Heavens to Murgatroyd! Where the hell is everyone? It's been 45 days since anyone posted 'round these parts. I asked for a simple moratorium in observance of my new found success but this is much longer than I asked for or deserve! You know, we doubled our membership and this post only puts us two ahead of last year's total with 16 days remaining. Whitney surely has something to say - K-Rod, Putz? Certainly Mr. Doyle can chime in with the Bronx' gluttonous foray into the pitching market - CC and AJ? And you Mr. Russell, whose team always figures into the equation with the hottest free agent du jour, what say you? Is Tex taking his bat to Beantown?
The Phillies, World Championship notwithstanding, are going on with business as usual. Nothing flashy, just prudent moves based on sober reality. "Eating Raul" Ibanez will be patrolling left field replacing Pat the Bat (more on that later.) Jamie Moyer has been retained for 2 more seasons. Chan Ho Park will be competing for the 5th starters spot in Citizens Bank Park (no relation - its like Smith in the Koreas.) There's still dizzying talk of packaging 56 prospects to the Padres for Jake Peavey but I know better. That rumor will die a fairly inconspicuous death.
Back to Pat the Bat. I have trouble recalling any player in recent Phillies' history who compares to his place in club lore. He compares favorably with the all time greats in club history (it's relative.) He's behind only Del Ennis and Mike Schmidt in home runs. (Granted, there is Mike Schmidt at 548 and then Ennis and Burrell at about 300 home runs behind.) He's a World Champion who has had a few great moments (his run was the Series clincher.) However, it's all offset by what he didn't do. He shares some qualities with Von Hayes - so much potential, so much disappointment. He didn't come close to winning any batting titles, home run titles or RBI titles. He never carried the team for longer than a month. He still looked helpless at time flailing away at breaking pitches. He just seemed so damned aloof all the time.
What ultimately endeared Pat the Bat to Phillies fans in the end was that he took his beating standing up and he never let them see him cry. Many a thin skinned athlete took his wares elsewhere because the heat was too intense. Pat played it cool the entire time. In the end, he delivered in the biggest game of his career and was subsequently the championship parade grand marshal. He then accepted with typical dignity the fact that his club no longer needed his services. I hope Pat lands somewhere where the weather is always perfect and his contributions always welcomed. I have only one request. Please Pat, please, stay the hell away from Flushing.
Thanks for the memories old pal and good luck.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Give My Regards to Broad Street
Random Thoughts on a Championship Season
1. I am a member of the small subset of Beatles fans who preferred Paul to John. Hence the title of this post is both an homage to the Phillies famous street address and a rather awful Paul McCartney movie from 1984. Anyone remember "No More Lonely Nights?" No? It did feature a soulful Dave Gilmour lick.
2. In 1980, the Phillies' World Series victory was cathartic but not necessarily something I remember sitting back and appreciating. This is different. Clearly, baseball has a different priority in the life of a 42-year-old father of 4 than it does in the life of a 14 year old high school freshman. I didn't want this one as badly as I did way back then but the flip side is I won't be disappointed next year when some other team hoists that garish World Series trophy. I was a wreck in 1981. I stil hate that year!
3. Congratulations to the Phillies' young stars who each contributed - Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels. You each have earned the right to be considered true stars of the game.
4. Congratulations to the guys for whom this world title is redemption. May no one ever link Brad Lidge to Albert Puljols again. May everyone appreciate that while he never became a beastly hitting machine that earned him the nickname Pat the Bat, Pat Burrell was a justified #1 draft pick in 1998.
5. Congratulations old man Jamie Moyer. Your story would be a wonderful tale of hard work, grit and determination if you simply hailed from Minot, North Dakota. The fact that you went home to the city in which you grew up to win a championship in the twilight of your career - and you did it by leading your rotation in victories while mentoring your young mates - well my friend, that is the stuff of legend.
6. Congratulations to the the little man, the Flyin' Hawaiian - Shane Victorino! Make no mistake, this is your team Shane.
7. Congratulations to Carlos Ruiz and Pedro Feliz - your unexpected contributions with your bats were a pleasant surprise and a much needed shot in the arm to the offense when the experts kept pounding on the team's poor situational hitting.
8. Congratulations to the bullpen and the bench and the steady hand of Jason Werth. All great teams have professionals that do their jobs well.
9. Congratulations to Uncle Charlie and Stand Pat Gillick. No one is second guessing you now.
10. Congratulations to all those Phillies fans that don't swear in front of children, who do not pelt Santa with snowballs. To those who don't wear T-shirts featuring messages ryming Tony Romo's surname with a slur. Those who don't cheer E-A-G-L-E-S at Phillies games. Those who remember 1980. Those who went to the Vet time and again even when the team was going nowhere as it usually was.
11. This World Championship is for all those who fell by the wayside but certainly tried to make it happen years and years earlier. John Kruk, Mitch Williams, Jim Fregosi, Johnny Podres, Dutch and the Dude, Mike Lieberthal, Doug Glanville, Terry Mulholland, Mickey Morandini, Bobby Abreu, Larry Bowa, Von Hayes, Juan Samuel, Rico Brogna and Jim Thome. This is also for Tito. I know you ended up in a better place but what you went through here makes you worthy. You will always be a Phillie in some small way. There are others I am sure. Time takes its toll fellas.
