Just in the nick of time the Phillies found their bats, stashed in the rear of the equipment truck underneath the leftover World Series bunting and over-sized ring boxes. They sure haven't found their starting arms, however, which must still be lost somewhere in transit from Florida. The only question is, does any of this surprise you?
No one ever doubted the Phils could hit. Furthermore, despite the absence of another left-handed arm in the bullpen, the Phils can throw some serious relief pitching at opponents going back through all of last season. That leaves the starting five, who thus far sport a collective ERA north of six runs a game and who have yet to produce a "quality start", even as defined by the current low standards.
The problem with relying on the hitters is that this is streaky at the plate. They have good power but not a lot of players who hit for average. The addition of Raul Ibanez, thus far as pleasant a surprise in the field as at the plate, was supposed to address the need for more contact hitters and may yet rub off on some of the holdovers., but their are a lot of guys in this batting order to whiff a lot.
Starting pitching was supposed to be much healthier this year than last. Spring Training even featured a battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. To date, everyone has been hit around hard, some more than once.
Who said the pitchers are ahead of the hitters in April? Not Rich Dubee!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Harry
He loved what he did for a living. He reached the pinnacle of his profession. He was liked by everyone and loved by many. His was a life we'd all like to live.
P.S. Just try and get the tune "High Hopes" out of your head over the next few days.
P.S. Just try and get the tune "High Hopes" out of your head over the next few days.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
And They're Off????
The news of Cole Hamels' disastrous outing in Colorado reached me without benefit of seeing the game or any of its lowlights as I spend the weekend in Boston. Suffice it to say three hundred miles are hardly a sufficient barrier to prevent the collective pain and anxiety from spreading northeast.
Hamels' protests of the last few weeks aside, that he isn't a "spring training pitcher" and that his velocity and command will come around, can no longer be taken a face value when the real games have started. Throwing batting practice in a major league park is not an option, but that is essentially what he did yesterday, stopping cold whatever momentum accrued on Wednesday afternoon when his mates staged a remarkable comeback against the Braves.
Everyone is worried, none more than Charlie Manuel and, presumably, Hamels himself. The huge increase in the number of innings he threw last season and accompanying charts on DNL and elsewhere tracking the impact such increases in other pitchers had on their performance is hardly reassuring. Couple those statistics with the Phillies' history of being less than forthcoming about the extent of injuries to its players and you have all the ingredients for rampant speculation about their ace pitcher's immediate if not long-term fortunes and, of course, those of his team.
Without Hamels the Phillies would be the only contender unable to run a true number one pitcher out to the mound every fifth day. The worries about the four guys immediately behind him on the depth chart harly inspires confidence.
Meanwhile, the Phils are off to their usual slow start at the plate. Except for that eight-run inning against the Braves, they aren't scoring runs, not in their own bandbox or in the friendly confines of Coors Field.
The pictures isn't pretty.
Hamels' protests of the last few weeks aside, that he isn't a "spring training pitcher" and that his velocity and command will come around, can no longer be taken a face value when the real games have started. Throwing batting practice in a major league park is not an option, but that is essentially what he did yesterday, stopping cold whatever momentum accrued on Wednesday afternoon when his mates staged a remarkable comeback against the Braves.
Everyone is worried, none more than Charlie Manuel and, presumably, Hamels himself. The huge increase in the number of innings he threw last season and accompanying charts on DNL and elsewhere tracking the impact such increases in other pitchers had on their performance is hardly reassuring. Couple those statistics with the Phillies' history of being less than forthcoming about the extent of injuries to its players and you have all the ingredients for rampant speculation about their ace pitcher's immediate if not long-term fortunes and, of course, those of his team.
Without Hamels the Phillies would be the only contender unable to run a true number one pitcher out to the mound every fifth day. The worries about the four guys immediately behind him on the depth chart harly inspires confidence.
Meanwhile, the Phils are off to their usual slow start at the plate. Except for that eight-run inning against the Braves, they aren't scoring runs, not in their own bandbox or in the friendly confines of Coors Field.
The pictures isn't pretty.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Get Me Rewrite!!
If you're like me, you'd undoubtedly written off the Phils yesterday afternoon by the end of the sixth inning...if not sooner. For my part I'd already drafted their obituary, nay their denunciation, for the opening series of the season, waiting only for the final gory details before posting it.
Say all you want, and no doubt much is being said around town, most of it unprintable, the defending World Series Champs were swept at home to begin their title defense. Talk about taking the shine off those gaudy rings that were handed out earlier in the day.
The Phils didn't hit a lick during the three game debacle versus Atlanta but, then, they sure didn't pitch much either. It wasn't as if they were facing the '27 Yankees or the reincarnation of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Nevertheless, the champs were chumps. Baseballs flew out of the Bank and most of them made the obligatory return trip to the outfield grass. Meanwhile, the big boppers in red pinstripes laid a big egg.
There's a lot of baseball left. Let's hope it improves.
That's why it ain't over 'til it's over or in blogging terms why you hit "Save Now" instead of "Publish Post".
What a comeback. Oh, sure, you can say the Braves completely imploded, but during that eight run inning in which they took the lead the Phils showed a kind of patience at the plate that is absolutely uncharacteristic of them, drawing four bases-loaded walks in the process. They made the Braves throw strikes and Atlanta obliged by throwing balls. Meanwhile, the Phils' own pen had an adventurous afternoon with J.A. Happ and Chad Durbin failing to impress, Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson pitching very well and Brad Lidge scared the hell out of everyone by surrendering a ninth inning home run before getting the final out.
The obituary hung in the balance but reports of the Phillies demise were premature to say the least.
Say all you want, and no doubt much is being said around town, most of it unprintable, the defending World Series Champs were swept at home to begin their title defense. Talk about taking the shine off those gaudy rings that were handed out earlier in the day.
The Phils didn't hit a lick during the three game debacle versus Atlanta but, then, they sure didn't pitch much either. It wasn't as if they were facing the '27 Yankees or the reincarnation of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. Nevertheless, the champs were chumps. Baseballs flew out of the Bank and most of them made the obligatory return trip to the outfield grass. Meanwhile, the big boppers in red pinstripes laid a big egg.
There's a lot of baseball left. Let's hope it improves.
That's why it ain't over 'til it's over or in blogging terms why you hit "Save Now" instead of "Publish Post".
