tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48741470827686179772011-12-12T02:09:04.750-05:00Baseball helped unite us, so we united our teams on this blog.Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.comBlogger11201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-53859177070851887982011-11-12T10:10:00.001-05:002011-11-12T10:10:31.411-05:00

A few nights ago, Christine asked if we should officially kill this blog. I didn't answer.Last night, I was glad I didn't when I saw that the Phillies agreed on a four-year $50 million contract with Jonathan Papelbon who, pending a physical, will be the biggest SoxandPhil since Curt Schilling.I don't understand why the Phillies didn't stand pat with Ryan Madson - I'd welcome him to Boston.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-31360021866518526092011-10-01T21:17:00.003-04:002011-10-01T21:18:39.262-04:00

Greg and I did not attend Game 1 of the NLDS this evening. We did not win the lottery opportunity to buy tickets for the first round of the playoffs to watch the Cardinals and Phillies; I'm sure that we'll be watching all of the postseason at home this year.But in 2001 ...Eternal optimist I am about the Phillies, I bought tickets for Game 1 of the 2001 NLDS. The tickets were $18 each. There was a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-80818735211294650622011-09-29T20:27:00.001-04:002011-09-29T20:27:14.600-04:00

I'm trying to stay positive after last night's loss ...1) I won't feel the need to stay up late for the next few weeks.2) Christine and I can root in unison in October.3) I've long said that no championship will compare with 2004. That's still true, but this year will make me appreciate the next one more.4) The championship page in Trent's Red Sox picture book is still up to date.5) Next year,

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-6797778770494046212011-09-26T21:06:00.001-04:002011-09-26T21:06:43.997-04:00

Sorry this game recap took so long. I've been busy, plus distracted by some awful baseball.Despite some September struggles, I'm not giving up on the prospect of a 2011 SoxandPhils World Series.(Sox in five.){Phillies sweep Rays.}But we are ready for next season after going to our last Phillies game on Sept. 18. Of course, it was night game on a Sunday, so we knew we wouldn't make the whole thing

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-9134695705492527702011-09-15T21:24:00.002-04:002011-09-15T21:24:24.201-04:00

I thought I was going to reprise the hurricane post by saying that it was all worth it because Christine and I allowed Trent to play hooky and attend his first Phillies game.But with a good chance of rain, which increases exponentially when we go to the ballpark, we sent him to school so we could get cold and wet at Citizens Bank Park. Well, it was clear for a couple of innings, as you can

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-65429361522990625702011-09-07T21:08:00.002-04:002011-09-07T21:08:00.797-04:00

One of the best things about independent baseball is seeing random former major leaguers. Our game on Sunday didn't yield too many good names: Camden - Manager Von Hayes, catcher Toby Hall, pitcher Mike Koplove; Bridgeport - Antonio Alfonseca (OK, that's a good one) and one name that jumped out at me ... Adam Greenberg. You don't remember this guy? He played a whole game for the Cubs in 2005.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-50243444859189448522011-09-04T21:50:00.002-04:002011-09-04T21:57:32.195-04:00

Today was a big day for our family: Trent's first outing to a professional baseball game. OK, it was Camden, not Philadelphia, and lacked all the Major League trappings. But c'mon, Citizens Bank Park does not have a carousel. It was an odd game. Riversharks pitcher J.R. Mathes retired the first nine Bridgeport Bluefish in order before they took revenge with seven consecutive hits (no

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-12621181793443582802011-08-27T16:23:00.001-04:002011-08-27T16:23:00.953-04:00

It's a cliche, but ... Two tickets: $56 Parking: $20 Toll: $5 Pre-game cheesesteak: $9.50 Two tickets for Sept. 15 for which we've already spent about $100: worthless Holding tickets to Sunday's game, we dreaded the worst of the impending hurricane. We were relieved when the Phillies announced a proactive double-header for Saturday. We knew we would get wet, but we figured they would be

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-88375890752737589772011-08-14T10:50:00.003-04:002011-08-14T10:54:31.614-04:00

Driving to the park yesterday, Christine and I listened to sports talk in hopes of hearing something that would tell us how wet we were going to get and how long the game would be delayed. Instead, we got another reason Christine can't stand talk radio. There was a guy insisting that the Phillies should platoon Ryan Howard because he can't hit lefties. He didn't go so far as to suggest trading

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-92064981754060823832011-07-24T10:07:00.001-04:002011-07-24T10:07:47.654-04:00

Last week we took Trent to the college where Christine and I met. We bought the little guy a sweatshirt for the fall. Good thing, I said a few days later, because I spotted a Phillies sweatshirt that Christine would have grabbed for him if he didn't have one already.Upon closer inspection of the fall line of Phillies garb, I noticed an Angels T-shirt. We enjoy it when a random team shows up in

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-4287182189586124682011-06-30T20:47:00.001-04:002011-06-30T20:47:52.242-04:00

Cole Hamels, I apologize for jinxing it and saying that you would get your 10th win today. If that ball didn't slam your hand, I think you would have pitched strong and maybe the Phillies would have eked out a few runs to win the game. I won't make any predictions before your next start.Red Sox 5, Phillies 2. Thanks David Herndon and nonexistent offense. Both better pick up the slack before the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-42144054884971798862011-06-29T22:12:00.002-04:002011-06-30T07:39:50.824-04:00

The Red Sox-Phillies series has been billed as a World Series preview. Hitting vs. pitching.That's not the way it's working out.Last night, Cliff Lee dominantly shut down the Sox. Tonight, it was Vance Worley, Michael Stutes and Antonio Bastardo. Wait - what?Yes, the trio of young Phillies pitchers shut down the Sox 2-1. I thought the Phillies would have had an offensive explosion against John