12. This World Championship is most certainly not for a number of fellas who were too damn impatient or self absorbed to make it happen here. You know who you are. Unfortunately, you were rewarded for your petulance. No matter, you're not one of us. You're dead to me.
13. This World Championship is also for my father. Tata - I am sorry this has happened to me twice while you have watched 71 Octobers fade away empty handed. I know you are happy for me and that inside, you, like all Cubs fans, are our baseball kin. Believe me, I'd trade this one in a heartbeat just to get you one. Just one.
14. To Whitney, TJ and Rob - thanks for inviting me to this forum. Rob, I don't see what is so tough about those Rays! TJ - The Philies have more championships in this century than the Yanks! Remember the year 2000 belongs to the last century. Whitney, we caught you - 2 for the Mets, 2 for the Phils! I like carving up reality to enhance my self esteem. Seriously, I apologize for making a mockery of misery this year. I will try to do better next year.
15. No hot stove talk until after Thanksgiving, OK? I just want to do a little sun soaking.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
My Name Is Earl
A quick pair of cents before emptying the stage for Nick's acceptance speech . . .
As much disdain as I have for stereotypical Philadelphians, Phils fans, and the Phillies -- and it's a lot -- in the waning moments of last night's game, I found myself happy about the result because of Nick.
I don't know any die-hard Rays fans (that's a joke) but I know some ever-lovin' Phightins Phans, and there are some diamonds in that rough, rough lot. Here's to our late, great friend Evan "Earl" Lloyd, whose time in heaven now includes Ohio State and Phillies championships, giving us all hope of a blessed afterlife.
And here's to Nick, who, once he decided to pony up again for the Extra Innings ticket and spend way too much time on a silly blog writing about his team, saw 28 years fall by the wayside. The applications for inclusion at MLC are pouring in from Cubs and Indians fans. Yanks fans, not so much.
So here's pretty much the only thing I got right this year.
Oh . . . and at least the Eagles never won anything (yet).
As much disdain as I have for stereotypical Philadelphians, Phils fans, and the Phillies -- and it's a lot -- in the waning moments of last night's game, I found myself happy about the result because of Nick.
I don't know any die-hard Rays fans (that's a joke) but I know some ever-lovin' Phightins Phans, and there are some diamonds in that rough, rough lot. Here's to our late, great friend Evan "Earl" Lloyd, whose time in heaven now includes Ohio State and Phillies championships, giving us all hope of a blessed afterlife.
And here's to Nick, who, once he decided to pony up again for the Extra Innings ticket and spend way too much time on a silly blog writing about his team, saw 28 years fall by the wayside. The applications for inclusion at MLC are pouring in from Cubs and Indians fans. Yanks fans, not so much.
So here's pretty much the only thing I got right this year.
Oh . . . and at least the Eagles never won anything (yet).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Who Will Stop the Rain?
2008 World Series Game 5Rays 2, Phillies 2 - suspended in the middle of the 6th inning
Series: Phillies 3.5 to 1.5
Game 5.67 - TBD
A look at the Doppler revealed a massive green blob over the Mid-Atlantic from Richmond on up to New York. The green blob sat there like the University of Wisconsin offensive line at a bratwurst buffet. It had no intention of going anywhere soon.
By now, everyone knows the comedy of errors that led to last night’s suspension of Game 5 with the game tied at 2 in the middle of the 6th. Before I go on to comment here, let me make it clear that I certainly did NOT want the Phils to win a rain shortened game. I’d rather lose if it came to that. Still, I am a bit peeved. Here is why.
It’s no mystery that MLB does not call the shots on whether these games are played or not. It’s unfortunate that these decisions are now made de facto by the TV network – in this case Fox. What I cannot understand is why no one at Fox or MLB has a reasonable contingency plan for such situations as last night. It was October 27th in Philadelphia. The chance that we’d see rain was pretty good actually.
There are two things that could have rescued baseball from another self inflicted wound last night.
1 – Get rid of the 5 inning rule for the post season. In fact, you should probably dump it from the last week of the season through the post season. No one wants to win a rain-shortened 5 inning game in the pennant drive or post season. If you get rid of the 5 inning rule, you wouldn’t have subjected the Phillies to the top of the 6th when the Rays conveniently tied the game. I am not saying the Rays are unworthy of the tie at this point, I am simply pointing out it could have been a whole lot worse for the Phillies given the weather conditions and then where would we be? The Phillies were lucky to escape the inning tied. Presumably, when the Rays take the field when this game eventually resumes, they will do so in markedly improved conditions. Does that seem fair?
2 – 154 games. Look, we have an extra round in the playoffs which have now shoved the World Series into the final week in October. Given that half of all Major League teams play in the Northeast, Midwest or Rocky Mountains, it’s a good bet that inclement weather will affect the World Series. Dropping the 8 games and restoring the pre 1961 schedule will allow the World Series to start in mid-October and be done by the 22nd or 23rd.
Beyond these two, MLB still should have canned this game after the 2nd inning. What a shame.