What a comeback. Oh, sure, you can say the Braves completely imploded, but during that eight run inning in which they took the lead the Phils showed a kind of patience at the plate that is absolutely uncharacteristic of them, drawing four bases-loaded walks in the process. They made the Braves throw strikes and Atlanta obliged by throwing balls. Meanwhile, the Phils' own pen had an adventurous afternoon with J.A. Happ and Chad Durbin failing to impress, Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson pitching very well and Brad Lidge scared the hell out of everyone by surrendering a ninth inning home run before getting the final out.
The obituary hung in the balance but reports of the Phillies demise were premature to say the least.
Blue Screen Of Death?
Let's not beat around the bush, Jamie Moyer is on hard drive time. You know, the old hard drive keeps humming along, saving this, storing that, bringing up whatever. From time to time you wonder how it keeps on keepin' on but you just boot the baby up and don't ask questions. Then, one day, it just ups and dies. No warning. No flashing signal. No hard drive.
As I settled onto the couch last night to watch the frigid proceedings at Citizens Bank Park, I listened as Harry, Chris and Tom discussed, among other things, Moyer's amazing career and less than stellar Spring. Earlier in the evening on DNL, an emailer wondered if the wind was blowing out toward centerfield by game time, would Moyer's pitches even reach home plate. LOL.
When Moyer took the throw from third baseman Pedro Feliz at the end of his warmups and the traditional throw down to second and around the horn, I wondered how he would start off the first batter. Can't throw the change, I said to myself; nothing to change up from when it's the first pitch of the game. He's probably going to try and sneak a "fastball" by the first batter. KABOOM! Looked like the Braves' Kelly Johnson was thinking the same thing.
From the point on things deteriorated. Moyer didn't have it and the Braves scored four quick runs. It didn't help matters that the Phils bats were still in storage as they were shutout, but that 4-0 hole was a deep one to climb out of.
I know, Phillies fans are quick to find fault. Two games, for crissakes! They've still got 160 to go and we're already complaining. Well, here are the problems:
1. Their opening day pitcher is erratic in the best of times.
2. Their number two pitcher of the season, actually their number 3 or 4 starter in a perfect progression, is on hard drive time.
3. Their number one pitcher isn't on the shelf, but he is being watched closely for signs his remarkable sophomore year and post-season will have proved costly.
4. Their number 3 or 4 pitcher, depending on how item number 2 settles out, may have to be the backbone of the rotation; and,
5. Their number five starter is really a reclamation project.
Welcome to 2009.
As I settled onto the couch last night to watch the frigid proceedings at Citizens Bank Park, I listened as Harry, Chris and Tom discussed, among other things, Moyer's amazing career and less than stellar Spring. Earlier in the evening on DNL, an emailer wondered if the wind was blowing out toward centerfield by game time, would Moyer's pitches even reach home plate. LOL.
When Moyer took the throw from third baseman Pedro Feliz at the end of his warmups and the traditional throw down to second and around the horn, I wondered how he would start off the first batter. Can't throw the change, I said to myself; nothing to change up from when it's the first pitch of the game. He's probably going to try and sneak a "fastball" by the first batter. KABOOM! Looked like the Braves' Kelly Johnson was thinking the same thing.
From the point on things deteriorated. Moyer didn't have it and the Braves scored four quick runs. It didn't help matters that the Phils bats were still in storage as they were shutout, but that 4-0 hole was a deep one to climb out of.
I know, Phillies fans are quick to find fault. Two games, for crissakes! They've still got 160 to go and we're already complaining. Well, here are the problems:
1. Their opening day pitcher is erratic in the best of times.
2. Their number two pitcher of the season, actually their number 3 or 4 starter in a perfect progression, is on hard drive time.
3. Their number one pitcher isn't on the shelf, but he is being watched closely for signs his remarkable sophomore year and post-season will have proved costly.
4. Their number 3 or 4 pitcher, depending on how item number 2 settles out, may have to be the backbone of the rotation; and,
5. Their number five starter is really a reclamation project.
Welcome to 2009.
Monday, April 06, 2009
What Have You Done For Us Lately?
OK, so the afterglow of the championship still burns albeit a bit less brightly. None other than the players themselves kept reminding us throughout the endless replays of last Fall's championship run that was last year, time to turn the page.
Slow starts are the norm in these parts. And lousy starts by Brett Myers are not uncommon either. Myers showed a national television audience that stuck around long enough just why he isn't exactly the thinking man's pitcher. With his fastball less than impressive, he went to the change far too often according to Steve Philips and Joe Morgan. And when he threw the fastball, it had nothing much on it. The Phillies never tire of telling us what great stuff Myers has; the problems heretofore have been how and when he uses it. Well, his stuff can be electric, but not consistently and not often enough. The only consolation is that when Myers doesn't have it, we know right out of the chute. The bad news? So do the opposing batters.
Meanwhile, the Phillies offense, and we use that word loosely here, remains missing in action. Charlie Manuel warned everyone too many batters go too few AB's in Spring Training and looked it and sure enough, the Phils couldn't muster anything against Derek Lowe and Mike Gonzalez. Leading up to Opening Night I wondered more than once how exactly a team has six weeks or more of Spring Training and can't manage to get its players enough AB's. The WBC certainly hindered Shane Victorino, who didn't play every day for the American Team. And Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz were brought along slowly as they recoverd from off-season surgery. Still, you have to wonder how professional baseball players can fail to get ready for their regular season. The fact that Myers surrendered three home runs and four runs overall in the first two innings certainly put his mates in a big hole, but when they cannot hit the ball, one or two runs suffice to chalk up a loss.
By the way, the game ended with the Phils' feeble rally cut short as Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez, both lefties, struck out against the southpaw Gonzalez. Now that is one prediction that came true.
Slow starts are the norm in these parts. And lousy starts by Brett Myers are not uncommon either. Myers showed a national television audience that stuck around long enough just why he isn't exactly the thinking man's pitcher. With his fastball less than impressive, he went to the change far too often according to Steve Philips and Joe Morgan. And when he threw the fastball, it had nothing much on it. The Phillies never tire of telling us what great stuff Myers has; the problems heretofore have been how and when he uses it. Well, his stuff can be electric, but not consistently and not often enough. The only consolation is that when Myers doesn't have it, we know right out of the chute. The bad news? So do the opposing batters.
