At this time last year, I thought the Red Sox would win the World Series and the Phillies could get there. I'm not feeling as strong this year. I think either squad could get there - and the odds are probably better than 25 percent that one will be in the big dance - but something is wrong inside of me.
I don't think it's the questionable status of the Red Sox's ace Josh Beckett, World Series MVP Mike Lowell, All-Star Game MVP J.D. Drew or venerable Phillie Pat Burrell - especially since both teams have gotten this far with little showing from these players except for Drew and Burrell in the first half.
Maybe it's just that this is the year - with the Rays and Brewers in the playoffs while the Yankees and Mets watch - that truly anything can happen.
It will be easier watching the Red Sox - despite the late-night starts - because of their past success and the fact that they're physically falling apart right now. But never doubt the heart of a champion. They may take five, but look for them to squeak past the Angels.
Last year, the Phillies were the patient hunter stalking its prey all season, but lost all control in the playoffs and looked inexperienced and over-matched against the Colorado Rockies. They stalked the Mets down again this year, and I've got to hope - if for nothing else than Christine's sanity - that they've learned to be patient this year. I don't know how confident I would be if/when they play the Cubs, but I see no reason for them not to end CC Sabathia's storybook season in four.
Other series: Rays over White Sox in five; Cubs over Dodgers in three.
Christine's picks: Brewers vs. Phillies: Phillies, no doubt.
Dodgers vs. Cubs: Cubs. The Phils can handle them. And on a selfish note, there's no way I can deal with 10 p.m. game times right now. But, the playoff schedule for a Dodgers series is more conducive to my schedule ... OK, I have no idea and no preference. The winner will be irrelevant in two weeks anyway.
White Sox vs. Rays: Rays. White Sox are going to be wiped after the past two days. Some might think they'll be riding the wave, but I think they'll be too spent.
Red Sox vs. Angels: The last time I made a prediction involving the Red Sox, I picked them to win the division, even though my gut said to go with the Rays - if for no other reason than I didn't want to pick the Sox or Yankees. But this time, I'm going with the gut - Angels. Sorry, Greg.
Other tidbits: In what is hopefully a prelude to Dustin MVPedroia, Charlie M-anager of the Year-anuel and Ryan "Two-time" Howard, Brad Lidge is Comeback Player of the Year. Congrats, I guess, but I didn't think his 2007 was that bad. The one thing I noticed is that he trimmed 140 points off his opponents slugging percentage. His minuscule .269 was the lowest of his career. Only the .290 he posted in 2004 compares.
Kyle Loshe finally got the big contract he wanted last year - four years, $41 million. Much better than getting ready to pitch in the playoffs, I bet.
And, they used to say the expectation to win in New York is unbearable. That's no longer true. Both New York GMs got big contracts as reward for failing to make the playoffs. Ed Wade could have been very rich in that city.
Tomorrow's action: Let's hope young Cole Hamels can quickly dispatch the Brewers so we can post about our second experience ever at a playoff game before Jon Lester takes the hill in Anaheim.
Random story from last year's playoff game ... after it ended, Christine and our friend wanted to get something from the Majestic Clubhouse Store. I chose to go to the bathroom and got out before they did. My eyes were dry, so I gave them a shot of Visine. Some drunk girl thought I was crying. I couldn't convince her I wasn't. She hugged me. I tried to push her away. Very weird. {There will be no tears tomorrow. And I'll keep the drunk girls away from Greg.}
Sep 30, 2008
Sep 29, 2008
Acing the playoffs
When the regular season started, there was much concern about Josh Beckett reporting to camp with a bulge in his midsection. When it ended Sunday, an oblique strain that officially pushed his start to Game 3 has raised questions about whether he'll pitch at all in these playoffs.
So goes the subpar, injury-filled season for a two-time World Series hero. As with Curt Schilling, you don't question his guts or competitiveness, but it's always a worry when your ace - especially one with Beckett's postseason resume - may not be ready to go.
In his absence, two-time AL Pitcher of the Month Jon Lester gets the ball in Game 1 Wednesday night against John Lackey. I'm not calling the Sox a lock to win this series, but I like this pitching matchup.
Each John pitched a World Series clincher when they 23 years of age. Lackey is more experienced, but didn't pitch well against the Sox in last year's ALDS. He didn't pitch at all in the 2004 sweep.
Sleep is usually hard to come by for me in October, and it'll be even worse this year. Game 1 starts at 10 p.m.; Game 2 starts at 9:30 p.m. No other times have been posted for the Sox.
For the Phillies, Cole Hamels has a chance to shut up those, like me, who question his big-game ability in Game 1 at 3 p.m. Wednesday. In his playoff debut last year, he gave up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on, and there was an issue with the game conditions; it was a hot 81-degree October day, and Cole came out in long sleeves.
In the past few years, I've seen the Sox come back from unthinkable playoff deficits and the Phillies twice come back from the dead in the regular season, so I know not to proclaim a must-win in Game 1. But given last year's sweep, and CC Sabathia pitching Game 2, it would behoove young Cole to put the team and fans at rest with a strong performance. There is no reason this team should not advance to the next round - especially when the Brewers Game 1 pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, doesn't seem to be stretched out to be a starter.
After spending most of the season on the DL, Gallardo pitched four innings in a game last week. He's very talented and had an outstanding rookie season in 2007, but as long as the Phillies don't go up there hacking away like they did against the Rockies last year, they should be teeing off against the awful Brewers bullpen by the middle innings.
Administrative business: Many people come to this blog in search of information on a certain relative of Pat Burrell. Until now, we've resisted posting a photo. But in the spirit of the Phillies repeating as division champs for the first time since 1981, we will oblige:
Pat Burrell and his two best friends: a beer and Elvis, his bulldog. What? Were you expecting Burrell's wife Michelle Fonseca?
[Photo credit: Jose F. Moreno, Courier-Post]
So goes the subpar, injury-filled season for a two-time World Series hero. As with Curt Schilling, you don't question his guts or competitiveness, but it's always a worry when your ace - especially one with Beckett's postseason resume - may not be ready to go.
In his absence, two-time AL Pitcher of the Month Jon Lester gets the ball in Game 1 Wednesday night against John Lackey. I'm not calling the Sox a lock to win this series, but I like this pitching matchup.
Each John pitched a World Series clincher when they 23 years of age. Lackey is more experienced, but didn't pitch well against the Sox in last year's ALDS. He didn't pitch at all in the 2004 sweep.
Sleep is usually hard to come by for me in October, and it'll be even worse this year. Game 1 starts at 10 p.m.; Game 2 starts at 9:30 p.m. No other times have been posted for the Sox.
For the Phillies, Cole Hamels has a chance to shut up those, like me, who question his big-game ability in Game 1 at 3 p.m. Wednesday. In his playoff debut last year, he gave up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. He seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on, and there was an issue with the game conditions; it was a hot 81-degree October day, and Cole came out in long sleeves.
In the past few years, I've seen the Sox come back from unthinkable playoff deficits and the Phillies twice come back from the dead in the regular season, so I know not to proclaim a must-win in Game 1. But given last year's sweep, and CC Sabathia pitching Game 2, it would behoove young Cole to put the team and fans at rest with a strong performance. There is no reason this team should not advance to the next round - especially when the Brewers Game 1 pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, doesn't seem to be stretched out to be a starter.
After spending most of the season on the DL, Gallardo pitched four innings in a game last week. He's very talented and had an outstanding rookie season in 2007, but as long as the Phillies don't go up there hacking away like they did against the Rockies last year, they should be teeing off against the awful Brewers bullpen by the middle innings.
Administrative business: Many people come to this blog in search of information on a certain relative of Pat Burrell. Until now, we've resisted posting a photo. But in the spirit of the Phillies repeating as division champs for the first time since 1981, we will oblige:
Pat Burrell and his two best friends: a beer and Elvis, his bulldog. What? Were you expecting Burrell's wife Michelle Fonseca?
[Photo credit: Jose F. Moreno, Courier-Post]
Sep 28, 2008
A perfect ending to the regular season
Today was our last Sunday regularly scheduled home game of the year - Fan Appreciation Day at Citizens Bank Park.It was a hybrid of Appreciation Days years ago when the Phillies were long eliminated and last year when it was a thrilling all-or-nothing gambit for the division.
With the Phillies minted as repeat division champs, they trotted out the likes of So Taguchi, Greg Golson and Les Walrond. Jayson Werth and Ryan Howard got pinch-hit at-bats, but other than that, the closest any regular got to the field was an opening greeting to the fans before the game to toast their title, thank the fans and pump them up for the playoffs.
Jimmy Rollins might have been a little too pumped up. He wants to win the division series, which begins Wednesday against the Brewers, and the World Series, but forgot all about the league championship series he needs to win in between. One game at a time, J-Roll.Most of the drama came from watching the scoreboard to see whom the 2008 National League Eastern Champion Phillies would open against - the Dodgers if the Mets won the Wild Card or the Brewers if the Mets collapsed.
The Brewers trailed 1-0 for most of the game, but came away with a 3-1 win with a complete game from CC Sabathia - no word whether his arm has fallen off yet. The Mets, of course, did finish their collapse. I wish we could have seen the post-game festivities when they closed Shea Stadium today.
Despite a lineup that resembled an Independent League team, the Phillies game, an 8-3 win over the Nationals, did warrant the post-game fireworks that these guys worked so hard to set up - especially two home runs in the 8th to put the game away.Kyle Kendrick started strong, retiring the first six, but was removed after giving up three runs in four innings. So Taguchi tried to make the playoff roster by going 3-5 with a triple and three RBIs. Pinch-hitting in the 6th, Ryan Howard poked a soft little grounder to the opposite field to beat the shift for a single. Walrond was the deserving winner - striking out four in two innings with two hits and no runs. But the player of the game, judging from the fact he was being interviewed in the dugout afterwards, was catcher Lou Marson, who made his big-league debut.