OK, now onto Game 5, part II whenever that resumes. Let’s call it Game 5.67. The Phils will get 12 outs, the Rays 9. That’s a huge advantage. The Phils of course, have that great bullpen. It will be interesting to see how Charlie approaches this game. Will he treat it like a normal game in the 6th inning or will he treat it for what it has become, a 3.5 inning game? If Bret Myers wasn’t so shaky in the early innings, I’d “start” him. However, we cannot afford to give up a single run, not until we plate a run. So who will get the ball in the 7th? The Rays will have the 6, 7 & 8 batters – Navarro (S), Baldelli (R) and Bartlett (R). A pinch hitter will follow if someone gets on. I don’t see why you don’t go to Madson and ask him to pitch two innings. If the Phillies can get that run, and trot Madson out for 2 innings followed by Lidge, I’d like their chances. Of course, the greater mystery would be just who Joe Maddon sends out for the bottom of the 6th.
This may all play out tonight, or tomorrow, or later. Who knows? Did I mention it’s been 28 years? I can wait.
By now, everyone knows the comedy of errors that led to last night’s suspension of Game 5 with the game tied at 2 in the middle of the 6th. Before I go on to comment here, let me make it clear that I certainly did NOT want the Phils to win a rain shortened game. I’d rather lose if it came to that. Still, I am a bit peeved. Here is why.
It’s no mystery that MLB does not call the shots on whether these games are played or not. It’s unfortunate that these decisions are now made de facto by the TV network – in this case Fox. What I cannot understand is why no one at Fox or MLB has a reasonable contingency plan for such situations as last night. It was October 27th in Philadelphia. The chance that we’d see rain was pretty good actually.
There are two things that could have rescued baseball from another self inflicted wound last night.
1 – Get rid of the 5 inning rule for the post season. In fact, you should probably dump it from the last week of the season through the post season. No one wants to win a rain-shortened 5 inning game in the pennant drive or post season. If you get rid of the 5 inning rule, you wouldn’t have subjected the Phillies to the top of the 6th when the Rays conveniently tied the game. I am not saying the Rays are unworthy of the tie at this point, I am simply pointing out it could have been a whole lot worse for the Phillies given the weather conditions and then where would we be? The Phillies were lucky to escape the inning tied. Presumably, when the Rays take the field when this game eventually resumes, they will do so in markedly improved conditions. Does that seem fair?
2 – 154 games. Look, we have an extra round in the playoffs which have now shoved the World Series into the final week in October. Given that half of all Major League teams play in the Northeast, Midwest or Rocky Mountains, it’s a good bet that inclement weather will affect the World Series. Dropping the 8 games and restoring the pre 1961 schedule will allow the World Series to start in mid-October and be done by the 22nd or 23rd.
Beyond these two, MLB still should have canned this game after the 2nd inning. What a shame.
OK, now onto Game 5, part II whenever that resumes. Let’s call it Game 5.67. The Phils will get 12 outs, the Rays 9. That’s a huge advantage. The Phils of course, have that great bullpen. It will be interesting to see how Charlie approaches this game. Will he treat it like a normal game in the 6th inning or will he treat it for what it has become, a 3.5 inning game? If Bret Myers wasn’t so shaky in the early innings, I’d “start” him. However, we cannot afford to give up a single run, not until we plate a run. So who will get the ball in the 7th? The Rays will have the 6, 7 & 8 batters – Navarro (S), Baldelli (R) and Bartlett (R). A pinch hitter will follow if someone gets on. I don’t see why you don’t go to Madson and ask him to pitch two innings. If the Phillies can get that run, and trot Madson out for 2 innings followed by Lidge, I’d like their chances. Of course, the greater mystery would be just who Joe Maddon sends out for the bottom of the 6th.
This may all play out tonight, or tomorrow, or later. Who knows? Did I mention it’s been 28 years? I can wait.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sledgehammer
2008 World Series Game 4Phillies 10, Rays 2
Series: Phillies 3 - 0
Hey seamheads! You know what you can do with your "runners in scoring position" stat! Looks like you may need to redefine the term "scoring position." I have told you all year long, this team does not manufacture runs. It vomits them.
Of course, there is a downside to that approach. I just hope a 3 games to 1 edge affords them a little room if they come crashing down from that long ball buzz.
There is no better scenario for the Phillies than the one which has presented itself to them for tonight's Game 5 in Philly. Up 3-1. They have Hamels with the ball in his hand. They're facing Kazmir who they were able to score on early back at the Trop. Howard has found his mojo. Utley and Rollins too. Pete Happy has chipped in. Carlos Ruiz has joined in the homer happiness. And now, it appears Joe Blanton is a nice right handed hitter coming off the bench.
I think this team knows its all theirs for the taking. I am confident they will come out relaxed and ready. Still, the Rays have shown their mettle so until that last slider from Lidge sails into Ruiz's glove unmolested, I won't rest.
28 years is a long time. That's all I can say.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
In The Air Tonight
2008 World Series - Games 1, 2 & 3Phillies 3, Rays 2
Rays 4, Phillies 2
Phillies 5, Rays 4
Phillies lead 2-1
Anybody see anything worthwhile on TV recently?
