The Sixers owners may be good at making money in the financial markets but their expertise stops at the center post. Imagine a team that trades twice in consecutive seasons for a franchise big man who is then unable to play a single minute that year and you have an idea how over their heads the Sixers management team is!
The 2013-14 version threatens to break the all-time record for losses in a season, a distinction held by the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers. Get ready fans. This installment might not win a single game unless they can schedule a game with the Washington Generals.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
BOW WOW
Why, oh why, do the owners of the Philadelphia Phillies persist in OK'ing the hiring of Larry Bowa over and over again?
The last time Bowa was hired he was brought in to admonish and belittle, er, I mean manage, the team. He was poison and was finally fired. Now the alleged brain trust (alleged where, you might ask?) has agreed to let new manager Ryne Sandberg bring Bowa back for a third time as bench coach. Extraordinarily stupid move on a team that is making more than its share of them lately.
I predict the first public "He's killing us" comment will occur around late July or early August.
The last time Bowa was hired he was brought in to admonish and belittle, er, I mean manage, the team. He was poison and was finally fired. Now the alleged brain trust (alleged where, you might ask?) has agreed to let new manager Ryne Sandberg bring Bowa back for a third time as bench coach. Extraordinarily stupid move on a team that is making more than its share of them lately.
I predict the first public "He's killing us" comment will occur around late July or early August.
Monday, October 07, 2013
That Didn't Take Long!!!
Peter Laviolette is out after the Flyers began the season 0-3. Those Vegas bookies know their stuff!!!
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Pepper
With nothing in the baseball world to attract my attention I remain "focused" on other local teams and sports for now.
Penn State got walloped by Indiana yesterday. I mean destroyed! This is the first time the Nittany Lions have ever been beaten by the Hoosiers and when they finally got around to losing they didn't pull any punches.
Among other things the loss underscores how much the sanctions and penalties of the Sandusky scandal have hurt Penn State. They cannot recruit easily when prospects know there won't be any post-season play. There won't be any post-season play with the kind of numbers the Penn State defense is allowing anyway, but you get the picture. It's a vicious circle.
Meanwhile, Peter Laviolette, the Flyers coach, was listed by Vegas bookmakers as the first NHL coach likely to be fired. He's on target, friends. The Flyers are 0-2 and have looked very beatable. By the time they've lost their fifth game of the new season, sometime in the next week or two, the coach will be out.
The Eagles are hoping to win a game against the winless NY Giants. Some odds-makers don't see that happening. When you face an 0-4 team, even at the opponent's home field, and are the underdogs it tells you a lot about what you already knew.
Go ahead, name five players on the Sixers. OK, that's three.
Temple has proved a few things already this season. One, they definitely are not ready for prime-time. Two, rapid turnover of their head coaches does not make it easy to recruit. They've lost to some real powerhouses and they've lost to some beatable teams. But they've lost them all.
Speaking of losses, how about the University of Maryland? In their last year in the ACC, and a year before they join the Big Ten, the Terps have had an impressive start, winning their first four games (and matching all of last year's win total) to break into the Top 25 at number 25. Then, they faced 8th ranked Florida State in Tallahassee and suffered a humiliating thrashing, 63-0. When the polls come out early this week Maryland fans will be lucky to find their team ranked in the top 2500.
Back at the ranch, Penn won their home match against Dartmouth in triple OT. Penn was predicted to win the Ivy League championship this season, but if they take four hours to beat Dartmouth the odds appear much longer than first projected.
Penn State got walloped by Indiana yesterday. I mean destroyed! This is the first time the Nittany Lions have ever been beaten by the Hoosiers and when they finally got around to losing they didn't pull any punches.
Among other things the loss underscores how much the sanctions and penalties of the Sandusky scandal have hurt Penn State. They cannot recruit easily when prospects know there won't be any post-season play. There won't be any post-season play with the kind of numbers the Penn State defense is allowing anyway, but you get the picture. It's a vicious circle.
Meanwhile, Peter Laviolette, the Flyers coach, was listed by Vegas bookmakers as the first NHL coach likely to be fired. He's on target, friends. The Flyers are 0-2 and have looked very beatable. By the time they've lost their fifth game of the new season, sometime in the next week or two, the coach will be out.
The Eagles are hoping to win a game against the winless NY Giants. Some odds-makers don't see that happening. When you face an 0-4 team, even at the opponent's home field, and are the underdogs it tells you a lot about what you already knew.
Go ahead, name five players on the Sixers. OK, that's three.
Temple has proved a few things already this season. One, they definitely are not ready for prime-time. Two, rapid turnover of their head coaches does not make it easy to recruit. They've lost to some real powerhouses and they've lost to some beatable teams. But they've lost them all.
