Be grateful for Kyle Kendricks. And be mindful that is a potentially troubling development.
Kendricks is a seasoned veteran now. His development and maturation has sneaked up on us. A perennial back-end-of-the-rotation guy, he has been the most steady performer thus far this season.
Meanwhile, the Phils' bats have awakened versus the Mets. Too bad they cannot play lousy teams all the time. It's hard to feel confidence about a team that bashes lousy pitching.
The biggest surprises among the position players have to be Michael Young, who is hitting well, and Chase Utley, who is hitting well and holding up well. The biggest worry remains a gimpy Ryan Howard and an underachieving Domonic Brown. The biggest flop has been Ben Revere, who has already been given a few days off to clear his head.
Cole Hamels gets the start this afternoon and tries to avoid going 0 for April.
MLB released attendance figures for the season to date and to no one's surprise including the Phillies alleged brain trust, the locals lead the league in drop-off from the previous year. Those turnstiles are not turning fast enough to fund the huge payroll in place. The alleged brain trust will be in the unenviable but predictable position of having to raise ticket prices for a diminished product.
* * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, across the street, the Flyers finished their disappointing season with a flourish to finish over .500. Better things were expected of them, but serious injuries out of the gate, especially on defense, wrecked their chances. In the end, a lot of newcomers and sophomores from 2012 underperformed. The other huge problem was the overuse of goalie Ilya Bryzgalov because the coach didn't trust his backup until a late season trade brought in Steve Mason.
No single person, GM Paul Holmgren, or coach Peter Laviolette, is to blame for the dismal season, but on the other hand, they assemble the team and schemes, so it is reasonable to hold them accountable.
* * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, next door to across the street, the Eagles surprised a lot of people by drafting Matt Barkley in the 4th round. Nearly everyone around here who bleeds green is in the process of convincing himself the Eagles stole one and Barkley will turn out to be a franchise quarterback. Thirty-one other GM's were not convinced. Those are long odds.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
WYSIWYG
It hardly took a genius or for that matter a genie with a crystal ball to predict the 2013 installment of your Philadelphia Phillies were going to struggle for runs and middle relief.
On the other hand, if someone had put money down that Cole Hamels would enter May winless, just about anyone would have taken that bet.
It's no crime to grow old. Heck, it isn't even punishable by imprisonment or a fine to be lousy. But to be so damn boring is more than offensive.
What we can say is Charlie Manuel is already panicking. He gave Ben Revere, admittedly a flop to date, twenty games to get going and resorted to his favorite leadoff hitter, Mr. James Rollins of Oakland, CA. Domonic Brown has shuffled between left and right fields. He may still have a starting job, but even he isn't sure where to go without a scorecard.
Meanwhile, all of the so-called experts including yours truly gave up on Roy Halladay. It looks like we were wrong.
Ryan Howard looks so over-matched these days we can expect to see more days off. He moves with such caution these days one has to wonder if that Achilles tendon is bothering him.
Anyone who thinks Carlos Ruiz will return and save the day is dreaming.
Phillipe Aumont is never going to be a reliable reliever.
The hardest ticket in town has gotten progressively easier to find. By mid-summer it should be downright easy to walk up to the gates a few moments before the first pitch and get just about any seat in the house. All of those big salaries assumed a full house every night. So much for the collective wisdom of the Phillies alleged brain trust.
On the other hand, if someone had put money down that Cole Hamels would enter May winless, just about anyone would have taken that bet.
It's no crime to grow old. Heck, it isn't even punishable by imprisonment or a fine to be lousy. But to be so damn boring is more than offensive.
What we can say is Charlie Manuel is already panicking. He gave Ben Revere, admittedly a flop to date, twenty games to get going and resorted to his favorite leadoff hitter, Mr. James Rollins of Oakland, CA. Domonic Brown has shuffled between left and right fields. He may still have a starting job, but even he isn't sure where to go without a scorecard.
Meanwhile, all of the so-called experts including yours truly gave up on Roy Halladay. It looks like we were wrong.
Ryan Howard looks so over-matched these days we can expect to see more days off. He moves with such caution these days one has to wonder if that Achilles tendon is bothering him.
Anyone who thinks Carlos Ruiz will return and save the day is dreaming.
Phillipe Aumont is never going to be a reliable reliever.
The hardest ticket in town has gotten progressively easier to find. By mid-summer it should be downright easy to walk up to the gates a few moments before the first pitch and get just about any seat in the house. All of those big salaries assumed a full house every night. So much for the collective wisdom of the Phillies alleged brain trust.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
I Take It Back, Miami.
I apologize to the Marlins. After all these years of excoriating the franchise located in Miami I realize there is at least one benefit to their presence in the league: without them the Phils would be wallowing in the cellar. So, thanks, Miami, for just being around and being lousy. But watch out, boys, these guys are starting to win now and then.
The Phils are certainly an equal opportunity club these days. Nearly everyone is giving a chance to stink. Some, of course, stink worse than others. Domonic Brown appears to really be the bust he's been since arriving as a phenom. He cannot hit. He cannot field. He cannot stay healthy.
Ryan Howard has actually pulled his average up over the last week, but don't worry, it will fall again. Let's face it, Howard's decline has been steady. At this point his manager is sorely tempted to sit the big guy against all lefties, tough or not. Howard has one home run after seventeen games. Teams no longer even put a shift on him when hard-throwing righties are on the mound. They just figure he cannot get around on them.
