessarily, and the only thing I have to compare it to is other teams against Phillies pitchers:
Starters: 76.2 IP, 108 H, 61 R, 61 ER, 21 BB, 65 K, 23 HR, 7.16 ERA, .320 AVG.
Bullpen: 47.1 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 26 ER, 23 BB, 42 K, 8 HR, 4.94 ERA, .211 AVG.
Once again, I really don't know what all of this means. It may not be a bad thing necessarily, but we are certainly put in a tough spot when our starters are giving up as many runs as they are and opposing starters are dominating our lineup. Yes, we are very good at coming from behind, but at some point that will probably come back to haunt us. Make of this what you will, but if you like baseball, you probably like stats, so you're welcome.
In other news, I didn't get to watch the game. Again. Saint Kevin Petzold was concerned that I had missed a few games, and yesterday he gave me his name and password for MLB.TV. Thanks again, Petz. Unfortunately, MLB.TV blacks games out if I'm in the viewing area. Seriously? Why would I have MLB.TV if I could watch a game on TV. Why would I do that? What kind of sick freak would prefer to watch a game on a slight delay on a computer over completely live on television? If anyone can answer this, please do. So I still didn't get to watch the game last night due to the Sixers game, and I didn't watch today because of class. I know, I'm just as disappointed as everyone else that I went to class rather than watching the game, but it just had to be done. And kudos to Cheese - he texted me during class with an update from the game. Bean also texted me a few updates and I don't want her efforts to go unnoticed.
I'm going to end this post here, but look for a Marlins series preview tomorrow afternoon. This weekend is Blue White weekend, so I may be on a bit of a delay after tomorrow afternoon.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
All-Star Voting!
All-Star ballots came out today or something so naturally I already have my 25 votes in. I decide to not even pretend to think about who I'm going to vote for.
In the AL, I vote for all former Phillies even if I hated them while they were here (that's you Rod Barajas). Oh yeah and Ken Griffey Jr because he's the greatest person. End of sentence.
In the NL, I obviously vote for all Phillies.
This year, my ballot looks like this:
Position / AL / NL
1B / Russell Branyon / Ryan Howard
2B / Placido Polanco / Chase Utley
3B / Scott Rolen / Pedro Feliz
SS / Nick Punto / Jimmy Rollins
C / Rod Barajas / Chris Coste (I wrote him in because Ruiz is hurt)
OF / Bobby Abreu / Raul Ibanez
OF / Pat Burrell / Shane Victorino
OF / Ken Griffey Jr. / Jayson Werth
If nothing else, I really want Pat in there. He deserved it last year and got screwed. Brian and I at work figured out that we voted for Pat in the Final Vote thing over 1,000 times between the two of us. Seriously. So I don't think it's asking too much of anyone to get there 25 votes in for our boys this year. Voting doesn't close until July 2, so if nothing else just vote like once every other day or something. Vote here: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009/ballot_reg.html
Remember this year it counts! (extreme sarcasm)
But seriously, we do want to get home field advantage this season because the World Series is scheduled to start on October 28th. This means Game 2 will be on my birthday, and I am planning on making it a tradition to see the Phillies play at home on my birthday in the World Series every year. Go NL!
In the AL, I vote for all former Phillies even if I hated them while they were here (that's you Rod Barajas). Oh yeah and Ken Griffey Jr because he's the greatest person. End of sentence.
In the NL, I obviously vote for all Phillies.
This year, my ballot looks like this:
Position / AL / NL
1B / Russell Branyon / Ryan Howard
2B / Placido Polanco / Chase Utley
3B / Scott Rolen / Pedro Feliz
SS / Nick Punto / Jimmy Rollins
C / Rod Barajas / Chris Coste (I wrote him in because Ruiz is hurt)
OF / Bobby Abreu / Raul Ibanez
OF / Pat Burrell / Shane Victorino
OF / Ken Griffey Jr. / Jayson Werth
If nothing else, I really want Pat in there. He deserved it last year and got screwed. Brian and I at work figured out that we voted for Pat in the Final Vote thing over 1,000 times between the two of us. Seriously. So I don't think it's asking too much of anyone to get there 25 votes in for our boys this year. Voting doesn't close until July 2, so if nothing else just vote like once every other day or something. Vote here: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009/ballot_reg.html
Remember this year it counts! (extreme sarcasm)
But seriously, we do want to get home field advantage this season because the World Series is scheduled to start on October 28th. This means Game 2 will be on my birthday, and I am planning on making it a tradition to see the Phillies play at home on my birthday in the World Series every year. Go NL!
Quick Cheese Update
I don't have much to talk about today. I didn't get to watch the game last night because the Flyers were on 3 channels and the Phils got no love. Not that Flyers playoff hockey isn't exciting, but when you have 3 TVs in your living room it's a bit of a waste to only have one game on when there is a possibility for multiple. From the looks of the box score though, it looks like our bats continued going and were actually better than normal. It's good to see Rollins and Victorino having multi-hit games. As good as we've been offensively, our 1 and 2 hitters having the 2 worst averages on the team has hindered the progress a little. If they can get going, it really won't matter how much the pitching sucks.
But in other news, by popular demand, I will give an update on Cheese (and by popular demand I am referring to Kelsey mentioning it). There's really not much to say because I have even been a crappy fan this season it seems. Of our 12 games I have only really been able to sit down and watch 6 of them, so I can't really expect much more out of Cheese. I have noticed a few instances where he has been lacking, like missing Ibanez's walk-off home run to play video games. But there have been other cases where he's watched parts of games alone, so that's impressive. The biggest news is his recent downloading of the MLB 2K9 demo for XBox 360. He was playing yesterday with the Phillies (and winning) and told me that it was his way of getting to know the players better or something like that. It's been tough with school work and everything for us to be able to really get into the games. But he has a test tonight at 6 and will definitely be done by the time the game is on. So hopefully we can sit down and have a beer and watch the game. Because if he does work after a test I'll kill him.
But in other news, by popular demand, I will give an update on Cheese (and by popular demand I am referring to Kelsey mentioning it). There's really not much to say because I have even been a crappy fan this season it seems. Of our 12 games I have only really been able to sit down and watch 6 of them, so I can't really expect much more out of Cheese. I have noticed a few instances where he has been lacking, like missing Ibanez's walk-off home run to play video games. But there have been other cases where he's watched parts of games alone, so that's impressive. The biggest news is his recent downloading of the MLB 2K9 demo for XBox 360. He was playing yesterday with the Phillies (and winning) and told me that it was his way of getting to know the players better or something like that. It's been tough with school work and everything for us to be able to really get into the games. But he has a test tonight at 6 and will definitely be done by the time the game is on. So hopefully we can sit down and have a beer and watch the game. Because if he does work after a test I'll kill him.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Is it just me...