Sorry it's been a while since I posted. I'm obviously quite new to this World Series experience. Call me a hack, a slouch or whatever. I really don't have a whole lot to say. Things are progressing as I expected. I knew Hamels had a great game in store for us in Game 1. He was outstanding. He gives me that feeling only Lefty and Schill ever had before. Put the ball in his hands and relax. The effort by Myers was about what we could reasonably expect. Look, he went up against James Shields so he really had no chance to win, did he? He kept it respectable and that's all we could ask. I know I could be accused of over psychoanalyzing sports and that's probably the case here but I think that Myers kept in respectable and the team was able to leave St. Pete tied at 1-1 feeling like this was going to be a tight series. Can you imagine what the feeling would have been heading back if we had lost 9 - 2? Especially after the way the Rays abused a better pitching rotation in the ALCS?
Mother Nature sure did screw with the Phils in Game 3. She couldn't just wash out the whole evening. Nooooooo. She had to insidiously delay the game for 90 minutes turning 45,000 championship starved hyenas into 45,000 bleary eyed and quite passive fans. The hometown crowd was admirable given the circumstances but one of the big factors in the series is that the Phils play before real baseball fans who are very, very noisy. This club feeds off that vibe. They gave it their best but I expect it to be a little crazier tonight.
I have to write a little ode to Jamie Moyer one day. For now, I will just say I wish he was my big brother.
The national media cracks me up analyzing the Phillies ineptitude with RISP. Where the hell have they been all year? No one who has witnessed this club play ball the past few seasons would ever confuse their style with MoneyBall. You just have to learn to be patient. Last night was a case in point. They will smack it around. I don't care if it is Derek Lowe, CC Sabathia or Scott Kazmir. This club looks for the long ball. I gave up long ago and shit, we're 2 games away from the championship so as Rob would advise, I think I just have a tall cold glass of shut the f_ck up and relax. For better for worse, that's how they're gonna roll.
Tonight would be a really good night to steal a win. Keep it close Joe Blanton and give us a chance. If we do pull it out, I'd feel safe bankrolling 40,000 "Phillies - 2008 World Series Champions adjustable caps.
*Oh, and before I go, Cole Hamels will likely be the MVP if we win this thing but I thought I would mention just how cool it is that Carlos Ruiz has been delivering all postseason long. Ruiz is 2008's Rick Dempsey or Kurt Bevaqua or Scott Brosius. Therefor, Carlos gets his mug on my posts until further notice.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Whoomp! There it is!
2008 World Series Phillies vs. RaysGame 1 in St. Petersburg - Cole Hamels vs. Scott Kazmir
Wow, I am really sorry I had to do that!
For the first time since the one hit wonder group Tag Team charted their sole #1 song in 1993, the team that inexplicably adopted that hideous affront to music has made it back to the World Series. I suspect there is a correlation there. The '79 Pirates are in year 29 of their mandated 50 year exile to the Gulag for adopting "We Are Family." Makes one wonder what song the 1908 Cubs adopted, eh?
I am excited to get this series underway. Sadly, I wish it were over already. I am not good with handling the drama. I'd rather be watching the highlights and leave the suffering to the masochists. Suffer I will though. Still, I have a feeling Cole Hamels just might be special as I am sure his mother says he is when he takes the hill tonight. It's what happens after that that scares me. Baby steps. Baby steps.
Let's get it on!
Monday, October 20, 2008
In Country Sleep
Games 6 & 7 - ALCSRed Sox 4, Rays 2
Rays 3, Red Sox 1
Rays win American League Pennant
Even to the last pitch to Jed Lowrie, I had hope, and in no small measure that’s a victory in and of itself.
Perspective is a remarkable thing, a healer of ill tempers, a firewall against the tempting rage at potential thwarted. Five postseasons, four American League Championship Series, and two World Series in six seasons is an embarrassment of riches. My oldest daughter, born in 2001, has seen as many Red Sox postseasons in her life as her father did in the 31 years before her birth. So while gnashing of teeth and bitter disappointment may seem to be the order of the day (and would clearly have been even a few short years ago), my overwhelming emotions this morning are gratitude (for the Sox) and respect (for the Rays).
The Red Sox finally lost an ALCS elimination game after winning nine such do-or-die contests in succession dating back to 2004. In so doing, they remind us of the utter improbability in that statistic and the iron will in that stubborn refusal to accept defeat quietly. They remind us, too, of those moments spent hoping, wishing, pleading against logic for one more pitch, one more inning, one more game followed by involuntary yelps of glee, cathartic leaps, uninhibited joy. A loss amidst hope is a small price to pay after so many victories produced when hope was such a fragile thing.
As for the Rays, their youth and inexperience masked a fire and will every bit as strong as that of the Sox. Ask the 2004 Yankees or the 2007 Indians how hard it is to resist the momentum of a team back from the brink of elimination. That’s a really good team, managed and led well, and I’d caution any fans of the Phils who may be breathing a sigh of relief this morning to be careful what they wish for.