Meanwhile, the Phillies offense, and we use that word loosely here, remains missing in action. Charlie Manuel warned everyone too many batters go too few AB's in Spring Training and looked it and sure enough, the Phils couldn't muster anything against Derek Lowe and Mike Gonzalez. Leading up to Opening Night I wondered more than once how exactly a team has six weeks or more of Spring Training and can't manage to get its players enough AB's. The WBC certainly hindered Shane Victorino, who didn't play every day for the American Team. And Chase Utley and Pedro Feliz were brought along slowly as they recoverd from off-season surgery. Still, you have to wonder how professional baseball players can fail to get ready for their regular season. The fact that Myers surrendered three home runs and four runs overall in the first two innings certainly put his mates in a big hole, but when they cannot hit the ball, one or two runs suffice to chalk up a loss.
By the way, the game ended with the Phils' feeble rally cut short as Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez, both lefties, struck out against the southpaw Gonzalez. Now that is one prediction that came true.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Defending Champs
This town is in love with its boys of summer and why not? Championships were extremely hard to come by in this sports-crazed metropolis until the Phillies reigned [sic] all over the drought. They didn't exactly walk away with the division title in 2008, but they nearly ran the table in the post-season, clinched the big prize in an historic rain-delayed-resumed game on a cool autumn evening and capped off the celebration on a sun-splashed day with a parade down Broad Street that was notable for its huge crowd of well-behaved, cheerful faithful.
This year's edition should contend for another post-season berth because much of the cast from that winning team returns. Have their division rivals improved at the same time? Yes, especially the Mets. The Braves don't appear ready to resume their dominant ways of the past fifteen years or so but the Marlins will be trouble as usual and the Nationals will be tough if they can get some pitching.
Over on Beerleaguer I predicted the Phils would capture the Wild Card berth but be out of the playoffs by the second round. Here I will qualify that prediction by stating simply that their entire season will depend far more on pitching than hitting. Cole Hamels' health, Jamie Moyer's age-defying act, Brett Myers' on-again, off-again noggin, and a bullpen that more or less approaches last season's astonishing overall performance hold the keys. If any of those pitchers falters badly, or, worse, if a few do, it will be a long season.
But for now our boys can do no wrong. They are the reigning champs and no one can take that away from them...or us!
This year's edition should contend for another post-season berth because much of the cast from that winning team returns. Have their division rivals improved at the same time? Yes, especially the Mets. The Braves don't appear ready to resume their dominant ways of the past fifteen years or so but the Marlins will be trouble as usual and the Nationals will be tough if they can get some pitching.
Over on Beerleaguer I predicted the Phils would capture the Wild Card berth but be out of the playoffs by the second round. Here I will qualify that prediction by stating simply that their entire season will depend far more on pitching than hitting. Cole Hamels' health, Jamie Moyer's age-defying act, Brett Myers' on-again, off-again noggin, and a bullpen that more or less approaches last season's astonishing overall performance hold the keys. If any of those pitchers falters badly, or, worse, if a few do, it will be a long season.
But for now our boys can do no wrong. They are the reigning champs and no one can take that away from them...or us!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Shrill
We won't have Curt Schilling to kick us around any more. Good.
Naturally, the debate has begun on whether or not Schilling is worthy of the Hall of Fame. His stats are certainly good enough for consideration if not enshrinement and his bloody sock, phony as a two dollar bill, adds ammunition to his army of supporters. Then, there is the matter of having pitched a stint for some lousy teams based in the Delaware Valley. Think what his numbers might be, proponents say, had he pitched for good teams throughout his career. Luck, or the draft, isn't always kind.
As for his outspoken personality, well, suffice it to say horses' asses have never been excluded from the Hall. We all know the stories about the drunkards, racists and wife beaters with plaques in Cooperstown. Nor is it likely Schilling will be denied entry just because half if not more of his teammates could not stand him and at least a like percentage of the writers who covered him thought he was a pain in the ass. Again, the Hall has a number of permanent residents who were unpopular with everyone around them. Exhibit A for most of the sins noted above is one Ty Cobb.
The bet here is Schilling will have to wait a while but will gain entry if there is a weak class on the ballot. I'm just happy he's gone from the game. Now, when can we expect his blog to come down?
Naturally, the debate has begun on whether or not Schilling is worthy of the Hall of Fame. His stats are certainly good enough for consideration if not enshrinement and his bloody sock, phony as a two dollar bill, adds ammunition to his army of supporters. Then, there is the matter of having pitched a stint for some lousy teams based in the Delaware Valley. Think what his numbers might be, proponents say, had he pitched for good teams throughout his career. Luck, or the draft, isn't always kind.
As for his outspoken personality, well, suffice it to say horses' asses have never been excluded from the Hall. We all know the stories about the drunkards, racists and wife beaters with plaques in Cooperstown. Nor is it likely Schilling will be denied entry just because half if not more of his teammates could not stand him and at least a like percentage of the writers who covered him thought he was a pain in the ass. Again, the Hall has a number of permanent residents who were unpopular with everyone around them. Exhibit A for most of the sins noted above is one Ty Cobb.
The bet here is Schilling will have to wait a while but will gain entry if there is a weak class on the ballot. I'm just happy he's gone from the game. Now, when can we expect his blog to come down?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Pepper
It always comes down to pitching, doesn't it?!
Cole Hamels, on whom it is safe to say the entire season rests, has reported enough soreness in his left elbow to return to Philadelphia for an examination. Meanwhile, roughly 6 million people in the Delaware Valley hold their collective breath.
Kyle Kendrick, expected to compete for the fifth starter's job, is now in a desperate fight just to make the 25-man roster. Based on his performances to date, the odds are very long.
Apart from Scott Eyre, no reliable lefty is currently on board in the bullpen despite numerous auditions and, no doubt, constant scrutiny of the waiver wire and dustbins.
Is anyone else uncomfortable regarding Jamie Moyer? Yes, I know, he's been remarkable over the last few seasons, but eventually time has to catch up with him. I liken Moyer's defiance of age to the three bars on my aging cellphone battery meter. Once only two remain green, I know deterioration is looming just around the corner and, sure enough, the meter frequently goes from two greens to fading yellow in a matter of a few short hours.
* * * * * * * *
Fess up, how many of you knew Chase Utley was 30 years old before reading yesterday's piece in the Inquirer about his remarkable progress in recovering from hip surgery? Thirty certainly isn't old, especially from where I sit, but I have to remind myself Utley has "only" been a regular for four and half seasons and that he didn't take over as a 22-year old phenom but was brought along slowly and deliberately by the Phillies.
