It started with Trent's first batch of shots. It was a big batch - lots of pricking for such a little pin cushion. But he took them like a champ.
Then, I left Christine and Grandmom to deal with some of the vaccines' side effects while I learned that a 50-mile bike ride isn't as easy as it was a month ago. Go figure.
When I returned, the Red Sox seemed ready to cruise to a victory against the Yankees, but John Lackey lost it in the 5th and CC Sabathia shut down the Sox after they got an early two-run lead in the 2nd inning. Yankees 5, Red Sox 2. Funny - when this series started, everyone thought the Red Sox had the edge in pitching matchups in every game except this one. I thought that meant we would wind up losing three of four with today's mismatch the exception.
This evening, Johan Santana and Cole Hamels. Cole was a tad better - six hits and 11 strikeouts in seven innings compared with Johan's five hits, three walks and six strikeouts. The difference? One of the hits Hamels gave up was a home run, and Johan didn't give up any runs. It seemed like a game destined for Trent's comeback magic, especially when the Phillies knocked out Santana in the 8th and loaded the bases against Francisco Rodriguez. But the little guy's still not completely over the shots. Mets 1, Phillies 0.
The Red Sox signed Carlos Delgado. Thrilling.
Showing posts with label CC Sabathia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CC Sabathia. Show all posts
Aug 7, 2010
Aug 6, 2010
Babies on the brain
I've been preoccupied with my little guy for the past month or so, and even now when the Red Sox are playing the Yankees in a series that many consider their last chance to hang in the playoff hunt, I can't get babies off the brain.
That's because Trent isn't the only SoxandPhil babe experiencing his first Red Sox-Yankees series:
Hopefully, Papa CC gets tired like Lester and Buchholz have been:
Tonight's games: Papa Clay pitched well - three runs in 7 1/3 innings as the Red Sox won 6-3. This is also Trent's first Phillies-Mets series, and the good guys won that series opener 7-5. So, Trent's first SoxandPhils vs. New York series has started off well.
That's because Trent isn't the only SoxandPhil babe experiencing his first Red Sox-Yankees series:
Meanwhile, it's baby time in the rivalry. Jon Lester welcomed a son last weekend. Clay Buchholz and his wife had a baby girl a few days ago and yesterday CC Sabathia and his wife had their fourth child.
Hopefully, Papa CC gets tired like Lester and Buchholz have been:
Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz have had trouble resting this week, as both became fathers for the first time. "We got a run going on — on babies," Francona said. Lester told Francona after Wednesday night's loss that his left hamstring was fine. Francona said Lester was just dehydrated.
Tonight's games: Papa Clay pitched well - three runs in 7 1/3 innings as the Red Sox won 6-3. This is also Trent's first Phillies-Mets series, and the good guys won that series opener 7-5. So, Trent's first SoxandPhils vs. New York series has started off well.
Nov 1, 2009
Hoping for a series
As the Phillies steamrolled through the 2008 playoffs, I kept reminding Christine that it wasn't supposed to be this easy and that eventually the Phillies would have to win a tough series - one in which they lose more than one game.
I kind of wanted her to feel the pressure of a Game 6 or 7 because I know the Phillies have the personality to gut it out and those situations build character for teams and fans.
But I did not want that series to be against the Yankees. I wanted these Phillies, my second team by marriage, to squash the arrogant, over-paid, over-hyped Empire from my youth back into the ground.
Unfortunately, Cole Hamels coughed up a three-run lead last night and the Phillies trail a playoff series (2-1) for the first time since 2007. Since 2004, I hesitate to call any non-elimination game a must-win, but tonight is pretty close.
Joe Blanton vs. CC Sabathia. Christine likes to talk tough about the big guy the Phillies beat around in Game 2 of last year's NLDS, but in an honest moment, she'll admit she was nervous that he would have pitched Game 5 if the Phillies hadn't wrapped up the series against the Brewers in four games.
I sensed a loss before last night's game; I have no feeling for tonight. I think Heavy B may surprise, but that may be more hope than intuition.
Christine's mindset? A few weeks ago, she placed a Phillies sundae helmet on a stuffed animal (a hedgehog). The thing has sat on her dresser since the first round of the playoffs and, in one of her only bouts of superstition, has insisted it cannot be moved. (In full disclosure, I employed this animal similarly during the great comeback of 2004.) When I got home from work today, the hedgehog was placed on the downstairs couch - hopefully in a better position to place a hex on CC.