Speaking of losses, how about the University of Maryland? In their last year in the ACC, and a year before they join the Big Ten, the Terps have had an impressive start, winning their first four games (and matching all of last year's win total) to break into the Top 25 at number 25. Then, they faced 8th ranked Florida State in Tallahassee and suffered a humiliating thrashing, 63-0. When the polls come out early this week Maryland fans will be lucky to find their team ranked in the top 2500.
Back at the ranch, Penn won their home match against Dartmouth in triple OT. Penn was predicted to win the Ivy League championship this season, but if they take four hours to beat Dartmouth the odds appear much longer than first projected.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Goodbye To All That
This miserable season will be over in a few hours and those among us still willing to admit to being Phillies' fans can shift their attention to...the...er...um...to the...to cleaning out the basement. Really, now, did you expect me to say "to the Eagles, Sixers or Flyers"?!
These are tough times for sports fans in the Delaware Valley. All you need to know about the Sixers is they begin their second straight season without a big man in the middle. Wait! That's not the bad part. They begin their second straight season having known in early summer they wouldn't have a big man.
The Flyers begin the season with the same questions about their defense with which they began last season. They also begin yet another season with questions about goal-tending. One thing seems pretty certain about the Fly boys, however. During the season they will make a deal to reacquire someone whom they discarded earlier. They do that...a lot.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are going nowhere fast. Literally. They have a hurry-up offense with only one legitimate receiver and a defense that would have a very tough time stopping Alabama.
As for the Phils.... The other night they wasted a superb effort by Cliff Lee in losing 1-0. They garnered two hits that night. They have been auditioning a lot of minor league pitchers in particular and the results suggest most of these guys will be minor league pitchers again. As for position players, they still don't have an intimidating lineup, unless of course, you are standing on the pitcher's mound surveying the scene.
Have a nice off-season...if you can.
These are tough times for sports fans in the Delaware Valley. All you need to know about the Sixers is they begin their second straight season without a big man in the middle. Wait! That's not the bad part. They begin their second straight season having known in early summer they wouldn't have a big man.
The Flyers begin the season with the same questions about their defense with which they began last season. They also begin yet another season with questions about goal-tending. One thing seems pretty certain about the Fly boys, however. During the season they will make a deal to reacquire someone whom they discarded earlier. They do that...a lot.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are going nowhere fast. Literally. They have a hurry-up offense with only one legitimate receiver and a defense that would have a very tough time stopping Alabama.
As for the Phils.... The other night they wasted a superb effort by Cliff Lee in losing 1-0. They garnered two hits that night. They have been auditioning a lot of minor league pitchers in particular and the results suggest most of these guys will be minor league pitchers again. As for position players, they still don't have an intimidating lineup, unless of course, you are standing on the pitcher's mound surveying the scene.
Have a nice off-season...if you can.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Rope-A-Dopes
As if anyone needed further evidence of just how much management views players as commodities with self-life expediencies, I offer you last night's sad ending to Roy Halladay's career, not only in Philadelphia but baseball itself.
Oh, sure, there is probably some GM out there who might take a flyer for next Spring, but for all intents and purposes Doc is finished.
He might have been able to come back next February for a try-out had he not rushed back this Summer after shoulder surgery and had the Phillies' alleged brain trust not insisted he take off the rest of the season to give his shoulder time to heal.
The Phillies' alleged brain trust knew Doc wouldn't sit if they hadn't insisted and therein lies the moral to this particular tale. Go ahead, they reasoned, give it your best. Secretly, we know you're cooked and not-so-secretly (public protestations notwithstanding) there is a zero chance we re-sign you. So, yes, go ahead and pitch.
The results were diminishing velocity, accuracy and in the end stamina. There he was last night in an air conditioned dome with the roof closed sweating like bullets and completely spent.
Very sad.
The Phillies' alleged brain trust will utter the usual platitudes and then, a year or so down the road, honor Doc. They could have honored him much more by helping him to recover this season, but they let him run out the string and he hung himself with it.
But don't kid yourself,, the Phillies alleged brain trust handed him the rope.
Oh, sure, there is probably some GM out there who might take a flyer for next Spring, but for all intents and purposes Doc is finished.
He might have been able to come back next February for a try-out had he not rushed back this Summer after shoulder surgery and had the Phillies' alleged brain trust not insisted he take off the rest of the season to give his shoulder time to heal.
The Phillies' alleged brain trust knew Doc wouldn't sit if they hadn't insisted and therein lies the moral to this particular tale. Go ahead, they reasoned, give it your best. Secretly, we know you're cooked and not-so-secretly (public protestations notwithstanding) there is a zero chance we re-sign you. So, yes, go ahead and pitch.