...or has Gary Matthews actually gotten better? I still can't stand the guy's voice, and his random inflection will cause me to type any quote of his lIkE tHiS, but I have yet to really laugh or yell at anything he has said this year. I haven't been able to watch every game, but it has been a pleasant surprise in the games I have watched
...or has Tom McCarthy gotten worse? It couldn't have been more than about a week or a week and a half ago that I texted Matt and said that T-Mac was getting better. I must have jinxed him because he just isn't very good at all. I know that things in the booth might be a little off right now, so I shouldn't come down too hard on anyone, but I don't think there is any excuse to confuse the Padres left fielder for their catcher multiple times or to call Shane Victorino Jimmy Rollins without ever noticing or correcting yourself
...or is Ryan Howard on track to win a Gold Glove? He must have seen Shane's and Jimmy's and gotten jealous or something. His defense has been spectacular so far. With that being said, I still haven't seen him try to throw someone out at 2nd by throwing the ball directly to our leftfielder
...or is Lou Marson taking someone's job? Yes, this is a little early to say anything even remotely close to that seeing as he has all of 6 at bats. But he has 3 hits in those 6 at bats and he isn't messing anything up behind the plate. The problem is we don't have anyone to get rid of. Ruiz is clearly a major league catcher, and I don't think Chris Coste should ever be sent down to the minors again. Marson will be back down there when Carlos is back unless he continues hitting .500 and being solid behind the plate, but it'll be fun for the next week or whatever we have left with him
...or should all of our pitchers be sent down to the minors? Brett Myers has the best ERA of our starters at 5.03. And he has given up 7 home runs. If it worked for him last year, let's take a week or two where we send all of our starters down and call up some of my boys from the minor leagues. Kendrick and Carrasco and a few bullpen starts should be able to get us through those games in decent shape. And you know the players would hit better than ever knowing that they had to. This obviously isn't a real idea, but something needs to change with every one of our pitchers right now. Not even our bullpen can get the job done lately
...or was I completely right about the Marlins? Well maybe not yet, because they've played the Nationals (or, according to their jerseys yesterday, the Natinals) about 15 times in their 11 wins. The last 3 wins all came at the very end of the game against the Nats, but this is still baseball and they have still only lost once. They're currently losing 2-0 against the Pirates in the 4th inning. I guess we can put them down for 12-1
...or is Ibanez an upgrade? I know that many Phillie fans will have a hard time admitting this, but come on. He's hitting .386 and is on pace to hit 74 home runs. And we all know how much that means after 11 games. But seriously, he's been easily one of our best if not our best offensive weapon. He showed to be a little shaky in the field yesterday, but he clearly made up for that. I would give anything to still have Burrell on the team of course. But I think I would give anything with the exception of Ibanez
...or do people constantly make Uncle Charlie look like a genius? Jimmy Rollins clearly needed a day off to figure out what the heck his problem is. Charlie gave him that day off, but then decided to pinch hit with him. He hasn't been able to do a thing offensively this season, but wouldn't you know, he comes up and hits a home run to pull us within 1 run. This happened countless times last season, and since we won the World Series I guess I just can't do anything but laugh and applaud the decision. Even if it sucked on paper
...or is Chase Utley hitting with a little more power than we're used to? Once again, it is early in the season, but balls seem to be flying off his bat over the right field wall. He has shown this kind of power before, hitting 25 homers before the All-Star break last season, but he always seems to even out with around 30 home runs. Are we looking at 40 this season?
...or do we need another outfielder? I said it at the beginning of the season and I still believe it. Stairs has one hit this year. It's a big hit, and he's an intimidating guy to have as a pinch hitter, but on a day like Sunday where we give Werth a day off, I would much rather have someone semi-consistent at the plate and in the field. Jenkins still hasn't found a home. We're paying him, let's just bring him back. Or call someone up. Or something. Please.
...or is Ryan Howard looking at another MVP season? I already mentioned his defense, which, if it had been there last season, he very well could have and maybe should have won MVP. He always seems to get off to a slow start though, and if this is a slow start, I'm excited to see what the coming months have in store. Hits seem to be falling in for him whether they are actually well hit balls or not, and that is so much of what being a good hitter ends up being about - luck. It's also nice to see him hit ground balls up the middle and avoid the shift. If things keep going the way they're going and the Phils start winning some games, the MVP will be his for the taking. That is, if he can beat out Ibanez and Utley
...or is it a miracle that we have the record that we do? Staying around .500 with the pitching that we have is fantastic. Hopefully we can hold on long enough for the pitchers to start pitching actual games, not batting practice
Well, that's all I have for today. Another game postponed. That's probably a good thing, I have a 15-20 page paper to finish...
...or has Tom McCarthy gotten worse? It couldn't have been more than about a week or a week and a half ago that I texted Matt and said that T-Mac was getting better. I must have jinxed him because he just isn't very good at all. I know that things in the booth might be a little off right now, so I shouldn't come down too hard on anyone, but I don't think there is any excuse to confuse the Padres left fielder for their catcher multiple times or to call Shane Victorino Jimmy Rollins without ever noticing or correcting yourself
...or is Ryan Howard on track to win a Gold Glove? He must have seen Shane's and Jimmy's and gotten jealous or something. His defense has been spectacular so far. With that being said, I still haven't seen him try to throw someone out at 2nd by throwing the ball directly to our leftfielder
...or is Lou Marson taking someone's job? Yes, this is a little early to say anything even remotely close to that seeing as he has all of 6 at bats. But he has 3 hits in those 6 at bats and he isn't messing anything up behind the plate. The problem is we don't have anyone to get rid of. Ruiz is clearly a major league catcher, and I don't think Chris Coste should ever be sent down to the minors again. Marson will be back down there when Carlos is back unless he continues hitting .500 and being solid behind the plate, but it'll be fun for the next week or whatever we have left with him
...or should all of our pitchers be sent down to the minors? Brett Myers has the best ERA of our starters at 5.03. And he has given up 7 home runs. If it worked for him last year, let's take a week or two where we send all of our starters down and call up some of my boys from the minor leagues. Kendrick and Carrasco and a few bullpen starts should be able to get us through those games in decent shape. And you know the players would hit better than ever knowing that they had to. This obviously isn't a real idea, but something needs to change with every one of our pitchers right now. Not even our bullpen can get the job done lately
...or was I completely right about the Marlins? Well maybe not yet, because they've played the Nationals (or, according to their jerseys yesterday, the Natinals) about 15 times in their 11 wins. The last 3 wins all came at the very end of the game against the Nats, but this is still baseball and they have still only lost once. They're currently losing 2-0 against the Pirates in the 4th inning. I guess we can put them down for 12-1
...or is Ibanez an upgrade? I know that many Phillie fans will have a hard time admitting this, but come on. He's hitting .386 and is on pace to hit 74 home runs. And we all know how much that means after 11 games. But seriously, he's been easily one of our best if not our best offensive weapon. He showed to be a little shaky in the field yesterday, but he clearly made up for that. I would give anything to still have Burrell on the team of course. But I think I would give anything with the exception of Ibanez
...or do people constantly make Uncle Charlie look like a genius? Jimmy Rollins clearly needed a day off to figure out what the heck his problem is. Charlie gave him that day off, but then decided to pinch hit with him. He hasn't been able to do a thing offensively this season, but wouldn't you know, he comes up and hits a home run to pull us within 1 run. This happened countless times last season, and since we won the World Series I guess I just can't do anything but laugh and applaud the decision. Even if it sucked on paper
...or is Chase Utley hitting with a little more power than we're used to? Once again, it is early in the season, but balls seem to be flying off his bat over the right field wall. He has shown this kind of power before, hitting 25 homers before the All-Star break last season, but he always seems to even out with around 30 home runs. Are we looking at 40 this season?
...or do we need another outfielder? I said it at the beginning of the season and I still believe it. Stairs has one hit this year. It's a big hit, and he's an intimidating guy to have as a pinch hitter, but on a day like Sunday where we give Werth a day off, I would much rather have someone semi-consistent at the plate and in the field. Jenkins still hasn't found a home. We're paying him, let's just bring him back. Or call someone up. Or something. Please.
...or is Ryan Howard looking at another MVP season? I already mentioned his defense, which, if it had been there last season, he very well could have and maybe should have won MVP. He always seems to get off to a slow start though, and if this is a slow start, I'm excited to see what the coming months have in store. Hits seem to be falling in for him whether they are actually well hit balls or not, and that is so much of what being a good hitter ends up being about - luck. It's also nice to see him hit ground balls up the middle and avoid the shift. If things keep going the way they're going and the Phils start winning some games, the MVP will be his for the taking. That is, if he can beat out Ibanez and Utley
...or is it a miracle that we have the record that we do? Staying around .500 with the pitching that we have is fantastic. Hopefully we can hold on long enough for the pitchers to start pitching actual games, not batting practice
Well, that's all I have for today. Another game postponed. That's probably a good thing, I have a 15-20 page paper to finish...
Sunday, April 19, 2009
It's more fun this way
The Phils win their 5th game and its their 5th come from behind victory. Five was a big number today I guess as Ibanez hit his 5th home run to give us a 5-4 win. Chan Ho Park struggled a little bit again, but not nearly as much as last time. Happ pitched very well in relief of Park, but I still think it is too soon to make any judgments on changing our 5th starter. It's nice to get a win against the Padres who are surprisingly looking very good in the first 11 games of the season. Let's hope we can even up the series tomorrow.