Apologies to all who came here this morning expected (hoping?) to read one last profane rant. In the final analysis, it’s hard to be anything but appreciative of a Sox team that came within three thin runs of yet another improbable comeback despite fielding a newly patched lineup and fraying rotation.
I suppose I’ll recap the season at some point, but the stage belongs to Nick now. I can’t decide whether I want to read about joyous release or futility renewed.
Perspective is a remarkable thing, a healer of ill tempers, a firewall against the tempting rage at potential thwarted. Five postseasons, four American League Championship Series, and two World Series in six seasons is an embarrassment of riches. My oldest daughter, born in 2001, has seen as many Red Sox postseasons in her life as her father did in the 31 years before her birth. So while gnashing of teeth and bitter disappointment may seem to be the order of the day (and would clearly have been even a few short years ago), my overwhelming emotions this morning are gratitude (for the Sox) and respect (for the Rays).
The Red Sox finally lost an ALCS elimination game after winning nine such do-or-die contests in succession dating back to 2004. In so doing, they remind us of the utter improbability in that statistic and the iron will in that stubborn refusal to accept defeat quietly. They remind us, too, of those moments spent hoping, wishing, pleading against logic for one more pitch, one more inning, one more game followed by involuntary yelps of glee, cathartic leaps, uninhibited joy. A loss amidst hope is a small price to pay after so many victories produced when hope was such a fragile thing.
As for the Rays, their youth and inexperience masked a fire and will every bit as strong as that of the Sox. Ask the 2004 Yankees or the 2007 Indians how hard it is to resist the momentum of a team back from the brink of elimination. That’s a really good team, managed and led well, and I’d caution any fans of the Phils who may be breathing a sigh of relief this morning to be careful what they wish for.
Apologies to all who came here this morning expected (hoping?) to read one last profane rant. In the final analysis, it’s hard to be anything but appreciative of a Sox team that came within three thin runs of yet another improbable comeback despite fielding a newly patched lineup and fraying rotation.
I suppose I’ll recap the season at some point, but the stage belongs to Nick now. I can’t decide whether I want to read about joyous release or futility renewed.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Alive
Game 5 - ALCS Red Sox 8, Rays 7
Red Sox trail 3-2
Four years from yesterday, to the day, the Sox got mauled by the Yankees to go down 3-0 in the ALCS. Five years from J.D. Drew's game-ending single, to the minute, Aaron Boone homered off Tim Wakefield and left me with the most sickening feeling I've ever experienced as a sports fan. After yesterday, it's fair to say that the Sox have rehabilitated October 16.
As SOSHer thrawnqq noted with some degree of awe in the game thread from last night's absurd ALCS Game 5, "...with what we have seen, it is hard to believe that we can still be amazed." And even so, I'm filled once again with a giddy absurdist glee, a most unexpected and intense joy.
Which, to be completely honest, is accompanied by a measure of chagrin. I admit that I stopped believing. The Sox were down 7-0 when I told my wife I was going to stay up to see the end of the season. Just like in 2004, I'd begun composing the season's eulogy in my head. The Sox were not just losing; they were getting embarrassed on their way to losing three straight at home to a team that was clearly better.
The Sox were dead. Dead. The crowd was leaving, the bench appeared to be lifeless. Thousands of people, including my neighbor, went to bed knowing the season was over. Teejay was gleefully texting me.
And then, like Kurt Russell's Wyatt Earp walking across a river in a hail of gunfire, defiantly screaming "NO!", the Sox just refused to die. In the bottom of the 7th, Coco Crisp singled to put runners on first and third with two outs. Alive. Dustin Pedroia faced a 2-strike count before blooping a ball to right to deny the shutout. Alive. David Ortiz summoned his postseason aura one more time, blasting a no-doubt thunderbolt into deep right. Alive. Jonathan Papelbon blew the Rays away in the top of the 8th. Alive. Jason Bay walked to start the bottom of the 8th, and then J.D. Drew put one of the purest swings you'll ever see on a Dan Wheeler offering. 7-6, Rays. Alive. Mark Kotsay doubled with two outs, finally getting a ball past B.J. Upton. Alive. Crisp fought off pitch after pitch and ripped Wheeler's 10th offering to right to plate Kotsay. ALIVE!
Justin Masterson shook off a pair of baserunners in the top of the 9th. Alive. Kevin Youkilis chopped a ball to third with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, and Evan Longoria threw it away after making a splendid play with his glove. Alive, and Fenway buzzed with a low hum of contagious postseason expectation. And then, after Tampa walked Bay intentionally, Drew crushed a J.P. Howell changeup over rightfielder Gabe Gross' head to score Youkilis with the most improbable game-winner. ALIVE!!!
The second-greatest comeback in postseason history now ranks as the third-greatest playoff game in my memory - and only because the stakes are thismuch lower after two championships in four seasons. Tampa's still the odds-on favorite to go through to the World Series, but the Sox are alive. And I've once again learned that this era's Sox don't go gently into that good night.
Man, baseball is a great game.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Stranger
2008 National League Champions - Philadelphia Phillies!We’re different creatures. Philadelphians and me. It’s manifest at this moment in time.