The results were diminishing velocity, accuracy and in the end stamina. There he was last night in an air conditioned dome with the roof closed sweating like bullets and completely spent.
Very sad.
The Phillies' alleged brain trust will utter the usual platitudes and then, a year or so down the road, honor Doc. They could have honored him much more by helping him to recover this season, but they let him run out the string and he hung himself with it.
But don't kid yourself,, the Phillies alleged brain trust handed him the rope.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The Doctor Is Out
The Roy Halladay era in Philadelphia has ended in bitterness and recrimination with the publication in this morning's Inquirer of comments by the veteran pitcher he was upset with press criticisms covering a range of issues.
Chief among these, of course, has been his poor performance since returning from shoulder surgery. Running a close second on his list of complaints was open speculation he had returned too soon. And rounding out his annoyance was the usual fallback position of "wronged" athletes in this town: Philadelphia's media corp let alone its fans are just too tough.
The Phillies were unlikely to re-sign the aging pitcher given his troubles of the last two seasons. For his part, Halladay often noted he wanted to pitch for a contender, which the Phils as currently constituted are clearly not.
At least this chapter of the admired pitcher's career is probably over. Will he even make his next scheduled start?
UPDATE
Halladay made his next scheduled start and was unimpressive. For the fourth straight game he hit a batter and walked several. Worse, his velocity remains stuck in the mid to high '80's. If he is going to reinvent himself as more of a finesse pitcher, he can't hit and walk batters at such a high rate.
In the end, the poorest decision by all concerned, the Philllies' alleged brain trust very much included, was to have Halladay come back at all this season.
Chief among these, of course, has been his poor performance since returning from shoulder surgery. Running a close second on his list of complaints was open speculation he had returned too soon. And rounding out his annoyance was the usual fallback position of "wronged" athletes in this town: Philadelphia's media corp let alone its fans are just too tough.
The Phillies were unlikely to re-sign the aging pitcher given his troubles of the last two seasons. For his part, Halladay often noted he wanted to pitch for a contender, which the Phils as currently constituted are clearly not.
At least this chapter of the admired pitcher's career is probably over. Will he even make his next scheduled start?
UPDATE
Halladay made his next scheduled start and was unimpressive. For the fourth straight game he hit a batter and walked several. Worse, his velocity remains stuck in the mid to high '80's. If he is going to reinvent himself as more of a finesse pitcher, he can't hit and walk batters at such a high rate.
In the end, the poorest decision by all concerned, the Philllies' alleged brain trust very much included, was to have Halladay come back at all this season.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Last Refuge
I was out of town the day Charlie Manuel was fired so I am a little late to the "party". Nevertheless, here goes:
Firing managers is usually the last refuge of inept general managers and Ruben Amaro's sudden dismissal of Manuel was a classic case in point.
Manuel wasn't a great strategist, nor was he a adept at moves such as the double switch. He was a players' manager, well-liked by most who passed through the Phillies' clubhouse during his tenure. What he did not deserve was to be dismissed with a month and a half remaining in this, his final contract year. Amaro was responsible for failing to begin the rebuilding process after last season. He could not be held responsible for the rash of injuries to key players, but he failed to fill holes on this squad, especially in the outfield and bullpen, and he signed free agents and resident players to ruinous contracts.
For this, Manuel was fired. It's always easier to fire the manager. Isn't that the baseball axiom?
Firing managers is usually the last refuge of inept general managers and Ruben Amaro's sudden dismissal of Manuel was a classic case in point.
Manuel wasn't a great strategist, nor was he a adept at moves such as the double switch. He was a players' manager, well-liked by most who passed through the Phillies' clubhouse during his tenure. What he did not deserve was to be dismissed with a month and a half remaining in this, his final contract year. Amaro was responsible for failing to begin the rebuilding process after last season. He could not be held responsible for the rash of injuries to key players, but he failed to fill holes on this squad, especially in the outfield and bullpen, and he signed free agents and resident players to ruinous contracts.
For this, Manuel was fired. It's always easier to fire the manager. Isn't that the baseball axiom?
Friday, August 09, 2013
Betting
Don't get me wrong (as sure a sign as any I expect to be misunderstood), who wouldn't want Chase Utley as his team's starting second baseman?
Few if any professional athletes in this city's history have ever been more admired and respected. In this space I have sung his praises, strongly suggesting fans never take him for granted. We watched a dedicated, talented and fiercely competitive Utley lead the Phillies from the wilderness to the Promise Land.
So why am I puzzled the Phillies signed him to a two-year deal worth $27 million with incentives that could extend the pact another three years and $48 million?