* * * * * * * *
This isn't an apology for the WBC because I don't care enough to describe what I am about to write as one. That said, who really cares about a series played when many of the participants, with the notable exception of the Cuban squad at the very least, are expected to compete at what is the beginning of their Spring Training? There really isn't a good time to stage this nonsense. Mid-season would demand too much time and the end of the year too much strain on tired bodies, especially arms. So, here's a solution: drop it.
Cole Hamels, on whom it is safe to say the entire season rests, has reported enough soreness in his left elbow to return to Philadelphia for an examination. Meanwhile, roughly 6 million people in the Delaware Valley hold their collective breath.
Kyle Kendrick, expected to compete for the fifth starter's job, is now in a desperate fight just to make the 25-man roster. Based on his performances to date, the odds are very long.
Apart from Scott Eyre, no reliable lefty is currently on board in the bullpen despite numerous auditions and, no doubt, constant scrutiny of the waiver wire and dustbins.
Is anyone else uncomfortable regarding Jamie Moyer? Yes, I know, he's been remarkable over the last few seasons, but eventually time has to catch up with him. I liken Moyer's defiance of age to the three bars on my aging cellphone battery meter. Once only two remain green, I know deterioration is looming just around the corner and, sure enough, the meter frequently goes from two greens to fading yellow in a matter of a few short hours.
* * * * * * * *
Fess up, how many of you knew Chase Utley was 30 years old before reading yesterday's piece in the Inquirer about his remarkable progress in recovering from hip surgery? Thirty certainly isn't old, especially from where I sit, but I have to remind myself Utley has "only" been a regular for four and half seasons and that he didn't take over as a 22-year old phenom but was brought along slowly and deliberately by the Phillies.
* * * * * * * *
This isn't an apology for the WBC because I don't care enough to describe what I am about to write as one. That said, who really cares about a series played when many of the participants, with the notable exception of the Cuban squad at the very least, are expected to compete at what is the beginning of their Spring Training? There really isn't a good time to stage this nonsense. Mid-season would demand too much time and the end of the year too much strain on tired bodies, especially arms. So, here's a solution: drop it.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Spare Me
Spare me the holier-than-thou foreground noise coming out of Arlington, TX, Boston, MA, New York, NY, and points N, S, E and W. A-Rod cheated!!?? What will be revealed next?
It is reasonable to conclude the majority of major league ballplayers who dreamed of hitting home runs or throwing the ball over 90 MPH experimented with or used PED's throughout the final decades of the last millennium or the first few years of this one. It is equally reasonable to assume the people who owned or own baseball teams and wrote about or commented on the players on these teams were equally aware of their use, condoned it or at a minimum winked and looked the other way.
So, spare me the shock and outrage. And spare me the instant polls on websites asking people without a HOF vote whether this player or that one should be denied entrance. And let's get serious about records, to wit, which years should we subtract from Barry Bonds' output? Should we now throw out all of A-Rods' records between 2000 - 2003? And how about Brady Anderson's 52-home run season? Should it be expunged? How many wins did Roger Clemens pile up while on the juice?
Of course it stinks that these guys and hundreds of others sought some advantage. The problem is how to neutralize those advantages after the fact. It cannot be done in any official way. Instead, we will have to rely on public opinion minus the posturing, which is heavily against players like Bonds, who refuse to fess up. Some have suggested reinstating Hank Aaron as the all-time home run king. In many peoples' minds he still is the legitimate title holder.
That is all we can expect.
It is reasonable to conclude the majority of major league ballplayers who dreamed of hitting home runs or throwing the ball over 90 MPH experimented with or used PED's throughout the final decades of the last millennium or the first few years of this one. It is equally reasonable to assume the people who owned or own baseball teams and wrote about or commented on the players on these teams were equally aware of their use, condoned it or at a minimum winked and looked the other way.
So, spare me the shock and outrage. And spare me the instant polls on websites asking people without a HOF vote whether this player or that one should be denied entrance. And let's get serious about records, to wit, which years should we subtract from Barry Bonds' output? Should we now throw out all of A-Rods' records between 2000 - 2003? And how about Brady Anderson's 52-home run season? Should it be expunged? How many wins did Roger Clemens pile up while on the juice?
Of course it stinks that these guys and hundreds of others sought some advantage. The problem is how to neutralize those advantages after the fact. It cannot be done in any official way. Instead, we will have to rely on public opinion minus the posturing, which is heavily against players like Bonds, who refuse to fess up. Some have suggested reinstating Hank Aaron as the all-time home run king. In many peoples' minds he still is the legitimate title holder.
That is all we can expect.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Fooled Me More Than Once
It can be reasonably concluded I don't have my finger on Ryan Howard's pulse. The big man fooled me and, I presume, a lot of other people when he signed a three year, $54 million contract with the Phillies yesterday. The caption beneath his picture on the front page of today's Inquirer read For the next three seasons, the Phillies’ Ryan Howard won’t have the specter of arbitration hanging over him. Somehow, the "specter" of signing increasingly stratospheric one year contracts didn't seem all the onerous to me, which is why I assumed Howard would never agree to a multi-year deal. That and the sometimes rancorous undertones flowing from his family suggested Howard would "settle" for somewhere between $14 and $18 million this year and, depending on his production the coming season, another hefty raise each of the following two years leading up to free agency. I must assume $18 million a year for three years looked pretty good to him. It sure looks good to the rest of us I dare say. I must also conclude he likes his teammates and their chances to contend if not repeat.
The deal is a shrewd one by today's skewed standards and a triumph for new GM Ruben Amaro. Howard was going to earn big money this coming season; of this there was no doubt. At age 29 he is probably entering his prime. Given his body type it is difficult to know with any certainty how long those prime years will last; however, three years is sufficient time for him and the Phillies to find out. Amaro deftly avoided the potential albatross of a longer-term deal while concluding an off-season in which he further cemented the very solid foundation of the team he inherited by signing most of its core to multi-year deals.
Despite all of these positive developments, the Phillies enter the season with a few serious question marks. Chief among these is a lineup that is way too left-handed and a bullpen that is way too right-handed. Whatever your cup of tea, old school or sabremetrics, those imbalances must be addressed. The other question mark regards the starting rotation. Though well-balanced between righties and lefties, it's ultimate success will rely on which Brett Myers shows up, how well Joe Blanton does over the course of a full season, how much more gas Jamie Moyer has in his tank and the continued health of ace Cole Hamels.
The only other major worry looming large is the recovery of Chase Utley from serious off-season surgery. The Phillies cannot win without a healthy Utley. Still, one has to like the chances for this club.