The 22-year-old went 2-4 with a two-run homer in the 8th. It took me a moment to figure out why fans were booing. (They're not booing, they're saying Boo-urns.) One day we'll tell the kids how we were at the big-league debut of the great Lou Marson. Unimpressive was Golson, 0-4 with three strikeouts and a run on a fielder's choice. He also looked a bit lost in center field, often taking a wrong first step on fly balls.Observations from the stands: Van Halen's Standing on Top of the World has become the Phillies playoff celebration song - they played it after clinching last year, clinching this year and again today when the team took the field. ... The Central Bucks High School Chorus, directed by Joseph Ohrt, sang the anthem. ... Not only was Marson the star of the game, he resurrected Pat Burrell's old intro song, Holy Diver by Dio. We were psyched and so were the guys behind us. We wondered whether Pat the Bat was pranking the rook. ... A healthy dose of boos sounded whenever someone in a suite or a prime seat in the lower level won a prize. (The Phillies give out prizes throughout the game to random ticket holders.)
A sign in the stands endorsed Jamie Moyer for president with convincing arguments: He's smart, a proven leader, experienced and wins battles. ... Terry Pier, a Phillies hostess, sang God Bless America in the 7th. Then, for some reason, the park didn't go to Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Kudos to the fans in the 400 level who started singing it among themselves unprompted. ... Walking out of the stadium, the Phanatic shot a T-shirt right over my head - not close enough to touch, but close enough to get my heart pumping. ... We had a mostly dry game; although there was some lighting and thunder in the 9th inning, the rains held up until we were walking to the car. The heavy stuff didn't hit until we were under cover.
When we left the stadium, the Mets were in the 8th inning while CC was still finishing off the Cubs in the 9th. When we got in the car, the Brewers had won and the Mets, who just finished the bottom of the 8th, were trailing 4-2 thanks to a homer by former forgettable Phil Wes Helms, who is also a former Brewer. Judging by the picture above, the Mets knew they were done. Even the announcer said the Mets fans couldn't will themselves to believe there would be a miracle in Shea's final moments. The crowd sounded dead on the radio broadcast. Early in the day, I predicted one of the New York tabloids would use "Shea it ain't so" if the Mets lost. Both did.
We won't go too hard on our friends from Flushing today. They had to endure the loss of a season and their stadium and whatever pride they had left after last year. So we'll conclude the last day of the 2008 regular season with a photo of their proudest moment of 2008 - the celebration Saturday after Johan Santana saved their season. I wonder how his former team is doing.
Red Sox: They lost to the Yankees, who are going for the sweep tonight. I'm more bummed that I'm going to lose my last fantasy league to a welcher.
[Photo credits: Associated Press]
Sep 27, 2008
Bring on CC or Manny
After a tense 9th inning in which Christine bit my nails, the Phillies are NL East Champions for the second consecutive year. They are once again the team to beat, just as Carlos Beltran predicted in the spring.In New York, Johan Santana tossed a gutsy shutout on short rest to keep their hopes alive for a few more hours. OK, they're now tied for the Wild Card, but after being up 3.5 games for the division on Sept. 10, this is another collapse.
Tonight's game ended with Brad Lidge, who as Harry Kalas noted has been nearly perfect this year, walking the tightrope but escaping with an unblemished save tally in the regular season. Jamie Moyer, who won last year's division clincher, tied the record for most wins in a season by a pitcher older than 45.
But what a 9th inning:
1. Strikeout. Christine thinks I'm flashing a peace sign when I hold up two fingers meaning two outs to go.
2-3. Base hit and walk. Uh-oh.
4. A little bloop between Chase Utley and Jayson Werth. A run narrowly scores, and the runners hold at first and second. Phillies still up 4-3, but I'm getting nervous about Christine's mental/emotional status if they blow this one.
5. Base hit to center - no one scores. Bases loaded with one out.
6. Ryan Zimmerman grounds one up the middle - looks like a surefire hit. I had been holding Christine's hand, and she nervously bit my thumb, forgetting that it wasn't hers. I thought Jimmy Rollins might get one out, but I didn't think the Phils had time to turn two. But they did.
The 2008 division flag was soon on the field.
Post-game notes: It was kind of sad not being at the park for the clincher after we were there last year. ... Pat Burrell brought his bulldog, Elvis, on the field - we hoped we would see him last year, but he didn't appear then. ... Werth drove Ryan Howard around the field in a golf cart with an open champagne bottle in his hand; isn't that illegal? ... Pedro Feliz and Chris Coste took some bikes from cops and rode them around the field; I'm pretty sure that's illegal, too. ... Brett Myers guaranteed the Phils will win at least one playoff game this year. ... Despite all of this, the celebration seemed a little more subdued than last year's.
Post-season notes: It's been a long, hard season that started on March 25 in Japan. Our faith wavered at times, but we never completely lost hope. We kept hanging in there to see if our teams would pull it off. The Sox couldn't win their division, but the Phillies did. And now each stands seven wins away from the 2008 SoxandPhils World Series we've been waiting for since the Phillies were swept by the Rockies last October.
We will welcome the Phillies to Fenway for Game 1, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. Game on.
Meantime, we have one more game - which is almost as meaningless as the March 29 exhibition game against the Blue Jays - before the playoffs. We will be rooting hard tomorrow for the Brewers and Marlins to give Shea Stadium the kind of sendoff that it deserves as the Mets complete their collapse.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Sep 26, 2008
Christine's going to kill me ...
... but nothing to worry about. Even Christine was more at ease as the Phillies beat the Nationals 8-4. Although she was probably on her best behavior because we had a friend over for most of the evening.
I'll admit it got a little tense as the Nats chipped away and the Phillies bats scored just one run after the 2nd inning, but as I've said all week: Everything is under control.
Tonight, Ryan Howard drove home that point with a 1st inning three-run homer. Chase Utley even remembered what that piece of wood he's been holding all summer is used for (3-3 with three runs and three RBIs). Joe Blanton, betrayed by his defense, muddled through six innings for the win.
The magic number that Christine has been counting down for weeks is now at one, as the Mets lost to the Marlins. And, even more good news, the Brewers beat the Cubs, so they're further from the bear than the Mets, who could officially be eaten tomorrow if they lose and the Brewers win.
Red Sox: They're losing big time to the Yankees in a rain-delayed contest, and for the first time in my life, I really don't care.
I'll admit it got a little tense as the Nats chipped away and the Phillies bats scored just one run after the 2nd inning, but as I've said all week: Everything is under control.
Tonight, Ryan Howard drove home that point with a 1st inning three-run homer. Chase Utley even remembered what that piece of wood he's been holding all summer is used for (3-3 with three runs and three RBIs). Joe Blanton, betrayed by his defense, muddled through six innings for the win.
The magic number that Christine has been counting down for weeks is now at one, as the Mets lost to the Marlins. And, even more good news, the Brewers beat the Cubs, so they're further from the bear than the Mets, who could officially be eaten tomorrow if they lose and the Brewers win.
Red Sox: They're losing big time to the Yankees in a rain-delayed contest, and for the first time in my life, I really don't care.
Sep 25, 2008
Stupid Cubbies
After the Mets had a crushing loss Wednesday night, the Cubs could have knocked them out today, but decided instead to trot out the the best the Iowa, not Chicago, Cubs have to offer.
These no-name Cubs held a 6-3 lead in the 7th, but let the Mets get back in it and lost 7-6 in the bottom of the 9th. The beleaguered Mets bullpen gave up one run in three innings.
Christine is panicked.
The Phillies are still in first by a game. Their magic number remains three. If they go 3-0, the Mets' only hope is the Wild Card. If they go 2-1, the Mets can tie for a sweep. If they go 1-2 or worse, then the Mets get revenge for last year.
I'm not worried, although it's easier not to fret when it's not your team.
I am worried about the weather and the impact the rain could have on the pennant races and my weekend plans - a charity bike ride on Saturday and our last 2008 regular season Phillies game on Sunday.
The Brewers, who entered play tied with the Mets for the Wild Card (1.5 games worse than the Phils), are tied with the Pirates in the 10th.
Red Sox: Jon Lester gave a passing glance at another no-hitter tossing five hitless innings before allowing a leadoff double in the 6th. He won his 16th game (I still can't believe he was this good this year) in his final tuneup for the playoffs. Red Sox 6, Indians 1.
The Rays lost, so there's still slight hope for the division, but being two out with three to play would require a Red Sox sweep against the Yankees and the Tigers to sweep the Rays because Tampa holds the tiebreaker.
11:20 p.m. update: Brewers win on walk-off grand slam. Phillies better score 10 runs in the first inning tomorrow.
These no-name Cubs held a 6-3 lead in the 7th, but let the Mets get back in it and lost 7-6 in the bottom of the 9th. The beleaguered Mets bullpen gave up one run in three innings.
Christine is panicked.
The Phillies are still in first by a game. Their magic number remains three. If they go 3-0, the Mets' only hope is the Wild Card. If they go 2-1, the Mets can tie for a sweep. If they go 1-2 or worse, then the Mets get revenge for last year.
I'm not worried, although it's easier not to fret when it's not your team.
I am worried about the weather and the impact the rain could have on the pennant races and my weekend plans - a charity bike ride on Saturday and our last 2008 regular season Phillies game on Sunday.
The Brewers, who entered play tied with the Mets for the Wild Card (1.5 games worse than the Phils), are tied with the Pirates in the 10th.
Red Sox: Jon Lester gave a passing glance at another no-hitter tossing five hitless innings before allowing a leadoff double in the 6th. He won his 16th game (I still can't believe he was this good this year) in his final tuneup for the playoffs. Red Sox 6, Indians 1.
The Rays lost, so there's still slight hope for the division, but being two out with three to play would require a Red Sox sweep against the Yankees and the Tigers to sweep the Rays because Tampa holds the tiebreaker.
11:20 p.m. update: Brewers win on walk-off grand slam. Phillies better score 10 runs in the first inning tomorrow.
Sep 24, 2008
Trying times
It was a long night full of whining from Christine, who seemed to be giving up hope. In the 5th, with the Phillies trailing 4-3, she proclaimed them in a collapse. I said they had lost one game. Then Ryan Howard fielded what could have been a double play, but he wound up beaning the runner heading for second. "OK, they're in a collapse," I said.
It got worse from there: Chipper Jones capped off the six-run inning with a three-run pinch-hit homer. Final score: Braves 10, Phils 4.
Like last night, blame goes to the pitcher, this time Brett Myers. How is this the same pitcher who was so dominant from the end of July through the middle of September? Tonight's ugly line: 4 1/3 innings, six runs (four earned), 10 hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Nothing against Jamie Moyer, but it's not a good sign when the starter you're most comfortable with is 45 years old.