Jimmy Rollins has seen his average sink, too.
Erik Kratz really is the career minor leaguer we thought he was.
Cole Hamels has yet to win a game. Roy Halladay has yet to convince me he is back. John Lannan has the feet of clay we suspected all along. His knee is made of the same stuff, too.
Ben Revere really was the cheap alternative. He can field as advertised. He hasn't done much else.
Right field is a revolving door. Brown is in left; enough said.
Carlos Ruiz is eight games away from returning. He won't make that much of a difference...if at all.
Ryne Sandberg is coaching third, presumably moving closer to managing the team. Perhaps he should consider offers from the outside while he can still get out.
The Phils are certainly an equal opportunity club these days. Nearly everyone is giving a chance to stink. Some, of course, stink worse than others. Domonic Brown appears to really be the bust he's been since arriving as a phenom. He cannot hit. He cannot field. He cannot stay healthy.
Ryan Howard has actually pulled his average up over the last week, but don't worry, it will fall again. Let's face it, Howard's decline has been steady. At this point his manager is sorely tempted to sit the big guy against all lefties, tough or not. Howard has one home run after seventeen games. Teams no longer even put a shift on him when hard-throwing righties are on the mound. They just figure he cannot get around on them.
Jimmy Rollins has seen his average sink, too.
Erik Kratz really is the career minor leaguer we thought he was.
Cole Hamels has yet to win a game. Roy Halladay has yet to convince me he is back. John Lannan has the feet of clay we suspected all along. His knee is made of the same stuff, too.
Ben Revere really was the cheap alternative. He can field as advertised. He hasn't done much else.
Right field is a revolving door. Brown is in left; enough said.
Carlos Ruiz is eight games away from returning. He won't make that much of a difference...if at all.
Ryne Sandberg is coaching third, presumably moving closer to managing the team. Perhaps he should consider offers from the outside while he can still get out.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Trifecta
Here's all you need to know about the Phils' three-game sweep by the Cincinnati Reds: they didn't draw a single bases on balls the entire series.
You already knew they didn't hit or score because that's who these Phillies are. You also knew John Lannan wasn't going to continue his world-beater imitation once he faced a team other than Miami.
The Phils did waste some fine starting pitching by Cliff Lee and especially Kyle Kendrick. Both pitchers received no support though truth be told the offense wasn't singling (bad pun) them out in particular.
So, the boys in red pinstripes limped home literally with Domonic Brown clutching his back after swinging at a pitch closer to Covington, KY, than home plate.
They're aging. They're unexciting. They're losing.
You already knew they didn't hit or score because that's who these Phillies are. You also knew John Lannan wasn't going to continue his world-beater imitation once he faced a team other than Miami.
The Phils did waste some fine starting pitching by Cliff Lee and especially Kyle Kendrick. Both pitchers received no support though truth be told the offense wasn't singling (bad pun) them out in particular.
So, the boys in red pinstripes limped home literally with Domonic Brown clutching his back after swinging at a pitch closer to Covington, KY, than home plate.
They're aging. They're unexciting. They're losing.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Time In
OK, five days are up and what better occasion to rejoin the festivities than during the Phils weekend journey to the worst city for major league baseball in the civilized world?!
That's right, folks, "the worst". No sandlot in the Dominican Republic or aging bleachers in Havana nor the most basic diamond in the Dutch Antilles can compare to baseball in Miami.
Have you ever noticed that baseball telecasts from Miami have their own sound? The sound of those vuvuzelas reverberating off of the 40,000 plus empty seats. The PR system that seems to originate from a mine shaft. The sound of a foul ball rattling off all those seats. Boos that don't cascade (there is a minimum number to reach "cascade" level. See Citizens Bank Park for reference.)
Placido Polanco batting cleanup.
Chris Wheeler making at least 100 references per game to the size of the park, made larger by the absence of occupied seats. Last night's game was probably seen by more tourists from Quebec than residents of Florida including the vendors, ushers and grounds crew.
The sheer extortion of it by the Marlins' ownership, getting the local citizenry to fund the new stadium only to watch him trade away most of their best players.
It almost makes one wish for Bowie Kuhn.
That's right, folks, "the worst". No sandlot in the Dominican Republic or aging bleachers in Havana nor the most basic diamond in the Dutch Antilles can compare to baseball in Miami.
Have you ever noticed that baseball telecasts from Miami have their own sound? The sound of those vuvuzelas reverberating off of the 40,000 plus empty seats. The PR system that seems to originate from a mine shaft. The sound of a foul ball rattling off all those seats. Boos that don't cascade (there is a minimum number to reach "cascade" level. See Citizens Bank Park for reference.)
Placido Polanco batting cleanup.
Chris Wheeler making at least 100 references per game to the size of the park, made larger by the absence of occupied seats. Last night's game was probably seen by more tourists from Quebec than residents of Florida including the vendors, ushers and grounds crew.
The sheer extortion of it by the Marlins' ownership, getting the local citizenry to fund the new stadium only to watch him trade away most of their best players.
It almost makes one wish for Bowie Kuhn.
Monday, April 08, 2013
Take Five...As In Days
One week into the season and we know even less about these Phillies than we did when they broke camp and headed north.
The starting pitching is even more suspect than anyone imagined, especially with Cole Hamels sporting an ERA north of ten.