The deal is a shrewd one by today's skewed standards and a triumph for new GM Ruben Amaro. Howard was going to earn big money this coming season; of this there was no doubt. At age 29 he is probably entering his prime. Given his body type it is difficult to know with any certainty how long those prime years will last; however, three years is sufficient time for him and the Phillies to find out. Amaro deftly avoided the potential albatross of a longer-term deal while concluding an off-season in which he further cemented the very solid foundation of the team he inherited by signing most of its core to multi-year deals.
Despite all of these positive developments, the Phillies enter the season with a few serious question marks. Chief among these is a lineup that is way too left-handed and a bullpen that is way too right-handed. Whatever your cup of tea, old school or sabremetrics, those imbalances must be addressed. The other question mark regards the starting rotation. Though well-balanced between righties and lefties, it's ultimate success will rely on which Brett Myers shows up, how well Joe Blanton does over the course of a full season, how much more gas Jamie Moyer has in his tank and the continued health of ace Cole Hamels.
The only other major worry looming large is the recovery of Chase Utley from serious off-season surgery. The Phillies cannot win without a healthy Utley. Still, one has to like the chances for this club.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
They Like Us!
The recent signings of Cole Hamels, Ryan Madson and Greg Dobbs are cause for celebration. Not only have three key players signed multi-year deals - Hamels and Madson for three years each and Dobbs for two - but each announced his pleasure in remaining with the Phillies. Hamels went so far as to say he'd like to play his entire career here. At this time last season Hamels was publicly expressing his displeasure with the Phillies' management for signing him to a one year deal at what he believed was below market value. A fine regular season capped by a briliant post-season changed everyone's mind. No one seemed to enjoy the post-season parade and atmosphere of euphoria more than Hamels. And no one was more publicly vocal about his appreciation of the fan support here.
Madson already lives year-round in the area, a rare sign of committment to our climate and community in this era of warm-weather migration. Madson, who would have been eligibile for free agency at the end of next season, is a client of Scott Boras and based on his agent's MO would have been expected to opt out. Apparently, he told Boras he wanted to stay put.
Dobbs resurrected his career in Philadelphia after being released by Seatte two seasons ago. Not only was Dobbs the premier pinch hitter in the Majors last season, he also can fill in nicely as an infielder or outfielder when needed.
The Phillies still face some difficult arbitrations, especially with Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard. Don't expect Howard to agree to a long-term deal. Not only can he be expected to sign another one-year contract of historic size, he has never given any sign of being interested in staying in Philadelphia once he is eligible to move on. Indeed, his family-driven and stoked hostility to a commitment like those of his teammates mentioned above has never been a reality. Howard will be out of here when the free agency clock strikes midnight.
Madson already lives year-round in the area, a rare sign of committment to our climate and community in this era of warm-weather migration. Madson, who would have been eligibile for free agency at the end of next season, is a client of Scott Boras and based on his agent's MO would have been expected to opt out. Apparently, he told Boras he wanted to stay put.
Dobbs resurrected his career in Philadelphia after being released by Seatte two seasons ago. Not only was Dobbs the premier pinch hitter in the Majors last season, he also can fill in nicely as an infielder or outfielder when needed.
The Phillies still face some difficult arbitrations, especially with Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard. Don't expect Howard to agree to a long-term deal. Not only can he be expected to sign another one-year contract of historic size, he has never given any sign of being interested in staying in Philadelphia once he is eligible to move on. Indeed, his family-driven and stoked hostility to a commitment like those of his teammates mentioned above has never been a reality. Howard will be out of here when the free agency clock strikes midnight.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rice Finally Makes The Hall
When opposing teams dreaded to see a particular player come to the plate over a 10+ year period, that player was destined for the Hall of Fame. Ricky Henderson clearly fit that description over more than two decades and Jim Rice did also though over a shorter time.
More than a few observers have argued the Hall of Fame has been lowering its standards over the last several years. Not, of course, when, say, a Tony Gwynn or Cal Ripken entered, but when fellows like Bill Mazeroski or Joe Collins got the call from the Veterans Committee, more than a few howls of protest were heard. Many of these same people along with the ever-growing legion of Red Sox haters, have long argued Rice was very good but not great.
Some candidates are shoe-ins. Everyone expected Henderson to be elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility, that is, assuming he would finally retire and wait the required five years before becoming eligible. Henderson would still be playing if someone offered him a contract. Henderson changed the tone of a ball game every time he came to the plate, which meant from the opening gun since he was arguably the greatest leadoff man in baseball history. Ricky didn't have to sit the phone long for his call to come. Heck, he probably was on his way to second when Cooperstown rang.
Rice, on the other hand, would sit by the phone for fourteen years to no avail. Nearly every one of those fourteen years he would see his totals creep upward, depending on who else was on the ballot; and every one of those fourteen years he would fall short. The arguments for and against him were intense. While some remembered one of the most feared and fearsome-looking hitters in the American League, especially in the late '70's and early '80's, others including a lot of people who never saw him play, would look at the totals -- old and new school type stats -- and the limitations (he was a mediocre fielder and base runner) and say he just wasn't great enough.
One should not underestimate this business of not having seen him play. Unlike the current era of interleague play in which every team televises every one of its games locally if not regionally, national broadcasts occur on Sunday nights, Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons at the very least, and internet and cable packages enable one to watch any team, in Rice's era a player in the American League was not going to be seen at all by residents of National League cities unless his team made the World Series or he appeared in the All-Star game, and then only for three innings at best.
National League followers from those earlier eras, or younger fans who would not have been around to see Rice play, have no idea what a feared presence he was in the the Red Sox lineup. As someone who grew up watching the Orioles, who were still very competitive at the height of Rice's career (they went to the World Series twice), I can attest to how much I dreaded his coming to bat. An inning or two before each of his AB's, I'd start thinking ahead and telling myself, uh oh, he's coming up next inning. His impact was not only how much anxiety he produced, however; he also produced a whole lot of runs and key hits on a Red Sox team that, while competitive, was not the dynamo of today. Many AL pitchers who were his contemporaries have spoken up on behalf of Rice's candidacy over the years. They remembered hating to see him come to the plate. There is no greater testament to how good a hitter he was. His presence in the Hall is fitting.