Well, Utley hasn't played a full season, or what passes for a full season with a few days off here and there, in several years. The Phillies' alleged brain trust is gambling again. Their track record isn't stellar. For every Cliff Lee there is a Jonathan Papelbon. For every Cole Hamels there is a Ryan Howard.
Second base may be the second or third toughest position, catcher being number one and first base perhaps being number two. First basemen get stepped on periodically. Second baseman get knocked down regularly.
Utley has missed a lot of time due to chronic knee ailments. This year he also went on the Disabled List due to an oblique strain. The day his contract extension was reported, his picture appeared on the front page of the sports section sliding hard into home plate. He only knows one speed: full out.
Utley is still a very productive hitter and an adequate second baseman. At his age he needs time off even were his knees not a problem. He also made it clear he wanted to remain a Phillie. He grew up in this organization, came to maturity in it, and became more or less the face of it, albeit in a quite way. Utley acknowledged when re-signing he'd spoken to other players in his position who'd switched teams late in their careers. "The grass isn't always greener...," he proclaimed. How could you not like a guy who likes you!!??
The contract is a gamble. The Phillies are betting he still has about 125 games a year in him for at least two more years. I wouldn't bet again them...or against Utley. Still, it's a huge bet.
Few if any professional athletes in this city's history have ever been more admired and respected. In this space I have sung his praises, strongly suggesting fans never take him for granted. We watched a dedicated, talented and fiercely competitive Utley lead the Phillies from the wilderness to the Promise Land.
So why am I puzzled the Phillies signed him to a two-year deal worth $27 million with incentives that could extend the pact another three years and $48 million?
Well, Utley hasn't played a full season, or what passes for a full season with a few days off here and there, in several years. The Phillies' alleged brain trust is gambling again. Their track record isn't stellar. For every Cliff Lee there is a Jonathan Papelbon. For every Cole Hamels there is a Ryan Howard.
Second base may be the second or third toughest position, catcher being number one and first base perhaps being number two. First basemen get stepped on periodically. Second baseman get knocked down regularly.
Utley has missed a lot of time due to chronic knee ailments. This year he also went on the Disabled List due to an oblique strain. The day his contract extension was reported, his picture appeared on the front page of the sports section sliding hard into home plate. He only knows one speed: full out.
Utley is still a very productive hitter and an adequate second baseman. At his age he needs time off even were his knees not a problem. He also made it clear he wanted to remain a Phillie. He grew up in this organization, came to maturity in it, and became more or less the face of it, albeit in a quite way. Utley acknowledged when re-signing he'd spoken to other players in his position who'd switched teams late in their careers. "The grass isn't always greener...," he proclaimed. How could you not like a guy who likes you!!??
The contract is a gamble. The Phillies are betting he still has about 125 games a year in him for at least two more years. I wouldn't bet again them...or against Utley. Still, it's a huge bet.
Monday, August 05, 2013
Et Tu, Bastardo?
Very little can surprise me these days, so the news Phillies' reliever Antonio Bastardo received a 50 game suspension for his involvement in the Biogenesis case produced a yawn.
The alleged brain trust of MLB is determined to clean up the game. Good luck, fellas. This latest round of suspensions came about largely if not only because a disgruntled employee or investor (I cannot remember which and I am too lazy to look it up) blew the whistle in the first place. Being jilted, wronged or insulted remain powerful incentives for revenge.
One thing is certain in big-time sport: athletes are going to continue to cheat as long as they develop a walk-on-water syndrome from an early age and as long as huge riches are in the offing. From an early age the ones who show talent are pampered and showered with gifts, both hard and soft. They are told they are special, that they are subject to a different set of rules and standards. They are never told they could be caught; indeed, even if they were warned most of them wouldn't believe it.
Inevitably, some great rich talents are caught in the net like the mighty Lance Armstrong or Alex Rodriguez; and, as we learned again today, so are some poor schmucks like Antonio Bastardo.
The alleged brain trust of MLB is determined to clean up the game. Good luck, fellas. This latest round of suspensions came about largely if not only because a disgruntled employee or investor (I cannot remember which and I am too lazy to look it up) blew the whistle in the first place. Being jilted, wronged or insulted remain powerful incentives for revenge.
One thing is certain in big-time sport: athletes are going to continue to cheat as long as they develop a walk-on-water syndrome from an early age and as long as huge riches are in the offing. From an early age the ones who show talent are pampered and showered with gifts, both hard and soft. They are told they are special, that they are subject to a different set of rules and standards. They are never told they could be caught; indeed, even if they were warned most of them wouldn't believe it.
Inevitably, some great rich talents are caught in the net like the mighty Lance Armstrong or Alex Rodriguez; and, as we learned again today, so are some poor schmucks like Antonio Bastardo.