The middle relief is in near-complete disarray.
The defense is lousy.
One pitch separated the Phils from being swept by Kansas City at home.
The Phils took 4-0 leads in two of their weekend games against the Royals...and lost both of them.
Chase Utley is healthy and hitting. Ryan Howard is healthy and is not hitting.
After one week this observer finds the Phillies astonishingly boring to watch. Barring any important developments, I already need time off.
The starting pitching is even more suspect than anyone imagined, especially with Cole Hamels sporting an ERA north of ten.
The middle relief is in near-complete disarray.
The defense is lousy.
One pitch separated the Phils from being swept by Kansas City at home.
The Phils took 4-0 leads in two of their weekend games against the Royals...and lost both of them.
Chase Utley is healthy and hitting. Ryan Howard is healthy and is not hitting.
After one week this observer finds the Phillies astonishingly boring to watch. Barring any important developments, I already need time off.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
That's Baseball
WOW!
One pitch. Down to their last out. Hitless and phutile throughout the evening. Wasting a good start by John Lannan in his debut with the club. On the brink of starting the season 1-4 including two straight losses at home. Phillies nation edging toward the ledge if not poised to go over it.
Kevin Frandsen pinch-hitting in a tough situation. Frandsen, who earned a starting spot based on his 2012 performance but who didn't get one because the alleged brain trust decided his position requires, no demands, power and a glove at least as good as Brooks Robinson.
Having loaded the bases with two outs and watched the next two guys go down on strikes, Frandsen, whose parents were in from California for the game, probably went up their looking for the proverbial good pitch to hit, a fastball if you please. And, lo and behold, he got one. And, lo and behold, he stroked a double into the gap in right clearing the bases and giving the Phils an improbable last AB 4-3 win.
One pitch away from an even more dismal opening week than even this blogger expected (and my three loyal readers know I am not your garden-variety optimist).
So, what can we say?
That's baseball. Fortunately.
One pitch. Down to their last out. Hitless and phutile throughout the evening. Wasting a good start by John Lannan in his debut with the club. On the brink of starting the season 1-4 including two straight losses at home. Phillies nation edging toward the ledge if not poised to go over it.
Kevin Frandsen pinch-hitting in a tough situation. Frandsen, who earned a starting spot based on his 2012 performance but who didn't get one because the alleged brain trust decided his position requires, no demands, power and a glove at least as good as Brooks Robinson.
Having loaded the bases with two outs and watched the next two guys go down on strikes, Frandsen, whose parents were in from California for the game, probably went up their looking for the proverbial good pitch to hit, a fastball if you please. And, lo and behold, he got one. And, lo and behold, he stroked a double into the gap in right clearing the bases and giving the Phils an improbable last AB 4-3 win.
One pitch away from an even more dismal opening week than even this blogger expected (and my three loyal readers know I am not your garden-variety optimist).
So, what can we say?
That's baseball. Fortunately.
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Record Setting
Google engineers report there were a record number of searches in the Delaware Valley yesterday afternoon for synonyms for the word "slaughter".
Funny, I wasn't among those searching. The word "humiliating" immediately leaped to my mind and I found it more than satisfactory to express my feelings about the Phillies home opener.
As I predicted earlier, while troublesome, the starting pitching wasn't their chief concern; nor were the late innings (who happily for them, never got a chance to appear). No, the big problem would be middle relief and sure enough it was (wait, I need to consult my Thesaurus) pitiful. No, wait. How about "beerleague"? No, wait. I don't won't to cast any aspersions on that estimable blog. Let's settle for non-existent.
Now, 33 years is a long time to harbor a grudge, but the Royals apparently did just that. And with George Brett in the house, the newest incarnation of the "other" team that used to play in Philadelphia, roared back from a 4-0 deficit with the aid of some lousy (and expected to be so) fielding by Domonic Brown and some, well, non-existent middle relief.
Surely the Phils' alleged brain trust is already scouring the waiver wires. You would have thought they had sufficient time since early February to work these things out, but they came north with these retreads, never-weres, has-beens and pretenders in the first place. Help is probably not on the way.
Funny, I wasn't among those searching. The word "humiliating" immediately leaped to my mind and I found it more than satisfactory to express my feelings about the Phillies home opener.
As I predicted earlier, while troublesome, the starting pitching wasn't their chief concern; nor were the late innings (who happily for them, never got a chance to appear). No, the big problem would be middle relief and sure enough it was (wait, I need to consult my Thesaurus) pitiful. No, wait. How about "beerleague"? No, wait. I don't won't to cast any aspersions on that estimable blog. Let's settle for non-existent.
Now, 33 years is a long time to harbor a grudge, but the Royals apparently did just that. And with George Brett in the house, the newest incarnation of the "other" team that used to play in Philadelphia, roared back from a 4-0 deficit with the aid of some lousy (and expected to be so) fielding by Domonic Brown and some, well, non-existent middle relief.
Surely the Phils' alleged brain trust is already scouring the waiver wires. You would have thought they had sufficient time since early February to work these things out, but they came north with these retreads, never-weres, has-beens and pretenders in the first place. Help is probably not on the way.
Friday, April 05, 2013
Early Interleague Play. Very Early.
Thanks, Cliff, we needed that.