This wasn't the prettiest game we've ever played. After hearing that our pitchers are on pace to give up more than 400 homers this year, I realized that it is getting pretty old expecting every hit the other team gets to go over the fence. Our pitching staff was one of the best in the league last season, but they've looked terrible thus far. I don't know what the answer is to that, but hopefully they can figure it out very soon. April is not historically a very important month for the Phillies by any stretch of the imagination, so staying around .500 is acceptable; however, I don't really want to settle for an attitude like that. Today was tough because I don't think this Phillies team has ever really fared well against a pitcher they've never seen before. That Geer character could end up being fantastic or horrendous, but either way I didn't expect much out of the Phillies against him. It was frustrating how low we were keeping his pitch count considering all of this, but we ended up doing what we do best: got to the bullpen and won the game. As fun as it would be to jump out to an early lead and hold onto it every once in awhile, there's nothing like a late inning rally or a walk off win. As long as we're winning, we might as well make it more fun. And more painful for the other team.
This wasn't the prettiest game we've ever played. After hearing that our pitchers are on pace to give up more than 400 homers this year, I realized that it is getting pretty old expecting every hit the other team gets to go over the fence. Our pitching staff was one of the best in the league last season, but they've looked terrible thus far. I don't know what the answer is to that, but hopefully they can figure it out very soon. April is not historically a very important month for the Phillies by any stretch of the imagination, so staying around .500 is acceptable; however, I don't really want to settle for an attitude like that. Today was tough because I don't think this Phillies team has ever really fared well against a pitcher they've never seen before. That Geer character could end up being fantastic or horrendous, but either way I didn't expect much out of the Phillies against him. It was frustrating how low we were keeping his pitch count considering all of this, but we ended up doing what we do best: got to the bullpen and won the game. As fun as it would be to jump out to an early lead and hold onto it every once in awhile, there's nothing like a late inning rally or a walk off win. As long as we're winning, we might as well make it more fun. And more painful for the other team.
Insight from Ireland
After the game last night, Kevin Petzold sent me a facebook message pointing out that the Phillies seemed a little out of it last night. He suggested that they may have been mentally lost with yesterday being the viewing in the stadium and everything. I think Petz hit the nail on the head, which is impressive considering he is studying abroad in Ireland and I don't even know if he could watch the game. Yes, Brad Lidge did blow his first save as a Phillie, but it is hard to blame anyone for this loss or really any loss over the past few days. There has been so much going on surrounding the passing of Harry that I find it hard to imagine that the players can be fully focused on playing baseball. And you cannot really blame them for that. I think now that the ceremonies are fully over, we can look for the Phils to be getting back into baseball mode.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Oh well... It's baseball
Something I find interesting about baseball is it seems that every team is going to win 60 games and lose 60 games. It's the 42 other games that make the difference. That was shown last night as the Phils got trounced by the winless Nationals. I had a feeling this would happen because the Nationals need to get their 60 wins somehow even if the other 42 are losses. I think it is unique to baseball that good teams will get beaten by bad teams all the time. So many factors decide a baseball game and if some of them aren't clicking for one team or are clicking for another, that will decide the game. Usually, the right factors will be in favor of the better team. But on nights like last night, things just work out for the worse team. If you're a big football fan, this can be very tough to deal with. If you're a college sports fan, this can be even tougher to deal with. It is hard for me to go from college football and basketball into baseball season and get in that right mindset. Although I'm not happy about the loss last night, it'll help me prepare for a long season of losing to teams we should beat. The good news is, we'll still win much more than we lose to them.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Postponed
The game for tonight has been postponed without a makeup date scheduled yet.
In response to Kev's comment on my last post, I'm gonna take some of his advice.
I'm sure most of you have been thinking a lot about Harry over the past few days, so I would encourage you to share some of your thoughts by commenting on this post. Kev suggested giving your favorite call from Harry. That works, or whatever you want to do.
For me personally, I don't remember specific calls all that well. My favorite memory, though, has to be from back in 2002 when Harry was honored before a game for being inducted into the Hall of Fame. I went to that game with I think about 14 or 15 other people, including Kevin Weikel himself, the biggest Harry Kalas fan I've ever met. It was very special to be there and especially to share that with Kev. I still have the bobblehead to prove that I was there!
And obviously, I loved any time Harry said, "Chase Utley you are the man!"
Monday, April 13, 2009
Win One for Harry
The Phillies rose to above .500 in beating the Nationals 9-8 today. It was a crazy game, and I don't think anyone should be surprised that the Nationals are now 0-7. They had 4 errors and overall were laughable defensively. I could say a lot about the game but I don't think the game is what anyone is really interested in.
It was a tough game to watch and a very different game to watch. Not having Harry call the game is just weird. Like I said earlier, I just don't really know what to say. As hard and different as it was though, it was very pleasant seeing old clips, hearing old calls, and listening to friends talk about how great of a guy Harry was. I have a whole new respect for Franzke, LA, Wheels, Sarge, and T Mac for getting through the game today in the way they did. It was very nice listening to T Mac and Wheels especially talking about Harry because they were more happy to recall the memories than anything else. Wheels actually does a pretty good impression of Harry. I really don't have much else to say. I don't know what else to say. Harry, we'll miss you. Thanks
It was a tough game to watch and a very different game to watch. Not having Harry call the game is just weird. Like I said earlier, I just don't really know what to say. As hard and different as it was though, it was very pleasant seeing old clips, hearing old calls, and listening to friends talk about how great of a guy Harry was. I have a whole new respect for Franzke, LA, Wheels, Sarge, and T Mac for getting through the game today in the way they did. It was very nice listening to T Mac and Wheels especially talking about Harry because they were more happy to recall the memories than anything else. Wheels actually does a pretty good impression of Harry. I really don't have much else to say. I don't know what else to say. Harry, we'll miss you. Thanks
RIP Harry Kalas
So I think the news just broke that Harry Kalas passed away. Apparently he passed out in the booth in Washington today around 12:30 and died around 1:20 I heard. I don't even know what to say about this right now. The game starts in about a half hour and I have no idea how I'm even going to watch it. I really don't know how Sarge T-Mac and Wheels are going to get through the game. I am seriously wondering how they are going to play the game today. I've already gotten texts from about 10 different people since it broke about 15 minutes ago. It's a very sad day for Philadelphia and really for the entire sports world. It makes it all that much better that we were able to win the World Series last season and he got to call it. I really don't know what to say or do right now, so I'll leave you with this
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810303654497&c_id=phi
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200810303654497&c_id=phi
Sunday, April 12, 2009
.500
After losing the first in Colorado, we won the series by winning 2 in a row and improving to 3-3 on the season. Matt Stairs came through in the clutch with a pinch hit 2 run home run in the top of the 9th to give us a 2 run lead and set the stage for Lidge to get his 46th straight save. Once again, bullpens were no match for the Phillies on both nights. Saturday night I watched at the Werkheiser residence with my younger siblings Brady Haley and Ben. Today I listened to most of the game on the radio with Aaron on our way back to Penn State.
I love how well Utley and Werth have been hitting the ball. Usually, Jimmy Rollins is what makes our offense go. Despite how horrible he has been at the plate this season, we are still managing to score some runs. It's nice to see Pedro Feliz picking up some of that slack. I love his glove at third, and I honestly don't expect more than about a .260 average out of him and 15-20 home runs this season, but in the meantime it is nice to have him hitting .368 to start the season - especially coming off an injury.
As much as I love Carlos Ruiz, I am actually excited to see him on the 15-day DL. I am eager to see what Lou Marson has to offer. He is only 22 years old, so no matter how well or not so well he does, it will be good for him to get a little big league experience in the next 2 weeks.
Listening to games on the radio is one of my favorite things to do. I don't think there is a station here at Penn State that actually has games, which sucks big time. There is something about listening to Scott Franzke and Larry Anderson. It has a much looser feel to it. They seem like really good friends that are constantly joking around with one another while a baseball game happens to be going on. And they know what they're talking about.