Friday, August 02, 2013
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Sinking Fast
The Phillies stood pat as the July trade deadline passed, which is to stay they stood upstream without the proverbial paddle.
Was it any wonder?
The Phils had little to trade. Oh, sure, they had a few commodities of widely different values, but each of those came with enough baggage to negate any final transactions. Of these, Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon stand out. Lee is still a fine pitcher, but he's owed a ton of money. It was also notable he developed a stiff neck as the deadline approached and missed two starts. Timing is everything.
Papelbon is the most overpaid free agent closer in baseball history. Not the career saves leader. Not the all time strikeout leader. Not the most respected closer (especially by his own teammates). No, just the most overpaid. He is in decline though still decent. No one wanted to take on his salary or his personality.
Michael Young is a competent journeyman player with a mediocre glove. His type aren't a dime a dozen but they aren't difference makers either.
So, the Phils continue to age and decline.
As the deadline approached a number of articles pointed out Ruben Amaro and the Phils' alleged brain trust had done pretty well in these matters over the years. They had given up a lot of prospects, few of whom have panned out in their new uniforms, and gotten some pretty solid players in return.
That was then.
Papelbon may have angered a lot of fans and teammates when he moaned aloud after the Phils' seventh or eighth straight defeat that he didn't come here "for this", but you have to wonder if Cole Hamels, who signed a long-term deal last year, Cliff Lee, who was happy to return here two years ago and other aging veterans like Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins must be thinking the ship is taking on water fast and there are no life boats or shorelines in sight.
Was it any wonder?
The Phils had little to trade. Oh, sure, they had a few commodities of widely different values, but each of those came with enough baggage to negate any final transactions. Of these, Cliff Lee and Jonathan Papelbon stand out. Lee is still a fine pitcher, but he's owed a ton of money. It was also notable he developed a stiff neck as the deadline approached and missed two starts. Timing is everything.
Papelbon is the most overpaid free agent closer in baseball history. Not the career saves leader. Not the all time strikeout leader. Not the most respected closer (especially by his own teammates). No, just the most overpaid. He is in decline though still decent. No one wanted to take on his salary or his personality.
Michael Young is a competent journeyman player with a mediocre glove. His type aren't a dime a dozen but they aren't difference makers either.
So, the Phils continue to age and decline.
As the deadline approached a number of articles pointed out Ruben Amaro and the Phils' alleged brain trust had done pretty well in these matters over the years. They had given up a lot of prospects, few of whom have panned out in their new uniforms, and gotten some pretty solid players in return.
That was then.
Papelbon may have angered a lot of fans and teammates when he moaned aloud after the Phils' seventh or eighth straight defeat that he didn't come here "for this", but you have to wonder if Cole Hamels, who signed a long-term deal last year, Cliff Lee, who was happy to return here two years ago and other aging veterans like Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins must be thinking the ship is taking on water fast and there are no life boats or shorelines in sight.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Time To Make Some Changes
We no longer need to wait for the Phillies' alleged brain trust to decide if they are buyers or sellers at the looming July trade deadline. The players on the field have made the decision for them.
The Phils burst out of the blocks following the All Star break with a resounding triumph in their first of nine games on a three city road trip. From that point on they found every conceivable way to stumble and bumble into one defeat after another. Mostly lousy pitching. Terrible defense. No hitting. Injuries. A 1-8 record leaving them hopelessly below .500 for the year.
So, whether or not they admit it, the alleged brain trust is looking into a deep chasm that promises to revive those many years of mediocrity that preceded the Golden Years just past.
Managers will be fired. Players will be traded. Some fabulously rich and under-performing players will present a continuous drag on team finances. Oh, and the Phillies, long absent from the international scene, signed a Cuban pitcher for $48 million and scouts are seriously divided on his value. Translation: the alleged brain trust finally takes the plunge and they fork over a boatload of money to a 26-year old defector currently pitching in the Mexican League.
Did we mention that the closer they signed two seasons ago for the ridiculous and ridiculed sum of $52 million says he wants out of here?
And finally, did we mention the GM, who inherited a very good team and decimated its farm system and coffers (seriously though, let's not really feel sorry for ownership) in a desperate attempt to win one more time, should be the first official firing of the post-season?
The Phils burst out of the blocks following the All Star break with a resounding triumph in their first of nine games on a three city road trip. From that point on they found every conceivable way to stumble and bumble into one defeat after another. Mostly lousy pitching. Terrible defense. No hitting. Injuries. A 1-8 record leaving them hopelessly below .500 for the year.
So, whether or not they admit it, the alleged brain trust is looking into a deep chasm that promises to revive those many years of mediocrity that preceded the Golden Years just past.