The Phillies staved off being swept in Atlanta when Cliff Lee pitched a gem in the final game of a three-game season-opening series for a 2-0 win. The victory halted a potential 0-3 start and could be an indication of things to come. Some of the starting pitching (yo, Cole!) will sort itself out but the offense is going to struggle to score runs.
So the Phils return to Citizens Bank Park to begin their home season against the...wait...what league are we in? The National? So, why are the Phils opening against the Kansas City Royals? Hang on. I had to look this up in the paper this morning. I couldn't remember who their opening day opponent was and when I read George Brett and Mike Schmidt were throwing out the ceremonial first pitch I blinked a few times. Just a minute, I thought, what is George Brett doing in town? That WS was 33 years ago, not exactly a round number. MLB couldn't find a worthy NL opponent?
Go figure.
Interleague play is bad enough, the novelty having worn off long ago and the inequality of the schedule (as in who plays whom) quite annoying, but since when does it begin in April?
I'm sure the alleged brain trust is thrilled with this opponent for the opener. How many fans would come to see Kansas City in, say, June?
The Phillies staved off being swept in Atlanta when Cliff Lee pitched a gem in the final game of a three-game season-opening series for a 2-0 win. The victory halted a potential 0-3 start and could be an indication of things to come. Some of the starting pitching (yo, Cole!) will sort itself out but the offense is going to struggle to score runs.
So the Phils return to Citizens Bank Park to begin their home season against the...wait...what league are we in? The National? So, why are the Phils opening against the Kansas City Royals? Hang on. I had to look this up in the paper this morning. I couldn't remember who their opening day opponent was and when I read George Brett and Mike Schmidt were throwing out the ceremonial first pitch I blinked a few times. Just a minute, I thought, what is George Brett doing in town? That WS was 33 years ago, not exactly a round number. MLB couldn't find a worthy NL opponent?
Go figure.
Interleague play is bad enough, the novelty having worn off long ago and the inequality of the schedule (as in who plays whom) quite annoying, but since when does it begin in April?
I'm sure the alleged brain trust is thrilled with this opponent for the opener. How many fans would come to see Kansas City in, say, June?
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Ouch!
OK, sports fans, it's official; you can worry with impunity.
The Phils had their collective hats handed to them for a second straight game in Atlanta and in the process saw Roy Halladay justify all the pre-season worries about his velocity and other diminished attributes.
Following the game, Halladay vowed he would fix things. His determination is to be admired. His professional mortality is another matter.
While we are on the subject of worries, Jonathan Papelbon did nothing to dispel them in this corner. It's feast or famine with the Phils' closer. Last night the Braves were feasting.
Among other things, Ryan Howard is hitless in the first two games and has struck out three times in eight official AB's. Ah, but it's early. Meanwhile, Michael Young looks like a guy who hasn't played third base for quite a while, not the sort of thing you want to see in your third baseman.
Chase Utley continues to look like the hustling player of old. Mike Adams looks to be all he was cracked up to be.
The Phils try to salvage a game before returning to Philadelphia for their home opener tomorrow.
The Phils had their collective hats handed to them for a second straight game in Atlanta and in the process saw Roy Halladay justify all the pre-season worries about his velocity and other diminished attributes.
Following the game, Halladay vowed he would fix things. His determination is to be admired. His professional mortality is another matter.
While we are on the subject of worries, Jonathan Papelbon did nothing to dispel them in this corner. It's feast or famine with the Phils' closer. Last night the Braves were feasting.
Among other things, Ryan Howard is hitless in the first two games and has struck out three times in eight official AB's. Ah, but it's early. Meanwhile, Michael Young looks like a guy who hasn't played third base for quite a while, not the sort of thing you want to see in your third baseman.
Chase Utley continues to look like the hustling player of old. Mike Adams looks to be all he was cracked up to be.
The Phils try to salvage a game before returning to Philadelphia for their home opener tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
The Bright Side
There aren't many cities in which the home team can lose its opening game in a 162-game season and see panic set in, but we're talking Philadelphia here.
The alleged brain trust of the Phils rewarded newly-anointed ace Cole Hamels with the opening day start (in Atlanta) and sat back and watched him get pummeled. Hamels was just about the only starting pitcher on this squad about whom there had been little worry (if you throw out the pre-season scare about arm soreness), so it couldn't have calmed the natives to see him batted around. There may be some consolation in past results predicting future performance. Cole has lost most of his opening starts since arriving in the big leagues.
On the other hand, Phanatics had to be thrilled with Chase Utley's opening day performance. He homered and tripled and even more impressively began the season in the starting lineup.
Ryan Howard began with a collar.
Chad Durbin looked like the retread he is. That bridge to Adams and Papelbon looks like one of those hemp jobs over a jungle river gorge.
But let's look on the bright side, eh? (Yes, folks, I may not mention the bright side often but I do know one exists.) The Phils have 161 games remaining, some of them against Miami. See! Told 'ya!
The alleged brain trust of the Phils rewarded newly-anointed ace Cole Hamels with the opening day start (in Atlanta) and sat back and watched him get pummeled. Hamels was just about the only starting pitcher on this squad about whom there had been little worry (if you throw out the pre-season scare about arm soreness), so it couldn't have calmed the natives to see him batted around. There may be some consolation in past results predicting future performance. Cole has lost most of his opening starts since arriving in the big leagues.
On the other hand, Phanatics had to be thrilled with Chase Utley's opening day performance. He homered and tripled and even more impressively began the season in the starting lineup.