Chan Ho Park failed horribly in his first start as a Phillie. 96 pitches in 3 1/3 is not coming anywhere close to getting the job done. It would've been fun, funny, and cruel to see JA Happ come on in relief and put the Rockies away for a few innings. Hopefully he steps his game up in his next start. Coors Field can be tough obviously, but I'm pretty sure that thin air shouldn't have an effect on the ball while it's getting to home plate. No matter where you're pitching, you should be able to get some pitches over the plate.
Here's something interesting I found on SI.com thanks to a friend of mine. Raul Ibanez has been an every day player for the past 7 seasons (42 months). In that time, he has hit less than .250 in only 8 of those months. Pat Burrell his less than .250 in 22 months over the past 9 seasons. I'm not trying to knock on Pat, but a big problem for the Phillies over the years has been consistency, and it looks like Ibanez doesn't really struggle in that area. (That being said, Pat Burrell is Philadelphia, and I would take him over Ibanez any day. But this is part of the silver lining)
It's nice to see the offense producing not just from home runs. That has been a big "problem" for the Phillies over the years as well. Most of our runs this season have been manufactured rather than a bunch of solo shots. I never really cared about all that because runs are runs, but it is nice to score and still have more people in scoring position.
In our 3 wins, we've scored 27 runs. In our 3 losses, we've scored 4. I realize we will score more runs in wins than losses, but that disparity is a little much. Our pitchers haven't been spectacular or anything, but we could give them a little more run support than that.
Traveling to Washington tomorrow for an afternoon game. The Nationals are 0-6, so expect us to lose at least one of these games because that's just how baseball works. They got swept by the Marlins and Braves so far.
Speaking of the NL East, I hope it isn't too late to give some predictions. The Marlins and Braves are both 5-1, Phils and Mets are 3-3, and the Nats are 0-6. I would've said this preseason, but I'm an idiot and didn't get it in writing: I think the Marlins are our biggest threat this season. The Nationals are the Nationals, and the Mets are the Mets, so those teams are not worth discussing. The Braves still have bullpen issues and, frankly, they just don't impress me all that much right now. I'm sure the Marlins have holes, but I don't know enough about their team to tell you what they are. I just know their starting pitching tore us up last season even more so than other teams, and Hanley Ramirez is the best all around player in baseball with the possible exception of Chase Utley, and that's most likely just my bias speaking. I think Jeremy Hermida will be an All Star sooner rather than later. All of those starting pitchers are 26 or younger, which doesn't necessarily say much about this season, but they all got experience last year and can be dangerous. Cameron Maybin should be in the running for Rookie of the Year, plus he has a nasty name. And the more they can keep Wes Helms off the field, the better off they'll be. Every year they hang around for no reason at all with barely any good players, but this year it looks like they actually have a legitimate team. Which obviously means all of those players will be gone next year.
And for those who like completely meaningless trends, check out every 6 years for the Marlins:
1991: Inaugural season
1997: World Series title
2003: World Series title
2009: ???
If, by some freak accident, the Phillies don't repeat, and, by some even bigger freak accident, the Phillies don't win the NL again, the Marlins are my pick.
These picks have nothing to do with them taking 2 out of 3 from the Mets this weekend. Seriously.
Okay that was a little long probably, but it's all for today. Happy Easter. What up Jesus
I love how well Utley and Werth have been hitting the ball. Usually, Jimmy Rollins is what makes our offense go. Despite how horrible he has been at the plate this season, we are still managing to score some runs. It's nice to see Pedro Feliz picking up some of that slack. I love his glove at third, and I honestly don't expect more than about a .260 average out of him and 15-20 home runs this season, but in the meantime it is nice to have him hitting .368 to start the season - especially coming off an injury.
As much as I love Carlos Ruiz, I am actually excited to see him on the 15-day DL. I am eager to see what Lou Marson has to offer. He is only 22 years old, so no matter how well or not so well he does, it will be good for him to get a little big league experience in the next 2 weeks.
Listening to games on the radio is one of my favorite things to do. I don't think there is a station here at Penn State that actually has games, which sucks big time. There is something about listening to Scott Franzke and Larry Anderson. It has a much looser feel to it. They seem like really good friends that are constantly joking around with one another while a baseball game happens to be going on. And they know what they're talking about.
Chan Ho Park failed horribly in his first start as a Phillie. 96 pitches in 3 1/3 is not coming anywhere close to getting the job done. It would've been fun, funny, and cruel to see JA Happ come on in relief and put the Rockies away for a few innings. Hopefully he steps his game up in his next start. Coors Field can be tough obviously, but I'm pretty sure that thin air shouldn't have an effect on the ball while it's getting to home plate. No matter where you're pitching, you should be able to get some pitches over the plate.
Here's something interesting I found on SI.com thanks to a friend of mine. Raul Ibanez has been an every day player for the past 7 seasons (42 months). In that time, he has hit less than .250 in only 8 of those months. Pat Burrell his less than .250 in 22 months over the past 9 seasons. I'm not trying to knock on Pat, but a big problem for the Phillies over the years has been consistency, and it looks like Ibanez doesn't really struggle in that area. (That being said, Pat Burrell is Philadelphia, and I would take him over Ibanez any day. But this is part of the silver lining)
It's nice to see the offense producing not just from home runs. That has been a big "problem" for the Phillies over the years as well. Most of our runs this season have been manufactured rather than a bunch of solo shots. I never really cared about all that because runs are runs, but it is nice to score and still have more people in scoring position.
In our 3 wins, we've scored 27 runs. In our 3 losses, we've scored 4. I realize we will score more runs in wins than losses, but that disparity is a little much. Our pitchers haven't been spectacular or anything, but we could give them a little more run support than that.
Traveling to Washington tomorrow for an afternoon game. The Nationals are 0-6, so expect us to lose at least one of these games because that's just how baseball works. They got swept by the Marlins and Braves so far.
Speaking of the NL East, I hope it isn't too late to give some predictions. The Marlins and Braves are both 5-1, Phils and Mets are 3-3, and the Nats are 0-6. I would've said this preseason, but I'm an idiot and didn't get it in writing: I think the Marlins are our biggest threat this season. The Nationals are the Nationals, and the Mets are the Mets, so those teams are not worth discussing. The Braves still have bullpen issues and, frankly, they just don't impress me all that much right now. I'm sure the Marlins have holes, but I don't know enough about their team to tell you what they are. I just know their starting pitching tore us up last season even more so than other teams, and Hanley Ramirez is the best all around player in baseball with the possible exception of Chase Utley, and that's most likely just my bias speaking. I think Jeremy Hermida will be an All Star sooner rather than later. All of those starting pitchers are 26 or younger, which doesn't necessarily say much about this season, but they all got experience last year and can be dangerous. Cameron Maybin should be in the running for Rookie of the Year, plus he has a nasty name. And the more they can keep Wes Helms off the field, the better off they'll be. Every year they hang around for no reason at all with barely any good players, but this year it looks like they actually have a legitimate team. Which obviously means all of those players will be gone next year.
And for those who like completely meaningless trends, check out every 6 years for the Marlins:
1991: Inaugural season
1997: World Series title
2003: World Series title
2009: ???
If, by some freak accident, the Phillies don't repeat, and, by some even bigger freak accident, the Phillies don't win the NL again, the Marlins are my pick.
These picks have nothing to do with them taking 2 out of 3 from the Mets this weekend. Seriously.
Okay that was a little long probably, but it's all for today. Happy Easter. What up Jesus
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter weekend
So I missed the game yesterday due to my trip home from Penn State for the weekend. Aaron and I listened to the game on the radio, but I don't know how much we actually paid attention considering the score was 7-2 when we tuned in. Hamels apparently got roughed up and Rockies' pitchers are better hitters than any Phillies players (aside from Jayson Werth). Things aren't looking up right now for the Phils, but when have they ever been looking up in April?