Thankfully, the Mets blew another one in spectacular fashion to the Cubbies to remain 1.5 games out. They are now tied with the Brewers for the Wild Card. The Mets loss has Christine feeling a lot better. I'm still confident the Phillies will make it. Their magic number is now three to eliminate either the Brewers or Mets.
If you're being chased by a bear, you don't have to outrun the bear, just the slowest person in your group. Let's hope the bear chows down some Mets.
Red Sox: They kept their faint division hopes alive with a 5-4 win over the Indians. The Rays beat the Orioles, so one more win, because they hold the tiebreaker, wraps up the division (mathematically, the magic number is two).
It got worse from there: Chipper Jones capped off the six-run inning with a three-run pinch-hit homer. Final score: Braves 10, Phils 4.
Like last night, blame goes to the pitcher, this time Brett Myers. How is this the same pitcher who was so dominant from the end of July through the middle of September? Tonight's ugly line: 4 1/3 innings, six runs (four earned), 10 hits, two walks and three strikeouts. Nothing against Jamie Moyer, but it's not a good sign when the starter you're most comfortable with is 45 years old.
Thankfully, the Mets blew another one in spectacular fashion to the Cubbies to remain 1.5 games out. They are now tied with the Brewers for the Wild Card. The Mets loss has Christine feeling a lot better. I'm still confident the Phillies will make it. Their magic number is now three to eliminate either the Brewers or Mets.
If you're being chased by a bear, you don't have to outrun the bear, just the slowest person in your group. Let's hope the bear chows down some Mets.
Red Sox: They kept their faint division hopes alive with a 5-4 win over the Indians. The Rays beat the Orioles, so one more win, because they hold the tiebreaker, wraps up the division (mathematically, the magic number is two).
Sep 23, 2008
No. 6
We momentarily step off the September roller coaster to tip our hat to a great Red Sox, Johnny Pesky.The Red Sox brass finally acknowledged that their rules for retiring numbers was a disservice to John Michael Paveskovich, whom after a lifetime wearing No. 6 will get to see it hang from Fenway's rafters on Friday.
The shortstop was almost apologetic that the Red Sox were waiving the rule that only Hall of Famers get their numbers retired in Boston.
This is very flattering to me, because I wish I could've been a better player. ...
When I heard about it last night, I was told that the bosses wanted to see me and I thought I'd done something [wrong]. When I went to see what they wanted and they told me, of course I was flabbergasted.
I'm very flattered about the whole thing, because I didn't think I was in the Ted Williams or Bobby Doerr class. I played with some good guys and I'm quite flattered by this announcement and I'm really going to enjoy it. I hope I live long enough to really enjoy it.
Not only did Pesky get to enjoy his moment, he enjoyed watching the Red Sox clinch the playoffs for the fifth time in six years by beating the Indians 5-4. I haven't heard whether they're celebrating like morons, but I hope they keep it in check and realize that they haven't won anything yet.
They remain 2.5 games behind the Rays, who won their first game today but are losing a nightcap.
Phillies: For the second time in the last 12 games, the Phillies lost, 3-2 to the Braves. That coupled with a Mets win has the Mets 1.5 games back and Christine nervous again. If the Phillies blow this lead (not going to happen) it is, according to Christine, all my fault for publishing that she's been counting down to the division. I hereby rescind yesterday's post, but I am still confident that the Phillies will be hosting in the first round of the playoffs.
Whether that start should go to Cole Hamels is up for debate. Again, he didn't pitch badly (three runs, one of which was due to his own error), but you want to see the ace shut down a team like the Braves in the final week of the season. With a pitcher as good as Hamels, when it comes to a tight pennant race in September, the offense shouldn't matter. As long as they score one, he should find a way to win.
We'll see if Brett Myers can rebound and get it done tomorrow.
And somebody at Comcast was asleep at the wheel. When the cameraman was panning for crowd shots as Scott Eyre was entering the game in the 8th, a fan flipped the bird, and no, he wasn't rooting for the Iggles.
[Photo credit: Boston Globe]
Sep 22, 2008
Christine's secret
After the Phillies finished off the Braves 6-2 tonight in their typical late-season thrilling fashion, I asked Christine if she would finally be comfortable with the likely 2.5-game lead over the Mets. After some pressing, she finally wiggled four fingers at me. It took me a minute to figure out she was indicating the magic number. Evidently, she's been keeping track for days - back when the Phillies were in second place and needed a combination of 14 Phillies wins and Mets losses to repeat as division champs. I was stunned that she was able to keep that from me for this long. She didn't want to jinx it. {I still don't want to jinx it. I'm blaming Greg if they blow it.}
Greg Golson has played in three games, but tonight will be considered his debut in Phillies lore. Thanks to another strong outing by J.A. Happ, the score was tied at 2 when Greg Dobbs pinch hit a single to open the 8th. Golson came in to run. After a botched pickoff, Golson motored to third. Then, when Jayson Werth grounded to third, Golson scampered home and had a great slide under the tag.
Pat Burrell put it away with a three-run homer.
In the 9th, Charlie Manuel stood by his word that he wouldn't go to Brad Lidge, so Ryan Madson took his role of making things interesting. After Chipper Jones singled, Brian McCann appeared to hit a homer and Cholly came with the hook for Madson. But then the umpires reversed their call, ruling it a ground-rule double. Madson stranded both runners to end the game.
If you need a downside to the night for the Phillies, the Cubs win over the Mets clinched the top playoff seed for Chicago. Guess the Phils will have to settle for No. 2.
Red Sox: I have a feeling that the Phillies may clinch a playoff spot before the Red Sox. I know they're playing well, it just seems very protracted for a spot they had seemingly wrapped up weeks ago. They lost to the Indians, 4-3, postponing the celebration.
Josh Beckett couldn't get it done - four runs in six innings. Let's hope that's his last clunker of the year and that we soon see playoff Josh. We're now 2.5 behind the Rays, six up on the idling Yankees.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Greg Golson has played in three games, but tonight will be considered his debut in Phillies lore. Thanks to another strong outing by J.A. Happ, the score was tied at 2 when Greg Dobbs pinch hit a single to open the 8th. Golson came in to run. After a botched pickoff, Golson motored to third. Then, when Jayson Werth grounded to third, Golson scampered home and had a great slide under the tag.Pat Burrell put it away with a three-run homer.
In the 9th, Charlie Manuel stood by his word that he wouldn't go to Brad Lidge, so Ryan Madson took his role of making things interesting. After Chipper Jones singled, Brian McCann appeared to hit a homer and Cholly came with the hook for Madson. But then the umpires reversed their call, ruling it a ground-rule double. Madson stranded both runners to end the game.
If you need a downside to the night for the Phillies, the Cubs win over the Mets clinched the top playoff seed for Chicago. Guess the Phils will have to settle for No. 2.
Red Sox: I have a feeling that the Phillies may clinch a playoff spot before the Red Sox. I know they're playing well, it just seems very protracted for a spot they had seemingly wrapped up weeks ago. They lost to the Indians, 4-3, postponing the celebration.
Josh Beckett couldn't get it done - four runs in six innings. Let's hope that's his last clunker of the year and that we soon see playoff Josh. We're now 2.5 behind the Rays, six up on the idling Yankees.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Sep 21, 2008
That's more like it
These last two games against the Marlins have had a playoff feel to them. I don't mind the extra juice - although it can unnerve Christine - especially when the game works out like today.
Behind Jamie Moyer's one run in six innings, the Phillies beat the Fish, 5-2. Christine was actually worried about the Marlins making a miraculous run, but now the best they can do is tie the Phillies. Jimmy Rollins had three hits today, which is funny, because I was working around the house when the game was on. Early on, long before J-Roll, had three at-bats, I thought I heard Harry Kalas say he had three hits. I misheard; maybe it was a premonition.
The big blow was Chase Utley's two run homer in the 3rd, his first blast since Aug. 22. Pedro Feliz added a two-run homer in the 8th.
Chad Durbin continues to struggle a bit, but his bullpen mates bailed him out. Brad Lidge put a couple of batters on, but earned save No. 40.
The Mets bullpen remembered that it is the Mets bullpen and blew one against the Braves. The Brewers (I think Christine is fully back on board rooting for them) won to climb 1.5 games behind the Mets. The Phils are 1.5 games up on the Mets for the division.
Red Sox: Nice game by 18-2 Daisuke Matsuzaka - seven shutout innings with two walks, two hits and six strikeouts to beat the Blue Jays 3-0. Let's hope he has a couple of those left for the playoffs, which the Sox can clinch tonight. Jacoby Ellsbury scored two of the Sox's three runs, on a sacrifice fly by Dustin Pedroia and on a two-run homer by David Ortiz. Jonathan Papelbon matched Lidge's 40 saves.
The Red Sox can clinch tonight if the Orioles can ruin the big farewell to Yankee stadium. That would be fitting. Unfortunately, the Yankees are up 5-3 in the 7th.
Favorite in-person Yankee Stadium memories (obviously 2004 would top all-time moments):
1. Meeting Mickey Mantle before a random game in the mid 1980s.
2. Catching a ball in batting practice in the 1990s.
3. My first road game for the Red Sox, sitting behind home plate, someone jumped on the protective netting. Highly touted Yankees prospect Hensley Meulens debuted, and I met Rick Cerone afterward.
Behind Jamie Moyer's one run in six innings, the Phillies beat the Fish, 5-2. Christine was actually worried about the Marlins making a miraculous run, but now the best they can do is tie the Phillies. Jimmy Rollins had three hits today, which is funny, because I was working around the house when the game was on. Early on, long before J-Roll, had three at-bats, I thought I heard Harry Kalas say he had three hits. I misheard; maybe it was a premonition.
The big blow was Chase Utley's two run homer in the 3rd, his first blast since Aug. 22. Pedro Feliz added a two-run homer in the 8th.
Chad Durbin continues to struggle a bit, but his bullpen mates bailed him out. Brad Lidge put a couple of batters on, but earned save No. 40.
The Mets bullpen remembered that it is the Mets bullpen and blew one against the Braves. The Brewers (I think Christine is fully back on board rooting for them) won to climb 1.5 games behind the Mets. The Phils are 1.5 games up on the Mets for the division.
Red Sox: Nice game by 18-2 Daisuke Matsuzaka - seven shutout innings with two walks, two hits and six strikeouts to beat the Blue Jays 3-0. Let's hope he has a couple of those left for the playoffs, which the Sox can clinch tonight. Jacoby Ellsbury scored two of the Sox's three runs, on a sacrifice fly by Dustin Pedroia and on a two-run homer by David Ortiz. Jonathan Papelbon matched Lidge's 40 saves.