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-85594988512873790352011-06-28T21:55:00.001-04:002011-06-28T21:55:50.829-04:00

This morning, purely coincidentally, I pulled Trent's SoxandPhils bib out of the drawer. It says, "I'm not torn, I root for the SoxandPhils."I thought it was appropriate.He didn't see much of tonight's game, a 5-0 Phillies win. Josh Beckett was a little bit rusty coming off his stomach bug, five runs in six innings, while Cliff Lee was as smooth as he's been all month, a shutout with just two

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-2211905697227095622011-06-26T21:52:00.001-04:002011-06-26T21:52:15.381-04:00

Last week, we thought that Father's Day would be our last regularly occurring "first" with Trent. But I guess we forgot that he wasn't around for last year's SoxandPhils interleague games, so it will be interesting to see how he handles this week.He'll probably follow his father's tact and be diplomatic and gracious toward his mother.My only thought is that the Red Sox might sweep if only because

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-51218693248072079412011-06-19T20:44:00.001-04:002011-06-19T20:44:48.673-04:00

Today, Trent and Christine gave me a nice first Father's Day. Last week, we had Father's Day at Citizen's Bank Park, and I got a white-on-white (I know it looks pink in the picture) Phillies hat. I don't like wearing non-Red Sox garb. I support the Phillies, but they're not my team, and I don't think I should wear their stuff.But at the park last week, I made a rare exception and mixed up my

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-69839436324014400542011-06-12T21:26:00.001-04:002011-06-12T21:26:56.129-04:00

We've been back from the ballpark for more than four hours, and I still can't believe it.Except for the 2008 World Series clincher and the 2007 division clincher, this might have been the most amazing game we've ever seen in person.Despite incredible odds and a feeling of doom all day, the impossible happened - it was supposed to rain when we were at a game and it didn't!Oh, and the Phillies came

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-37791692824054929662011-05-30T11:00:00.001-04:002011-05-30T11:00:36.275-04:00

Last year, our holiday weekend was highlighted by preparing a meal for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House and listening to Roy Halladay's perfect game, old-school style, on a radio.Little did we know that a week later Trent would be born and that this year we wouldn't be able to do the Ronald McDonald House meal again. But we are preparing a kiddie's meal - Trent's first birthday

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-46573769420388520932011-05-21T21:55:00.001-04:002011-05-21T21:55:46.511-04:00

In an effort to be more positive, we won't complain that we had to give away tickets to tonight's game instead of taking Trent to his first game because of Fox's bonehead decision to move some Saturday games to the night instead of the afternoon.Nope, we're just going to enjoy the wonderful day we had with our son.Trent woke up in an exceptional mood that did not diminish all day, even though he

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-30804211463967277322011-05-13T21:20:00.001-04:002011-05-13T21:20:11.746-04:00

On the way to Trent's bath tonight, Christine checked in on the Phillies. Ryan Howard was up in the 1st inning of a scoreless game."Hit a home run for a sick little boy," Christine said.I shot her a look. Trent's had a rough go this week with a fever, sore throat and earache, but "those kinds of requests are reserved for kids with cancer," I said.Apparently not. As requested, Big Brown came

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-78368174439536447132011-05-08T21:36:00.001-04:002011-05-08T21:36:59.622-04:00

In three hours on Saturday I went from sweating my butt off finishing some yard work on a pleasant spring afternoon to holding onto my hat and hoping our Bull’s BBQ didn't get whisked away in gale force winds at Citizens Bank Park.Yes, the winds were so bad that I was having the blasphemous thought of wondering how it compared with the first half of Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. It wasn't a

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-46606538465326789512011-05-06T22:08:00.002-04:002011-05-06T22:09:16.057-04:00

Really? Kyle Kendrick is starting? SERIOUSLY???

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-8537058738276748122011-05-02T11:17:00.001-04:002011-05-02T11:17:00.550-04:00

The other day it hit me that this is my 25th anniversary of being a Red Sox fan. Before Trent, this is something I would have realized months ago and had some kind of big, stupid build-up on the blog. (Actually, a check of the archives reveals that I did think about it last year.)I apparently forgot all about it until Friday when trying to think of things to talk about with an almost 11-month-old

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-85788149489931144872011-04-24T11:54:00.001-04:002011-04-24T11:54:00.438-04:00

A newly mobile Trent wishes you a Happy Easter. And continued West Coast winning streaks for the Red Sox and Phillies.Among the goodies in Trent's basket today was a two-pack of Phillies shirts. Now he's all ready for his first game (no, it probably won't be this season).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-42015352233079493262011-04-23T09:03:00.001-04:002011-04-23T09:03:00.722-04:00

Tomorrow, Trent will have his first visit from the Easter Bunny.Earlier this week, we had a bunny nesting in the yard for the first time this year. Ironically, we noticed him on the day the Phillies called up SoxandPhils favorite Mike Zagurski.I'm not automatically inclined to fill the hole. I may because it is a safety hazard, and I don't particularly enjoy picking up baby bunnies after a cat

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-79624030589545853672011-04-22T09:10:00.001-04:002011-04-22T09:10:36.788-04:00

The Red Sox and Phillies are playing late games on the West Coast this week. For no reason, I teased Christine last night that Trent wanted to be woken up if Josh Beckett were pitching a no-hitter.Sure enough, when I flipped on MLB Network to check the score, they did a live cut-in to Anaheim where a story was brewing - Josh Beckett had a no-hitter into the 6th inning. He immediately gave up a