Tonight's game is a favorable match up for us. Myers has never lost to the Rockies, and Jorge De La Rosa is the guy we beat 20-5 on Memorial Day last year in a game that I attended (shoutout to Matt Brown and Jeremiah. This was Jeremiah's first ever Phillies game). I expect good things tonight, and I hope Chan Ho Park can stay in his Spring Training form tomorrow afternoon. Either way, I don't think I'll be updating very much this weekend since I am home for the Easter holiday and have some other things going on. I hope you've survived the past few days without me. Look for more Sunday night or Monday. I plan on doing my first running diary/live blog of a game sometime soon. I'll let you know when for sure, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Have a happy Easter! Go Jesus!
Tonight's game is a favorable match up for us. Myers has never lost to the Rockies, and Jorge De La Rosa is the guy we beat 20-5 on Memorial Day last year in a game that I attended (shoutout to Matt Brown and Jeremiah. This was Jeremiah's first ever Phillies game). I expect good things tonight, and I hope Chan Ho Park can stay in his Spring Training form tomorrow afternoon. Either way, I don't think I'll be updating very much this weekend since I am home for the Easter holiday and have some other things going on. I hope you've survived the past few days without me. Look for more Sunday night or Monday. I plan on doing my first running diary/live blog of a game sometime soon. I'll let you know when for sure, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Have a happy Easter! Go Jesus!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
First win!
And what a way to do it.
"Last season, the Phillies offense ate bullpens for every meal of the day. Every single game we were struggling in last season, I would assure myself and anyone around me that everything would be OK once we got to the opposing bullpen."
I don't know if you remember reading that, but I sure remember writing it. I was watching the game with my friend James. In the top of the 7th, after the Braves made it 10-3, James said "Well I guess we're not winning 160 games this season." To which I replied, "It's only the 7th inning." Maybe sometimes such confidence is stupid, but it sure felt good seeing the offense come through (and the Braves pitching staff collapse).
Ibanez definitely impressed. Some of you may be thinking, "Why wasn't he taken out in the 8th inning once he got on base? Pat Burrell would've been taken out." Well I agree with you because Ibanez is not much faster than Burrell at all, nor is he much of an upgrade in the outfield. BUT we did not have any bench players left at this time to run for him, aside from Bruntlett who pinch hit 2 batters later.
Howard has impressed me more in the field in 3 games than he has in 3 years prior. The play he made for Madson's first out was spectacular. And Madson's one inning 7 pitches 7 strikes was fantastic. Did you notice that he is now wearing 46? Apparently, this is due to the Spring Training locker room, which is arranged alphabetically. He wanted a lower number so he could be down with other big league pitchers instead of being with all of the high-numbered folk trying to make the team. I liked 63 on him, but I guess this works. As long as his pitching hasn't changed, and after one appearance, it looks like we're in good shape.
I can honestly say that being up by 1 with Francoeur coming up had me a bit worried. Lidge is not someone who has ever made me worry before, but I really wanted the insurance run. I would've hated for his first blown save as a Phillie to come in that situation. And thankfully our bats came through so his home run to Diaz didn't matter. It is a great feeling to be confident in a closer. A special thanks to Jose "Joe Table" Mesa for my current appreciation of Brad Lidge.
Here is another non-complaint due to the win. Why is Ryan Howard swinging at ball 2 from a pitching staff that had just walked in 4 straight runs? He obviously knew what he was doing and got the go ahead RBI. I just wish sometimes he would tell us beforehand. What a jokester.
If you want comparisons to last year, I have them already. We started out 0-2 then won our first game on a walk off walk. This year we start out 0-2 and win the game because the Braves bullpen walks in 4 straight runs. Does this mean we'll win the World Series? Yes. Does it mean the Braves will be as bad as the Nationals? I will pray every night for it.
"Last season, the Phillies offense ate bullpens for every meal of the day. Every single game we were struggling in last season, I would assure myself and anyone around me that everything would be OK once we got to the opposing bullpen."
I don't know if you remember reading that, but I sure remember writing it. I was watching the game with my friend James. In the top of the 7th, after the Braves made it 10-3, James said "Well I guess we're not winning 160 games this season." To which I replied, "It's only the 7th inning." Maybe sometimes such confidence is stupid, but it sure felt good seeing the offense come through (and the Braves pitching staff collapse).
Ibanez definitely impressed. Some of you may be thinking, "Why wasn't he taken out in the 8th inning once he got on base? Pat Burrell would've been taken out." Well I agree with you because Ibanez is not much faster than Burrell at all, nor is he much of an upgrade in the outfield. BUT we did not have any bench players left at this time to run for him, aside from Bruntlett who pinch hit 2 batters later.
Howard has impressed me more in the field in 3 games than he has in 3 years prior. The play he made for Madson's first out was spectacular. And Madson's one inning 7 pitches 7 strikes was fantastic. Did you notice that he is now wearing 46? Apparently, this is due to the Spring Training locker room, which is arranged alphabetically. He wanted a lower number so he could be down with other big league pitchers instead of being with all of the high-numbered folk trying to make the team. I liked 63 on him, but I guess this works. As long as his pitching hasn't changed, and after one appearance, it looks like we're in good shape.
I can honestly say that being up by 1 with Francoeur coming up had me a bit worried. Lidge is not someone who has ever made me worry before, but I really wanted the insurance run. I would've hated for his first blown save as a Phillie to come in that situation. And thankfully our bats came through so his home run to Diaz didn't matter. It is a great feeling to be confident in a closer. A special thanks to Jose "Joe Table" Mesa for my current appreciation of Brad Lidge.
Here is another non-complaint due to the win. Why is Ryan Howard swinging at ball 2 from a pitching staff that had just walked in 4 straight runs? He obviously knew what he was doing and got the go ahead RBI. I just wish sometimes he would tell us beforehand. What a jokester.
If you want comparisons to last year, I have them already. We started out 0-2 then won our first game on a walk off walk. This year we start out 0-2 and win the game because the Braves bullpen walks in 4 straight runs. Does this mean we'll win the World Series? Yes. Does it mean the Braves will be as bad as the Nationals? I will pray every night for it.
Ring Ceremony
If you missed the ring ceremony you need to find a video of it soon. To see the look on some of the faces of the players was fantastic. Pat Gillick is a class act and every time they showed him crying I couldn't keep it together very well myself. By far the biggest ovation was for Pat Burrell and he deserved it. And he looked real nasty in that suit. The booing of Adam Eaton is standard Philadelphia I suppose, but I think the fans could have made an exception for the ring ceremony. Eaton took it like a champ though (mostly because he is one now). It was exciting knowing Zack was watching in Greece, I was texting Bean the whole time while she was in class, and I held my webcam up to the TV so I could share the experience with Petz as well. I think sharing the experience with close friends is what made the championship so special to everyone in Philadelphia, so I'm glad I could do the same for the ring ceremony. And Blanton just started off the game by striking out Omar Infante. It's a good day to be a Phillies fan.
Ring Stats:
14 karats
103 diamonds
Where can I get one?
Ring Stats:
14 karats
103 diamonds
Where can I get one?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Game 2
How is our lineup getting shut out at home? I am not one to talk about The Cit (Citizens Bank Park from now on) being a hitter's park, but the Braves don't seem to have a problem hitting in it. I assume this is just a slow start because a lot of our guys didn't get a lot of at bats in Spring Training. I will never complain about Jamie Moyer so I'm not worried about that. Once again, 4 runs from our pitching staff should be good enough for us to win a game. Some observations from the game:
- Wheels wasted no time getting in his first error debate of the season. Top of the first inning a ball goes under Utley's glove and already Wheels is asking whether or not it should be an error. You know what I always say... "I like Wheels." But this does get very old very fast with me. You're in the major leagues. Make the play. It's an error.
- Who is Skip "Memory Lane" Clayton? The Harry wished him a happy really old birthday and said he was celebrating it in Sellersville. Are there really people from Sellersville getting recognized during a Phillies game that I have never even heard of?
- I can definitely see that Howard lost 20 pounds, and he has already made more defensive plays this year than all of last season. I like the new leaner Howard
- Was Shane Victorino walking up to the plate with music playing that was not Bob Marley? Shane, don't do this to me. I'll have to wait to actually get to a game to find out I suppose but I did not like what I heard in the background.