The Red Sox can clinch tonight if the Orioles can ruin the big farewell to Yankee stadium. That would be fitting. Unfortunately, the Yankees are up 5-3 in the 7th.
Favorite in-person Yankee Stadium memories (obviously 2004 would top all-time moments):
1. Meeting Mickey Mantle before a random game in the mid 1980s.
2. Catching a ball in batting practice in the 1990s.
3. My first road game for the Red Sox, sitting behind home plate, someone jumped on the protective netting. Highly touted Yankees prospect Hensley Meulens debuted, and I met Rick Cerone afterward.
Sep 20, 2008
Good day in the NL
It's going to be short tonight - just got back from visiting the family in North Jersey.
We listened to most of the Phillies tense 3-2 win over the Marlins on the ride home. Christine closed her eyes on the really nerve-racking plays as if she were watching on TV.
"Why am I so nervous?" Larry Andersen asked.
We pulled in our driveway just as Brad Lidge was making the game more interesting by walking the leadoff batter, who then stole second. He needed 26 pitches to end the game but registered three strikeouts.
The Mets lost - we listened to the last half-inning - putting the Phils back in first by a half game. The Brewers also lost, putting them 2.5 behind the Mets for the Wild Card. It's time to start rooting for the Brewers to overtake the Mets for the last playoff spot.
Congrats: The Rays clinched a playoff slot with a win and have increased their division lead to 2.5 games over the Red Sox, who lost to the Blue Jays today. If they go 6-3, they have the division regardless of what the Sox do. We'll see what happens in October.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
We listened to most of the Phillies tense 3-2 win over the Marlins on the ride home. Christine closed her eyes on the really nerve-racking plays as if she were watching on TV.
"Why am I so nervous?" Larry Andersen asked.
We pulled in our driveway just as Brad Lidge was making the game more interesting by walking the leadoff batter, who then stole second. He needed 26 pitches to end the game but registered three strikeouts.
The Mets lost - we listened to the last half-inning - putting the Phils back in first by a half game. The Brewers also lost, putting them 2.5 behind the Mets for the Wild Card. It's time to start rooting for the Brewers to overtake the Mets for the last playoff spot.
Congrats: The Rays clinched a playoff slot with a win and have increased their division lead to 2.5 games over the Red Sox, who lost to the Blue Jays today. If they go 6-3, they have the division regardless of what the Sox do. We'll see what happens in October.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Sep 19, 2008
The highs and lows of September
Tomorrow, we expect our playoff tickets to arrive. A week ago, I was debating whether to tell Christine to save the $20 processing fee and not order them. I didn't think then that the Phillies were about to sweep the Brewers and Braves.
Tonight, they got embarrassed 14-8 by the Marlins, and Christine sounds like someone kicked her puppy (no, we don't have a puppy). The Mets bullpen survived another one, beating the Braves, to take back first place - a half game up on the Phils.
I'll take that spot, given where they were a week ago. The Mets will lose again, and the Phillies weren't going to go undefeated over the last two weeks. I expect they'll win the division, and if not, I'm even more confident that the NL East's second place team will be the Wild Card. And despite Christine's worry about the Marlins - now 4.5 games out - they won't be that team.
Tonight's game: Listening in the car to the Phillies score two in the 1st, I thought tonight would be the night young Brett Myers gets shelled. Yup. He was tagged for 10 earned in four-plus innings. Forget what I said yesterday about wanting him ahead of Cole Hamels in a big spot. The offense came through, but the pitching has to limit the Marlins to one, not two, touchdowns.
Red Sox: Paul Byrd put up an acceptable start - three earned in six innings - as the Sox narrowly beat the Blue Jays 4-3 to keep pace (1.5 behind) with the Rays who blew out the Twins tonight.
Tonight, they got embarrassed 14-8 by the Marlins, and Christine sounds like someone kicked her puppy (no, we don't have a puppy). The Mets bullpen survived another one, beating the Braves, to take back first place - a half game up on the Phils.
I'll take that spot, given where they were a week ago. The Mets will lose again, and the Phillies weren't going to go undefeated over the last two weeks. I expect they'll win the division, and if not, I'm even more confident that the NL East's second place team will be the Wild Card. And despite Christine's worry about the Marlins - now 4.5 games out - they won't be that team.
Tonight's game: Listening in the car to the Phillies score two in the 1st, I thought tonight would be the night young Brett Myers gets shelled. Yup. He was tagged for 10 earned in four-plus innings. Forget what I said yesterday about wanting him ahead of Cole Hamels in a big spot. The offense came through, but the pitching has to limit the Marlins to one, not two, touchdowns.
Red Sox: Paul Byrd put up an acceptable start - three earned in six innings - as the Sox narrowly beat the Blue Jays 4-3 to keep pace (1.5 behind) with the Rays who blew out the Twins tonight.
Sep 18, 2008
Phils win, Brewers lose
A week ago we were getting ready to root hard for the Phillies to beat the Brewers. After sweeping Ned Yost out of a job and the Brewers out of the Wild Card slot, we here at SoxandPhils now root for the Brewers to overtake the Mets for the Wild Card. It wasn't a good day on that end: The Mets won their second straight against the Nationals, and the Brewers blew a 6-2 lead in the 9th and lost it in the 12th.
Again, the Phillies paid no attention to the Mets. Cole Hamels was a bit shaky early on, but he hung in there to beat the Braves 4-3. That's seven in a row for the Phils who head into a series with the Marlins who have won eight in a row. I don't think both streaks will be in tact after this series.
On a downer, though, while Hamels' line looks decent, two runs in six innings, it's a little concerning that he gave up runs in the 1st and 2nd innings, erasing the two runs his offense spotted him in the 1st. He's a great pitcher, but my gut thinks I'd rather have Jamie Moyer or Brett Myers out there for a must-win game. We'll see in October.
When Pat Burrell came up in the 6th, I mistakenly thought the Rays were playing on ESPN. I asked Christine to switch the channel to quickly check the score. "I will once Pat Burrell hits a two-run homer," she said.
"No, that's called a double play," I countered.
Burrell then put the Phils up 4-2, and Christine flipped to ESPN, which was showing some college football game.
Standings: Phillies remain a half game up on the Mets, who are 1.5 games up on the Brewers. The Red Sox were off, but snuck up to 1.5 games after the Rays lost an ugly one to the Twins.
Again, the Phillies paid no attention to the Mets. Cole Hamels was a bit shaky early on, but he hung in there to beat the Braves 4-3. That's seven in a row for the Phils who head into a series with the Marlins who have won eight in a row. I don't think both streaks will be in tact after this series.
On a downer, though, while Hamels' line looks decent, two runs in six innings, it's a little concerning that he gave up runs in the 1st and 2nd innings, erasing the two runs his offense spotted him in the 1st. He's a great pitcher, but my gut thinks I'd rather have Jamie Moyer or Brett Myers out there for a must-win game. We'll see in October.
When Pat Burrell came up in the 6th, I mistakenly thought the Rays were playing on ESPN. I asked Christine to switch the channel to quickly check the score. "I will once Pat Burrell hits a two-run homer," she said.
"No, that's called a double play," I countered.
Burrell then put the Phils up 4-2, and Christine flipped to ESPN, which was showing some college football game.
Standings: Phillies remain a half game up on the Mets, who are 1.5 games up on the Brewers. The Red Sox were off, but snuck up to 1.5 games after the Rays lost an ugly one to the Twins.
Sep 17, 2008
Phils, Rays keep on rolling
Although the Mets remembered how to win a September game tonight, and the Brewers may follow suit, the Phillies put their blinders on and took care of the task at hand, beating the Braves 6-1.
J.A. Happ earned his first big-league win with a dominant performance - three hits and a walk with two strikeouts in six innings. The Phillies scored four in the 1st and never let the Braves back into it, except for a slight scare in the 8th when Chad Durbin - who has been pitching more like J.D. Durbin lately - got two out then gave up a hit and a walk. J.C. Romero got him out of the inning.
MVP-to-be Ryan Howard knocked in the first run and went 1-3 with two walks. Christine is worried about Shane Victorino, who hurt his thumb and/or finger in a failed bunt attempt. He stayed in the game and went 3-4 with a run.
The win keeps them a half game ahead of the Mets, who - assuming the Brewers hold on to their 6-1 lead against the Cubs - will stay a half game ahead of Milwaukee for the Wild Card.
Red Sox: Everyone loves it when the scrawny little kid lands a haymaker on the bully. That's what the Rays did in these last two sets. I'm not yet conceding the division, but we really needed two out of three this week.
Tim Wakefield got shelled - six earned in 2 1/3 - and the bottom half of the lineup went M.I.A. as the Sox lost 10-3. Mike Lowell is still out of the lineup, and I have a gut feeling he's not going to be a factor in the playoffs, if he plays at all. Jason Bay has deserted the team during the pennant race - OK, he's just going to be a father.
And, Curt Schilling and Lou Merloni gave some insight on the team's experience with Carl Everett, er, Manny Ramirez. Also in the interview, Curt avoids answering the question of why he chose to speak out now. But he does note that he has been robbing payroll all season - as some cynically suggested was his intent when he negotiated his contract in the offseason.
Injuries happen, and I'm not blaming Curt for anything. But if he truly feels like a thief, shouldn't he give the money back? I know, union rules would forbid that, but there's nothing saying he couldn't give it all to charity - he's been known to support a few.
J.A. Happ earned his first big-league win with a dominant performance - three hits and a walk with two strikeouts in six innings. The Phillies scored four in the 1st and never let the Braves back into it, except for a slight scare in the 8th when Chad Durbin - who has been pitching more like J.D. Durbin lately - got two out then gave up a hit and a walk. J.C. Romero got him out of the inning.
MVP-to-be Ryan Howard knocked in the first run and went 1-3 with two walks. Christine is worried about Shane Victorino, who hurt his thumb and/or finger in a failed bunt attempt. He stayed in the game and went 3-4 with a run.
The win keeps them a half game ahead of the Mets, who - assuming the Brewers hold on to their 6-1 lead against the Cubs - will stay a half game ahead of Milwaukee for the Wild Card.