Sorry about the random thoughts, but I don't like the feeling I've had all day. I don't like that the odds are now in favor of the Yankees ending their championship drought and that if it does happen, the SoxandPhils will be the biggest culprits. I knew I'd live to see another Yankees championship, I just didn't think it could happen this soon and against this Phillies team.
Go Phils!
Red Sox mention: Singing the anthem tonight is Tech. Sgt. Jody Johnson, who grew up in Alaska dreaming of playing for the Red Sox.
She's a now a SoxandPhils fan, but her friends don't seem to understand that's possible.
Cole's nuts: After blowing Game 3, he said he can't wait for the season to end, raising eyebrows from everyone - including Charlie Manuel. I had to drive a lot today. It was odd hearing everyone on the radio so down on him. People weren't this upset with Brad Lidge throughout the year.
I kind of wanted her to feel the pressure of a Game 6 or 7 because I know the Phillies have the personality to gut it out and those situations build character for teams and fans.
But I did not want that series to be against the Yankees. I wanted these Phillies, my second team by marriage, to squash the arrogant, over-paid, over-hyped Empire from my youth back into the ground.
Unfortunately, Cole Hamels coughed up a three-run lead last night and the Phillies trail a playoff series (2-1) for the first time since 2007. Since 2004, I hesitate to call any non-elimination game a must-win, but tonight is pretty close.
Joe Blanton vs. CC Sabathia. Christine likes to talk tough about the big guy the Phillies beat around in Game 2 of last year's NLDS, but in an honest moment, she'll admit she was nervous that he would have pitched Game 5 if the Phillies hadn't wrapped up the series against the Brewers in four games.
I sensed a loss before last night's game; I have no feeling for tonight. I think Heavy B may surprise, but that may be more hope than intuition.
Christine's mindset? A few weeks ago, she placed a Phillies sundae helmet on a stuffed animal (a hedgehog). The thing has sat on her dresser since the first round of the playoffs and, in one of her only bouts of superstition, has insisted it cannot be moved. (In full disclosure, I employed this animal similarly during the great comeback of 2004.) When I got home from work today, the hedgehog was placed on the downstairs couch - hopefully in a better position to place a hex on CC.
Sorry about the random thoughts, but I don't like the feeling I've had all day. I don't like that the odds are now in favor of the Yankees ending their championship drought and that if it does happen, the SoxandPhils will be the biggest culprits. I knew I'd live to see another Yankees championship, I just didn't think it could happen this soon and against this Phillies team.
Go Phils!
Red Sox mention: Singing the anthem tonight is Tech. Sgt. Jody Johnson, who grew up in Alaska dreaming of playing for the Red Sox.
"I think it's because my mom was such a fan," Johnson said of her mother, Sandra Goodwin of Soldotna.
She's a now a SoxandPhils fan, but her friends don't seem to understand that's possible.
She even admitted to having become a Phillies fan.
"I park in the lot with a big fat Red Sox sticker on my car," she said. "Now I'm teased, how I can sing for the Phillies and support the Sox?"
As though she needs justification, she said she's made the Phillies her National League team, though the Sox still hold a special place in her heart.
Cole's nuts: After blowing Game 3, he said he can't wait for the season to end, raising eyebrows from everyone - including Charlie Manuel. I had to drive a lot today. It was odd hearing everyone on the radio so down on him. People weren't this upset with Brad Lidge throughout the year.
Oct 28, 2009
An epic battle begins
When I initially considered the PhilsandYanks World Series, my first thought was that it pitted the team of last century against an early contender for the team of this century.
But I might have been ahead of myself - Jayson Stark took a more measured look at the epic matchup:
(And you thought I'd have trouble working the Red Sox into a Game 1 post.)
Anyway, Stark concluded that if the Phillies win, the Red Sox get the title, but if the Empire wins, they get it. Have I mentioned yet that the fate of the free world depends on the Phillies?
I'll keep repeating it until Tony Massarotti gets the message. I know I've mellowed in my fandom since the Red Sox have won World Series(s), but my blood still boils at the sight of the pinstripes (black ones, not red ones). I don't need to win every time - just against the Yankees. I will never, like this joker, root for the Yankees in a World Series. (The only time it is acceptable to root for the Empire is if they're out of the playoff picture and playing a team we're competing with for a playoff slot.)
Today's game: The players were introduced to strains of Star Wars. The Yankees must really be oblivious to how they are perceived because they played Empire music for the Phillies and Rebel music for their own. Idiots.