- Harry had his first (of many I'm sure) fake home run call of the season in the bottom of the 3rd as Jayson Werth hit a routine fly ball to left field. Thanks for getting my hopes up Harry. If you weren't Harry Kalas, I might actually be annoyed. It's definitely part of his charm as he gets older.
- How about Raul Ibanez gunning down somebody at the plate. Burrell obviously looked a lot better doing it, but Burrell looks better than anyone doing anything (other than running).
- It was nice to see Kelly Johnson boot a ball. Last year, Kelly Johnson dropped a pop up that would've ended the game in favor of the Braves, and we came back and tied it and won in extra innings on Shane Victorino gunning down someone at the plate. I've said countless times since then: This was the moment I knew something was going on with the Phillies last season. So does another easy Kelly Johnson error mean big things again? I'll just say yes. Or that he sucks. Either way I'm ecstatic.
- I had to miss the last inning due to Bible Study tonight. My prayers clearly did not help.
For the first time this season, a feature I like to call "Sarge Says"
Tonight, while Chipper Jones was up to bat, everyone's favorite color guy (no pun intended) Gary Matthews, Sr., better known as "Sarge" said:
"He's established himself as one of the best switch hitters of all time already"
Already? Chipper Jones is 53 years old. They later showed a graphic saying that the only switch hitter ever with a better career average is Mickey Mantle. Profound, Sarge.
And a small Cheese update:
I apologize to Cheese in the first place for making it seem like he wasn't a fan. He is a fan, but he is no die hard. My goal is to get him somewhere close to die hard status. Tonight while the game was on, one of our other roommates wanted to play video games and moved his chair so he could have a better view of the video game TV (we have 3 TVs). Cheese was sitting behind him and promptly informed him to move over so he could watch the Phillies. This isn't a big step or anything, but it did make me smile.
Tomorrow is the ring ceremony starting at 2:15 I believe. I will be hurrying home from class so I can Skype with Zack and we can cry our eyes out. That's assuming the ceremony is televised, and I'm hoping that's a safe assumption. If not, Comcast may be receiving a strongly worded letter. In terms of actual baseball tomorrow, Vazquez doesn't really intimidate me. Blanton is undefeated as a Phillie (Philly?) and I think that should keep up. Hopefully the pregame ceremony doesn't cause any focus problems like Charlie said happened on Opening Night.
No matter what happens, I can't wait to see Pat again.
- Wheels wasted no time getting in his first error debate of the season. Top of the first inning a ball goes under Utley's glove and already Wheels is asking whether or not it should be an error. You know what I always say... "I like Wheels." But this does get very old very fast with me. You're in the major leagues. Make the play. It's an error.
- Who is Skip "Memory Lane" Clayton? The Harry wished him a happy really old birthday and said he was celebrating it in Sellersville. Are there really people from Sellersville getting recognized during a Phillies game that I have never even heard of?
- I can definitely see that Howard lost 20 pounds, and he has already made more defensive plays this year than all of last season. I like the new leaner Howard
- Was Shane Victorino walking up to the plate with music playing that was not Bob Marley? Shane, don't do this to me. I'll have to wait to actually get to a game to find out I suppose but I did not like what I heard in the background.
- Harry had his first (of many I'm sure) fake home run call of the season in the bottom of the 3rd as Jayson Werth hit a routine fly ball to left field. Thanks for getting my hopes up Harry. If you weren't Harry Kalas, I might actually be annoyed. It's definitely part of his charm as he gets older.
- How about Raul Ibanez gunning down somebody at the plate. Burrell obviously looked a lot better doing it, but Burrell looks better than anyone doing anything (other than running).
- It was nice to see Kelly Johnson boot a ball. Last year, Kelly Johnson dropped a pop up that would've ended the game in favor of the Braves, and we came back and tied it and won in extra innings on Shane Victorino gunning down someone at the plate. I've said countless times since then: This was the moment I knew something was going on with the Phillies last season. So does another easy Kelly Johnson error mean big things again? I'll just say yes. Or that he sucks. Either way I'm ecstatic.
- I had to miss the last inning due to Bible Study tonight. My prayers clearly did not help.
For the first time this season, a feature I like to call "Sarge Says"
Tonight, while Chipper Jones was up to bat, everyone's favorite color guy (no pun intended) Gary Matthews, Sr., better known as "Sarge" said:
"He's established himself as one of the best switch hitters of all time already"
Already? Chipper Jones is 53 years old. They later showed a graphic saying that the only switch hitter ever with a better career average is Mickey Mantle. Profound, Sarge.
And a small Cheese update:
I apologize to Cheese in the first place for making it seem like he wasn't a fan. He is a fan, but he is no die hard. My goal is to get him somewhere close to die hard status. Tonight while the game was on, one of our other roommates wanted to play video games and moved his chair so he could have a better view of the video game TV (we have 3 TVs). Cheese was sitting behind him and promptly informed him to move over so he could watch the Phillies. This isn't a big step or anything, but it did make me smile.
Tomorrow is the ring ceremony starting at 2:15 I believe. I will be hurrying home from class so I can Skype with Zack and we can cry our eyes out. That's assuming the ceremony is televised, and I'm hoping that's a safe assumption. If not, Comcast may be receiving a strongly worded letter. In terms of actual baseball tomorrow, Vazquez doesn't really intimidate me. Blanton is undefeated as a Phillie (Philly?) and I think that should keep up. Hopefully the pregame ceremony doesn't cause any focus problems like Charlie said happened on Opening Night.
No matter what happens, I can't wait to see Pat again.
Down on the Pharm
The more I can spell things with a Ph instead of an F, the better. I stole that from the jumbo tron at Phillies games. They have some feature that updates on minor league players called Down on the Pharm. That doesn't really matter to me though I'm just gonna use it anyway.
Something that I like to do is follow the Phillies prospects in the minors to see how they are progressing. It's a really weird part of my life, and I often know way too much for my own good. It's especially tough around the trade deadline because I've actually become so attached to these players that I'd rather wait a few years and win with them than trade them for a one year fix. Trading outfielder Greg Golson in the offseason was a difficult day in my life and I don't know if I'm still fully recovered. But he struck out too much anyway and we have better outfield prospects than him. So below is the list of people I will be keeping an eye on this season and updating here probably about every 2 weeks. My requirements for a player to be good enough to keep my eye on him are as follows (could be any one of these or combination of these things):
-Younger than 30 (a must for all players otherwise they aren't even prospects they're just wasting my time. Chris Coste doesn't come around very often)
-High draft pick
-Awesome
-Traded for him
-Something cool about him
Minor League Opening Day is Thursday!
Lehigh Valley (AAA):
P Carlos Carrasco - only 21 years old and already in AAA. And he's awesome
SS Jason Donald - 24 years old, awesome. I'm afraid he'll be trade bait sometime soon unless he can learn a few other positions
C Lou Marson - 22 years old and possibly our best prospect. Look for him this season if Coste struggles or there's an injury at catcher
OF John Mayberry - 25 years old. traded for him
OF Jeremy Slayden - 26 years old. solid power hitter
Reading (AA):
P Antonio Bastardo - 23. great last name
P Sergio Escalona - 24. lefty who strikes a lot of guys out
P Matt German - 24. He's 6'8"
P Joe Savery - 23. First round pick a few years ago
P Michael Stutes - 22. was 7-2 with a 1.42 ERA in the minors last year
P Vance Worley - 21. very young and put up solid numbers last year
3B Neil Sellers - 27. A good hitter at 3rd base, something the Phillies haven't had since Rolen
1B Brian Stavinsky - 28. Look for us to trade this guy. I have no attachment to him but he's a solid hitting first baseman, something we don't need.
OF Michael Taylor - 23. Might be my favorite prospect. I don't know anything about his glove but he can do most other things
Clearwater (A):
P Drew Naylor - 22. Australian
2B P.J. Antoniato - 25. Hopefully we can trade him I dont even know why I'm keeping my eye on him
Lakewood (A):
P Jason Knapp - 18. yes, 18.