Red Sox: Everyone loves it when the scrawny little kid lands a haymaker on the bully. That's what the Rays did in these last two sets. I'm not yet conceding the division, but we really needed two out of three this week.
Tim Wakefield got shelled - six earned in 2 1/3 - and the bottom half of the lineup went M.I.A. as the Sox lost 10-3. Mike Lowell is still out of the lineup, and I have a gut feeling he's not going to be a factor in the playoffs, if he plays at all. Jason Bay has deserted the team during the pennant race - OK, he's just going to be a father.
And, Curt Schilling and Lou Merloni gave some insight on the team's experience with Carl Everett, er, Manny Ramirez. Also in the interview, Curt avoids answering the question of why he chose to speak out now. But he does note that he has been robbing payroll all season - as some cynically suggested was his intent when he negotiated his contract in the offseason.
The thing about it for me, is, I haven't thrown a freakin' pitch all year, I've been the biggest waste of space, I've been robbing payroll for the entire season, no one feels worse about not contributing than me.
Injuries happen, and I'm not blaming Curt for anything. But if he truly feels like a thief, shouldn't he give the money back? I know, union rules would forbid that, but there's nothing saying he couldn't give it all to charity - he's been known to support a few.
Sep 16, 2008
One team is in first
Despite Charlie Manuel and Brad Lidge causing Christine some angst, the Phillies came back and held on to an 8-7 win and are alone in first place. The ghosts of 2007 are alive and well, helping the Nationals beat the Mets 1-0.
Jamie Moyer had an uncharacteristic bad start. He's earned a pass. But Cholly should have recognized that the 45-year-old who has pitched his body and soul out for this team lost it in the 6th and should have pulled him before he gave up six runs.
No matter: Ryan Howard had his back, knocking in a run with a triple in the 7th and then scoring on a Shane Victorino single. The big guy then gave the Phils the lead with a two-run homer in the 8th. She hasn't mentioned it on the blog, but Christine called the other day that Howard will have a big September and win the MVP again.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. Lidge walked the bases loaded and needed 33 pitches to close out the 9th. We're afraid that this Associated Press story might jinx him soon. Hopefully this is as close as he comes to blowing a save.
Red Sox: After Monday's game, Rays manager Joe Maddon said it's easier to get over a blowout than a 2-1 loss. His Rays proved him right tonight, beating the Sox 2-1, making tomorrow's game a must win if the Sox want to win the division.
Maybe Maddon was right just about the blowout part, not getting past the 2-1 game. I've said it many times, but the ALCS is going to be great - it just seems that the Rays and Sox match up well against each other. If they meet next month, expect a seven-game classic.
Ace Josh Beckett pitched like it's already the postseason - one earned on three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over eight innings. But when the Red Sox score just one run on five hits, even postseason Josh can't pull it out.
We'll get 'em tomorrow: Tim Wakefield vs. Matt Garza. A win and we're back to within percentage points and a tied head-to-head record; a loss and we're two games out and pretty much settling for the Wild Card.
Four more years: OK, they haven't announced terms of Theo Epstein's soon-to-be-new contract, but it looks like we won't be seeing the ape costume this off-season.
Jamie Moyer had an uncharacteristic bad start. He's earned a pass. But Cholly should have recognized that the 45-year-old who has pitched his body and soul out for this team lost it in the 6th and should have pulled him before he gave up six runs.
No matter: Ryan Howard had his back, knocking in a run with a triple in the 7th and then scoring on a Shane Victorino single. The big guy then gave the Phils the lead with a two-run homer in the 8th. She hasn't mentioned it on the blog, but Christine called the other day that Howard will have a big September and win the MVP again.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. Lidge walked the bases loaded and needed 33 pitches to close out the 9th. We're afraid that this Associated Press story might jinx him soon. Hopefully this is as close as he comes to blowing a save.
Red Sox: After Monday's game, Rays manager Joe Maddon said it's easier to get over a blowout than a 2-1 loss. His Rays proved him right tonight, beating the Sox 2-1, making tomorrow's game a must win if the Sox want to win the division.
Maybe Maddon was right just about the blowout part, not getting past the 2-1 game. I've said it many times, but the ALCS is going to be great - it just seems that the Rays and Sox match up well against each other. If they meet next month, expect a seven-game classic.
Ace Josh Beckett pitched like it's already the postseason - one earned on three hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over eight innings. But when the Red Sox score just one run on five hits, even postseason Josh can't pull it out.
We'll get 'em tomorrow: Tim Wakefield vs. Matt Garza. A win and we're back to within percentage points and a tied head-to-head record; a loss and we're two games out and pretty much settling for the Wild Card.
Four more years: OK, they haven't announced terms of Theo Epstein's soon-to-be-new contract, but it looks like we won't be seeing the ape costume this off-season.
Sep 15, 2008
Percentage points to go
The Red Sox played like champions tonight, beating the upstart Rays 13-5 to pull into a virtual tie for first. We shouldn't get too giddy; these Rays aren't like the Yankees or Mets, they don't choke or quit. Even tonight, down 13-1, they tried to make a game of it, scoring four more runs.
Daisuke Matsuzaka had his typical 104-pitch, five-inning start. But when he gets 13 runs, who cares? Congrats on setting the record for most wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher. David Ortiz (2-4) led the way with a three-run homer in the 1st, and all starters except Jed Lowrie, who had three walks, had a hit. Most of them earned some time off toward the end of the game.
The win means that after 148 and 150 games respectively, the Rays and Red Sox are separated by percentage points. Head to head, they're 8-8, which means if the Sox can finish the job the next two games, they'll have a commanding two-game lead, which would essentially be three because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. I know, I should only worry about tomorrow's game - Josh Beckett vs. Andy Sonnanstine.
National(s)/League: The Phillies are so hot right now that they were able to gain ground on one team and wreak havoc on another despite having an off day. The Nationals beat the Mets, so the Phils are a half game from overtaking them. Every Mets fan I talked to today certainly seemed nervous. And, after being swept in Philly, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost even though he had them tied for the Wild Card with 12 games to go. I think he got a bum rap; Christine thought he was doing an excellent job.
Fantasy update: Despite Jon Lester's brilliant performance, the SoxandPhils fantasy team held on to advance to the finals. My opponent in that round had a great strategy, using only starting pitchers against me. It was probably a bit of luck that all his starters pitched well, but I give him credit for the tactical move.
No credit to my final opponent, whom I learned was welching on the league's ante until he suddenly realized he might win the whole thing. Seeing as I will retire from fantasy after this season, I was hoping for one last matchup against Change is Good, but it wasn't meant to be.
Daisuke Matsuzaka had his typical 104-pitch, five-inning start. But when he gets 13 runs, who cares? Congrats on setting the record for most wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher. David Ortiz (2-4) led the way with a three-run homer in the 1st, and all starters except Jed Lowrie, who had three walks, had a hit. Most of them earned some time off toward the end of the game.
The win means that after 148 and 150 games respectively, the Rays and Red Sox are separated by percentage points. Head to head, they're 8-8, which means if the Sox can finish the job the next two games, they'll have a commanding two-game lead, which would essentially be three because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. I know, I should only worry about tomorrow's game - Josh Beckett vs. Andy Sonnanstine.
National(s)/League: The Phillies are so hot right now that they were able to gain ground on one team and wreak havoc on another despite having an off day. The Nationals beat the Mets, so the Phils are a half game from overtaking them. Every Mets fan I talked to today certainly seemed nervous. And, after being swept in Philly, the Brewers fired manager Ned Yost even though he had them tied for the Wild Card with 12 games to go. I think he got a bum rap; Christine thought he was doing an excellent job.
Fantasy update: Despite Jon Lester's brilliant performance, the SoxandPhils fantasy team held on to advance to the finals. My opponent in that round had a great strategy, using only starting pitchers against me. It was probably a bit of luck that all his starters pitched well, but I give him credit for the tactical move.
No credit to my final opponent, whom I learned was welching on the league's ante until he suddenly realized he might win the whole thing. Seeing as I will retire from fantasy after this season, I was hoping for one last matchup against Change is Good, but it wasn't meant to be.
Sep 14, 2008
Today was so good, my animosity toward Gagne is subsiding
The Phillies and Brewers were knotted in a pitcher's duel for most of the day game, as the Phils tried to pull within one for the Wild Card - and an opportunity to tie in the nightcap - and the Brewers tried to thwart their challenger.It was a tense affair until the 8th, when the Phillies got a healthy dose of crappy relief pitching, hammering a former Red Sox for three runs on a walk and three hits in one-third of an inning, leading them to a 7-4 victory.
And guess what? That crappy former Red Sox now working from the Brewers bullpen was not the goggled, roided, washed-up Eric Gagne. It was Brian Shouse.
The Brewers saved Gagne, whose awful performances for the Red Sox last year still haunt me even though they won the World Series, for mop-up duty. He got Carlos Ruiz to fly out to right. Corey Hart, who beat out Pat Burrell for the final slot on the All-Star team this year, turned it into a double play because Pedro Feliz ran from first base as if there were two outs. He's lucky that came at a forgettable moment in the game. But SoxandPhils was taking note.
There were two big blows in the game for the Phillies. In the 6th, down 3-1, it seemed like old times when Chase Utley got hit with a pitch to lead off and Ryan Howard knocked him in with a home run. We didn't get a picture of the Phillies two big bats celebrating at home because of another incident with a drunken fan.Before I could log the play in my scorecard, I was knocked out of my seat to the ground. I didn't know what happened until I saw a drunk guy whose seat was in the row behind me laying in the row in front of me. Apparently he got "too excited" by the home run and fell - mostly on me, but a little on Christine, too. The park ushers neither checked on us nor seemed to care that there was a patron in the park too stinking drunk to stand up.
He kept talking with his friends, who thought his fall was awesome. Our season ticket neighbor leaned over to us and asked, "What's more annoying, having him fall on you or hearing him keep talking about it?"
Back to the game: While the fall kept Christine from snapping a photo after Howard's homer, she got the next big blast, a three-run homer by Shane Victorino in the 8th to put the Phillies ahead 7-4. (Pat Burrell had just driven in the go-ahead run with a single.)