Last evening, in the warm Southern California gloaming, the Phillies captured their first pennant in 15 years, the sixth in the franchise’s woeful 126 year history. As I watched Brad Lidge put the finishing touches on yet another sure thing – the Phils are an amazing 86 and 0 when leading after 8 innings this year – I felt a sense of relief for the franchise, its fans and mostly the players. This has been a long time coming. The seeds were sewn over a decade ago when the franchise hired Mike Arbuckle to lead its player development. Many players who were once thought of as building blocks were moved either because they became impatient with the process (think Scott Rolen and Curt Schilling) while others were dealt away in hopes of getting some value in return (Bobby Abreu and Gavin Floyd.) Either way, the final product took nearly a decade as two managers fell by the wayside. Terry Francona went on to better things I guess. He was canned for being too laid back. Larry Bowa – who has since landed in some nifty places such as the Bronx and LA – was fired for being too high strung. The players and the manager that finally found the right stuff to bring home a pennant have given me that sense of joy and relief in equal measure. And though I’d like to see this team bring home the World Series trophy in a few weeks, I won’t be too disappointed if they do not. That’s what makes me a different creature from those Philadelphians. Not better, just different. (Well OK, I probably am a bit better but that’s a topic for another time.)
I am not a native of William Penn’s fair city and quite frankly, I really don’t like their abrasive personality (we’re accepting generalizations here.) What’s more, I really dislike the way they revel in their national image as being an unruly, angry and generally unhappy town. I understand why they choose to live up to this unflattering stereotype; I just don’t like it. Philadelphians will not be happy unless the Phils bring home the hardware. That’s because for them, a championship will exercise the ghosts, expel the demons and pile drive the monkey off their collective back. It will assuage the inferiority complex they so shamefully display before their brethren in NY and Boston. And therein lies the rub.
Philly needs a championship to rebuild a sense of civic pride. Their suffering kindred souls in Boston and Chicago did not. BoSox fans had as much pride in their star-crossed history as Yanks fans had in their gluttonous good fortune. Cub fans, I fear, actually prefer losing so they can go on concentrating on what they do best, drinking Old Style. ChiSox fans, completely unlike Phillies fans, reveled in their anonymity both within the Windy City and the Nation. Granted, fans in Boston and Chicago had the good fortune of being able to hang their hat on the championships won by their other sports teams and that probably accounts for why Philly is different. Philly is a big town. It’s an old town. It has as much rich history as any town in America, maybe more. It is the birthplace of the American Revolution. The past 25 years though, have been awfully quiet and the city doesn’t exactly come to mind in conversations about the truly great cities of this country. Drive on up I-95 from DC toward Baltimore and take notice that the signs display the distance to Baltimore and New York as if there is nothing but farmland in between the two. That sums up what Philadelphians are so damn pissed off about.
I’m not about that however. Oh, I have an inferiority complex alright. It’s just not the same one as these clowns have. That’s why as incomprehensible as it may seem to them, I am contentedly giddy today. I feel good and regardless of how the World Series plays out, I will look back on this season like I did on ’93 and ’83. That is, this team played up to its potential and gave me no regrets. Memories of pennants lost in the horrid Aprils of the past 7 years are fading. This club has finally done it.
Hard to believe Harry.
(This post is a result of my initial reaction. We have a lot of down time until the World Series gets underway. I hope to post something a little livelier by then!)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Game 4 – ALCS
Rays 13, Red Sox 4
Red Sox trail 3-1
This game…there was something familiar about it. Something foul and dank, redolent of autumns past, hopes seemingly crushed, hearts once again broken. It smelled for all the world like Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS, with the Rays reprising the Yankees’ role, dominant, arrogant (deservedly), and victorious.
Though my memory is admittedly imperfect, I recall things working out fairly well four years ago. And more recently, the Sox spotted the Indians a 3-1 ALCS lead in 2007 before clawing back to win the pennant.
But this is 2008, and in 2008, there’s no Kevin Millar stage-whispering “Don’t let us win one” to any willing listener, no Cowboy Up, no Idiots, no bloody sock. These Sox, while good and entirely capable, are also a banged up, slumping patchwork. Mike Lowell’s gone for the year, David Ortiz is a shell of himself, Jacoby Ellsbury can’t buy a hit any more than he can buy alcohol without ID, Josh Beckett’s duende is on siesta, poor Tim Wakefield’s knuckler doesn’t. All that’s left, then, is hope. Small consolation, perhaps, after three dismal performances, but 2004 and 2007 proved in spades the redemptive value of that ephemeral commodity.
As for the action on the field last night, the description begins and ends with the Rays – the Red Sox were nothing so much as the Washington Generals. Tampa is talented, deep, and extraordinarily athletic. Watching B.J. Upton play baseball is a study in grace and power – he moves like a leopard, languid and ferocious in equal measure. Carl Crawford is slightly less silky, but blazingly fast, muscular, and versatile. Jason Bartlett and Akinori Iwamura are dazzling around the bag at second. Evan Longoria has a perfect swing. Carlos Pena covers every inch of the plate and crushes everything that’s close to his sweet spot. The bit players contribute a full share – witness Willy Aybar’s 5 RBI performance last night. The Rays pitchers have been aggressive and confident throughout, Scott Kazmir’s Game 2 stumble notable in its solitary nature.