After the pregame festivities, the Phillies loaded the bases against CC Sabathia in the first but couldn't capitalize. Cliff Lee looks good in the early going. The Phillies struck first with a solo home run by Chase Utley in the 3rd. The Phillies are currently up 1-0 in the 5th.
Look back at 2008: Holding pattern; we had no idea when Game 5 would resume.
But I might have been ahead of myself - Jayson Stark took a more measured look at the epic matchup:
... the winner of this World Series -- whether it's the Yankees or the Phillies -- will have a legitimate case that it is the Team of the Decade.
The winner, regardless of who it is, is going to have two titles to show for itself in the '00s. And that will tie that team with the Red Sox, who also won twice -- while obliterating curses, inspiring approximately 1.8 zillion New England poets and altering baseball life as we used to know it in the process.
(And you thought I'd have trouble working the Red Sox into a Game 1 post.)
Anyway, Stark concluded that if the Phillies win, the Red Sox get the title, but if the Empire wins, they get it. Have I mentioned yet that the fate of the free world depends on the Phillies?
I'll keep repeating it until Tony Massarotti gets the message. I know I've mellowed in my fandom since the Red Sox have won World Series(s), but my blood still boils at the sight of the pinstripes (black ones, not red ones). I don't need to win every time - just against the Yankees. I will never, like this joker, root for the Yankees in a World Series. (The only time it is acceptable to root for the Empire is if they're out of the playoff picture and playing a team we're competing with for a playoff slot.)
Today's game: The players were introduced to strains of Star Wars. The Yankees must really be oblivious to how they are perceived because they played Empire music for the Phillies and Rebel music for their own. Idiots.
After the pregame festivities, the Phillies loaded the bases against CC Sabathia in the first but couldn't capitalize. Cliff Lee looks good in the early going. The Phillies struck first with a solo home run by Chase Utley in the 3rd. The Phillies are currently up 1-0 in the 5th.
Look back at 2008: Holding pattern; we had no idea when Game 5 would resume.
Aug 23, 2009
Gift wrapped
Today was a day when the drama on the field seemed too-well scripted for the scribes in search of an angle.
Here's our account:
Christine and I had to run quickly to a store this afternoon.
"What's your prediction?" Christine asked.
"You win, but Pedro pitches poorly. Yours?"
"Pedro pitches into the 7th."
After leaving the store, we were surprised to hear that the game was still in the first inning. Even better was when the announcers said that Pedro Martinez could bat before taking the mound against his old team. Things kept looking up as Carlos Ruiz homered (the second three-run blast of the inning) and then when Oliver Perez was yanked (in the middle of an at-bat!) after throwing three straight balls to Pedro.
We hit some red lights and heard Pedro give up an inside-the-park home run to Angel Pagan on a ball that was stuck in the wall but not ruled dead.
The Phillies scored three more, but never seemed to put the Mets away. Pedro was out of the game after the 6th.
Eric Bruntlett, playing because Chase Utley got a day off, had three hits. He had 11 coming into the game.
"Charlie Manuel's having one of his hunches by playing him today," Christine said.
Bruntlett seemed poised for another hit when, in the 9th with the Phillies up 9-6, he hit a ball to right. It was initially ruled a trap by Jeff Francoeur and a triple for Bruntlett. But upon review, perhaps with illegal assistance from the replay on the scoreboard, the umpires ruled it a clean catch. Charlie Manuel was ejected arguing the call, and the game remained a save situation for Brad Lidge, who actually converted one cleanly the night before.
It started ugly. Ryan Howard couldn't handle a grounder by Pagan, who wound up on third. Luis Castillo then hit one to second, which was booted by Bruntlett, allowing the run to score. Then, Daniel Murphy hit a smash up the middle that was ruled a hit, but could have been handled been Bruntlett.
"Charlie's hunch, huh?" I said sarcastically.
"I totally absolve Lidge of this one," Christine said, expecting another bright blown save for Lights Out.
Francoeur (remember him from the trap?) was up. Smash up the middle that seemed destined to be another blow for Lidge, but Bruntlett snared it, touched second and tagged Murphy, who had been running with the pitch. I couldn't decide whose jaw was more agape: Francoeur's or Christine's.
We're still in shock.
That's just the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history and just the second to end a game. There's already some confusion about that last bit of trivia, but the Pirates lost the 1925 game in which Glenn Wright turned the trick in the 9th inning.