P Robert Roth - 20. anyone down in Lakewood I basically picked because they have looked good and are very young
OF Zachary Collier - 18. 34th overall pick last year
2B Harold Garcia - 22. If we'll ever need a backup 2nd baseman, he could be the guy down the road
OF Anthony Gose - 18. first round pick last year
1B Jeremy Hamilton - 22. in a few years, if we can't pay Howard anymore, he could be next
I decided to not go below Lakewood this season because they don't even start playing until June. That bores me. But I will try to stay updated on Kyle Drabek, our first round pick 3 years ago who has had arm problems but is still only 21 and the son of former major league pitcher Doug Drabek. He's down in Williamsport, but hopefully he'll be moving up sooner rather than later.
Any of these people I mentioned could easily be knocked off the list if I feel they aren't progressing at all or anything like that. People can also be added to the list if they are doing well.
My Favorite Baseball Teams:
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Reading Phillies
3) New York Mets (pure entertainment value)
4) Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs
5) Atlanta Braves (also entertainment value)
Game 2 tonight, look for an update afterwards
Something that I like to do is follow the Phillies prospects in the minors to see how they are progressing. It's a really weird part of my life, and I often know way too much for my own good. It's especially tough around the trade deadline because I've actually become so attached to these players that I'd rather wait a few years and win with them than trade them for a one year fix. Trading outfielder Greg Golson in the offseason was a difficult day in my life and I don't know if I'm still fully recovered. But he struck out too much anyway and we have better outfield prospects than him. So below is the list of people I will be keeping an eye on this season and updating here probably about every 2 weeks. My requirements for a player to be good enough to keep my eye on him are as follows (could be any one of these or combination of these things):
-Younger than 30 (a must for all players otherwise they aren't even prospects they're just wasting my time. Chris Coste doesn't come around very often)
-High draft pick
-Awesome
-Traded for him
-Something cool about him
Minor League Opening Day is Thursday!
Lehigh Valley (AAA):
P Carlos Carrasco - only 21 years old and already in AAA. And he's awesome
SS Jason Donald - 24 years old, awesome. I'm afraid he'll be trade bait sometime soon unless he can learn a few other positions
C Lou Marson - 22 years old and possibly our best prospect. Look for him this season if Coste struggles or there's an injury at catcher
OF John Mayberry - 25 years old. traded for him
OF Jeremy Slayden - 26 years old. solid power hitter
Reading (AA):
P Antonio Bastardo - 23. great last name
P Sergio Escalona - 24. lefty who strikes a lot of guys out
P Matt German - 24. He's 6'8"
P Joe Savery - 23. First round pick a few years ago
P Michael Stutes - 22. was 7-2 with a 1.42 ERA in the minors last year
P Vance Worley - 21. very young and put up solid numbers last year
3B Neil Sellers - 27. A good hitter at 3rd base, something the Phillies haven't had since Rolen
1B Brian Stavinsky - 28. Look for us to trade this guy. I have no attachment to him but he's a solid hitting first baseman, something we don't need.
OF Michael Taylor - 23. Might be my favorite prospect. I don't know anything about his glove but he can do most other things
Clearwater (A):
P Drew Naylor - 22. Australian
2B P.J. Antoniato - 25. Hopefully we can trade him I dont even know why I'm keeping my eye on him
Lakewood (A):
P Jason Knapp - 18. yes, 18.
P Robert Roth - 20. anyone down in Lakewood I basically picked because they have looked good and are very young
OF Zachary Collier - 18. 34th overall pick last year
2B Harold Garcia - 22. If we'll ever need a backup 2nd baseman, he could be the guy down the road
OF Anthony Gose - 18. first round pick last year
1B Jeremy Hamilton - 22. in a few years, if we can't pay Howard anymore, he could be next
I decided to not go below Lakewood this season because they don't even start playing until June. That bores me. But I will try to stay updated on Kyle Drabek, our first round pick 3 years ago who has had arm problems but is still only 21 and the son of former major league pitcher Doug Drabek. He's down in Williamsport, but hopefully he'll be moving up sooner rather than later.
Any of these people I mentioned could easily be knocked off the list if I feel they aren't progressing at all or anything like that. People can also be added to the list if they are doing well.
My Favorite Baseball Teams:
1) Philadelphia Phillies
2) Reading Phillies
3) New York Mets (pure entertainment value)
4) Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs
5) Atlanta Braves (also entertainment value)
Game 2 tonight, look for an update afterwards
Monday, April 6, 2009
Oh yeah, one more thing
One of my goals this season is to turn my roommate Tony (who will from now on be referred to simply as "Cheese") into a true Phillies fan. A big step will hopefully be him reading this. I will be watching the Phillies every night as well, so hopefully he will be unable to avoid the grip of the Fightin's. He's not trying to resist or anything, but it's not always easy trying to turn someone into a fan. Step one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT1t9BXkeLg
You can't not love the Phillies after that.
I will keep everyone updated periodically on Cheese's fandom and any milestones we reach.
You can't not love the Phillies after that.
I will keep everyone updated periodically on Cheese's fandom and any milestones we reach.
Opening Night
After months of waiting, Opening Night finally came. Luckily, the Phillies lost. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm sure with how much I was preoccupied with going undefeated this season, the players must have been feeling it even more. Now that the pressure is off for being the first 162-0 team in history, we can get down to focusing on just playing the games.
Losing 4-1 to the Braves is upsetting, but it's only the first game and I'm not too worried about it. There were good things and bad things to come out of the game. As much as Brett Myers sucked, he limited his sucking to about 6 pitches all in the first 3 innings of the game. Three of those pitches were home runs in the first 2 innings, and there is really no reason that the Phillies would not score 4 runs in a game. With our lineup, the Phillies scoring less than 4 runs would be like any other team scoring less than 0 runs. It just shouldn't happen. The rest of the pitching staff looked solid, so I'm expected big things from our bullpen again this season.
Last season, the Phillies offense ate bullpens for every meal of the day. Every single game we were struggling in last season, I would assure myself and anyone around me that everything would be OK once we got to the opposing bullpen. And I was usually right. Is the scouting report on Derek Lowe really "Swing at the first pitch every time no matter what"? I doubt it. He was killing us, yet we thought it would be fun to keep him in the game by keeping his pitch count low. Once he finally came out (for no reason at all), we suddenly remembered how to hit somewhat. Ibanez had the chance to win the heart of every Philadelphian despite replacing Pat the Bat, but he blew it by striking out to end the game rather than tying the game with a homer.
I don't really know what to think at this point, nor should I considering it is the first game of a 162 game season. Some first impressions:
- What's with the lineup? I understand that batting Werth 2nd Victorino 6th worked for us last season, but that's when we had Pat's righthanded bat in the 5th spot. Now we have 3 lefties in a row. I'm thinking put Victorino 2nd, Werth 5th, and Ibanez 6th. That way we can split up the lefties a little. This is probably just an opening day thing, but it's something to think about.
- I don't like our outfield situation. Only 4 outfielders, one of whom is Matt Stairs. I realize that he hit one of the more important home runs in Phillies history probably, but has anyone actually seen him run? I'm not saying he can't run well. It's an honest question because I haven't seen him run. I just want to know if he can. Why not keep Jenkins around? He was a true team player all of last season, and is a much more complete player than Stairs, who actually admitted that he tries to hit a home run with every swing. I have nothing against Matt Stairs, I would love him on the team, but I don't know about him as our only reserve in the outfield. Yes, we could use Greg Dobbs I suppose, but the more we can keep a glove off of Dobbs' hand the better off we'll be defensively.
- Chan Ho Park. We told him that when he came here he could compete for a starting position. With the way he pitched in the Spring, it would be a straight up lie to say that he was ever competing and didn't earn the job. He won the job fair and square, but I just wish it we never even picked him up. I'm not saying I don't think he'll do well for us. I am saying that I would rather have JA Happ get some experience as a starter. He's a stud who has shown that he can compete in the majors and he was about 5 strikeouts or walks away from beating out Park for the job. For his future and for the team's future, Happ should be our 5th starter. I think the 26-year-old Happ has a little more potential than the 35-year-old Park, and who is going to benefit the Phillies more in years to come?