More than a few observers have argued the Hall of Fame has been lowering its standards over the last several years. Not, of course, when, say, a Tony Gwynn or Cal Ripken entered, but when fellows like Bill Mazeroski or Joe Collins got the call from the Veterans Committee, more than a few howls of protest were heard. Many of these same people along with the ever-growing legion of Red Sox haters, have long argued Rice was very good but not great.
Some candidates are shoe-ins. Everyone expected Henderson to be elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility, that is, assuming he would finally retire and wait the required five years before becoming eligible. Henderson would still be playing if someone offered him a contract. Henderson changed the tone of a ball game every time he came to the plate, which meant from the opening gun since he was arguably the greatest leadoff man in baseball history. Ricky didn't have to sit the phone long for his call to come. Heck, he probably was on his way to second when Cooperstown rang.
Rice, on the other hand, would sit by the phone for fourteen years to no avail. Nearly every one of those fourteen years he would see his totals creep upward, depending on who else was on the ballot; and every one of those fourteen years he would fall short. The arguments for and against him were intense. While some remembered one of the most feared and fearsome-looking hitters in the American League, especially in the late '70's and early '80's, others including a lot of people who never saw him play, would look at the totals -- old and new school type stats -- and the limitations (he was a mediocre fielder and base runner) and say he just wasn't great enough.
One should not underestimate this business of not having seen him play. Unlike the current era of interleague play in which every team televises every one of its games locally if not regionally, national broadcasts occur on Sunday nights, Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons at the very least, and internet and cable packages enable one to watch any team, in Rice's era a player in the American League was not going to be seen at all by residents of National League cities unless his team made the World Series or he appeared in the All-Star game, and then only for three innings at best.
National League followers from those earlier eras, or younger fans who would not have been around to see Rice play, have no idea what a feared presence he was in the the Red Sox lineup. As someone who grew up watching the Orioles, who were still very competitive at the height of Rice's career (they went to the World Series twice), I can attest to how much I dreaded his coming to bat. An inning or two before each of his AB's, I'd start thinking ahead and telling myself, uh oh, he's coming up next inning. His impact was not only how much anxiety he produced, however; he also produced a whole lot of runs and key hits on a Red Sox team that, while competitive, was not the dynamo of today. Many AL pitchers who were his contemporaries have spoken up on behalf of Rice's candidacy over the years. They remembered hating to see him come to the plate. There is no greater testament to how good a hitter he was. His presence in the Hall is fitting.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Pepper
Memo to JC Romero and all the other tired, aching, rundown major leaguers out there:
Don't know? Don't take!
There were many missteps and, apparently, some misinformation involved in the Romero suspension but in the end the Phillies lefty has only himself to blame. The key is he had to ask if it were OK to take an OTC supplement and he sought the advice of people who weren't experts. Now the Phillies are left to pick up the pieces, scurrying to find a replacement for their key lefty setup man until June 1st, 2009. Dare we remind ourselves wins and losses in April and May count in the final standings?
* * * * * * * *
Of all the slots for designated hitters in all the AL, Pat Burrell happened to walk into the one in Tampa Bay, FL, signing a two-year deal for $16 million. Hard to know if the fans there will boo or cheer him in his first plate appearance given recent history. Since the signing there have been reports, unsubstantiated of course, the Phillies offered him a better deal (more money, same time) prior to the end of the season and he rejected the offer.
As long as Raul Ibanez remains healthy and doesn't butcher everything hit his way, he will remain an upgrade over Burrell, whose long periods of futility punctuated by occasional bursts of power, made him an erratic performer at best and a maddening one at worst.
The biggest worry for the Phillies remains the absence of a right-handed bat in the middle of the batting order.
* * * * * * * *
As of this writing it doesn't appear any team in the NL East has dramatically improved its fortunes. Nor does it appear any team not located in Philadelphia has seen its fortunes decline. Yes, sports fans, the Phillies are worse off than they were a year ago. Speculation notwithstanding, Chase Utley will not be playing in April or May. Neither will Romero. Jamie Moyer will be a year older and no wiser; just a year older. Pedro Feliz is coming off of back surgery and while his recovery is expected to be in time for Opening Day, back problems have a way of being chronic.
* * * * * * * *
A little digression here....
The Eagles' bandwagon certainly has gotten crowded with their win over Minnesota. Given how the defense has been playing nearly all season, there is no telling how deep into the playoffs this team can go. That said, the offense still sputters and can fall apart at any moment. Just remember the following:
1. The defense played well against Washington but the offense was pathetic. Ditto vs. Cincinnati.
2. The defense scored two TD's against Dallas.
3. The defense scored against Minnesota.
Defenses have carried a lot of teams to the Super Bowl so the Eagles are certainly legitimate on that front. The offense, meanwhile, is one game of disproportionate reliance on passing and/or one game of more mismanagement of the clock from undermining that defense. To suggest this is a premier football team is nonsense but should they continue to win plenty of people will do so.
Don't know? Don't take!
There were many missteps and, apparently, some misinformation involved in the Romero suspension but in the end the Phillies lefty has only himself to blame. The key is he had to ask if it were OK to take an OTC supplement and he sought the advice of people who weren't experts. Now the Phillies are left to pick up the pieces, scurrying to find a replacement for their key lefty setup man until June 1st, 2009. Dare we remind ourselves wins and losses in April and May count in the final standings?
* * * * * * * *
Of all the slots for designated hitters in all the AL, Pat Burrell happened to walk into the one in Tampa Bay, FL, signing a two-year deal for $16 million. Hard to know if the fans there will boo or cheer him in his first plate appearance given recent history. Since the signing there have been reports, unsubstantiated of course, the Phillies offered him a better deal (more money, same time) prior to the end of the season and he rejected the offer.
As long as Raul Ibanez remains healthy and doesn't butcher everything hit his way, he will remain an upgrade over Burrell, whose long periods of futility punctuated by occasional bursts of power, made him an erratic performer at best and a maddening one at worst.
The biggest worry for the Phillies remains the absence of a right-handed bat in the middle of the batting order.
* * * * * * * *
As of this writing it doesn't appear any team in the NL East has dramatically improved its fortunes. Nor does it appear any team not located in Philadelphia has seen its fortunes decline. Yes, sports fans, the Phillies are worse off than they were a year ago. Speculation notwithstanding, Chase Utley will not be playing in April or May. Neither will Romero. Jamie Moyer will be a year older and no wiser; just a year older. Pedro Feliz is coming off of back surgery and while his recovery is expected to be in time for Opening Day, back problems have a way of being chronic.