Ryan Howard began with a collar.
Chad Durbin looked like the retread he is. That bridge to Adams and Papelbon looks like one of those hemp jobs over a jungle river gorge.
But let's look on the bright side, eh? (Yes, folks, I may not mention the bright side often but I do know one exists.) The Phils have 161 games remaining, some of them against Miami. See! Told 'ya!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Drum Roll, Please
The moment all of you have been waiting for....
The Phillies will finish third in the NL East this season, failing to make the playoffs for the second straight year of what promises to be a long hiatus on the outside looking in.
Built to win last year, they are surely more desperate than ever to try and win this season. Unfortunately, they haven't got the horses, especially in the starting rotation. Their top three starters feature a Cole Hamels on the continued way up, Cliff Lee who is enigmatic and unpredictable, and Roy Halladay, who is in decline. Behind them are Kyle Kendrick, a perennial hopeful at best, and John Lannan, who could be a textbook example of a fifth starter were he not really a sixth one at heart!
The offense contains its own bevy of question marks, headed of course by a recovering Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Howard needs more plate discipline. It's a worrisome sign the Phillies have announced before the first game of the regular season they plan to sit Howard against tough lefties. Howard needs to adjust and he needs to adjust now. The trends have been downward for several seasons now. If he cannot alter the trend line now, he never will.
Utley appears healthier than he has in a few seasons. How long he will hold up is anyone's guess. This is the final year of his contract. Will he be one of those aging stars who puts together a banner season in the final year or will he wear down under the strains of every-day playing?
Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young man the left side of the infield. Rollins may need more range than ever to cover for Young, whose better fielding days are probably behind him; but Rollins isn't any younger either.
The outfield will be makeshift for what seems to be the billionth year in a row. Ben Revere mans center. He should do fine. Domonic Brown, finally handed a starting job with no visible strings attached, gets his third chance to live up to the hype. No one expects him to be a star fielder; indeed, he is the starting left fielder, not his more "natural" or at least accustomed position in right. The Phils preferred right fielder, Delmon Young, starts the season on the DL. There, at least, he cannot botch any plays.
The teams's catcher, leader and most likeable player in the last few seasons begins the year in banishment for testing positive for a substance for which he could have received an exemption. The unfortunate fallout forced the Phillies to hand the job to Erik Kratz, who is not Carlos Ruiz' equal in any respect except, apparently, determination.
The bullpen is stronger in the eight inning than it has been for years with the addition of Mike Adams. Jonathan Papelbon should do fine as the closer. Getting to these two is still going to be an adventure. The sixth or seventh inning could prove to be the Phils' undoing.
The bench is mediocre.
The manager and coaching staff don't matter unless the Phils are forced to make double switches every game.
Over the last five or six seasons the hardest ticket to find in these parts included one for a game at Citizens Bank Park. By August of this year they could be easy to find.
The Phillies will finish third in the NL East this season, failing to make the playoffs for the second straight year of what promises to be a long hiatus on the outside looking in.
Built to win last year, they are surely more desperate than ever to try and win this season. Unfortunately, they haven't got the horses, especially in the starting rotation. Their top three starters feature a Cole Hamels on the continued way up, Cliff Lee who is enigmatic and unpredictable, and Roy Halladay, who is in decline. Behind them are Kyle Kendrick, a perennial hopeful at best, and John Lannan, who could be a textbook example of a fifth starter were he not really a sixth one at heart!
The offense contains its own bevy of question marks, headed of course by a recovering Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Howard needs more plate discipline. It's a worrisome sign the Phillies have announced before the first game of the regular season they plan to sit Howard against tough lefties. Howard needs to adjust and he needs to adjust now. The trends have been downward for several seasons now. If he cannot alter the trend line now, he never will.
Utley appears healthier than he has in a few seasons. How long he will hold up is anyone's guess. This is the final year of his contract. Will he be one of those aging stars who puts together a banner season in the final year or will he wear down under the strains of every-day playing?
Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young man the left side of the infield. Rollins may need more range than ever to cover for Young, whose better fielding days are probably behind him; but Rollins isn't any younger either.
The outfield will be makeshift for what seems to be the billionth year in a row. Ben Revere mans center. He should do fine. Domonic Brown, finally handed a starting job with no visible strings attached, gets his third chance to live up to the hype. No one expects him to be a star fielder; indeed, he is the starting left fielder, not his more "natural" or at least accustomed position in right. The Phils preferred right fielder, Delmon Young, starts the season on the DL. There, at least, he cannot botch any plays.
The teams's catcher, leader and most likeable player in the last few seasons begins the year in banishment for testing positive for a substance for which he could have received an exemption. The unfortunate fallout forced the Phillies to hand the job to Erik Kratz, who is not Carlos Ruiz' equal in any respect except, apparently, determination.
The bullpen is stronger in the eight inning than it has been for years with the addition of Mike Adams. Jonathan Papelbon should do fine as the closer. Getting to these two is still going to be an adventure. The sixth or seventh inning could prove to be the Phils' undoing.
The bench is mediocre.
The manager and coaching staff don't matter unless the Phils are forced to make double switches every game.
Over the last five or six seasons the hardest ticket to find in these parts included one for a game at Citizens Bank Park. By August of this year they could be easy to find.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Breaking Camp
The Phils are about to break camp and head north absent the barnstorming of yore. If they've been watching the weather channel, the alleged brain trust might want to delay their departure.