- I hate ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. As much as I can't really stand Sarge and T-Mac, at least I feel like they know who the Phillies are. Jon Miller talked about Ryan Howard like he's the only good player we have. The less we get nationally televised games, the better. And please, no Fox. I can't listen to Joe Buck ever. My favorite part of witnessing the World Series clincher in person was not having to listen to Joe Buck.
I think that's good for now. There's a lot to say but I'll try to keep these as short as I can. I obviously didn't do a very good job of that, but in the future if you actually feel like reading this I won't discourage you with a novel every time. Thanks for reading and check back daily for updates.
Losing 4-1 to the Braves is upsetting, but it's only the first game and I'm not too worried about it. There were good things and bad things to come out of the game. As much as Brett Myers sucked, he limited his sucking to about 6 pitches all in the first 3 innings of the game. Three of those pitches were home runs in the first 2 innings, and there is really no reason that the Phillies would not score 4 runs in a game. With our lineup, the Phillies scoring less than 4 runs would be like any other team scoring less than 0 runs. It just shouldn't happen. The rest of the pitching staff looked solid, so I'm expected big things from our bullpen again this season.
Last season, the Phillies offense ate bullpens for every meal of the day. Every single game we were struggling in last season, I would assure myself and anyone around me that everything would be OK once we got to the opposing bullpen. And I was usually right. Is the scouting report on Derek Lowe really "Swing at the first pitch every time no matter what"? I doubt it. He was killing us, yet we thought it would be fun to keep him in the game by keeping his pitch count low. Once he finally came out (for no reason at all), we suddenly remembered how to hit somewhat. Ibanez had the chance to win the heart of every Philadelphian despite replacing Pat the Bat, but he blew it by striking out to end the game rather than tying the game with a homer.
I don't really know what to think at this point, nor should I considering it is the first game of a 162 game season. Some first impressions:
- What's with the lineup? I understand that batting Werth 2nd Victorino 6th worked for us last season, but that's when we had Pat's righthanded bat in the 5th spot. Now we have 3 lefties in a row. I'm thinking put Victorino 2nd, Werth 5th, and Ibanez 6th. That way we can split up the lefties a little. This is probably just an opening day thing, but it's something to think about.
- I don't like our outfield situation. Only 4 outfielders, one of whom is Matt Stairs. I realize that he hit one of the more important home runs in Phillies history probably, but has anyone actually seen him run? I'm not saying he can't run well. It's an honest question because I haven't seen him run. I just want to know if he can. Why not keep Jenkins around? He was a true team player all of last season, and is a much more complete player than Stairs, who actually admitted that he tries to hit a home run with every swing. I have nothing against Matt Stairs, I would love him on the team, but I don't know about him as our only reserve in the outfield. Yes, we could use Greg Dobbs I suppose, but the more we can keep a glove off of Dobbs' hand the better off we'll be defensively.
- Chan Ho Park. We told him that when he came here he could compete for a starting position. With the way he pitched in the Spring, it would be a straight up lie to say that he was ever competing and didn't earn the job. He won the job fair and square, but I just wish it we never even picked him up. I'm not saying I don't think he'll do well for us. I am saying that I would rather have JA Happ get some experience as a starter. He's a stud who has shown that he can compete in the majors and he was about 5 strikeouts or walks away from beating out Park for the job. For his future and for the team's future, Happ should be our 5th starter. I think the 26-year-old Happ has a little more potential than the 35-year-old Park, and who is going to benefit the Phillies more in years to come?
- I hate ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. As much as I can't really stand Sarge and T-Mac, at least I feel like they know who the Phillies are. Jon Miller talked about Ryan Howard like he's the only good player we have. The less we get nationally televised games, the better. And please, no Fox. I can't listen to Joe Buck ever. My favorite part of witnessing the World Series clincher in person was not having to listen to Joe Buck.
I think that's good for now. There's a lot to say but I'll try to keep these as short as I can. I obviously didn't do a very good job of that, but in the future if you actually feel like reading this I won't discourage you with a novel every time. Thanks for reading and check back daily for updates.
Welcome
Hey whoever decides to actually read this
I've decided to start a blog on the Phillies this season. As many know, I live and die with this team and I could talk about them for days, so I figured I might as well put all of that talking down somewhere. This started as an idea with Steve Pickering last year. I mentioned something about doing a running diary of random games throughout the season, but I figured Steve would be the only person who would actually find them funny or entertaining. He told me that I should do a blog, and I told him he was an idiot and I could just email him things I wanted to say about the Phillies. Touché, Steve.
If you don't already know, I'll give some background on my Phillies experience. I've been a Phillies fan for a while, and it wasn't really until about 3 years ago or so that I got really into the team. Since that time, though, my main priority in the summer is following the Phils. Last year I went to 14 regular season games and was lucky enough to get tickets for Game 5 of the World Series. I went to the first 5 1/2 innings, went home in the rain, then returned for the final 3 to witness my Phillies win the first Philadelphia championship in 100 seasons. This day also just happened to be my 21st birthday where I partook in the first beer I had ever consumed in my life. That beer was bought by my dad and enjoyed inside the confines of Citizens Bank Park just hours before the Phillies clinched the World Series title. CBS found my story interesting enough to interview good old Paul Koehler and I on live TV after the game.
A special thanks to the people I was able to share the experience with: my dad, Matt (part 1), Zack (part 2), Bean, Kelsey, Shane and Mr. Tobin, Costello and his brother, short fat security guard, random girl next to me whose name I forget, every person I called after the game, and the guy who returned Zack's cell phone. Sorry if I missed you, you were definitely important.
The title of the blog comes from our trip to the game where we (and by we, I mostly mean me) kept talking about how no one would know what to do if we won. I wouldn't shut up about the fact that there was "no precedent," and the Phillies winning was, essentially, "unprecedented." Kelsey can definitely vouch for that. I'm annoying.
This season is just as unprecedented, because how will Philadelphia handle actually being champions? No matter what happens, it will be a fun ride and I will try to update this thing basically every day because, well . . . what else am I doing right now?
I've decided to start a blog on the Phillies this season. As many know, I live and die with this team and I could talk about them for days, so I figured I might as well put all of that talking down somewhere. This started as an idea with Steve Pickering last year. I mentioned something about doing a running diary of random games throughout the season, but I figured Steve would be the only person who would actually find them funny or entertaining. He told me that I should do a blog, and I told him he was an idiot and I could just email him things I wanted to say about the Phillies. Touché, Steve.
If you don't already know, I'll give some background on my Phillies experience. I've been a Phillies fan for a while, and it wasn't really until about 3 years ago or so that I got really into the team. Since that time, though, my main priority in the summer is following the Phils. Last year I went to 14 regular season games and was lucky enough to get tickets for Game 5 of the World Series. I went to the first 5 1/2 innings, went home in the rain, then returned for the final 3 to witness my Phillies win the first Philadelphia championship in 100 seasons. This day also just happened to be my 21st birthday where I partook in the first beer I had ever consumed in my life. That beer was bought by my dad and enjoyed inside the confines of Citizens Bank Park just hours before the Phillies clinched the World Series title. CBS found my story interesting enough to interview good old Paul Koehler and I on live TV after the game.
A special thanks to the people I was able to share the experience with: my dad, Matt (part 1), Zack (part 2), Bean, Kelsey, Shane and Mr. Tobin, Costello and his brother, short fat security guard, random girl next to me whose name I forget, every person I called after the game, and the guy who returned Zack's cell phone. Sorry if I missed you, you were definitely important.
The title of the blog comes from our trip to the game where we (and by we, I mostly mean me) kept talking about how no one would know what to do if we won. I wouldn't shut up about the fact that there was "no precedent," and the Phillies winning was, essentially, "unprecedented." Kelsey can definitely vouch for that. I'm annoying.
This season is just as unprecedented, because how will Philadelphia handle actually being champions? No matter what happens, it will be a fun ride and I will try to update this thing basically every day because, well . . . what else am I doing right now?
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