So, in a nutshell, my prediction was correct. Christine redeemed herself with the Bruntlett prediction. Pedro is 2-0 but hasn't pitched well. Ollie P's last two starts against the Phillies have been classic meltdowns. The Phillies still own the Mets. And I'm predicting that this freaky 9th inning will be what jolts Lidge out of his season-long slump.
Ace high: We'll take a breath before two behemoths, CC Sabathia (physically) and Josh Beckett (ability), battle tonight. It's their first matchup since Beckett turned the tables on the Indians in the 2007 ALCS. Tonight's winner could get a huge boost to their Cy Young chances. Hopefully, it's a 5-0 win by Beckett that's done by 10:20 p.m. Yeah, right!
Here's our account:
Christine and I had to run quickly to a store this afternoon.
"What's your prediction?" Christine asked.
"You win, but Pedro pitches poorly. Yours?"
"Pedro pitches into the 7th."
After leaving the store, we were surprised to hear that the game was still in the first inning. Even better was when the announcers said that Pedro Martinez could bat before taking the mound against his old team. Things kept looking up as Carlos Ruiz homered (the second three-run blast of the inning) and then when Oliver Perez was yanked (in the middle of an at-bat!) after throwing three straight balls to Pedro.
We hit some red lights and heard Pedro give up an inside-the-park home run to Angel Pagan on a ball that was stuck in the wall but not ruled dead.
The Phillies scored three more, but never seemed to put the Mets away. Pedro was out of the game after the 6th.
Eric Bruntlett, playing because Chase Utley got a day off, had three hits. He had 11 coming into the game.
"Charlie Manuel's having one of his hunches by playing him today," Christine said.
Bruntlett seemed poised for another hit when, in the 9th with the Phillies up 9-6, he hit a ball to right. It was initially ruled a trap by Jeff Francoeur and a triple for Bruntlett. But upon review, perhaps with illegal assistance from the replay on the scoreboard, the umpires ruled it a clean catch. Charlie Manuel was ejected arguing the call, and the game remained a save situation for Brad Lidge, who actually converted one cleanly the night before.
It started ugly. Ryan Howard couldn't handle a grounder by Pagan, who wound up on third. Luis Castillo then hit one to second, which was booted by Bruntlett, allowing the run to score. Then, Daniel Murphy hit a smash up the middle that was ruled a hit, but could have been handled been Bruntlett.
"Charlie's hunch, huh?" I said sarcastically.
"I totally absolve Lidge of this one," Christine said, expecting another bright blown save for Lights Out.
Francoeur (remember him from the trap?) was up. Smash up the middle that seemed destined to be another blow for Lidge, but Bruntlett snared it, touched second and tagged Murphy, who had been running with the pitch. I couldn't decide whose jaw was more agape: Francoeur's or Christine's.
We're still in shock.
That's just the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history and just the second to end a game. There's already some confusion about that last bit of trivia, but the Pirates lost the 1925 game in which Glenn Wright turned the trick in the 9th inning.
So, in a nutshell, my prediction was correct. Christine redeemed herself with the Bruntlett prediction. Pedro is 2-0 but hasn't pitched well. Ollie P's last two starts against the Phillies have been classic meltdowns. The Phillies still own the Mets. And I'm predicting that this freaky 9th inning will be what jolts Lidge out of his season-long slump.
Ace high: We'll take a breath before two behemoths, CC Sabathia (physically) and Josh Beckett (ability), battle tonight. It's their first matchup since Beckett turned the tables on the Indians in the 2007 ALCS. Tonight's winner could get a huge boost to their Cy Young chances. Hopefully, it's a 5-0 win by Beckett that's done by 10:20 p.m. Yeah, right!
Dec 10, 2008
Congrats to New York
Once again, it looks like New York will win the hot stove league, with the Yankees getting CC Sabathia and the Mets getting Francisco Rodriguez.
We at SoxandPhils quake in our cleats.
Fact is, the Red Sox and Phillies have supposedly been bested by their New York competition in most recent offseasons - Johan Santana, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Billy Wagner. How many rings do those guys have? One. Johnny Damon for the 2004 Red Sox.
So let the New Yorkers enjoy their early Christmas presents. We at the home of the World Series Champions know that Phanta Claus delivers the real goodies in October.
Before I get to the teams that matter, one more CC point. I bet the guy most thrilled to have him on the team is Alex Rodriguez, so he's not the only nine-figure playoff choker in the Bronx.