So yeah, the Rays have proven beyond a measure of doubt that they belong on this stage. Outside of Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Justin Masterson, and Jonathan Papelbon, these Sox haven’t.
One more chance. Lotta ball left.
Rays 13, Red Sox 4
Red Sox trail 3-1
This game…there was something familiar about it. Something foul and dank, redolent of autumns past, hopes seemingly crushed, hearts once again broken. It smelled for all the world like Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS, with the Rays reprising the Yankees’ role, dominant, arrogant (deservedly), and victorious.
Though my memory is admittedly imperfect, I recall things working out fairly well four years ago. And more recently, the Sox spotted the Indians a 3-1 ALCS lead in 2007 before clawing back to win the pennant.
But this is 2008, and in 2008, there’s no Kevin Millar stage-whispering “Don’t let us win one” to any willing listener, no Cowboy Up, no Idiots, no bloody sock. These Sox, while good and entirely capable, are also a banged up, slumping patchwork. Mike Lowell’s gone for the year, David Ortiz is a shell of himself, Jacoby Ellsbury can’t buy a hit any more than he can buy alcohol without ID, Josh Beckett’s duende is on siesta, poor Tim Wakefield’s knuckler doesn’t. All that’s left, then, is hope. Small consolation, perhaps, after three dismal performances, but 2004 and 2007 proved in spades the redemptive value of that ephemeral commodity.
As for the action on the field last night, the description begins and ends with the Rays – the Red Sox were nothing so much as the Washington Generals. Tampa is talented, deep, and extraordinarily athletic. Watching B.J. Upton play baseball is a study in grace and power – he moves like a leopard, languid and ferocious in equal measure. Carl Crawford is slightly less silky, but blazingly fast, muscular, and versatile. Jason Bartlett and Akinori Iwamura are dazzling around the bag at second. Evan Longoria has a perfect swing. Carlos Pena covers every inch of the plate and crushes everything that’s close to his sweet spot. The bit players contribute a full share – witness Willy Aybar’s 5 RBI performance last night. The Rays pitchers have been aggressive and confident throughout, Scott Kazmir’s Game 2 stumble notable in its solitary nature.
So yeah, the Rays have proven beyond a measure of doubt that they belong on this stage. Outside of Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Bay, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Justin Masterson, and Jonathan Papelbon, these Sox haven’t.
One more chance. Lotta ball left.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I Like It Like That
NLCS - Dodgers vs. PhilliesGame 4: Phillies 7, Dodgers 5
Series: Phillies 3 games to 1
"Not that I don't feel like I'm part of the team, but when you get that nice celebration coming in the dugout and you're getting your ass hammered by guys, there's no better feeling than to have that done."
--Phillies' pinch hitter Matt Stairs who hit the go ahead two run home run last evening to put the Phillies up 3 games to one in the NLCS.
Brotherly love indeed! Nice work Matt.
Hey Whitney, does Shane Victorino remind you of any diminutive Mets' (and later Phillies') outfielder sans the steroids and tobacco juice? I'm talking as a ballplayer of course, not as a character.
All is well on the Western Front. The Phils are taking care of business in a fashion which is deleterious on the hearts of their Phans but seemingly nourishing to this club. SoCal boy Cole Hamels will attempt to close down the NLCS tomorrow night. The Phils are, as Red Barber so often like to say, are in the catbird's seat.
--Phillies' pinch hitter Matt Stairs who hit the go ahead two run home run last evening to put the Phillies up 3 games to one in the NLCS.
Brotherly love indeed! Nice work Matt.
Hey Whitney, does Shane Victorino remind you of any diminutive Mets' (and later Phillies') outfielder sans the steroids and tobacco juice? I'm talking as a ballplayer of course, not as a character.
All is well on the Western Front. The Phils are taking care of business in a fashion which is deleterious on the hearts of their Phans but seemingly nourishing to this club. SoCal boy Cole Hamels will attempt to close down the NLCS tomorrow night. The Phils are, as Red Barber so often like to say, are in the catbird's seat.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Games 2 & 3 - ALCS
Rays 9, Red Sox 8 (11)
Rays 9, Red Sox 1
Sox trail 2-1
I'm traveling for work this week - apologies for the tardiness and brevity. With no further ado, then, a playlet in two acts.
Act 1, otherwise known as Game 2
I love Playoff Tito. Playoff Tito was fuck all in Game 2. I forgive Playoff Tito. He's more than earned it.
I love Playoff Josh Beckett. Playoff Josh Beckett was fuck all in Game 2. I forgive Playoff Josh Beckett. He's more than earned it. Though he'd better bring the nasty should he get another chance.
I love Big Papi. He's my daughter's favorite player - I've got a hand-drawn portrait to prove it. Big Papi was fuck all in Game 2. I forgive Big Papi. He's more than earned it. Though it'd be nice if he channeled Dustin Pedroia for the rest of the series.
Exit stage north.