Managers will be fired. Players will be traded. Some fabulously rich and under-performing players will present a continuous drag on team finances. Oh, and the Phillies, long absent from the international scene, signed a Cuban pitcher for $48 million and scouts are seriously divided on his value. Translation: the alleged brain trust finally takes the plunge and they fork over a boatload of money to a 26-year old defector currently pitching in the Mexican League.
Did we mention that the closer they signed two seasons ago for the ridiculous and ridiculed sum of $52 million says he wants out of here?
And finally, did we mention the GM, who inherited a very good team and decimated its farm system and coffers (seriously though, let's not really feel sorry for ownership) in a desperate attempt to win one more time, should be the first official firing of the post-season?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
"I am Shocked To Learn There Is Gambling Going On Here!" (Claude Rains in "Casablanca")
Perhaps Ryan Braun should have kept his mouth closed all along. From the Commissioner to the players to the media covering the game, baseball and its minions have always tolerated cheaters...provided they don't protest too much.
How do I know this? Barry Bonds, the fellow who concluded one season late September resembling Olyve Oil and returned for sprint training the following season looking like Popeye. His performance was enhanced and everyone just stood their in awe and belief. At least publicly.
Yes, indeed, just don't protest too much. Mark McGwire and Raphael Palmeiro could have told you all about that, Ryan. Don't wag your finger or hold up your right hand.
Ryan Braun denied he was a cheater for nearly two years before finally capitulating yesterday and saying, yes, he deserved to be suspended for the rest of the 2013 season and post-season. Now the holier-than-thous are all over him. Did you expect anything else? Is Braun the only player to seek an edge from a bottle, syringe or ointment in the last few years? If you believe that, I have a bridge....
How do I know this? Barry Bonds, the fellow who concluded one season late September resembling Olyve Oil and returned for sprint training the following season looking like Popeye. His performance was enhanced and everyone just stood their in awe and belief. At least publicly.
Yes, indeed, just don't protest too much. Mark McGwire and Raphael Palmeiro could have told you all about that, Ryan. Don't wag your finger or hold up your right hand.
Ryan Braun denied he was a cheater for nearly two years before finally capitulating yesterday and saying, yes, he deserved to be suspended for the rest of the 2013 season and post-season. Now the holier-than-thous are all over him. Did you expect anything else? Is Braun the only player to seek an edge from a bottle, syringe or ointment in the last few years? If you believe that, I have a bridge....
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Begin To Rebuild
Much time has passed since my last post. During this hiatus the Phils have lost two important starting position players and crept above .500 into second place in the generally mediocre NL East.
An item on ESPN's web site caught my attention the other day: a listing of the top 50 MLB prospects. Now, we all know these lists and four dollars will buy you a large coffee (or whatever they call them) at Starbucks (if you have high standards about lists and low standards about coffee), but it is worth noting only one Phillies' prospect, pitcher Jesse Biddle, makes the list. The Phils have other promising prospects but the reality is they traded away most of the best ones to try and win it all the last two years.
The Phillies have to begin rebuilding. Any foolish notions of post-season success this year must be abandoned. GM Ruben Amaro and the rest of the Phils' alleged brain trust don't seem so inclined. They think the team can catch the Braves for the NL East crown or at least secure a Wild Card spot.
The Phils have plenty of players on their 25-man roster who would bring good returns. Now is the time to cash in on these players. Some, such as Chase Utley, won't be re-signed here. Others, such as Michael Young, play positions at which the Phils do have good prospects on the way up. Still others like Jonathan Papelbon and Cliff Lee can bring much needed help down the road.
The alternative to selling is to stand pat or, worse, buy at the trade deadline. Doing so will ultimately prolong the Phils' years in the wilderness.
An item on ESPN's web site caught my attention the other day: a listing of the top 50 MLB prospects. Now, we all know these lists and four dollars will buy you a large coffee (or whatever they call them) at Starbucks (if you have high standards about lists and low standards about coffee), but it is worth noting only one Phillies' prospect, pitcher Jesse Biddle, makes the list. The Phils have other promising prospects but the reality is they traded away most of the best ones to try and win it all the last two years.
The Phillies have to begin rebuilding. Any foolish notions of post-season success this year must be abandoned. GM Ruben Amaro and the rest of the Phils' alleged brain trust don't seem so inclined. They think the team can catch the Braves for the NL East crown or at least secure a Wild Card spot.
The Phils have plenty of players on their 25-man roster who would bring good returns. Now is the time to cash in on these players. Some, such as Chase Utley, won't be re-signed here. Others, such as Michael Young, play positions at which the Phils do have good prospects on the way up. Still others like Jonathan Papelbon and Cliff Lee can bring much needed help down the road.