On-field observations: Great start for Joe Blanton, seen to the right battling fellow fattie Prince Fielder. At first Christine was disappointed we were getting Blanton instead of Brett Myers, whom we still haven't seen live. Then she predicted Blanton would win and Myers would get shelled in the nightcap. Thankfully, that prediction didn't hold up. Blanton did his job - three earned on two walks and five hits with four strikeouts. Take out the first and fifth innings when the Brewers scored their runs, and he gave up one walk, hit by pitch and hit in five innings. ... ESPN's No. 2 Web gem today was Corey Hart's 5th inning catch. From the stands, it looked look an easy fly that he seemed to lose in the sun. ... Chase Utley played like an old-time scrappy second baseman. He had a sacrifice bunt and turned a couple of nifty plays in the field, including a double play in the 5th off of Hart. He fielded it, hustled to beat Jason Kendall to the bag and leaped over him to avoid a collision. It seemed like there would be no time to even attempt a throw to first, but he nailed Hart in plenty of time. ... Why is Charlie Manuel intent on blowing out Brad Lidge's arm? For the second time in two days, he brought him in a non-save situation, apparently forgetting he might need him for the night game.
Observations from the stands: We heard some singer outside the ballpark doing Sweet Caroline before the game. Christine wished harm on those who were singing along with him; I said he's just getting people in the mood for October. ... The Annville Cleonia High School marching band played some jazz standards on the field before the game - it wasn't explained why they were there. Joe Blanton was almost hit by a flag. ... The Phillies, with Burrell's help, handed out trophies for some kids' home run derby contest. The award was bigger than some of the kids and one poor soul (not pictured) got a broken trophy. Jamie Moyer and one of the ball girls also won this contest in their younger days. ... The Malvern Troop 7 Boy Scouts of America presented the colors. ... The Westminster Youth Choir sang the anthem with some bugle accompaniment. It got me in the mood for a fox hunt. ... "They're just torturing me right now," Christine said when the scoreboard featured Myers as one of the stars of the game. At this point, the Brewers still had the lead off of Blanton. ... Great name for the folk singer doing God Bless America - Ace Enders.The other half of the 2008 World Series: The Red Sox head to Tampa just one game out after a 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. The Rays lost to the Yankees 8-4. Jon Lester pitched really well; Jonathan Papelbon didn't. Papelbon's on our fantasy team; Lester's on our opponent's. His performance may knock us out of the playoffs. We'll find out tomorrow.
Phillies game 2: Great game by Brett Myers, a complete game 6-1 win on short rest. I'd wax poetic and probably remember writing him off with harsh words throughout the season, but tonight's post is long enough. Unbelievable. The Phillies, who control their own destiny, are tied with the Brewers for the Wild Card and trail the Mets - who blew it against the Braves in the 9th today - by just one with two full weeks to go. Can't wait to read the headlines in the New York tabloids tomorrow.
Sep 13, 2008
Treading water
The Red Sox and Rays each split their double headers against the Blue Jays and Yankees, so we remain two games out - not impossible to make up, but it's looking like a sweep in Tampa this week may be necessary.
The Phillies won handily, but only picked up a half game on the Mets, who split their double header against the Braves. OK, that's improvement (2.5 games out) - plus, they picked up a whole game on the Wild Card-leading Brewers, whose lead is now two games heading into tomorrow's double header. The Astros, in limbo because of Hurricane Ike, are a half game behind the Phillies.
Young Cole Hamels may have been paying attention to Jamie Moyer's outing the other night. It wasn't his best start, but he gutted it out for 6.1 innings to get the win as the Phillies beat the Brewers 7-3.
Most of the offense (except Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz) pitched in, led by three hits, three runs and two RBI by Jimmy Rollins.
They have to at least split tomorrow's double header, but if they sweep, I'm believing again. {I'm already there; I hope tomorrow's not a letdown.}
Red Sox: In the first game, Paul Byrd pitched like the crappy Paul Byrd I've been expecting, and the Sox lost a gutless performance 8-1 with only five friggin' hits. The box score looks like a spring training game. David Aardsma got beat around, too - when did he come back? Kevin Cash pinch hit for Dustin Pedroia and stayed in the game at third base; that's his first major league appearance at any position besides catcher.
The Sox finally woke up late in the second game. After trailing 5-2, they scored a run in the 6th and 7th and three in the 8th to win 7-5. Bartolo Colon returned, and it looks like Fat Bart didn't do too bad; he gave up five runs, but only two were earned, over six innings. Three-hit nights for Jason Bay and Dustin MVPedroia.
The Phillies won handily, but only picked up a half game on the Mets, who split their double header against the Braves. OK, that's improvement (2.5 games out) - plus, they picked up a whole game on the Wild Card-leading Brewers, whose lead is now two games heading into tomorrow's double header. The Astros, in limbo because of Hurricane Ike, are a half game behind the Phillies.
Young Cole Hamels may have been paying attention to Jamie Moyer's outing the other night. It wasn't his best start, but he gutted it out for 6.1 innings to get the win as the Phillies beat the Brewers 7-3.
Most of the offense (except Pat Burrell and Carlos Ruiz) pitched in, led by three hits, three runs and two RBI by Jimmy Rollins.
They have to at least split tomorrow's double header, but if they sweep, I'm believing again. {I'm already there; I hope tomorrow's not a letdown.}
Red Sox: In the first game, Paul Byrd pitched like the crappy Paul Byrd I've been expecting, and the Sox lost a gutless performance 8-1 with only five friggin' hits. The box score looks like a spring training game. David Aardsma got beat around, too - when did he come back? Kevin Cash pinch hit for Dustin Pedroia and stayed in the game at third base; that's his first major league appearance at any position besides catcher.
The Sox finally woke up late in the second game. After trailing 5-2, they scored a run in the 6th and 7th and three in the 8th to win 7-5. Bartolo Colon returned, and it looks like Fat Bart didn't do too bad; he gave up five runs, but only two were earned, over six innings. Three-hit nights for Jason Bay and Dustin MVPedroia.
Sep 12, 2008
Washout
On a day when just about every other game was rained out, the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 7-0 - and it was on ESPN because the scheduled game, Rays vs. some irrelevant New York team, was postponed.
Good game for Tim Wakefield - eight innings, three hits and four strikeouts. Those of us who follow the Soxand/orPhils should really appreciate getting to root for Wakefield and Jamie Moyer.
Kevin Cash's three-run homer in the 8th put it away, backing up big nights for Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie and David Ortiz. We're now two games behind the Rays, and we'll be pulling hard for the Yankees to sweep them in a doubleheader. The Sox and Jays also have a twin bill, so it's possible for the race to be in a dead heat tomorrow night.
Phillies: They were rained out and will play a doubleheader Sunday. That means we'll see Joe Blanton on Sunday afternoon instead of Brett Myers on three days rest. After Sunday, we will have been to 15 Phillies games this year with one to go (unless they make the playoffs) and still have not seen young Brett live.
SoxandPhils mojo: Today's the day they tossed the coin to determine home field in case teams are tied for a playoff slot:
Personal note: The blogosphere lost a good one with the semi-retirement of one our favorites, Change is Good, which has been a model for us. We'll miss reading ya, Brian.
Good game for Tim Wakefield - eight innings, three hits and four strikeouts. Those of us who follow the Soxand/orPhils should really appreciate getting to root for Wakefield and Jamie Moyer.
Kevin Cash's three-run homer in the 8th put it away, backing up big nights for Mike Lowell, Jed Lowrie and David Ortiz. We're now two games behind the Rays, and we'll be pulling hard for the Yankees to sweep them in a doubleheader. The Sox and Jays also have a twin bill, so it's possible for the race to be in a dead heat tomorrow night.
Phillies: They were rained out and will play a doubleheader Sunday. That means we'll see Joe Blanton on Sunday afternoon instead of Brett Myers on three days rest. After Sunday, we will have been to 15 Phillies games this year with one to go (unless they make the playoffs) and still have not seen young Brett live.
SoxandPhils mojo: Today's the day they tossed the coin to determine home field in case teams are tied for a playoff slot:
The big winners of the 12-flip event were the Phillies, who would host any of four possible playoff games, and the Red Sox, who would be in their Fenway Park bunker for both American League East and AL Wild Card deciders.
Personal note: The blogosphere lost a good one with the semi-retirement of one our favorites, Change is Good, which has been a model for us. We'll miss reading ya, Brian.
Sep 11, 2008
Final stretch
The Phillies took the first game against the Wild Card-leading Brewers tonight, 6-3. For the optimists out there, the win means the Phils still somehow control their own destiny for the final two weeks of the season. If they win their last 15 games, at worst, they will tie for a Wild Card slot.
Back to reality: The win places them three games behind the Mets for the division and three games behind the Brewers for the bonus slot - Ed Wade's Astros are also three games out. It's a tough slog, and they'll need to dip into their 2007 moxie to pull this out, something they've hardly done in 2008.
The one exception has been Jamie Moyer. Not his best performance tonight, but what do you expect from a gutsy 45-year-old who took the ball on three days rest. He gave up three earned on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Hopefully, young Cole Hamels took some notes on what it means to be a championship-caliber pitcher.
The offense - including a suicide squeeze by Carlos Ruiz - clicked tonight, which was a good thing for the playoff chances of the Phils and the SoxandPhils fantasy team. In our first playoff match-up, we're killing on offense but struggling on pitching. Our opponent had Ben Sheets, who was roughed up tonight.
Red Sox: They got a blow after being schooled by the first-place Rays this week.
Back to reality: The win places them three games behind the Mets for the division and three games behind the Brewers for the bonus slot - Ed Wade's Astros are also three games out. It's a tough slog, and they'll need to dip into their 2007 moxie to pull this out, something they've hardly done in 2008.
The one exception has been Jamie Moyer. Not his best performance tonight, but what do you expect from a gutsy 45-year-old who took the ball on three days rest. He gave up three earned on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Hopefully, young Cole Hamels took some notes on what it means to be a championship-caliber pitcher.
The offense - including a suicide squeeze by Carlos Ruiz - clicked tonight, which was a good thing for the playoff chances of the Phils and the SoxandPhils fantasy team. In our first playoff match-up, we're killing on offense but struggling on pitching. Our opponent had Ben Sheets, who was roughed up tonight.
Red Sox: They got a blow after being schooled by the first-place Rays this week.
Sep 10, 2008
It's getting too late ...
... in the season for the Phillies to be 3.5 games behind the Mets and four games out (with two other teams) in the Wild Card race. But that's where they stand after losing to the Marlins 7-3 today.