While I am loathe to attach much significance to spring training results, indeed the superstitious me is convinced there is an inverse relationship between spring training and regular season success, it's hard to ignore the problems that have surfaced with the pitching staff.
On more than one occasion a starter has looked like a batting practice pitcher. John Lannan's pitiful outing only yesterday isn't altogether surprising; after all, he is a mediocre player. Roy Halladay's struggles are another matter. While Doc is getting credit in some quarters for acknowledging he isn't the same pitcher he was a few short seasons ago, the guys in the other dugout could care less how he makes the adjustment. All they know is they couldn't hit him before and they can now!!
The good news, in a nod to my friend Julia, is that Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have appeared healthy and productive and Domonic Brown may finally be ready to be the everyday player the Phils envisioned. That said, this team wasn't built as an offensive juggernaut and the production of the last few years, injuries notwithstanding, bears that out.
Cliff Lee needs to bounce back from his peculiar season a year ago. Cole Hamels needs to be even better now that he is clearly the staff ace. Kyle Kendrick has to pick up where he left off a year ago, especially since he is really likely to be the team's number three pitcher whether his manager and pitching coach like it or not.
Jimmy Rollins is a year older. Still a fine shortstop, nevertheless he has lost a step. He still is not the prototypical lead-off man and never will be. The Phils should hand Ben Revere that role and stop tinkering.
That leaves one corner outfield position open. Delmon Young, whose defense will never be mistaken for that of Pat Burrell let alone Shane Victorino, will probably man that position once he is healthy. In the meantime, Lance Nyx will see some action there.
While Carlos Ruiz serves his suspension, Erik Kratz will handle the catching duties. Expectations are low.
New setup man Mike Adams looks healthy and effective. Jonathan Papelbon should provide all the excitement he did a year ago, a mixed blessing as far as this fan is concerned.
Next post: My eagerly awaited predictions. Are the three of you ready?
While I am loathe to attach much significance to spring training results, indeed the superstitious me is convinced there is an inverse relationship between spring training and regular season success, it's hard to ignore the problems that have surfaced with the pitching staff.
On more than one occasion a starter has looked like a batting practice pitcher. John Lannan's pitiful outing only yesterday isn't altogether surprising; after all, he is a mediocre player. Roy Halladay's struggles are another matter. While Doc is getting credit in some quarters for acknowledging he isn't the same pitcher he was a few short seasons ago, the guys in the other dugout could care less how he makes the adjustment. All they know is they couldn't hit him before and they can now!!
The good news, in a nod to my friend Julia, is that Ryan Howard and Chase Utley have appeared healthy and productive and Domonic Brown may finally be ready to be the everyday player the Phils envisioned. That said, this team wasn't built as an offensive juggernaut and the production of the last few years, injuries notwithstanding, bears that out.
Cliff Lee needs to bounce back from his peculiar season a year ago. Cole Hamels needs to be even better now that he is clearly the staff ace. Kyle Kendrick has to pick up where he left off a year ago, especially since he is really likely to be the team's number three pitcher whether his manager and pitching coach like it or not.
Jimmy Rollins is a year older. Still a fine shortstop, nevertheless he has lost a step. He still is not the prototypical lead-off man and never will be. The Phils should hand Ben Revere that role and stop tinkering.
That leaves one corner outfield position open. Delmon Young, whose defense will never be mistaken for that of Pat Burrell let alone Shane Victorino, will probably man that position once he is healthy. In the meantime, Lance Nyx will see some action there.
While Carlos Ruiz serves his suspension, Erik Kratz will handle the catching duties. Expectations are low.
New setup man Mike Adams looks healthy and effective. Jonathan Papelbon should provide all the excitement he did a year ago, a mixed blessing as far as this fan is concerned.
Next post: My eagerly awaited predictions. Are the three of you ready?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Discontent
One of the most clever signs ever hung in a store window was the following in a Detroit sporting goods store:
The professional hoop team is pitiful. The promise of last season and optimism regarding the acquisition of Andrew Bynum have long since evaporated. The players are mostly over-matched and the coach has become increasingly vocal and irritable about their efforts. Daily News writer Rich Hoffmann had a particularly poignant line about Doug Collins' public lamentations: "He bought the groceries and burned the dinner. He can't now blame the stove." Collins had a lot to do with the makeup of this team. He also must have had some role in the due diligence on Andrew Bynum.
Now is the discount of our winter tents.
I was reminded of witty sign when considering the sports landscape in Philadelphia this winter. It could not be more bleak except for some college hoop teams.
The professional hoop team is pitiful. The promise of last season and optimism regarding the acquisition of Andrew Bynum have long since evaporated. The players are mostly over-matched and the coach has become increasingly vocal and irritable about their efforts. Daily News writer Rich Hoffmann had a particularly poignant line about Doug Collins' public lamentations: "He bought the groceries and burned the dinner. He can't now blame the stove." Collins had a lot to do with the makeup of this team. He also must have had some role in the due diligence on Andrew Bynum.
Bynum joins a particularly select group of players who arrived in the City of Brotherly Love damaged goods and tantalized (taunted, really) the local faithful with rumor after rumor he'd be back in the lineip at some later date. Now, if not earlier, it is clear he was never going to play a regular season game in a Sixers uniform. Good riddance, Andrew. They team cleared some salary cap with your acquisition. Some legacy.