The alternative to selling is to stand pat or, worse, buy at the trade deadline. Doing so will ultimately prolong the Phils' years in the wilderness.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Holier Than Thou
I pondered the question long and hard over the last home stand and before last night's late inning debacle in San Diego: what is the matter with this team? I've mulled the possibilities, considered the sources, analyzed the statistics, dusted off the magic eight ball from my youth. In the end, I've come to these conclusions: they cannot hit much, pitch consistently or catch the ball well. Throw in a front office of dubious ability and you have the 2013 Phillies.
With the July trade deadline looming, it's almost laughable to think the Phillies will be anything other than sellers. If they persist in the absurd belief of their GM they can contend, the Phillies will only accelerate the slide toward bottom feeders that once glorious teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh suffered through until they stopped trying to right their ships with castoffs, has-beens, never-weres, and free agents long in the tooth.
Yes, fans, we could see decades of mediocrity unless the Phils look in the mirror and conclude they have to start stockpiling for the future. They traded off what talent that had in their farm system to win it all a year ago. One and a half years later they are again a below .500 club with holes everywhere one looks. First base? A hole. Second base? A hole. Shortstop? Soon to be a hole. Third base? See shortstop. Outfield? One decent player. Catcher? Soon to be a hole. Starting Pitching? Swiss cheese on that? Middle Relief? Vacancy signs everywhere. Late Inning Relief? Injured and erratic.
With the July trade deadline looming, it's almost laughable to think the Phillies will be anything other than sellers. If they persist in the absurd belief of their GM they can contend, the Phillies will only accelerate the slide toward bottom feeders that once glorious teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh suffered through until they stopped trying to right their ships with castoffs, has-beens, never-weres, and free agents long in the tooth.
Yes, fans, we could see decades of mediocrity unless the Phils look in the mirror and conclude they have to start stockpiling for the future. They traded off what talent that had in their farm system to win it all a year ago. One and a half years later they are again a below .500 club with holes everywhere one looks. First base? A hole. Second base? A hole. Shortstop? Soon to be a hole. Third base? See shortstop. Outfield? One decent player. Catcher? Soon to be a hole. Starting Pitching? Swiss cheese on that? Middle Relief? Vacancy signs everywhere. Late Inning Relief? Injured and erratic.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Win Or Go Home
Let's not beat around the bush: Jonathan Papelbon's act has grown old. His overall stats may be good, but therein lies the limitation of relying on stats. A couple of lousy outings in a row and suddenly the team's momentum, never barreling ahead at full steam anyway, is stopped dead in its tracks. The stare. The histrionics. The delivery. None of Papelbon's wearisome repertoire could save the game.
Update: Papelbon was blaming the Phils' lack of "fundamentals" after the game claiming he was surprised Ryan Howard was playing in when leadoff batter Denard Span opened the ninth inning by beating out an infield hit forcing the closer to cover first base. Sorry, Pap, Howard was told to play in for the speedy Span. He didn't issue the subsequent walk and base hit.
Last night's inexcusable loss to the Nationals typifies the stumbling, bumbling inability of this year's version of the Phillies to play good baseball. Recipients of a stellar performance by starter Kyle Kendrick, the offense's chronic anemia and Papelbon's ineptitude let the Nats stay close behind their own fine starting pitcher, former Phils' farmhand Gio Gonzalez and finally tie the game in their last regulation AB's.
Every time the Phillies creep within .500, they play a game like last night's. Only the mediocrity of the top teams in the NL East keeps them in the race. A look at the rest of the league makes it clear, however, the Phils have to win the Division. No Wild Card is coming out of the NL East this year.
It says here no Division winner is coming out of the Delaware Valley either!
Update: Papelbon was blaming the Phils' lack of "fundamentals" after the game claiming he was surprised Ryan Howard was playing in when leadoff batter Denard Span opened the ninth inning by beating out an infield hit forcing the closer to cover first base. Sorry, Pap, Howard was told to play in for the speedy Span. He didn't issue the subsequent walk and base hit.
Last night's inexcusable loss to the Nationals typifies the stumbling, bumbling inability of this year's version of the Phillies to play good baseball. Recipients of a stellar performance by starter Kyle Kendrick, the offense's chronic anemia and Papelbon's ineptitude let the Nats stay close behind their own fine starting pitcher, former Phils' farmhand Gio Gonzalez and finally tie the game in their last regulation AB's.
Every time the Phillies creep within .500, they play a game like last night's. Only the mediocrity of the top teams in the NL East keeps them in the race. A look at the rest of the league makes it clear, however, the Phils have to win the Division. No Wild Card is coming out of the NL East this year.