... in the night for the Red Sox to still be playing. They're tied 1-1 with the Rays in the 12th. Since it's on ESPN, I'll probably stick it out to the end, but I'm tired, so hence the short post tonight. I've said it before, but I'm going to be very nervous when the Rays and Sox square off in the ALCS. I hope the Sox have home field for it.
... in the night for the Red Sox to still be playing. They're tied 1-1 with the Rays in the 12th. Since it's on ESPN, I'll probably stick it out to the end, but I'm tired, so hence the short post tonight. I've said it before, but I'm going to be very nervous when the Rays and Sox square off in the ALCS. I hope the Sox have home field for it.
Sep 9, 2008
Bummer
Would you rather watch your pennant racing team lose by A) Spotting its opponent a big lead then chipping away the rest of the game but never actually catching up, or B) Keeping it close all game and taking the lead late so the closer can blow it?
If you watch the SoxandPhils, you didn't have to choose tonight.
In a game that was pretty close to a must-win to stay 1.5 games behind the Mets, starter Kyle Kendrick and reliever J.A. Happ combined to give up 10 runs in the first five innings. The Phils' bats made a go of it, scoring eight, but that wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.
The offense is finally clicking, but who cares? Maybe the pressure of the race is getting to me, but time's running out. If they don't pull this division out, 2007 will lose a lot of its significance to me.
Red Sox: They don't have to worry about last year's legacy, but this one stung. I said yesterday I was expecting them to split the last two games against the Rays, and I had thought this would be the loss. But I didn't expect Jonathan Papelbon to blow it. Even Christine's upset about it. (OK, she's just worried about our fantasy team that's in the playoffs now.)
With first place on the line, and a chance to set the record for wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher, Daisuke Matsuzaka had one of his hallmark five-inning stints. The score was stuck on 3-2 Rays until the bottom of the 8th when Jason Bay hit a two-run homer. It was the type of moment that seemed destined to be the final blow for the Rays' hope of winning the East.
You'd think that Papelbon, who still harbors resentment toward the Rays for this season's brawl, would jump at the chance to shut them down and out of first. Alas, a solo homer and a couple of doubles gave the Rays the win, 5-4, and a 1.5 game lead.
Josh Beckett will get them tomorrow.
If you watch the SoxandPhils, you didn't have to choose tonight.
In a game that was pretty close to a must-win to stay 1.5 games behind the Mets, starter Kyle Kendrick and reliever J.A. Happ combined to give up 10 runs in the first five innings. The Phils' bats made a go of it, scoring eight, but that wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.
The offense is finally clicking, but who cares? Maybe the pressure of the race is getting to me, but time's running out. If they don't pull this division out, 2007 will lose a lot of its significance to me.
Red Sox: They don't have to worry about last year's legacy, but this one stung. I said yesterday I was expecting them to split the last two games against the Rays, and I had thought this would be the loss. But I didn't expect Jonathan Papelbon to blow it. Even Christine's upset about it. (OK, she's just worried about our fantasy team that's in the playoffs now.)
With first place on the line, and a chance to set the record for wins in a season by a Japanese pitcher, Daisuke Matsuzaka had one of his hallmark five-inning stints. The score was stuck on 3-2 Rays until the bottom of the 8th when Jason Bay hit a two-run homer. It was the type of moment that seemed destined to be the final blow for the Rays' hope of winning the East.
You'd think that Papelbon, who still harbors resentment toward the Rays for this season's brawl, would jump at the chance to shut them down and out of first. Alas, a solo homer and a couple of doubles gave the Rays the win, 5-4, and a 1.5 game lead.
Josh Beckett will get them tomorrow.
Sep 8, 2008
Almost there
I've said I won't be heartbroken if the Rays win the East (as long as the Red Sox win the Wild Card), but I can't say I'm rooting for that scenario. Last month, when the Sox lost 2.5 games despite going 18-9, I thought the Rays locked it up. But just like that, things can change, and we're now 0.5 games back after taking the opener against the Rays tonight 3-0.
I don't think we'll sweep the series, but I feel good about remaining a half game out when this set ends.
Tonight was all young homegrown pitching. Jon Lester (now 14-5) and Jonathan Papelbon (36 saves) combined to shut out the Rays on seven hits and three walks. They had 12 strikeouts. All the scoring came in the bottom of the 1st: RBI double by David Ortiz, RBI single by Kevin Youkilis and solo homer by Jason Bay.
The Phillies took a tiny step toward making up for the fact that Cole Hamels blew it in the biggest game of the year on Sunday. Although they tried to blow it away tonight, the Phils beat the Marlins 8-6. In a game the Marlins had no business being in, they ended the game with the potential tying run on first.
Joe Blanton pitched awfully - four earned in five innings - but got the win. Brad Lidge pitched poorly - two hits - but got the save. The offense was a bit lopsided - seven hits from the first five batters, one from the bottom four. Jayson Werth had a homer and three RBI (he was already Phillie of the week), Jimmy Rollins had three hits, and Ryan Howard also had a multi-hit game.
The Mets, who lost Billy Wagner for all of next year, were off. So the Phillies are 1.5 games out.
I don't think we'll sweep the series, but I feel good about remaining a half game out when this set ends.
Tonight was all young homegrown pitching. Jon Lester (now 14-5) and Jonathan Papelbon (36 saves) combined to shut out the Rays on seven hits and three walks. They had 12 strikeouts. All the scoring came in the bottom of the 1st: RBI double by David Ortiz, RBI single by Kevin Youkilis and solo homer by Jason Bay.
The Phillies took a tiny step toward making up for the fact that Cole Hamels blew it in the biggest game of the year on Sunday. Although they tried to blow it away tonight, the Phils beat the Marlins 8-6. In a game the Marlins had no business being in, they ended the game with the potential tying run on first.
Joe Blanton pitched awfully - four earned in five innings - but got the win. Brad Lidge pitched poorly - two hits - but got the save. The offense was a bit lopsided - seven hits from the first five batters, one from the bottom four. Jayson Werth had a homer and three RBI (he was already Phillie of the week), Jimmy Rollins had three hits, and Ryan Howard also had a multi-hit game.
The Mets, who lost Billy Wagner for all of next year, were off. So the Phillies are 1.5 games out.
Sep 7, 2008
Old guys come through
With time running out on the season, two old starting pitchers - neither of whom have been to a World Series - came up big for the SoxandPhils. Younger Cole Hamels could learn something about playoff intensity from Paul Byrd and Jamie Moyer.Red Sox: I guess I owe Theo Epstein an apology for picking up another druggie. The Red Sox beat the Rangers 7-2, and Paul Byrd is now 4-1 since coming to Boston. Byrd pitched well - no runs with just three hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings. He was backed up with a rare homer by David Ortiz and one by Jason Bay. MVP-to-be Dustin Pedroia went a ho-hum (for him) 1-4 with a walk and an RBI.
The Rays lost, so the Red Sox's footsteps must be getting louder - they're 1.5 games out of first, which is the closest they've been since July 28. Oh yeah, if you can strain your eyes that far down the standings, the Yankees are in fourth. The Orioles are 12 games behind them, so the Empire doesn't have to worry about coming in last.
Phillies game 1: Jamie Moyer pitched even better than the Sox cagey veteran, dominating the Mets to a tune of no runs on two hits and three walks. Phillies 6, Mets 2. He was backed by Greg Dobbs who went 2-4 with a double, home run, two runs and three RBI. Pedro who? (That can be for either Feliz or Martinez, who ate the loss today.)Phillies game 2: J-Moy's win meant the big Cole Hamels-Johan Santana match-up would determine whether the Phils would leave New York trailing by two games or tied for first.
The latter scenario doesn't look likely after young Cole was shelled for five runs in five innings. Christine predicts he will blame his adjusted schedule, even though he pitched on his normal rest. The Phils trail just 5-2 in the 8th, but you have the feeling they were never in it since the first inning, when they had Johan on the ropes but scored only once.
And guess who did most of the damage for the Mets? Another old guy lacking World Series experience. Carlos Delgado had playoff fever tonight, going 3-4 with two runs, four RBI and two homers through seven innings. The ESPN announcers blatantly rooting for him were very pleased.
Sep 6, 2008
I'm back
It's nice to be writing about SoxandPhils again; not so nice that one half of the blog was rained out. That's all right, tomorrow will be nicer, and the Phillies will sweep a twin bill from the Mets to reclaim a share of first place.
{Hopefully the Change is Good crew can bring some continued luck to the Phils.}
The red-hot Red Sox could have really put some pressure on the first-place Rays with a win tonight, but Tim Wakefield, making his 500th appearance as a Red Sox, turned in one of his worst performances against the Rangers. I know, we don't complain about Wakefield on this blog, but it would have been nice to see a side bar in tomorrow's paper about the Sox winning this milestone performance to pull within 1.5 of the Rays. At least the Jays beat the little doodles in extra innings with a walk-off homer, so we stay 2.5 out. Minnesota lost, so at worst we're 5.5 games up for the Wild Card.
{Hopefully the Change is Good crew can bring some continued luck to the Phils.}
The red-hot Red Sox could have really put some pressure on the first-place Rays with a win tonight, but Tim Wakefield, making his 500th appearance as a Red Sox, turned in one of his worst performances against the Rangers. I know, we don't complain about Wakefield on this blog, but it would have been nice to see a side bar in tomorrow's paper about the Sox winning this milestone performance to pull within 1.5 of the Rays. At least the Jays beat the little doodles in extra innings with a walk-off homer, so we stay 2.5 out. Minnesota lost, so at worst we're 5.5 games up for the Wild Card.
Sep 5, 2008
One down
Phillies 3, Mets 0.
Brett Myers pitched an outstanding game tonight. He shut out the Mets over eight innings and had 10 strikeouts. Brad Lidge had a shaky 9th, but managed to pitch out of a first-and-third with only one out. Shane Victorino scored in the 1st, and Greg Dobbs added a two-run homer in the 7th.
The Phils have narrowed the gap and are now two games out of first place.
I'm pretty sure that tomorrow afternoon's game will be a washout, which would probably mean a day-night doubleheader on Sunday because the two teams don't share any off days for the rest of the season.
Oh, and how could I forget the biggest news of the day: Tadahito Iguchi has rejoined the Phillies.
