Johan Santana makes the Mets the clear frontrunners in not just the East, but the entire National League as another high priced, high profile superstar is set to grace Shea Stadium this season. Meanwhile, those poor Phillies… those poor defending division champion Phillies… will go into the season as underdogs.
I love it.
Remember in Rocky II, when Apollo Creed wanted a rematch with Rocky, but Apollo’s trainer, Duke, was against it? “I saw you beat that man like I never saw no man get beat before,” Duke said. “And the man kept coming after you.”
Doesn’t that sound just a tad bit like the 2007 Phillies? Howard, Utley, Myers, Hamels, Victorino, Gordon, Lieber, Garcia, Madson and others all spent time on the disabled list at some point. But the Phillies just kept coming.
These Phillies didn’t whine and stop running out ground balls like Jose Reyes. They didn’t crumble under pressure like Willie Randolph. Charlie Manuel, for all his strategic shortcomings, kept these Phillies loose and playing hard-nosed baseball.
The homegrown core of Rollins, Utley, Howard, Hamels, Myers and Burrell never quit. Instead, they finally developed the clubhouse chemistry that was severely lacking in past seasons. That core remains intact and the chemistry should be even stronger. How’s the chemistry in Flushing? Who’s their leader?
Johan Santana makes the Mets much better. He may even win the Cy Young Award. But don’t pencil in the Mets for the World Series just yet.
Underdog is a great role for this Phillies team, even though they can easily make a case for being the favorite. This just puts more pressure on the Hollywood Mets and gives the Broad Street Phillies even more motivation.
Game on.
By the way, Rocky knocked out the favored Apollo in the 15th round of their rematch, similar to the way the Phillies beat the favored Mets last year to win the division. I know it’s a movie, but I’m just sayin’.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
What Platoon?
So much for the platoon at the hot corner. After weeks of speculation, the Phillies and third baseman Pedro Feliz agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal that could be worth as much as $15 million over three years.
Phillies fans can’t complain about this move as GM Pat Gillick filled what many perceived to be the only real weakness in the Phillies lineup. Feliz, 33, averaged 22 home runs and 84 RBI with San Francisco over the past four years, and his righthanded bat fits nicely into an already devastating lineup. Expect those numbers to rise when he plays half his games at Citizens Bank Park.
Feliz doesn’t hit for average (.252 career BA), but he provides a major defensive upgrade on a team that relies heavily on groundball outs. With the exception of Ryan Howard, who has made strides defensively but still moves about as gracefully as a hippo, the Phillies will boast one of the best defensive infields in the majors.
Expect the Phillies to wash their hands of free agent bust Wes Helms any day now, while Greg Dobbs returns to the pinch hitting role where he thrived last season.
Phillies fans can’t complain about this move as GM Pat Gillick filled what many perceived to be the only real weakness in the Phillies lineup. Feliz, 33, averaged 22 home runs and 84 RBI with San Francisco over the past four years, and his righthanded bat fits nicely into an already devastating lineup. Expect those numbers to rise when he plays half his games at Citizens Bank Park.
Feliz doesn’t hit for average (.252 career BA), but he provides a major defensive upgrade on a team that relies heavily on groundball outs. With the exception of Ryan Howard, who has made strides defensively but still moves about as gracefully as a hippo, the Phillies will boast one of the best defensive infields in the majors.
Expect the Phillies to wash their hands of free agent bust Wes Helms any day now, while Greg Dobbs returns to the pinch hitting role where he thrived last season.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Two Platoons. No Problem.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has been asked if he is concerned about heading into the season with platoons in right field and third base. He seems very content with that proposition, and he should be. While you want everyday players who you can pencil into the lineup without a second thought, a platoon situation helps you get the most out of a relatively weak position. Not only that, but giving more players more at-bats keeps them sharp and better prepares them for pinch-hitting assignments.