It says here no Division winner is coming out of the Delaware Valley either!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Doctors Are In
When the schedule makers sat down in front of June they took pity on the Phillies and penciled them in for a string of series versus teams unlikely to pose much of a challenge. It appears the opponents never got the memo.
The Phils continued to stumble toward terminal mediocrity with another loss to a last-place team. Once again Cole Hamels was on the mound. Until the fourth inning Hamels clung to a one-run lead, but in the bottom of the frame he threw batting practice as the Twins laced one hard-hit ball after another, two of them nearly home runs. It was SOP for Cole: cruising along and then, BINGO!
It was also SOP for the Phils' offense, sputtering along and in the process making world-beaters out of opposing starters whose ERA's were heretofore atrocious. Nothing cures pitching ails quite like a visit from the Philly doctors.
The Phils continued to stumble toward terminal mediocrity with another loss to a last-place team. Once again Cole Hamels was on the mound. Until the fourth inning Hamels clung to a one-run lead, but in the bottom of the frame he threw batting practice as the Twins laced one hard-hit ball after another, two of them nearly home runs. It was SOP for Cole: cruising along and then, BINGO!
It was also SOP for the Phils' offense, sputtering along and in the process making world-beaters out of opposing starters whose ERA's were heretofore atrocious. Nothing cures pitching ails quite like a visit from the Philly doctors.
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
You're Kidding, Right?
Domonic Brown, one of the lone bright lights on a very dull team, is the subject of a very unflattering story by Bob Brookover in this AM's Inky.
The gist of the story is that a lot of baseball people are put off by what they label "unprofessional" behavior by Brown following his home runs. Seems he does too much styling for their taste, takes wide turns around first and crosses the plate with some Samurai-like pose whenever Ryan Howard is there to greet him.
The most cited group of offenders appear to be scouts, a group long in the tooth on average and probably old school in general, Reggie Jackson's histrionics notwithstanding.
Brookover also quotes some opponents including nameless souls on the Miami Marlins' roster. The way things are going in their world, anyone drawing a walk probably is offensive to them.
Frankly, I've been struck by how modest Brown has been during his latest tear. Indeed, he can't be stylin' too much in this fan's mind given how profoundly boring the Phillies are in general. Now, maybe Brown's "antics" are relative to the stoicism of the Chase Utley's of the world. Who knows.
Oh, and who cares???!!!
The gist of the story is that a lot of baseball people are put off by what they label "unprofessional" behavior by Brown following his home runs. Seems he does too much styling for their taste, takes wide turns around first and crosses the plate with some Samurai-like pose whenever Ryan Howard is there to greet him.
The most cited group of offenders appear to be scouts, a group long in the tooth on average and probably old school in general, Reggie Jackson's histrionics notwithstanding.
Brookover also quotes some opponents including nameless souls on the Miami Marlins' roster. The way things are going in their world, anyone drawing a walk probably is offensive to them.
Frankly, I've been struck by how modest Brown has been during his latest tear. Indeed, he can't be stylin' too much in this fan's mind given how profoundly boring the Phillies are in general. Now, maybe Brown's "antics" are relative to the stoicism of the Chase Utley's of the world. Who knows.
Oh, and who cares???!!!
Saturday, June 01, 2013
The Sum Total Of It
With the first day of June upon us the summer season begins in earnest for baseball, the summer game.
It's clear the Phillies are going nowhere this year or in the foreseeable future. Beset by injuries, age and mediocrity at most positions, the Phils Golden Age has ended.
Frankly, even a normal season from Cole Hamels wouldn't have righted this ship, but the harsh reality is that the struggling southpaw's dismal season to date is all that stands between the Phils and .500 baseball.
The only real bright spot has been Domonic Brown, whose white-hot month of May, twelve home runs alone, has propelled him into the limelight.
Jonathan Papelbon has had a good season thus far as has Cliff Lee. Kyle Kendrick has been a serviceable back-of-the rotation starter forced into the middle of the rotation by injuries.
No one else stands out. Three and half players out of 25. That about sums it up.
It's clear the Phillies are going nowhere this year or in the foreseeable future. Beset by injuries, age and mediocrity at most positions, the Phils Golden Age has ended.
Frankly, even a normal season from Cole Hamels wouldn't have righted this ship, but the harsh reality is that the struggling southpaw's dismal season to date is all that stands between the Phils and .500 baseball.
The only real bright spot has been Domonic Brown, whose white-hot month of May, twelve home runs alone, has propelled him into the limelight.
Jonathan Papelbon has had a good season thus far as has Cliff Lee. Kyle Kendrick has been a serviceable back-of-the rotation starter forced into the middle of the rotation by injuries.
No one else stands out. Three and half players out of 25. That about sums it up.
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