Drue Holiday has continued to emerge for the Sixers, but Evan Turner has been impressively unpredictable. Thad Young is a gamer, but just about everyone else on this club seems to be treading water.
Meanwhile, the Flyers began the truncated season ineptly and except for one day thus far, have been below .500. Currently, they are three games under .500 and playing with little heart. There were reasonably high hopes for this club, except for worries about the defense, but some players have been hurt (every team has injuries in this rough and tumble sport) while others have disappeared. The coach is on the hot seat with an owner not known for patience.
Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is still utterly unpredictable except for his mood, which seems to have gone from cheerful and eccentric when he arrived with much fanfare last season to gloomy with each defeat this year. Goalies are only as good as the defense in front of them, and the Flyers don't have a good one. On the other hand, he can be brilliant one night and give up soft goals the next. One would guess much of his and our frustration could be alleviated if the team scored a few goals, but then, the other night they took a huge first period lead over the Penguins and then surrendered it and, finally, the game. Bryzgalov, staked to a three-goal lead that night, had to be yanked after giving all of it up.
While GM Paul Holmgren struggles to find answers, the Flyers made at least two moves this season that are characteristic of them. They reacquired two players whom they traded or otherwise moved previously. I haven't the inclination to look it up, but the Flyers must lead the league in reacquisition. (Corrections to this perception can be delivered in the comments section.)
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Is It April Yet?
If I've learned anything in 65 years (hold the snickers, please) it's that Spring Training performances don't mean diddly!
Ryan Howard and Dom Brown are smoking home runs one day and Cole Hamels throws batting practice to Dominican Republic the next.
Call me when the games count.
Ryan Howard and Dom Brown are smoking home runs one day and Cole Hamels throws batting practice to Dominican Republic the next.
Call me when the games count.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Pass The Bucket
It has been awfully quiet here for a long time, but like players, coaches, announcers and hotdog sellers, bloggers need their own warmups. So, here it goes....
There is a fair bit of optimism in Clearwater this Spring because Chase Utley appears healthier than at any time in three years, Ryan Howard has apparently recovered from his Achilles tear and Roy Halladay seems fit as well. Let me pause to ask the equipment manager if he has a bucket of cold water available.
Spring Training always takes place in the land of Optimism. The realities beg to differ. The infield, with an aging Jimmy Rollins who has been prone to his own assorted ailments, and Michael Young, a solid performer who is probably in decline as well, simply does not inspire confidence. Howard was so inept versus lefties last year the club has already announced he'll sit for fifteen games or so when opposed by tough southpaws. That doesn't sound like a guy who was simply struggling with injuries.
Utley only knows one speed: full throttle. Anyone who plays with his intensity is a moment away from trying to beat out an infield hit or sliding hard into second to break up a double play.
The outfield is young, very inexperienced and short on defense in the corners. Any team that relies on its pitching, which the Phils will do, needs solid defense to make up the difference. And while we're at it, such as staff also relies heavily on a good field general behind the plate. Carlos Ruiz won't be there for a while as he serves out his suspension.
In a division with the Nationals and Braves sporting lots of talent, the Phils will probably finish third...if they remain healthy.
Thanks, I only needed one bucket.
There is a fair bit of optimism in Clearwater this Spring because Chase Utley appears healthier than at any time in three years, Ryan Howard has apparently recovered from his Achilles tear and Roy Halladay seems fit as well. Let me pause to ask the equipment manager if he has a bucket of cold water available.
Spring Training always takes place in the land of Optimism. The realities beg to differ. The infield, with an aging Jimmy Rollins who has been prone to his own assorted ailments, and Michael Young, a solid performer who is probably in decline as well, simply does not inspire confidence. Howard was so inept versus lefties last year the club has already announced he'll sit for fifteen games or so when opposed by tough southpaws. That doesn't sound like a guy who was simply struggling with injuries.
Utley only knows one speed: full throttle. Anyone who plays with his intensity is a moment away from trying to beat out an infield hit or sliding hard into second to break up a double play.
The outfield is young, very inexperienced and short on defense in the corners. Any team that relies on its pitching, which the Phils will do, needs solid defense to make up the difference. And while we're at it, such as staff also relies heavily on a good field general behind the plate. Carlos Ruiz won't be there for a while as he serves out his suspension.
In a division with the Nationals and Braves sporting lots of talent, the Phils will probably finish third...if they remain healthy.
Thanks, I only needed one bucket.
Friday, January 25, 2013
On Second Thought....
Considering everything Ruben Amaro has said and done in the last few seasons, he ought to do Domonic Brown a favor and trade the lad. If anyone needed a fresh start, it's Dom. The Phillies went from anointing him the crown jewel of the organization's youngsters to a guy who needed more seasoning, to a guy who had to earn the job to a guy who, well, what...? A platoon player at best before the season gets underway?
Listen, I'm unimpressed with Dom's defense and we all can see he hasn't delivered the power numbers expected. Those things said, does any young player maintain his confidence when the alleged brain trust never misses an opportunity to degrade him publicly?
So, do him a favor, Rube; trade him away. After all, the Phils are simply trying to hold onto third place before the season gets underway. Why not start rebuilding now? The window of opportunity closed a year ago, Rube.