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-87704870213325907392011-04-20T21:30:00.001-04:002011-04-20T21:31:00.273-04:00

Today, for only the third time this season, both our teams won on the same day. Yay!I haven't been avoiding posting because the Red Sox started out in a slump. I've been avoiding this blog because our adorable baby boy gets all my time, attention and interest.But I noticed that yesterday a former SoxandPhils battery, Randy Wolf and George Kottaras, now on the Brewers, dismantled Roy Halladay and

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-50755741722821660912011-04-03T11:27:00.001-04:002011-04-03T11:27:19.810-04:00

The Red Sox are two games out, with 160 to play.Since they came back from a three-game deficit with four to play in 2004, I don't get too worked up.Still, I needed something to talk about with Trent as he ate his oats this morning."So, what are we going to do about the Red Sox?" I asked him.He just grunted back. {His grunts are, unfortunately, reminiscent of the grunts that Tim Allen would do on

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-14321955376201110212011-04-02T19:51:00.003-04:002011-04-02T19:52:26.001-04:00

We didn't watch much baseball yesterday, but it's an Opening Day we'll never forget.We had a very nice day in court wrapping up the procedural parts of Trent's adoption, and we had the Phillies on in the background as we celebrated with his grandparents. Everyone left before the 9th inning, and I had a feeling Trent had a rally in him on his special day. He did, helping the Phillies score three

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-23765690913744649242011-03-31T11:18:00.001-04:002011-03-31T11:18:46.203-04:00

Opening Day is today, but the SoxandPhils are waiting until Friday to make their 2011 debuts. We didn't train as well during the spring as we usually do, but we're ready for the season to start. We capped the off-season last night by watching the last exhibition games that the Red Sox and Phillies played.As usual, I entered the drawing for the chance to buy Opening Day tickets for the Phillies. I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-88516860046819266962011-03-08T14:25:00.003-05:002011-03-08T14:25:00.298-05:00

It just occurred to me the other day that the Red Sox and Phillies each have a reclamation project in camp who was a first-round draft pick and highly touted prospect of the Tigers.Both Andrew Miller and Matt Anderson had a successful first appearance in an inning's work last week (though they both had less impressive second outings since then). It's still early and the odds are long - especially

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-68934099376843038562011-03-06T18:57:00.001-05:002011-03-06T18:57:27.389-05:00

This week, Trent learned the most important thing about spring training: The games don't matter.The Red Sox lost to the Phillies 2-0 on Thursday, getting only one hit in the game, off Cole Hamels, in the first - and least important - of the games the two teams will play in 2011.We also learned that you should take advantage of nice early March weather. We took Trent to a local farm/zoo on

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-73214502222334832852011-03-02T20:16:00.005-05:002011-03-02T20:41:13.435-05:00

So, spring training has been under way for weeks now, and almost a week worth of practice games are over. But still, no updates from SoxandPhills-ville. Bad bloggers.Greg, Trent and I are definitely looking forward to the upcoming season, but Greg and I just haven't had as much time to read and watch about spring training as we're used to. After we get home from work, feed Trent, eat dinner,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13187435845627060944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-58165195325219451952011-02-05T22:22:00.000-05:002011-02-05T22:22:02.200-05:00

Both the Red Sox and Phillies signed big names this offseason, but the Red Sox have officially signed the biggest. They landed the whopper that Ruben Amaro couldn't. Yes, Dennys Reyes, a SoxandPhils favorite since December, may be bringing his hotcakes to Fenway.Pass the syrup.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-36257266606544264992011-01-30T15:45:00.001-05:002011-01-30T15:45:24.910-05:00

Wow, I can't believe I've gone nearly a month without posting, but time flies with Trent, especially when all of us have been fighting an assortment of ailments, including routine colds, sinus/ear infections and other not-so-pleasant bugs. Not to mention a weekly blizzard that rolls through the area.We're finally getting back to normal, preparing to celebrate Christine's birthday, as well as the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-61689820659199804192011-01-01T12:42:00.001-05:002011-01-01T12:42:25.131-05:00

Trent, Christine and I survived our first Christmas together, although it's been a rough week with Trent battling another ear infection that causes him to have awful screaming fits. He's probably screamed more this week than in the rest of the six months that we've known him.Christmas morning was fun watching the little guy jump right into the wrapping paper, but the day was too rushed with all

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-49208521936026192882010-12-24T22:01:00.001-05:002010-12-24T22:01:00.355-05:00

The SoxandPhils family is eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival for Trent's first Christmas. We'll be busy doing holiday stuff for the next few days, but we'll update with any SoxandPhils goodies we find under the tree as soon as we can.Merry Christmas to all. We hope your Santa delivers like Theo Epstein and Ruben Amaro Jr.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-25316588958558160622010-12-23T21:56:00.001-05:002010-12-23T21:56:51.024-05:00

Our six pack of Phillies tickets arrived last week. It's a good thing we ordered early because the Cliff Lee signing has made hard-to-get tickets even harder to get. I'd like to meet the guy who says, "There's no way I can afford to splurge a couple hundred dollars on a team with three aces, but add a fourth and I'm so there!"Nonetheless, we're convinced that despite our 80 percent chance of

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-5184331208333931182010-12-19T18:02:00.002-05:002010-12-19T18:06:46.624-05:00

I didn't think that my favorite newly acquired SoxandPhil would be Cliff Lee, Adrian Gonzalez or Carl Crawford.Nope, I thought it would be Dennys Reyes. But a funny thing happened on his way to becoming the next El Guapo in my eyes - his deal with the Phillies fell through:"We hit a snag," said Oscar Suarez, who is Reyes' agent. "So we just decided to push back."Asked if it was health related,