Phillies: Not a good day. I didn't check the clips before heading out for an oil change, so I was surprise to overhear - while enjoying some pumpkin pancakes - that Jaime Moyer was demanding a two-year $20 million deal. And I thought Charlie Manuel was the one who was going to dampen the World Series afterglow with contract negotiations?
And I know we've been resigned that Pat Burrell's a goner, but it was sad hearing his agent put some finality to it.
Red Sox: Most of the news is status quo ... ripping the Sabathia deal and insistent reports that they're legitimately in on Mark Teixeira. But now there are some John Smoltz murmurs. I always like Smoltz and thought he could be a Red Sox, but he is 42 years old now.
This just in: The Phillies made their big trade. Yea! Minor league catcher Jason Jaramillo for backup catcher Ronny Paulino. Scott Lauber says this must mean Chris Coste's days are numbered.
We at SoxandPhils quake in our cleats.
Fact is, the Red Sox and Phillies have supposedly been bested by their New York competition in most recent offseasons - Johan Santana, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Billy Wagner. How many rings do those guys have? One. Johnny Damon for the 2004 Red Sox.
So let the New Yorkers enjoy their early Christmas presents. We at the home of the World Series Champions know that Phanta Claus delivers the real goodies in October.
Before I get to the teams that matter, one more CC point. I bet the guy most thrilled to have him on the team is Alex Rodriguez, so he's not the only nine-figure playoff choker in the Bronx.
Phillies: Not a good day. I didn't check the clips before heading out for an oil change, so I was surprise to overhear - while enjoying some pumpkin pancakes - that Jaime Moyer was demanding a two-year $20 million deal. And I thought Charlie Manuel was the one who was going to dampen the World Series afterglow with contract negotiations?
And I know we've been resigned that Pat Burrell's a goner, but it was sad hearing his agent put some finality to it.
Red Sox: Most of the news is status quo ... ripping the Sabathia deal and insistent reports that they're legitimately in on Mark Teixeira. But now there are some John Smoltz murmurs. I always like Smoltz and thought he could be a Red Sox, but he is 42 years old now.
This just in: The Phillies made their big trade. Yea! Minor league catcher Jason Jaramillo for backup catcher Ronny Paulino. Scott Lauber says this must mean Chris Coste's days are numbered.
Dec 9, 2008
These better be just rumors
Not a good day for SoxandPhils fans if the daily rumors become reality.
The Sox have been talking again to A.J. Burnett. This doesn't make sense. A pitcher with a history of injuries is exactly the long-term commitment the Sox have avoided.
Even worse is that they've now been linked to Carl Pavano. I know it would probably be a low-risk, Bartolo Colon-type deal. But c'mon. The guy was a laughingstock in New York. Just honor his place in Red Sox lore (as trade bait for Pedro Martinez and the embarrassment he caused the Yankees) and let it be.
Incidentally, that Nick Cafardo report may clarify Derek Lowe's standing with the Phillies: The team denies making an offer, but the player is said to want to go there. Maybe the Phillie denials are true, but D-Lowe doesn't want them to be.
Phillies: My alarm kicked on this morning midway through Rhea Hughes' report of some trade that could involve J.A. Happ, the Padres and Chris Coste. I know that Jake Peavy wouldn't go to Philadelphia, so I wondered what it was all about. I was less than enthralled when I found out the deal would send Peavy to the Cubs and bring Mark DeRosa to the Phillies for Happ.
{Update: The deal could involve Kyle Kendrick, not Happ.}
Complicated deals like this tend to fall apart. Let's hope so. DeRosa doesn't thrill me, and he's no Pat Burrell.
The only good rumbling of the day comes from bits I picked up from WFAN. Apparently, there's word that the Red Sox meeting with CC Sabathia wasn't exactly to lure him to Boston but to remind him how awful it would be playing for the Yankees. If true, I can't exactly be thrilled with the tact.
I am enjoying how the Yankee fans are growing frustrated that the big guy hasn't accepted the Yankees offer. Gee, maybe he wants to see if a championship-caliber team makes him an offer.
Game day: The Phillies held off the Nationals today ... oh wait. We already recapped this one. As I was watching the replay of the NL East clincher, Comcast SportsNet broke in with some real news. I was nervous as Neil Hartman started talking, given all the crazy rumors that are swirling. But he was just reporting the good news that Charlie Manuel will be the Phillies manager through 2011. Good for him - he deserves it.
The Sox have been talking again to A.J. Burnett. This doesn't make sense. A pitcher with a history of injuries is exactly the long-term commitment the Sox have avoided.