Listen, I'm unimpressed with Dom's defense and we all can see he hasn't delivered the power numbers expected. Those things said, does any young player maintain his confidence when the alleged brain trust never misses an opportunity to degrade him publicly?
So, do him a favor, Rube; trade him away. After all, the Phils are simply trying to hold onto third place before the season gets underway. Why not start rebuilding now? The window of opportunity closed a year ago, Rube.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mid-Winter Musings
I can only assume Domonic Brown's inbox is full because the Phillies' alleged brain trust keeps sending him the same message over and over again, i.e., "Dom, the ____field job is yours...sort of. We're gonna' bring in another guy, though, just in case you can't hack it."
So, who is the "other guy" of the month this time? None other than an anti-Semitic, out-of-control, overweight designated hitter who hasn't played defense for nearly five years. Can you hear them now, Dom?
* * * * * * * *
Three games into the "season" and the Flyers already know one thing: Ilya Bryzgalov is not the answer. He is the question, however.
* * * * * * * *
Throughout their recently expired golden years (2007-2011), the Phillies almost made some people in town believe they were everyone's favorite sports team. The firing of Andy Reid and hiring of Chip Kelly set the record straight. The obsession not only over Reid's firing, but his hiring in Kansas City reached a fever pitch. Even the Weather Channel provided updates.
Never was someone shown the door with such fanfare and preoccupation. Lost in the shuffle is the fact that the Eagles really needed to hire a quarterback, two offensive linemen, one linebacker, a defensive tackle, two defensive backs, and a defensive coordinator.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Chip. Eugene is going to look pretty good come, say, mid-October.
* * * * * * * *
Has anyone seen Andrew Bynum?
So, who is the "other guy" of the month this time? None other than an anti-Semitic, out-of-control, overweight designated hitter who hasn't played defense for nearly five years. Can you hear them now, Dom?
* * * * * * * *
Three games into the "season" and the Flyers already know one thing: Ilya Bryzgalov is not the answer. He is the question, however.
* * * * * * * *
Throughout their recently expired golden years (2007-2011), the Phillies almost made some people in town believe they were everyone's favorite sports team. The firing of Andy Reid and hiring of Chip Kelly set the record straight. The obsession not only over Reid's firing, but his hiring in Kansas City reached a fever pitch. Even the Weather Channel provided updates.
Never was someone shown the door with such fanfare and preoccupation. Lost in the shuffle is the fact that the Eagles really needed to hire a quarterback, two offensive linemen, one linebacker, a defensive tackle, two defensive backs, and a defensive coordinator.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Chip. Eugene is going to look pretty good come, say, mid-October.
* * * * * * * *
Has anyone seen Andrew Bynum?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Absolutely Not!!
The Baseball Writers' Association of America has spoken, sort of, failing to vote in a single candidate to the Hall of Fame for the first time in nearly four decades.
The resounding withholding of votes for first-time candidates Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, among others, can be roughly translated this way: "No way we're voting for you creeps this year, but don't worry, we will get over it (or retire and be replaced by younger scribes who don't know you are creeps) and vote you in after a short hissy fit."
There are many writers who staked out the high moral ground and declared candidates like Bonds and Clemens to be cheaters who didn't qualify for the Hall on "character". These voters are well aware of the avowed racists, drunks and cheaters already enshrined.
Local writer Matt Gelb, who doesn't have a vote and who generally is insightful, argued the Hall is just a museum, after all, not Mt. Olympus. Sorry, Matt, but the Hall really is about immortality.
Still others argue there is no way the writers should keep the all-time home run king and one of the greatest pitchers ever out of the Hall. This group probably includes more than a few who still feel Pete Rose should be admitted. (Enough on that subject...for now.)
In the end, the nay-sayers were bent on punishment for a number of transgressions, including their own failure to blow the whistle. Holier-than-thou-ism is among the first places of refuge for cowards.
The resounding withholding of votes for first-time candidates Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, among others, can be roughly translated this way: "No way we're voting for you creeps this year, but don't worry, we will get over it (or retire and be replaced by younger scribes who don't know you are creeps) and vote you in after a short hissy fit."
There are many writers who staked out the high moral ground and declared candidates like Bonds and Clemens to be cheaters who didn't qualify for the Hall on "character". These voters are well aware of the avowed racists, drunks and cheaters already enshrined.
Local writer Matt Gelb, who doesn't have a vote and who generally is insightful, argued the Hall is just a museum, after all, not Mt. Olympus. Sorry, Matt, but the Hall really is about immortality.
Still others argue there is no way the writers should keep the all-time home run king and one of the greatest pitchers ever out of the Hall. This group probably includes more than a few who still feel Pete Rose should be admitted. (Enough on that subject...for now.)
In the end, the nay-sayers were bent on punishment for a number of transgressions, including their own failure to blow the whistle. Holier-than-thou-ism is among the first places of refuge for cowards.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Heading Down
If rumors that the Phillies are about to acquire Michael Young are true it will be ` pure Ruben Amaro move, and this a day after he broke the mold by trading for Ben Revere. Young, by all accounts the consummate professional, is a player who appears to be in decline. Should his current trajectory continue downward, he would be yet another attempt by Amaro to squeeze one more year (or two!!!) out of a stop-gap infielder.
The Phillies would be better off starting Kevin Frandsen, which is why they won't!
The Phillies would be better off starting Kevin Frandsen, which is why they won't!
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