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-64119453347902647802010-12-17T21:29:00.001-05:002010-12-17T21:29:32.914-05:00

While the mystery continues whether the Red Sox approached Mariano Rivera or he approached them, I'm focused on the facts:1. I respect Mo, but he's still the enemy, and I enjoy it when the Red Sox beat him.2. The Red Sox signed an All-Star closer to help Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard close out games.I admit it. Last night I wasn't thrilled with getting Bobby Jenks and told Trent so. But

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-17904927307898327072010-12-14T20:12:00.001-05:002010-12-14T20:12:40.034-05:00

So many thoughts flew through our heads, so little time to get them down.The surprising return of Cliff Lee is like a good novel full of plot twists that has Philly fans psyched and Yankees fans crying.The only way to improve that story is if it were true that there was a SoxandPhils trade for Joe Blanton that was motivated by the Red Sox helping the Phillies afford to add their fourth ace to

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-65638368417457328422010-12-11T11:05:00.001-05:002010-12-11T11:05:01.825-05:00

Despite my lack of posting, this has been a huge week for the SoxandPhils. And I'm not talking about the blockbuster additions of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.Nope. Bigger. Massive, even.The Phillies acquired reliever Dennys Reyes. Baseball-Reference generously lists him at 250 pounds, but I think that number misses some of the Grand Slam breakfasts* he's had.He's a big boy. So big, in fact,

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-24099657537106000792010-12-06T21:05:00.001-05:002010-12-06T21:06:12.565-05:00

Never mind what I wrote yesterday. Adrian Gonzalez is a Red Sox.Trent and I are happy, and so is A-Gon:"I'm very excited to be here in Boston and ready to beat the Yankees."[...]Gonzalez said joining the Red Sox is the culmination of a childhood dream."I've had five incredible years in San Diego and grew up wanted to be a Padre, and my dream as a kid was to play in the major leagues and be a

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-43082729511505543022010-12-05T19:16:00.001-05:002010-12-05T19:16:42.133-05:00

I had a blog post in my mind and sat down to the computer at noon. It was going to be about how yesterday, when we were asked what team Trent will root for, Christine and I randomly said the Padres, even though we had no clue the Red Sox agreed to a trade with San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez.Christine told me to hold off on writing until we knew for sure whether he was going to Boston, after the 2

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-33238248644226349052010-12-03T18:41:00.001-05:002010-12-03T18:41:20.446-05:00

When he heard Jason Varitek was re-signed for another year, David Ortiz was thrilled:"That's great for us," he said. "That's like hearing my brother is back."It's a million times better than that. Since I retired my Papi T-shirt in July, my Varitek shirt is my only in-date Red Sox shirt (unless you count Jacoby Ellsbury's old No. 46).So, I'll be current for at least one more year.Practically, I'm

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-35287515178730340342010-11-29T22:00:00.001-05:002010-11-29T22:01:19.243-05:00

The offseason's biggest contractual concern of the SoxandPhils has been settled.It doesn't involve Jayson Werth, Victor Martinez (although we were sad to see him go) or Adrian Beltre. Nor is it a big rumor involving Carl Crawford or Cliff Lee.Nope, the SoxandPhils sponsorship of Ken Ryan has been extended for a third year. It's hard to believe that it's been two years since I found Ken Ryan under

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-2005666819311664422010-11-25T12:36:00.001-05:002010-11-25T12:36:26.971-05:00

Christine and I hustled yesterday and got the 'ol SoxandPhils tree up in time for Thanksgiving. We know it's too early, but with a baby, we try to stay in front of things.Although SoxandPhils ornaments still dominate the tree, this year it's a snowman with Trent's name that gets center stage. Funny, for a baby who loves staring at our ceiling fan, there hasn't been a big impression on him that

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-48610721852985675872010-11-22T21:51:00.002-05:002010-11-23T22:19:36.043-05:00

We had fun this summer when the local scribes talked about Carlos Ruiz as the Phillies MVP. It must have caught (no pun intended) on nationally because Chooch got three separate votes for MVP, including appearing as high as fifth on someone's ballotHe was the last of four Phillies recieving votes: Roy Halladay (sixth), Jayson Werth (eighth), Ryan Howard (10th) and Chooch (17th).I guess this means

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-55400737955947514132010-11-21T19:32:00.001-05:002010-11-21T19:32:45.152-05:00

Christine and I actually had a few minutes last night after Trent went to bed and before we conked out ourselves.We played one of the Simpsons episodes on the DVR: MoneyBART, a belated look at baseball's statistical development. Great epsidoe. First, I love that Marge tied in the classic 1992 episode by questioning Mike Scioscia on his radiation poisoning.(By the way, the last guest star of that

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-18915159331599825472010-11-19T21:47:00.001-05:002010-11-19T21:47:36.712-05:00

The Boston Globe has a ridiculous proposition:Let's preface this by saying it's never, ever going to happen. Never, ever.But what if the Red Sox decided to make Derek Jeter a contract offer?If it's never going to happen, why tempt fate and mention it? Unless he would accept Juan Castro-like money, this would be the worst move of Theo Epstein's career and could require a rename of this blog. Does

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-48035847439932158832010-11-16T22:03:00.002-05:002010-11-16T22:04:38.035-05:00