Even worse is that they've now been linked to Carl Pavano. I know it would probably be a low-risk, Bartolo Colon-type deal. But c'mon. The guy was a laughingstock in New York. Just honor his place in Red Sox lore (as trade bait for Pedro Martinez and the embarrassment he caused the Yankees) and let it be.
Incidentally, that Nick Cafardo report may clarify Derek Lowe's standing with the Phillies: The team denies making an offer, but the player is said to want to go there. Maybe the Phillie denials are true, but D-Lowe doesn't want them to be.
Phillies: My alarm kicked on this morning midway through Rhea Hughes' report of some trade that could involve J.A. Happ, the Padres and Chris Coste. I know that Jake Peavy wouldn't go to Philadelphia, so I wondered what it was all about. I was less than enthralled when I found out the deal would send Peavy to the Cubs and bring Mark DeRosa to the Phillies for Happ.
{Update: The deal could involve Kyle Kendrick, not Happ.}
Complicated deals like this tend to fall apart. Let's hope so. DeRosa doesn't thrill me, and he's no Pat Burrell.
The only good rumbling of the day comes from bits I picked up from WFAN. Apparently, there's word that the Red Sox meeting with CC Sabathia wasn't exactly to lure him to Boston but to remind him how awful it would be playing for the Yankees. If true, I can't exactly be thrilled with the tact.
I am enjoying how the Yankee fans are growing frustrated that the big guy hasn't accepted the Yankees offer. Gee, maybe he wants to see if a championship-caliber team makes him an offer.
Game day: The Phillies held off the Nationals today ... oh wait. We already recapped this one. As I was watching the replay of the NL East clincher, Comcast SportsNet broke in with some real news. I was nervous as Neil Hartman started talking, given all the crazy rumors that are swirling. But he was just reporting the good news that Charlie Manuel will be the Phillies manager through 2011. Good for him - he deserves it.
Dec 5, 2008
Theo needs a hobby
Why are the Red Sox meeting with CC Sabathia? That one came out of nowhere. I can understand them considering Mark Teixeira's high asking price, but why even bother with CC? He costs a lot and chokes in the playoffs - in other words, he's a perfect Yankee. Let them have him. Maybe it's just another move to drive up the price.
Of course, that brings to mind the time Greg Maddux seemed to be interested in signing with the Yankees long ago, but wound up just using them to get a better offer from the Braves. Not exactly the same situation, but I didn't know how to transition into the fact that Maddux - whose last appearance came against the Phillies in the NLCS and is a brother of former SoxandPhil Mike Maddux - plans to announce his retirement on Monday.
That's kind of sad.
Less sad is that Theo Epstein suggested that it's not an either or whether to resign Jason Varitek or acquire a new starting catcher.
{Unfortunately, the tree lighting hasn't happened yet, and Phanta Claus and the championship trophy won't be there until next weekend. But I'm sure that will be madness, so we're not going then. I just hope they're decorated tomorrow, even though they haven't had their official Christmas kickoff.}
Of course, that brings to mind the time Greg Maddux seemed to be interested in signing with the Yankees long ago, but wound up just using them to get a better offer from the Braves. Not exactly the same situation, but I didn't know how to transition into the fact that Maddux - whose last appearance came against the Phillies in the NLCS and is a brother of former SoxandPhil Mike Maddux - plans to announce his retirement on Monday.
That's kind of sad.
Less sad is that Theo Epstein suggested that it's not an either or whether to resign Jason Varitek or acquire a new starting catcher.
While there haven't been any new developments in terms of a potential deal with Varitek, Epstein did allow that the team could both sign the Sox captain and make a trade for a catcher of the future in the same offseason.Christmas shopping: Last year I got in trouble when I snuck off to Citizens Bank Park to Christmas shop without Christine. This year, I'm taking her along tomorrow - she just has to wait in the car after we browse in case I need to make a purchase for Santa.
"It's probably broader than people think, maybe not so deep," Epstein said, of the trade market for catching. "If you study all the clubs, there are more teams with a catcher to move than one might think or that maybe is being represented. That doesn't mean that we've found a way to match up yet. We haven't. Probably more teams out there with catching that they can move than anticipated."