Act 2, otherwise known as Game 3
I was sweating on the elliptical in the exercise center in my hotel as Jon Lester began giving up parabolas, mostly because his pitches were describing straight lines into the center of the strike zone. I ran out of geometric puns well before the Rays stopped crushing pitches deep into the Boston night.
And now we're counting on Tim Wakefield to square the series. Pythagoras is working on the odds of that happening.
And...curtain.
My Generation
NLCS games 3 & 4 - Dodgers vs. Phillies Phillies 8, Dodgers 5
Dodgers 7, Phillies 2
Series: 2 games to 1 - Phillies
So what's wrong with 45 year old Jamie Moyer?
In Game 3 against the Brewers, Moyer never got past the fourth inning. Yesterday in LA, he got shellacked for 6 runs and was unable to escape the second inning.
Did I mention he's 45? Actually, he's almost 46. His birthday is in 39 days.
Yesterday is one of those games where you wish the Phils would have gone for the jugular and put to rest any idea the good folks in Dodgerland may have entertained about making this a series. Obviously, that wasn't going to happen. Not to this Dodger club. Still, as Bill Parcels once (might have) said, when two teams are evenly matched, go with the club that needs it more. To the Dodgers credit, they came out quickly and took all the pressure off themselves. Bully for them. That's a fairly decent ball club over there and they aren't going to fold.
I am not concerned at all about Moyer. He's in great shape and has proven many times this season that he can follow up lousy efforts with sparkling gems. He's pitched 35 games including the two postseason starts and only 7 times did he pitch how I would characterize as "lousy." After each of those 7 lousy starts, he came back to win 5 games, lost one and had one no decision. In each game, he pitched well. At his age, I think his experiences in the big leagues, his guile and his mental toughness are pretty reliable. Jamie doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who will take this shelling to the mound with him to his next start.
Beyond Jamie, the team was due for a funk. They were brilliant in staring down Lowe in Game 1 and opportunistic in jumping all over Billingsly in Game 2. They were due to serve up a dud. They gathered only 7 hits and scored only twice. Five of the hits were singles. Each of the two doubles were plated by a follow up single. That was the extent of the Phillies' rallies last night. Even if Moyer was sharp, at best he would have probably logged a no decision given the lack of run support. Before anyone suggests the poor run support was a result of the Phillies' hitters pressing because of the huge early deficit, I would suggest you haven't been watching this club all year. If any club can survive a early 0-5 deficit, its these laid back dudes. They didn't because Dodger starter Hiroki Kuroda is pretty good. No need for analyzing this. This is Philly, not New York.
It’s on to Game 4. Let's see if spacious Chavez Ravine can erase the memories Derek Lowe has of his masterpiece gone awry in Citizens Bank last Wednesday. Let's see if Joe Blanton can match is NLDS clinching effort against Milwaukee. The pressure is still on LA. It will probably be that way in Game 5 even if LA evens this up tonight. I have to admit though, a win tonight would allow me to relax a bit.
In Game 3 against the Brewers, Moyer never got past the fourth inning. Yesterday in LA, he got shellacked for 6 runs and was unable to escape the second inning.
Did I mention he's 45? Actually, he's almost 46. His birthday is in 39 days.
Yesterday is one of those games where you wish the Phils would have gone for the jugular and put to rest any idea the good folks in Dodgerland may have entertained about making this a series. Obviously, that wasn't going to happen. Not to this Dodger club. Still, as Bill Parcels once (might have) said, when two teams are evenly matched, go with the club that needs it more. To the Dodgers credit, they came out quickly and took all the pressure off themselves. Bully for them. That's a fairly decent ball club over there and they aren't going to fold.
I am not concerned at all about Moyer. He's in great shape and has proven many times this season that he can follow up lousy efforts with sparkling gems. He's pitched 35 games including the two postseason starts and only 7 times did he pitch how I would characterize as "lousy." After each of those 7 lousy starts, he came back to win 5 games, lost one and had one no decision. In each game, he pitched well. At his age, I think his experiences in the big leagues, his guile and his mental toughness are pretty reliable. Jamie doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who will take this shelling to the mound with him to his next start.
Beyond Jamie, the team was due for a funk. They were brilliant in staring down Lowe in Game 1 and opportunistic in jumping all over Billingsly in Game 2. They were due to serve up a dud. They gathered only 7 hits and scored only twice. Five of the hits were singles. Each of the two doubles were plated by a follow up single. That was the extent of the Phillies' rallies last night. Even if Moyer was sharp, at best he would have probably logged a no decision given the lack of run support. Before anyone suggests the poor run support was a result of the Phillies' hitters pressing because of the huge early deficit, I would suggest you haven't been watching this club all year. If any club can survive a early 0-5 deficit, its these laid back dudes. They didn't because Dodger starter Hiroki Kuroda is pretty good. No need for analyzing this. This is Philly, not New York.
It’s on to Game 4. Let's see if spacious Chavez Ravine can erase the memories Derek Lowe has of his masterpiece gone awry in Citizens Bank last Wednesday. Let's see if Joe Blanton can match is NLDS clinching effort against Milwaukee. The pressure is still on LA. It will probably be that way in Game 5 even if LA evens this up tonight. I have to admit though, a win tonight would allow me to relax a bit.
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