Christine and I always observe that Joe Blanton works quickly and that Red Sox pitchers, especially Jonathan Papelbon, work as if they're paid by the hour.Beyond the Box Score did the math and proved it.Awards: Roy Halladay made quick work of the National League in his first year as a Phillie. He won the Cy Young today. Tomorrow, Cooperstown.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-36436660138553402052010-11-15T22:14:00.003-05:002010-11-15T22:18:29.823-05:00

Christine used to be convinced that Clay Buchholz pitched in the National League, specifically for the Rockies, before he was a Red Sox. It took us a while, but we figured out it was because she confused him with former Phillies prospect Taylor Buchholz. By this season, she had it straightened out, but today the Red Sox acquired Taylor, who was a prospect in the Phillies organization until he was

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-79809770870940898152010-11-14T21:39:00.001-05:002010-11-14T21:39:58.553-05:00

I thought I would write this post the day after the season ended for the Phillies, long after the Red Sox were sent packing, but some SoxandPhils blogable items kept popping up.I started this blog as a way to document our experience with a partial season ticket package in 2008. Who knew the Phillies would take the next step and we'd be there for the finale? I'm not really sure why I wanted to do

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-44052594647254545622010-11-13T22:19:00.001-05:002010-11-13T22:19:29.185-05:00

Each team has procured the services of ballplayers, and neither involves Jayson Werth.The Red Sox have the higher-ceiling acquisition in Andrew Miller, the linchpin in the Miguel Cabrera trade between the Marlins and Tigers a few years ago. I'm optimistic the Red Sox will be able to tap into his unfulfilled promise.Last night, Christine was surprised that he pitched in only nine games (seven

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-9636322978335993582010-11-12T22:22:00.001-05:002010-11-12T22:23:09.417-05:00

We know Christmas will be different this year. Christine and I will have to share the tree and take a back seat to the little guy as he opens Santa's bounty.I started shopping for Christine today. I think we expect fewer SoxandPhils items under the tree this year, but now I wonder whether there will be any. I think I know the answer; Christine will have to wait 42 sleeps to find out.Trent knows.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-6884986149958558942010-11-11T21:41:00.001-05:002010-11-11T21:42:08.466-05:00

Adrian Beltre, soon to be a former Red Sox, was among the Silver Slugger winners today. No Phillies made the cut.Buoyed by the award, Beltre's agent, Scott Boras, took to the airwaves to drum up interest for this player-for-hire:Boras was on MLB Network Radio today and told the hosts that in his career as an agent, he has never seen more interest in a player than Adrian Beltre has this year.Two

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-27480679197682906002010-11-10T21:44:00.000-05:002010-11-10T21:45:13.765-05:00

Half the NL Gold Glove winners have Phillies or Red Sox connections, but only one, Shane Victorino, is a current Phillie, meaning Chase Utley got hosed. Just like last year.Though there was no travesty as bad as yesterday's award to the fraudulent Derek Jeter, who is among the worst defensive shortstops in baseball. Yes, he's that bad.For the record, former SoxandPhils honored today include

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-32873593345595798302010-11-09T22:09:00.001-05:002010-11-09T22:10:06.343-05:00

So if the Phillies hire Ryne Sandberg as a minor league manager or major league coach, do I have to reconsider and accept him as the Phillies greatest homegrown second baseman over Chase Utley?Another homegrown second baseman, Juan Samuel, may also join the coaching staff.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-39376295686787167382010-11-08T21:37:00.001-05:002010-11-08T21:38:22.033-05:00

One of my pleasures this offseason will be watching the Yankees overpay for the overrated Derek Jeter. I got my first treat today with a great SoxandPhils lede to an ESPN story about how much the Yankees will dump on their decrepit shortstop:Derek Jeter is going to be paid Ryan Howard money for putting up Marco Scutaro numbers.They're talking three years, $15 million to 20 million per season, for

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-63450246755155333312010-11-07T09:34:00.001-05:002010-11-07T09:34:53.347-05:00

Christine questioned if I was neglectful of my blogging duties last night. When I drafted last night's post, I told her there was no SoxandPhils news for the day. And there wasn't. But by the time she had a minute to edit my post, David Murphy had this sad news about Jamie Moyer:Dionisio Soldevila, a journalist in the Dominican Republic, reported via Twitter that Moyer left a game today with pain

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-57566446372183344742010-11-06T23:15:00.001-04:002010-11-06T23:15:36.169-04:00

Christine and I gave up our Saturday with Trent to go on some official business: buy Christmas presents for relatives and put in a good word for our little guy to Santa Claus.On our travels, we saw lots of Phillies ornaments, including Santa as a Phillie, Phillies candy canes and Wally the Green Monster. Wait ... how did that get in there? I dunno, but somehow, a mall ornament stand in South

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-7882771380236896242010-11-05T22:10:00.002-04:002010-11-05T22:12:33.027-04:00

The Phillies are raising ticket prices. Just like they did last year. (The "problem solved" link within the post no longer works, but I'm fairly certain it linked to last year's price hike. And, good thing they went with Placido Polanco instead of Chone Figgins, huh?)But there are many reasons why the Phillies shouldn't raise prices for next season:1. They had a worse year, which was worse than

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-38274616673649163992010-11-04T21:36:00.001-04:002010-11-04T21:36:19.363-04:00

The Red Sox picked up the $12.5 million option on David Ortiz. I'm cool with it - I'd rather overpay for a year than be stuck with him for several years in case he suddenly ages. Theo Epstein says Papi is cool with it, too:Yeah, I talked to him directly. He told me directly that he was cool with it.So all is well that ends well. Coincidentally, Baseball-Reference had a list of players with the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-1566937462690245212010-11-03T21:31:00.001-04:002010-11-03T21:31:39.352-04:00