Let’s start with right field. Geoff Jenkins, who hit 21 home runs in 420 at-bats last season with Milwaukee, will bat against righthanders and provide a left-handed power bat off the bench. He should at least match those numbers, although adding another strikeout-prone hitter to the lineup is somewhat of a concern. Jayson Werth, a former blue chipper with the Dodgers who more than picked up the slack when Shane Victorino went down last season, will bat against lefties while spelling Victorino in center and Pat Burrell in left. This platoon will prevent anyone from being overworked and should add even more offense to an already potent lineup.
At third base, Wes Helms proved his one solid season is 2006 was a bit of a fluke and found himself on the bench for a good part of last season as Charlie Manuel unsuccessfully tried to find steady production at the hot corner. This year, Helms will bat against lefties. Greg Dobbs, who had some clutch hits for the Phils but faded down the stretch, will bat against righties. Utility man Eric Bruntlett will come off the bench for late inning defense.
Everyone’s role is clearly defined heading into camp. Nobody is battling for a position. This will help with each player’s mental preparation. Back in 1993, Phillies fans were concerned about a Pete Incaviglia/Jim Eisenreich platoon in right. How’d that work out?
Let’s start with right field. Geoff Jenkins, who hit 21 home runs in 420 at-bats last season with Milwaukee, will bat against righthanders and provide a left-handed power bat off the bench. He should at least match those numbers, although adding another strikeout-prone hitter to the lineup is somewhat of a concern. Jayson Werth, a former blue chipper with the Dodgers who more than picked up the slack when Shane Victorino went down last season, will bat against lefties while spelling Victorino in center and Pat Burrell in left. This platoon will prevent anyone from being overworked and should add even more offense to an already potent lineup.
At third base, Wes Helms proved his one solid season is 2006 was a bit of a fluke and found himself on the bench for a good part of last season as Charlie Manuel unsuccessfully tried to find steady production at the hot corner. This year, Helms will bat against lefties. Greg Dobbs, who had some clutch hits for the Phils but faded down the stretch, will bat against righties. Utility man Eric Bruntlett will come off the bench for late inning defense.
Everyone’s role is clearly defined heading into camp. Nobody is battling for a position. This will help with each player’s mental preparation. Back in 1993, Phillies fans were concerned about a Pete Incaviglia/Jim Eisenreich platoon in right. How’d that work out?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Phanatic No. 1. Was There Any Doubt?
In this corner… hailing from the Galapagos Islands… weighing 300 pounds… the Prince of Pranks… the Duke of Dance… and now, officially, the Top Mascot in Sports… the Phillie Phanatic! Rankings were recently released at Forbes.com.
The runner-up, the San Diego Chicken, is so yesterday, while the Phanatic is more popular and charismatic than ever. The lovable green giant, who turns 30 on April 25, still has the power of a rhino, the balance of a tightrope walker and the agility of an Olympic gymnast. Third place goes to Mr. Met. Are you kidding me?! Mr. Met is nothing but a bloated baseball with a Mets cap and the personality of Mitt Romney, and he’s about as much fun as a root canal. Yes, I hate the Mets.
The Phillies suffered through a lot of lean years from the mid-80s through the 90s, with the exception of one World Series run. At times, watching the Phillies was almost as difficult as watching Mr. Met. But fans could always count on the Phanatic to make a day at the ballpark enjoyable, despite the misery on the diamond. I still make it a point to get Blueclaws tickets when the Phanatic makes one his guest appearances. No mascot is as internationally loved as the Phillie Phanatic.
Realize how lucky you are to have him because the Phillie Phanatic is now officially the Top Mascot in Sports. Was there any doubt?
The runner-up, the San Diego Chicken, is so yesterday, while the Phanatic is more popular and charismatic than ever. The lovable green giant, who turns 30 on April 25, still has the power of a rhino, the balance of a tightrope walker and the agility of an Olympic gymnast. Third place goes to Mr. Met. Are you kidding me?! Mr. Met is nothing but a bloated baseball with a Mets cap and the personality of Mitt Romney, and he’s about as much fun as a root canal. Yes, I hate the Mets.