{Unfortunately, the tree lighting hasn't happened yet, and Phanta Claus and the championship trophy won't be there until next weekend. But I'm sure that will be madness, so we're not going then. I just hope they're decorated tomorrow, even though they haven't had their official Christmas kickoff.}
Nov 26, 2008
Free agent nibbling
A Yankee-loving colleague, who hasn't been thrilled with the Yankees' desire to have CC Sabathia open their new park, wasn't happy either with recent reports that the Angels are about to jump into the fray. If CC gets his wish and stays out West, he reasoned, there's even more of a chance the Yankees would overpay for A.J. Burnett.
Burnett, who has just two seasons (both preceding free agency years) of making at least 30 starts, has been linked to several teams. He's already been mentioned in Boston, but that seemed like a move to drive up his price for the Yankees. And now, perhaps more puzzling, he's being discussed in Philadelphia.
I don't buy it. The Phillies overpay for mediocre free agent pitchers - see Eaton, Adam - but not usually for ones who will command top dollar. They're also linked to Derek Lowe, who makes a bit more sense given he won't cost as much in dollars or years. But as Christine reasons, even if they lose Jamie Moyer, they still have J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco to fill the last two slots in the rotation. Oh yeah, I'm forgetting somebody else. Did I mention him already today?
Christine and I have thought it's been a quiet off-season. I didn't think too much about it because neither of our teams faces major overhauls. But turns out it's one of the slowest starts to off-season maneuvering ever.
Burnett, who has just two seasons (both preceding free agency years) of making at least 30 starts, has been linked to several teams. He's already been mentioned in Boston, but that seemed like a move to drive up his price for the Yankees. And now, perhaps more puzzling, he's being discussed in Philadelphia.
I don't buy it. The Phillies overpay for mediocre free agent pitchers - see Eaton, Adam - but not usually for ones who will command top dollar. They're also linked to Derek Lowe, who makes a bit more sense given he won't cost as much in dollars or years. But as Christine reasons, even if they lose Jamie Moyer, they still have J.A. Happ, Kyle Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco to fill the last two slots in the rotation. Oh yeah, I'm forgetting somebody else. Did I mention him already today?
Christine and I have thought it's been a quiet off-season. I didn't think too much about it because neither of our teams faces major overhauls. But turns out it's one of the slowest starts to off-season maneuvering ever.
Nov 14, 2008
The year after
The Phillies are World Champions. The Red Sox aren't.
There's no definitive answer to how much our usual $20-$22 tickets will increase. Just the other day when Christine lumped the Red Sox with the Yankees, I teased her back that the Phillies will soon follow. Well, after your team increases ticket prices by a couple dollars, they'll soon be offering a pitcher $150 million on the first day of free agency.
By the way, in CC Sabathia's last three playoff starts - two against the Red Sox in 2007 and one against the Phillies this year - he has a 10.93 ERA in 14 innings. Just sayin'.
There's no definitive answer to how much our usual $20-$22 tickets will increase. Just the other day when Christine lumped the Red Sox with the Yankees, I teased her back that the Phillies will soon follow. Well, after your team increases ticket prices by a couple dollars, they'll soon be offering a pitcher $150 million on the first day of free agency.
By the way, in CC Sabathia's last three playoff starts - two against the Red Sox in 2007 and one against the Phillies this year - he has a 10.93 ERA in 14 innings. Just sayin'.
Oct 4, 2008
One more to go
The Phillies offense is so bad right now, they've figured out how to erase runs from the scoreboard. After a maddening game in which the umpires didn't call any strikes for Jamie Moyer and the hitters continued to make us yearn for Brett Myers in the batters box, the Phils finally showed some life in the 9th inning.Trailing 4-1, they loaded it up with no outs against Brewers closer Salomon Torres. Of course, Pedro Feliz swings at the first pitch, grounding right to the third baseman, who turns the 5-4-3 double play. At least, I thought, a run was in and the potential tying run would be at the plate. But no, the umpires ruled Shane Victorino interfered at second base. How can you be charged with interference if the double play is turned? So a run came off the board, and the runners went back to second and third bases. Carlos Ruiz then meekly grounded out, so in the grand scheme of things, that ruling only meant the final was 4-1 Brewers instead of 4-2. Phils still lead the series 2-1.
Our Sunday just got a lot more hectic. The Phillies and Joe Blanton will try to wrap it up in the afternoon and avoid a classic Cole Hamels vs. CC Sabathia winner-take-all matchup. At night, Josh Beckett will try to finish off the Angels. We were hoping the Phils wouldn't need four games so we could tend to some errands in the afternoon, but they couldn't get it done.