We could easily attribute not watching much of this year's World Series to being parents of an infant. But truth is, we probably wouldn't have been hooked into a Giants-Rangers matchup even before Trent.Not many people were: It tied the mark for the worst television rating of any World Series. You have to go all the way back to 2008 to find a World Series that drew such poor ratings.Saturday's

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-669136777639503902010-11-02T07:55:00.008-04:002010-11-02T13:17:27.676-04:00

Christine was more annoyed by the Giants' successful playoff run than I was. She says it's their personalities and the fact that they're not that good, but I think there's still some bitterness over the NLCS.Of course, as the Giants were clinching the World Series against the Rangers last night, former Phillie Pat Burrell could be seen in every dugout shot. And his dash from the dugout to the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-84067629346917094082010-11-01T21:37:00.001-04:002010-11-01T21:37:48.771-04:00

Well, the Phillies lost their first star over a contract dispute. It's not Jayson Werth, but Davey Lopes. It's kind of surprising, especially to hear a solid baseball man like Lopes pretty much say it's all about the money:Lopes, 65, had been offered a one-year contract, but the two sides weren't able to agree on a salary."We just had a difference of opinion on what I felt my worth was," Lopes

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-22847315316401053032010-10-31T21:08:00.000-04:002010-10-31T21:09:01.747-04:00

We took out the Penguin, err, Trent to show off his costume. (I grabbed a couple of treats on Trent's behalf.)We got home relatively early and got the most trick-or-treaters we've ever had in the six years we've lived here.But no Phillies. I'm starting to wonder whether the Phaithful have jumped ship.Oh, and yesterday, we did see a kid dressed as a local athlete. Andre Iguodala. Almost as weird

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-66326115201169637492010-10-30T21:22:00.001-04:002010-10-30T21:23:07.034-04:00

No time for baseball today. The Red Sox and Phillies could have traded Chase Utley for Dustin Pedroia and I wouldn't know it.We bought a car to replace the wrecked one, then took Trent to a costume contest at a mall. His penguin duds got him to the finals, but he didn't win. It was a crock only in that a bunch of generic store-bought costumes were selected over Trent's, which was handcrafted by

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-91286497765847292572010-10-29T22:42:00.001-04:002010-10-29T22:43:01.535-04:00

At least I didn't get into a car crash tonight, like last Friday. But I'm drained and taking a night off, just like the World Series, which heads to Texas with the Giants up 2-0 and embarrassing the Rangers.I'm thinking about pulling a Brett Favre - not with the sexual harassment stuff, but in ending the streak. Nothing lasts forever.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-25344655286492596132010-10-28T21:28:00.002-04:002010-10-28T21:28:12.890-04:00

Game 2 is overshadowed tonight by news involving the elder statesmen of the SoxandPhils - although one of the tidbits could be the beginning of the end for a legitimate SoxandPhil.A true champion, Tim Wakefield, won the Roberto Clemente award. Without a rooting interest in the series, that's the best baseball news I heard today.On a sadder note, Jamie Moyer, a true SoxandPhil and champion, filed

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-64378103874777635692010-10-27T21:22:00.001-04:002010-10-27T21:22:38.836-04:00

The World Series has begun, and for the first time since the dark days of 2006, the authors of this blog have no rooting interest. That was the last time neither Sox nor Phil represented their league in the World Series. It was also the last time neither team made the playoffs.Despite the lack of rooting interest, I have the game on in the background. Christine can't watch. Trent's indifferent.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-4511591663778470002010-10-26T21:43:00.001-04:002010-10-26T21:43:16.879-04:00

While everyone is preoccupied with Jayson Werth and whether he will become a SoxandPhil, there's a good chance that J.C. Romero has officially become a former SoxandPhil. Unless some team is interested in a 34-year-old reliever who has a surgically repaired arm and walked more hitters than he struck out the last two seasons.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-27770867462217104062010-10-25T21:26:00.001-04:002010-10-25T21:26:09.204-04:00

Happy belated birthday to officially SoxandPhils-sponsored Ken Ryan.I didn't get to Nick Cafardo's weekly column yesterday, so our birthday wishes are a day late.I feel like it's been a week since baseball was on.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-69677358866193140872010-10-24T21:28:00.001-04:002010-10-24T21:28:45.573-04:00

I conked out last night. I was too tired from Trent and my car crash to make it to the end of the game. I woke up to Christine grumbling about how the umpire rang up Ryan Howard to end the game. It took me a minute to remember that this meant that the 2010 season is over for the SoxandPhils.Christine was not happy today. She hasn't yet broken out her "Stinky Phillies" lament, but it's only a

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-25759841802136283862010-10-23T22:10:00.001-04:002010-10-23T22:10:10.964-04:00

The day after taking a beating from an air bag, my body fought back and is doing pretty well.The Phillies came out swinging tonight, scoring two runs in the 1st inning; the Giants swung back with two in the 3rd.In the bottom of that inning, the real skirmish occurred when Jonathan Sanchez hit Chase Utley in the middle of the back. That set up an instant-classic Chase Utley moment. He wound up

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-2567299910943049052010-10-22T22:30:00.001-04:002010-10-22T22:30:12.035-04:00

So Roy Halladay won a must-win while pitching on one leg last night.Big deal.I'm blogging tonight, mere hours after I was involved in a head-on car wreck. It wasn't my fault. No broken bones, and my brain scan came up fine.I'm going to sleep it off while hoping the Phillies play a night game tomorrow.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-17082070677376424022010-10-21T21:36:00.001-04:002010-10-21T21:36:16.326-04:00