* * * * * * * *
A little digression here....
The Eagles' bandwagon certainly has gotten crowded with their win over Minnesota. Given how the defense has been playing nearly all season, there is no telling how deep into the playoffs this team can go. That said, the offense still sputters and can fall apart at any moment. Just remember the following:
1. The defense played well against Washington but the offense was pathetic. Ditto vs. Cincinnati.
2. The defense scored two TD's against Dallas.
3. The defense scored against Minnesota.
Defenses have carried a lot of teams to the Super Bowl so the Eagles are certainly legitimate on that front. The offense, meanwhile, is one game of disproportionate reliance on passing and/or one game of more mismanagement of the clock from undermining that defense. To suggest this is a premier football team is nonsense but should they continue to win plenty of people will do so.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Farewell, Pat
Don't blame Pat Burrell's departure on the baseball gods. Fate had nothing to do with his departure so hold those supplications and libations, please. The longest-serving Phillie no longer fits the team's plans. The only remaining question is whether or not he fits anyone else's!
Unlike many veterans who simply fade away, Burrell went out on top. His key hits in the playoffs and World Series will long be remembered by fans of this era, especially if the Phils take another 28 years to return to the top. His place of honor at the head of the parade down Broad Street, a reward and send-off, will also remain vivid to those fans and Burrell himself.
His was an odd tenure in Philadelphia, in large measure because the fans never really knew him. He kept his own counsel, at least where public utterances were concerned. The image that will endure is of Burrell taking a called third strike, staring blankly straight across the plate, gripping the end of his bat tightly and walking grim-faced back to the dugout without so much as a glance back at the umpire let alone a few chosen words. Another snapshot in this modest album shows Burrell with his arms extended, right knee dropping nearly to the ground as he lets loose that slight uppercut swing in lining a key home run to left field. A final sequence, one we got to see rather more often in what he, too, probably knew was his last season with this group of guys was of Burrell, arms and elbows hanging over the dugout railing, reacting to a key hit, stepping back, clapping his hands, grinning widely and moving down the rail to greet his triumphant teammate.
In those final months it appeared Burrell was content. The years of ups and downs and, of course, the boos and cheers, had surely taken some toll on him but if they did it was hard to tell. Throughout it all, he remained a guarded, private man. On those few occasions when he spoke to the media he seemed earger to end the conversation quickly. To his credit, he didn't complain and he certainly didn't air his grievances, if any, in public. When Charlie would remove him late in the game for defensive purposes, he stayed at the dugout railing, cheering on his teammates. He didn't like to come out of the games, and he disliked his occasional forced days off even more.
He was subject to awful slumps that lasted weeks if not months. He would begin the season on a torrid pace only to cool off as the temperatures climbed. Somehow he'd find his stroke, if only for a few key games, as the season would wind down.
In the end, he said he wanted to stay here but understood that probably would not happen. In all likelihood, he will land a job somewhere else and, should he come back to Philadelphia and hang over the railing in the visitor's dugout, it will take some getting used to him in some other uniform. But he made a lasting impression in this town and whatever else one might say, that takes some doing.
Unlike many veterans who simply fade away, Burrell went out on top. His key hits in the playoffs and World Series will long be remembered by fans of this era, especially if the Phils take another 28 years to return to the top. His place of honor at the head of the parade down Broad Street, a reward and send-off, will also remain vivid to those fans and Burrell himself.
His was an odd tenure in Philadelphia, in large measure because the fans never really knew him. He kept his own counsel, at least where public utterances were concerned. The image that will endure is of Burrell taking a called third strike, staring blankly straight across the plate, gripping the end of his bat tightly and walking grim-faced back to the dugout without so much as a glance back at the umpire let alone a few chosen words. Another snapshot in this modest album shows Burrell with his arms extended, right knee dropping nearly to the ground as he lets loose that slight uppercut swing in lining a key home run to left field. A final sequence, one we got to see rather more often in what he, too, probably knew was his last season with this group of guys was of Burrell, arms and elbows hanging over the dugout railing, reacting to a key hit, stepping back, clapping his hands, grinning widely and moving down the rail to greet his triumphant teammate.
In those final months it appeared Burrell was content. The years of ups and downs and, of course, the boos and cheers, had surely taken some toll on him but if they did it was hard to tell. Throughout it all, he remained a guarded, private man. On those few occasions when he spoke to the media he seemed earger to end the conversation quickly. To his credit, he didn't complain and he certainly didn't air his grievances, if any, in public. When Charlie would remove him late in the game for defensive purposes, he stayed at the dugout railing, cheering on his teammates. He didn't like to come out of the games, and he disliked his occasional forced days off even more.
He was subject to awful slumps that lasted weeks if not months. He would begin the season on a torrid pace only to cool off as the temperatures climbed. Somehow he'd find his stroke, if only for a few key games, as the season would wind down.
In the end, he said he wanted to stay here but understood that probably would not happen. In all likelihood, he will land a job somewhere else and, should he come back to Philadelphia and hang over the railing in the visitor's dugout, it will take some getting used to him in some other uniform. But he made a lasting impression in this town and whatever else one might say, that takes some doing.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Apparently The Yankees Don't Feel The Pinch But They Sure Know How to Put On The Bite
Last year Alex Rodriguez signed a ten-year $275 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Earlier this week, CC Sebathia signed a seven year $161 million contract with the Yanks.
This afternoon, the Yankees reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with A.J. Burnett calling for a five year $82.5 million contract.
So, tell me again, why do the Yankees need over $200 million in public money to build their new $1.3 billion stadium?
Earlier this week, CC Sebathia signed a seven year $161 million contract with the Yanks.
This afternoon, the Yankees reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with A.J. Burnett calling for a five year $82.5 million contract.
So, tell me again, why do the Yankees need over $200 million in public money to build their new $1.3 billion stadium?
Raul Ibanez, Come On Down
Those who were wondering whether or not new GM Ruben Amaro is his own man are going to have to wait a little longer. Regrettably, his first major move didn't surprise anyone, bearing all the earmarks of his mentor and senior adviser, former GM Pat Gillick. The Phillies announced they have come to terms with free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez on a three-year $30 million contract pending the usual physical. Maybe the Phillies medical staff can find a hangnail.