The Phillies suffered through a lot of lean years from the mid-80s through the 90s, with the exception of one World Series run. At times, watching the Phillies was almost as difficult as watching Mr. Met. But fans could always count on the Phanatic to make a day at the ballpark enjoyable, despite the misery on the diamond. I still make it a point to get Blueclaws tickets when the Phanatic makes one his guest appearances. No mascot is as internationally loved as the Phillie Phanatic.
Realize how lucky you are to have him because the Phillie Phanatic is now officially the Top Mascot in Sports. Was there any doubt?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Relax. Howard's A Lifetime Phil
Everyone take a deep breath and repeat after me. "All is fine with Ryan Howard. All is fine with Ryan Howard." Phillies fans seem to be outraged that the big man hasn't received his asking price, or a long-term deal for that matter. The reason? The Phillies don't have to do anything. Howard isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2010 season. The bottom line is the Phillies have more pressing needs, like solidifying the pitching staff and upgrading third base. Word on the street says talks of a long-term deal are in very preliminary stages, but the Phillies hold all the cards here, and there is no sense of urgency to break the bank... yet.
While Phillies brass will never be called big spenders, they do take care of their own. Core players like Brett Myers, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley have all received multi-year deals before hitting the open market. Sure, the Phillies would be wise to lock up Howard before the market approaches A-Rod proportions, like they did with Utley. His seven-year, $85 million contract was a bargain when he signed it and will look like chump change in a year or two. But again, the Phillies don't have to do anything. A long-term deal will get done by next year at the latest. So relax. Howard will be manning first base and launching balls into the stratosphere for the Fightin's until he hangs 'em up.
While Phillies brass will never be called big spenders, they do take care of their own. Core players like Brett Myers, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley have all received multi-year deals before hitting the open market. Sure, the Phillies would be wise to lock up Howard before the market approaches A-Rod proportions, like they did with Utley. His seven-year, $85 million contract was a bargain when he signed it and will look like chump change in a year or two. But again, the Phillies don't have to do anything. A long-term deal will get done by next year at the latest. So relax. Howard will be manning first base and launching balls into the stratosphere for the Fightin's until he hangs 'em up.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lights Out Lidge... We Hope
The Phillies made one of the underrated trades of the off-season when they acquired closer Brad Lidge from Houston, along with utility infielder Eric Bruntlett. The cost? Michael Bourn, a fourth outfielder with great speed and defense… Michael Costanzo, a solid third base prospect with lots of home runs, lots of strikeouts and lousy defense… and Geoff Geary, a once solid middle reliever who was sent to Triple A last season because he was lit up like a pinball machine.
While this move obviously allows the Phillies to move Brett Myers, who’s better than any free agent starting pitcher available, back into the starting rotation, having Lidge at the back of the bullpen is just as important. Heading into last season, Lidge still hadn’t recovered mentally from the effects of Game 5 of the 2005 National League Championship Series. The Astros were one out away from their first World Series when Lidge served up a three-run moon shot to Albert Pujols of the Cardinals. But Lidge regained his role as closer in mid-2007 and finished with 19 saves and a 3.36 ERA while battling knee problems that seem to have been corrected this off-season.
Lights out closers with 100-mph heat are not easy to come by. While Brad Lidge hasn’t been lights out for two years, he made great strides last season and a change of scenery could return him to his 2005 form. With JC Romero re-signed, Ryan Madson returning from injury and reliable Tom Gordon, the Phillies bullpen, an annual question mark, could be one of the better units in baseball.
While this move obviously allows the Phillies to move Brett Myers, who’s better than any free agent starting pitcher available, back into the starting rotation, having Lidge at the back of the bullpen is just as important. Heading into last season, Lidge still hadn’t recovered mentally from the effects of Game 5 of the 2005 National League Championship Series. The Astros were one out away from their first World Series when Lidge served up a three-run moon shot to Albert Pujols of the Cardinals. But Lidge regained his role as closer in mid-2007 and finished with 19 saves and a 3.36 ERA while battling knee problems that seem to have been corrected this off-season.