Red Sox: They beat the Rangers 8-1. Josh Beckett pitched five innings in his return and had seven strikeouts. The Rays lost to the Blue Jays, leaving the Sox 2.5 games out of first.
Greg: He has returned safely from his travels. I'm sure he'll be making an appearance here tomorrow.
Brett Myers pitched an outstanding game tonight. He shut out the Mets over eight innings and had 10 strikeouts. Brad Lidge had a shaky 9th, but managed to pitch out of a first-and-third with only one out. Shane Victorino scored in the 1st, and Greg Dobbs added a two-run homer in the 7th.
The Phils have narrowed the gap and are now two games out of first place.
I'm pretty sure that tomorrow afternoon's game will be a washout, which would probably mean a day-night doubleheader on Sunday because the two teams don't share any off days for the rest of the season.
Oh, and how could I forget the biggest news of the day: Tadahito Iguchi has rejoined the Phillies.
Red Sox: They beat the Rangers 8-1. Josh Beckett pitched five innings in his return and had seven strikeouts. The Rays lost to the Blue Jays, leaving the Sox 2.5 games out of first.
Greg: He has returned safely from his travels. I'm sure he'll be making an appearance here tomorrow.
Sep 4, 2008
Be like Mike
All seems to be quiet in SoxandPhils world. Both teams are off tonight. The main competition of note: The Rays are beating the Yankees 6-0 in the 6th. The Mets are off.
Rather than go on and on about the Phils and their losing ways, I'm taking the easy way out and posting another entry by Greg about the Phillies yearbook. I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about tomorrow night. We're all counting on you, young Brett.
Unless they wanted to see Michael Jordan in his Birmingham Barons days, only eight of 32 Phillies listed a baseball player as their favorite athlete. Only two of them picked a Phillie, but I'm pretty sure Ryan Madson was partly joking when he picked Chase Utley. I have no doubt that Jamie Moyer was sincere with Steve Carlton.
Topping the list was Tiger Woods with seven votes, Michael Jordan with five and a half, LeBron James and Nolan Ryan with two each, and Kobe Bryant with one and a half. The half votes came from J.C. Romero, who picked both his favorite active and retired players.
Other baseball players: Barry Bonds (from former teammate Pedro Feliz), Hank Aaron (Tom Gordon), Ken Griffey Jr. (Kyle Kendrick) and Ozzie Smith (Eric Bruntlett).
Quarterbacks: Brett Favre (Brett Myers) and John Elway (Brad Lidge).
Basketball: Charles Barkley (J.D. Durbin) and Shaquille O'Neal (Fabio Castro).
Not quite mainstream athletes: Clay Condrey went with fishermen Bill Dance and Roland Martin; Chris Coste went with ultimate fighter George St. Pierre; and the Phanatic went for the cheap pop with Rocky. "He WAS real, wasn't he?" asked the green furball.
Pat Burrell, evidently bummed he couldn't list himself, didn't have an answer.
Rather than go on and on about the Phils and their losing ways, I'm taking the easy way out and posting another entry by Greg about the Phillies yearbook. I'm sure there will be plenty to talk about tomorrow night. We're all counting on you, young Brett.
Unless they wanted to see Michael Jordan in his Birmingham Barons days, only eight of 32 Phillies listed a baseball player as their favorite athlete. Only two of them picked a Phillie, but I'm pretty sure Ryan Madson was partly joking when he picked Chase Utley. I have no doubt that Jamie Moyer was sincere with Steve Carlton.
Topping the list was Tiger Woods with seven votes, Michael Jordan with five and a half, LeBron James and Nolan Ryan with two each, and Kobe Bryant with one and a half. The half votes came from J.C. Romero, who picked both his favorite active and retired players.
Other baseball players: Barry Bonds (from former teammate Pedro Feliz), Hank Aaron (Tom Gordon), Ken Griffey Jr. (Kyle Kendrick) and Ozzie Smith (Eric Bruntlett).
Quarterbacks: Brett Favre (Brett Myers) and John Elway (Brad Lidge).
Basketball: Charles Barkley (J.D. Durbin) and Shaquille O'Neal (Fabio Castro).
Not quite mainstream athletes: Clay Condrey went with fishermen Bill Dance and Roland Martin; Chris Coste went with ultimate fighter George St. Pierre; and the Phanatic went for the cheap pop with Rocky. "He WAS real, wasn't he?" asked the green furball.
Pat Burrell, evidently bummed he couldn't list himself, didn't have an answer.
Sep 3, 2008
Disgraceful
The Phillies knew they had to beat the Nationals tonight. The Mets won in the afternoon; a loss would put them three games out.
So what did they do? Blow a lead in the 7th to lose in spectacular fashion. I can't even recap. The 9-7 final makes it seem much closer than it was. Ryan Howard knocked in four of those runs on two homers.
If the Phillies somehow manage to sweep the upcoming series in New York, all they'll do is pull even with the Mets. If they are swept ... I can't even think about that.
P.S. The Brewers better lay down for the Phillies next weekend like they did for the Mets this week.
Red Sox: Won again against the Orioles, 5-4 in a comeback. They gained another game on the Rays and are now three out.
So what did they do? Blow a lead in the 7th to lose in spectacular fashion. I can't even recap. The 9-7 final makes it seem much closer than it was. Ryan Howard knocked in four of those runs on two homers.
If the Phillies somehow manage to sweep the upcoming series in New York, all they'll do is pull even with the Mets. If they are swept ... I can't even think about that.
P.S. The Brewers better lay down for the Phillies next weekend like they did for the Mets this week.
Red Sox: Won again against the Orioles, 5-4 in a comeback. They gained another game on the Rays and are now three out.
Sep 2, 2008
One game at a time
That's all the Phillies can do right now, just win one game at a time. And behind Cole Hamels, they did just that tonight. Phillies 4, Nationals 0.
Hamels pitched the way you expect your ace to pitch in a situation like this: 7.1 innings, five hits, three walks, six strikeouts, no runs. The bullpen handled the rest, shutting down the recently surging Nationals lineup. It would not be a surprise to see young Cole matched up against Johan Santana on Sunday night. The Phils seem to be coy about it; would they really throw J.A. Happ out there? After Hamels' relatively low pitch count tonight (104), I would expect to see him in the big game.
But that's getting ahead of things. As I said, one game at a time. Get another win against the Nationals tomorrow night, and then take care of the Mets this weekend.
Stealing home: I love plays like this. But somehow, I always seem to miss them. I'm in the other room or I look away from the TV for a moment, and then something good happens. So I was psyched when I thought Chase Utley was going to steal home tonight. Instead, he was tagged out and took out Jesus Flores. The catcher tried to stand up after the play but buckled down. He was on the ground for quite a while before the trainers wrapped his ankle and he was driven off the field. Right now they're saying it's only an ankle sprain and that there are no signs of a break. If so, then Flores is a lucky man because it looked really bad.
In Boston: The Red Sox took care of business and beat the Orioles 14-2. They also won Monday night's game.
Standings: The Phillies are currently 1.5 games behind the Mets, who are tied at 5 with the Brewers in the 9th.
I'm sure Greg was internally cheering for the Yankees, as they beat the Rays 7-2. The Sox are now four games out of first. The Wild Card lead is four games over the White Sox/Twins.
Hamels pitched the way you expect your ace to pitch in a situation like this: 7.1 innings, five hits, three walks, six strikeouts, no runs. The bullpen handled the rest, shutting down the recently surging Nationals lineup. It would not be a surprise to see young Cole matched up against Johan Santana on Sunday night. The Phils seem to be coy about it; would they really throw J.A. Happ out there? After Hamels' relatively low pitch count tonight (104), I would expect to see him in the big game.
But that's getting ahead of things. As I said, one game at a time. Get another win against the Nationals tomorrow night, and then take care of the Mets this weekend.
Stealing home: I love plays like this. But somehow, I always seem to miss them. I'm in the other room or I look away from the TV for a moment, and then something good happens. So I was psyched when I thought Chase Utley was going to steal home tonight. Instead, he was tagged out and took out Jesus Flores. The catcher tried to stand up after the play but buckled down. He was on the ground for quite a while before the trainers wrapped his ankle and he was driven off the field. Right now they're saying it's only an ankle sprain and that there are no signs of a break. If so, then Flores is a lucky man because it looked really bad.In Boston: The Red Sox took care of business and beat the Orioles 14-2. They also won Monday night's game.
Standings: The Phillies are currently 1.5 games behind the Mets, who are tied at 5 with the Brewers in the 9th.
I'm sure Greg was internally cheering for the Yankees, as they beat the Rays 7-2. The Sox are now four games out of first. The Wild Card lead is four games over the White Sox/Twins.
Sep 1, 2008
Not a good way to start the home stretch
Well, at least they weren't no-hit.
For a while today, the game seemed to be leaning in that direction. In the 6th inning, the Phillies managed a couple of hits and scored three runs, but it wasn't enough. Nationals 7, Phillies 4 - the fourth run came on a 9th inning two-out homer by Jimmy Rollins.
Kyle Kendrick gave up six runs in only four innings - will J.A. Happ get to make another start soon? But please, keep Adam Eaton far away from the pitching mound. Use him only if a pinch-runner is needed in the 13th inning of a tie game.
The Nationals have now seven in a row, all at home.
The Mets won today, so the Phils again drop to two games out.
Von Hayes: Some local indie band named itself in honor of the former Phillies outfielder. Guess it's better than Randy Ready, another name they were considering.
Red Sox: Tonight's game is against the Orioles. Looking around the interwebs, it seems like nothing newsworthy has happened with the team in the past 24 hours.
For a while today, the game seemed to be leaning in that direction. In the 6th inning, the Phillies managed a couple of hits and scored three runs, but it wasn't enough. Nationals 7, Phillies 4 - the fourth run came on a 9th inning two-out homer by Jimmy Rollins.
Kyle Kendrick gave up six runs in only four innings - will J.A. Happ get to make another start soon? But please, keep Adam Eaton far away from the pitching mound. Use him only if a pinch-runner is needed in the 13th inning of a tie game.
The Nationals have now seven in a row, all at home.
The Mets won today, so the Phils again drop to two games out.
Von Hayes: Some local indie band named itself in honor of the former Phillies outfielder. Guess it's better than Randy Ready, another name they were considering.
Red Sox: Tonight's game is against the Orioles. Looking around the interwebs, it seems like nothing newsworthy has happened with the team in the past 24 hours.
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