The baseball jammies didn't work. Yesterday's game couldn't have ended any worse - a walkoff win off of Roy Oswalt, who is scheduled to pitch Game 6* on Saturday.Trent is back to his elephant PJs tonight as the Phillies attempt to join the 1986, 2004 and 2007 Red Sox on the short list of teams that came back from a 1-3 deficit in an LCS. (I have to remind readers that the 2004 Red Sox came back

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-1649966402717641242010-10-20T22:16:00.001-04:002010-10-20T22:17:08.213-04:00

On Monday, the choice of PJs for Trent was between his elephants and baseball uniform. Christine voted elephants because the Phillies were off.Yesterday, the Phillies had already lost when we were picking out PJs, so Christine voted for his doggies because she was mad at her team.Tonight, we went with the baseball uniform.It didn't work early. Joe Blanton threw two wild pitches (Carlos Ruiz

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-46812219653476472772010-10-19T21:54:00.001-04:002010-10-19T21:54:58.753-04:00

Back in the day, I would rush home from school and do my homework while watching the League Championship series, which were still on during the day. (I'm old.)Today was reminiscent of those times as we all hustled home to watch the Phillies play the Giants in an afternoon tilt. Incidentally, one of my strongest after-school playoff memories was the 1987 NLCS featuring Jeffrey Leonard and the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-37118106625872917812010-10-18T21:22:00.003-04:002010-10-18T21:25:05.723-04:00

Brad Lidge has had an interesting career, toggling between dominant and punching bag.SoxandPhils beat writer Scott Lauber says his story can be a lesson for both of the guys at the back of the Red Sox bullpen, Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon, which is odd because you get the feeling that both the rising star and the declining veteran can't coexist much longer in the Red Sox bullpen.But Lidge

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-45098136633670114622010-10-17T21:59:00.001-04:002010-10-17T21:59:37.527-04:00

Christine and I are almost done with our daily tasks and should be able to sit down and watch the second half of Game 2 - barring any unforeseen problems like last night when we had to take care of a little ant infiltration.Hopefully, the Phils can take care of business tonight, unlike last night when Roy Halladay succumbed to the playoff pressure and lost 4-3. Christine said he sucks. I offered

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-10325622619439132222010-10-16T23:14:00.001-04:002010-10-16T23:14:43.353-04:00

Three months after Trent arrived, I finally felt safe enough, sleep-wise, to make the two-hour drive to my parents' house for a visit today.While we were visiting the Yankee - blech - side of the family, Trent would sometimes look at the TV, where the Rangers were on their way to a 7-2 win over the Yankees. (Stupid Rangers. They had CC Sabathia beat in Game 1, but blew it. They should be up 2-0

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-30627274087708747052010-10-15T22:46:00.002-04:002010-10-19T21:20:36.377-04:00

After yesterday's wrestling snafu, Todd Zolecki redeemed himself with today's post.Nothing has consistently driven traffic to our humble SoxandPhils blog like people looking for the names of players' intro songs - especially Jayson Werth.Today, Zolecki listed every Phillies' intro song. We couldn't place our finger on J-Dub's current song all season. Thanks to Zo, we know now it's Right Above It

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-65135214421062865222010-10-14T21:59:00.003-04:002010-10-14T22:00:43.893-04:00

Christine and I have always liked Todd Zolecki. He lives baseball, is sarcastic and knows his pop culture.Well, that last part isn't so true anymore.He started off tonight's blog post with such a strong theme, linking Pat Burrell's compliment of the Phillies - "To be the best you've got to beat the best" - to Charlie Manuel's reaction to the line with a Ric Flair reference.Then, it went downhill:

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-1681847210223698722010-10-13T22:15:00.001-04:002010-10-13T22:15:51.708-04:00

While waiting for the Phillies to begin the NLCS against Pat Burrell and the rest of the Giants, we spent last night watching Game 5 of the ALDS between the Rays and Rangers.Former Phil Cliff Lee (are people still upset he's gone?) went the distance and induced a pop-up to shortstop Elvis Andrus to end the game.It's an omen. The Phillies will beat Pat Burrell and his bulldog Elvis Burrell, while

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-35229806733249763332010-10-12T22:35:00.001-04:002010-10-12T22:35:44.728-04:00

All season Christine and I debated which of our teams was struck with the worse injuries. I still think Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buchholz and Kevin Youkilis trump Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Madson.Someone with a lot more time on his hands than we do settled the debate with numbers: The Red Sox were hurt more often than the Phillies in 2010, according to a database of teams' DL use compiled

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-5084980055792449502010-10-11T21:42:00.002-04:002010-10-11T21:43:27.793-04:00

The Phillies' domination of the Reds - fewest hits ever allowed in a first-round series - is over, and now we have nearly a whole week until Game 1 of the NLCS.What are we going to do with all this time on our hands? Trent, who nearly made it to the end of Sunday's 2-0 finale because he still was not feeling well, is already getting antsy about the prospect of five whole days with the Phillies.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-53362057672194333312010-10-10T18:38:00.001-04:002010-10-10T18:38:50.501-04:00

The Phillies play Game 3 tonight, but it's been an off day for the SoxandPhils Pham. Trent had his second batch of shots yesterday, and he was out of it as we hung with out-of-state family.He was better last night, and we expected him to wake with wide eyes and big grins before we visited his friend who shares my name in the afternoon and then watched to see if the Phillies could finish off the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-8167097317503687722010-10-09T09:33:00.004-04:002010-10-09T09:33:00.281-04:00