Ibanez previously plied his trade for the Seattle Mariners making him another in a long line of refugees from the Pacific Northwest who made their way to the Delaware Valley during Gillick's tenure. And make no mistake about it, that connection played a big part in the decision to offer Ibanez a three year deal. Ibanez will take Pat Burrell's place in left field and, presumably, behind Ryan Howard in the batting order. That he will be 37-years old in June and bats left-handed were apparently not obstacles in the minds of the Phillies new brain trust. If he played for the Mariners he must be good.
There is no truth to the rumor that the signing prompted the Mets, Braves and Marlins to scrap any plans they might have had and go with all-lefty bullpens next season. That's fifty-four divisional games where a right-handed reliever would be completely unnecessary. There might be some truth to the rumor (which I am starting here) that Jayson Werth, the only right-handed power in the entire lineup, is going to up his arbitration demands given the extra load the Ibanez signing just placed on him. "Heck, if I have to be myself AND Pat Burrell, I want more money," Werth should say.
Look for Ibanez to start being replaced in late innings some time in June of 2009 with the frequency of his shortened appearances probably increasing in the second and third years of his contract.
Most reports describe Ibanez as a clutch hitter. As for his defense, word is he is a good clutch hitter. Cole Hamels and Brett Myers are already working on their head-shaking moves for any plays Ibanez botches in the field. Jamie Moyer, should he re-sign with the Phils, is working on his windsprints to back up home plate.
Ibanez previously plied his trade for the Seattle Mariners making him another in a long line of refugees from the Pacific Northwest who made their way to the Delaware Valley during Gillick's tenure. And make no mistake about it, that connection played a big part in the decision to offer Ibanez a three year deal. Ibanez will take Pat Burrell's place in left field and, presumably, behind Ryan Howard in the batting order. That he will be 37-years old in June and bats left-handed were apparently not obstacles in the minds of the Phillies new brain trust. If he played for the Mariners he must be good.
There is no truth to the rumor that the signing prompted the Mets, Braves and Marlins to scrap any plans they might have had and go with all-lefty bullpens next season. That's fifty-four divisional games where a right-handed reliever would be completely unnecessary. There might be some truth to the rumor (which I am starting here) that Jayson Werth, the only right-handed power in the entire lineup, is going to up his arbitration demands given the extra load the Ibanez signing just placed on him. "Heck, if I have to be myself AND Pat Burrell, I want more money," Werth should say.
Look for Ibanez to start being replaced in late innings some time in June of 2009 with the frequency of his shortened appearances probably increasing in the second and third years of his contract.
Most reports describe Ibanez as a clutch hitter. As for his defense, word is he is a good clutch hitter. Cole Hamels and Brett Myers are already working on their head-shaking moves for any plays Ibanez botches in the field. Jamie Moyer, should he re-sign with the Phils, is working on his windsprints to back up home plate.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Proof Is In The Trophy
The temperature has risen dramatically in the Hot Stove League with the rumors that CC Sebathia is about to sign the richest free agent contract ever awarded a pitcher. The reported figure the Yankees have put on the table is $160 million.
Elsewhere, several teams are rumored to be preparing $100 plus million offers to Mark Teixeira, the premier free agent position player is this year's pool.
The Phillies were never suitors for either player's services. All of this hullabaloo must sometimes make us Phillies' fans feel a bit like our collective noses are pressed to the glass on the outside looking in. Not since they signed Jim Thome have the Phils made a big splash in the free agent market.
Not to worry. Free agent signings rarely seem to work out. Or think of it this way: who won the World Series last Fall?
Elsewhere, several teams are rumored to be preparing $100 plus million offers to Mark Teixeira, the premier free agent position player is this year's pool.
The Phillies were never suitors for either player's services. All of this hullabaloo must sometimes make us Phillies' fans feel a bit like our collective noses are pressed to the glass on the outside looking in. Not since they signed Jim Thome have the Phils made a big splash in the free agent market.
Not to worry. Free agent signings rarely seem to work out. Or think of it this way: who won the World Series last Fall?
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Moving On
If it wasn't clear before it is now: Jamie Moyer is no sentimentalist and neither is Ruben Amaro. When the season ended most observers assumed Moyer would re-sign with the Phils and negotiating the details would be relatively easy. Not so. Apparently Moyer wants a guaranteed two-year deal at $10 million per and the Phils are only willing to commit to one year with an option for a second.
Count me among the non-sentimentalists. I referred to Moyer throughout the championship season as "Jamie Moyer, aka 46 year old Jamie Moyer" in part in tribute to his amazing endurance. And for most of the season he was remarkable, coming up big start after start, leading the team in wins and playing a huge role in advising the youngsters on the staff.
He faltered a little in the final stretch but he found that fountain of youth again in the post-season. Nevertheless, Moyer's magic carpet will begin to fray and unravel in increasing degrees over the next year and a team already stretched by the arbitration eligibility of so many key players can ill afford to commit another year and $10 million to him.
Moyer doesn't owe the Phils any sort of "home town discount" and the Phils in turn don't owe him an extra year. Both sides benefited enormously from his tenure here and besides, when Moyer dug up the pitching rubber at the conclusion of the Series and walked off the field clutching it he already staked his claim to a real piece of this town.
Jamie Moyer will move on. We wish him well.
Count me among the non-sentimentalists. I referred to Moyer throughout the championship season as "Jamie Moyer, aka 46 year old Jamie Moyer" in part in tribute to his amazing endurance. And for most of the season he was remarkable, coming up big start after start, leading the team in wins and playing a huge role in advising the youngsters on the staff.
He faltered a little in the final stretch but he found that fountain of youth again in the post-season. Nevertheless, Moyer's magic carpet will begin to fray and unravel in increasing degrees over the next year and a team already stretched by the arbitration eligibility of so many key players can ill afford to commit another year and $10 million to him.
Moyer doesn't owe the Phils any sort of "home town discount" and the Phils in turn don't owe him an extra year. Both sides benefited enormously from his tenure here and besides, when Moyer dug up the pitching rubber at the conclusion of the Series and walked off the field clutching it he already staked his claim to a real piece of this town.
Jamie Moyer will move on. We wish him well.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Do The Right Thing
Major League Baseball announced yesterday that a winning share from the 2008 World Series was worth $351,504. The Phillies awarded 45 full shares, 7.039 partial shares and 15 cash awards.
Here's what they should have done: awarded full shares to all the city pools and recreation centers Mayor Nutter announced will close due to the current financial crisis. There is still time to do the right thing.
Here's what they should have done: awarded full shares to all the city pools and recreation centers Mayor Nutter announced will close due to the current financial crisis. There is still time to do the right thing.
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