Lights out closers with 100-mph heat are not easy to come by. While Brad Lidge hasn’t been lights out for two years, he made great strides last season and a change of scenery could return him to his 2005 form. With JC Romero re-signed, Ryan Madson returning from injury and reliable Tom Gordon, the Phillies bullpen, an annual question mark, could be one of the better units in baseball.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Everyone Is Guilty
As baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union chief Donald Fehr were rightfully grilled by Congress yesterday, I couldn’t help but think back to the band of misfits that almost went the distance… the 1993 Phillies. More specifically, I think about Lenny Dykstra, the poster boy for performance enhancing drugs on that Cinderella team. When asked to explain his sudden abnormal muscle growth, Dykstra quipped, “I got some really good vitamins.” We all laughed and moved on. After all, “Nails” was a likeable guy and the personification of those long-haired, tobacco chewin’, beer guzzlin’, prank playin’ Phils. When Sammy Sosa went from solid all-around player to a perennial 60-home run phenom, we all jumped on the bandwagon. When Barry Bonds’ head grew (yes, his head got larger) and he put up superhuman numbers when he should have been in decline, we cheered his home runs and gave him the approval he so desperately craved.
While any player who uses performance enhancing drugs deserves to be punished, let’s not forget the blind eye turned to this practice at the time by owners, managers, trainers, players, the commissioner, union leadership, the government and millions of fans. When you see these hearings, temper your outrage and take a look in the mirror. More importantly, appreciate the achievements of clean players like Ken Griffey, Alex Rodriguez (unless you believe Canseco), Frank Thomas and Ryan Howard. Finally, let’s hope baseball finally gets it right and agrees to a testing program for HGH so we can end this sad era in baseball once and for all.
While any player who uses performance enhancing drugs deserves to be punished, let’s not forget the blind eye turned to this practice at the time by owners, managers, trainers, players, the commissioner, union leadership, the government and millions of fans. When you see these hearings, temper your outrage and take a look in the mirror. More importantly, appreciate the achievements of clean players like Ken Griffey, Alex Rodriguez (unless you believe Canseco), Frank Thomas and Ryan Howard. Finally, let’s hope baseball finally gets it right and agrees to a testing program for HGH so we can end this sad era in baseball once and for all.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Historic Howard?
Don’t be surprised if Ryan Howard reaches historic numbers this year. Following his MVP season in 2006 (58 HR, 149 RBI, .313 BA), Howard admitted that he got a little caught up in the awards dinner circuit and probably didn’t prepare for the 2007 season as well as he could have. This may have factored into an awful start, a two-week stint on the disabled list, a 45-point drop in batting average and a major league record 199 strikeouts.
Still, Howard was anything but disappointing, mashing 47 homers with 136 RBI. Just think about what a refocused off-season could mean for Howard. It can’t hurt that Pat Burrell will be extra motivated, playing in the final year of his ridiculous contract (Houston, you'll love Ed Wade). Burrell could finally provide some legit protection batting behind Howard. Remember, this will only be Ryan Howard’s third… yes, third… full season in the big leagues, which means he'll probably get even better. Pitchers, be afraid. Very afraid.
Still, Howard was anything but disappointing, mashing 47 homers with 136 RBI. Just think about what a refocused off-season could mean for Howard. It can’t hurt that Pat Burrell will be extra motivated, playing in the final year of his ridiculous contract (Houston, you'll love Ed Wade). Burrell could finally provide some legit protection batting behind Howard. Remember, this will only be Ryan Howard’s third… yes, third… full season in the big leagues, which means he'll probably get even better. Pitchers, be afraid. Very afraid.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
42 Days And Counting
42 days until pitchers and catchers report… The Phillies will look smart for not matching the five-year contract received by CF Aaron Rowand, who will be forever remembered for crashing face first into the previously unpadded centerfield wall of Citizen’s Bank Park. His defense was courageous yet reckless, which is why Phillies brass deemed a five-year commitment too risky for the 30-year-old. Rowand’s fire and energy will be missed in the clubhouse, but Shane Victorino’s range and rifle arm may prove to be a defensive upgrade. Rowand is coming off a career year offensively, but do you think the Phillies are really concerned about their ability to produce runs?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