I remembered 2008 yesterday. Today, as the NLDS heads to Cincinnati for the Queen City's first playoff game since 1995, I remember all the way back to ... July.Actually, Christine remembered that when Trent came home, the Phillies started a four-game sweep of their first-round opponent.And, they were all in dramatic fashion: a 12-inning game, one won with six runs in the 9th inning, an 11-inning

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-13858938313939784042010-10-08T22:01:00.001-04:002010-10-08T22:01:44.760-04:00

Two years ago, when we had guaranteed playoff tickets and more flexibility in getting to the ballpark at the whims of the baseball gods, we were able to squeeze in a trip to North Carolina, the day after we went to Game 2 of the NLCS, to visit Christine's brother and family as our teams played their respective LCSes and came very close to a SoxandPhils World Series.We weren't good guests,

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-67854020486516530462010-10-07T22:00:00.001-04:002010-10-07T22:00:57.797-04:00

I tried my best to avoid coverage of Roy Halladay's no-hitter, but it was impossible.It still hurts. I still suck. And the Yankees still suck.At least Christine has started talking to me. But Trent won't say a word, which is odd because he wouldn't have been going anyway.

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-44412432744862200862010-10-06T21:36:00.002-04:002010-10-10T18:47:56.505-04:00

What a day.We wound up selling our playoff tickets at a whopping $10 profit because I couldn't take a day off on the first week back at work.Then, I had to unexpectedly work late, forcing me to renege on a dinner promise to Christine, miss watching the game with her and Trent, and totally miss an evening with our son.And, of course, to make matters worse, as soon as I got into the car I heard the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-19745792738714182162010-10-05T22:12:00.001-04:002010-10-05T22:12:32.564-04:00

MLB Network is previewing the playoffs. I can't say I don't feel a little left out. I guess that's sort of what Kyle Kendrick, Paul Hoover, Danys Baez, David Herndon and Jamie Moyer are feeling because they didn't make the Phillies first round roster, but they're traveling with the team.I guess that means there's a chance that any one of them could wind up playing if the Phillies advance to the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-37624214487564166442010-10-04T22:18:00.001-04:002010-10-04T22:18:25.873-04:00

Of course MLB wouldn't schedule the Yankees to play a game that's not in a prime-time slot. That wouldn't be fair to New Yorkers. They should never have to choose between work and watching a playoff game. That would be un-American.We're not surprised that Phillies fans got the shaft, but we thought baseball would throw us a bone and give us a 6 p.m. start for Wednesday's game, not 5 p.m. We would

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-65279488089814542982010-10-03T21:34:00.002-04:002010-10-03T21:34:52.801-04:00

I didn't think I'd care much about baseball today, but it was nice to see the Red Sox win the final two games against the Yankees, knocking them down to the Wild Card. Congrats to the AL East Champion Rays.It was also nice rooting for the Phillies as they gave another scare to the Braves, who survived to make the playoffs. Finally, we were rooting for the Padres to win against the Giants and set

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-91908227585345712202010-10-02T12:08:00.001-04:002010-10-02T12:08:14.133-04:00

After six weeks, Daddy Daycare closed up shop yesterday. Sadly, it's time for me to return to work on Monday and for Trent to go to real day care after nothing but Mommy and/or Daddy for his first 12 weeks home.I haven't been informed of any special ceremonies, such as the "Thanks, Mike Night" the Red Sox are holding today for the retiring Mike Lowell.But Lowell won't be the only 2010 Red Sox not

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-89459947363968476522010-10-01T22:40:00.004-04:002010-10-01T22:43:46.027-04:00

As it grew clear that the Red Sox would not make the playoffs this year, I could not decide whether to call this season a disappointment because it was supposed to be a transition year and they still won 87 games (with the possibility of reaching 90 with a sweep of the Yankees this weekend).But Theo Epstein and Jon Lester made it clear that despite the rash of injuries, this season was an

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-46585445011946319472010-09-30T13:19:00.000-04:002010-09-30T13:20:02.140-04:00

Since Trent came home, a lot of things have had to change because of time constraints - showers have to be less than five minutes, meals have to be quick or easily consumed with baby on lap, and there's not much time for mindless Web surfing.Deadspin is one site I don't get around to anymore, but luckily, we caught this spoof on how Ken Burns would have treated the story of SoxandPhil Ugueth

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-42356367290277168032010-09-29T22:23:00.001-04:002010-09-29T22:23:35.308-04:00

The media are speculating that Roy Halladay will start Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday. They're really going out on a limb with that one - why don't they say that Jon Lester won't start Game 1 of the playoffs?Anyway, we have more pressing considerations for Game 1. We bought tickets. We don't know what time the game will be played, and I'm not exactly in a position to ask for a day off on the

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-82627790912593837402010-09-28T22:47:00.001-04:002010-09-28T22:47:25.551-04:00

Last week, there was a free HBO preview, and Christine DVR'd a documentary, Ted Williams: There Goes the Greatest Hitter that Ever Lived, for me. It was good. It made me think about how there will probably never be an iconic superstar again. In our generation, maybe Cal Ripken, but his back story is bland. I had also forgotten about the whole frozen head thing, so maybe it was not all good.A few

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4874147082768617977.post-26477018895372747262010-09-27T22:27:00.001-04:002010-09-27T22:27:40.862-04:00

The Phillies, who have the longest active playoff streak of any team in baseball, clinched their fourth straight division title tonight. But it should have happened yesterday.For the first time in their four-year run, they were not able to wrap things up for the home crowd on Sunday. Christine and I were hoping to see our third-ever clincher (2007 division and 2008 World Series) as we attended

Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04802380313302526806noreply@blogger.com0