The great outings by Hamels and Myers and a few clutch hits in the first two games masked the fact that the offense has disappeared. The Phillies are now hitting .234 with a .339 on-base percentage for the series. They're supposed to be a world-class offense playing a team whose pitching staff consists of a Cy Young award winner and then a bunch of slop. The Phils took out Sabathia, but got shut down by Dave Bush and a bunch of castoffs and roiders in the bullpen.
In 10 2/3 innings, the Brewers bullpen has allowed no runs, four hits and four walks with nine strikeouts. That's disgraceful for the Phillies.
With numbers like that, let's hope the Phillies build an insurmountable lead off Jeff Suppan tomorrow or that he gets a complete game loss.
I have to go now and stop Christine from throwing out our NLCS tickets. See you tomorrow with better news, I hope.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Oct 2, 2008
Sweep?
This morning, contemplating the pair of SoxandPhils Game 1 wins, I was very proud of myself. I was pleased with each victory, but not getting ahead of myself.
Tonight, however, after Shane Victorino's grand slam off CC Sabathia, I looked at Christine and said "Sweep?"
"Looks that way," she said.
Here are the last 24 hours of Red Sox and Phillies baseball:
Maybe it was sitting in the rain for a few hours on Wednesday. Maybe I'm just getting old. But I was conking out before midnight with the Sox winning 2-1 in the 7th.
I saw enough from Jon Lester to know the game was in hand once Jason Bay hit a two-run homer in his playoff debut that caused John Lackey to go nuts and lash out at his offense.
He's no Jon Lester. The Angels kept getting on base, six hits, a walk and an error in seven innings, but Lester never lost his cool and kept stranding them, except for an unearned run in the 3rd. He wasn't even bothered that his mates couldn't score until the 6th inning. Every time I think I'm not going to underestimate Lester anymore, he raises expectations. These next few weeks will be harder if Josh Beckett's unable to go, but Lester's certainly a capable replacement. Red Sox 4, Angels 1.
Jacoby Ellsbury picked up from last October, going 3-5 with a run, RBI and two stolen bases. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a hit but somehow still struck out the side needing only 13 pitches. I hope Brad Lidge was watching. {I hope Brad Lidge was sleeping. That game ended too late.}
Last year, in the AL Championship Series, everyone thought the Indians, up 3-1, would seal the deal because Sabathia and Fausto Carmona were lined up to finish us off.
This year, Sabathia was unstoppable for the Brewers, and many were writing off the Phillies in Game 2 because of him. Well, the clock struck midnight on his Cinderella season, and Victorino hit a grand slam to cap off a five-run 2nd inning marked by CC's wildness and a nine-pitch at bat by Brett Myers, who walked to keep the inning alive and make the Hawaiian Punch possible. Phillies 5, Brewers 2.
Myers, who later had a 10-pitch at-bat and singled in another inning, didn't take a back seat to Cole Hamels the night after the lefty became the unquestioned ace of the staff. Myers gave up two runs on three walks and two hits with four strikeouts over seven innings.
Lidge - maybe he was watching Papelbon? - rebounded from Wednesday's 35-pitch outing to post a clean 9th on 12 pitches.
Jayson Werth had two hits including a double to start the scoring in the 2nd; Pedro Feliz knocked him in with a double. Atop the order, Jimmy Rollins and Victorino went 5-9. It wasn't all good tonight, as the bats still aren't clicking, leaving 10 men on base. The heart of the order, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell, went 0-10 with seven strikeouts. They have to bust out sometime. Right?
Music: We've been getting a lot of queries about Jayson Werth's intro song. Being a hair metal aficionado, it's one I can answer: Sammy Hagar's Heavy Metal. Rock on.
[Photo credits: Associated Press]
Tonight, however, after Shane Victorino's grand slam off CC Sabathia, I looked at Christine and said "Sweep?"
"Looks that way," she said.
Here are the last 24 hours of Red Sox and Phillies baseball:
Maybe it was sitting in the rain for a few hours on Wednesday. Maybe I'm just getting old. But I was conking out before midnight with the Sox winning 2-1 in the 7th.I saw enough from Jon Lester to know the game was in hand once Jason Bay hit a two-run homer in his playoff debut that caused John Lackey to go nuts and lash out at his offense.
He's no Jon Lester. The Angels kept getting on base, six hits, a walk and an error in seven innings, but Lester never lost his cool and kept stranding them, except for an unearned run in the 3rd. He wasn't even bothered that his mates couldn't score until the 6th inning. Every time I think I'm not going to underestimate Lester anymore, he raises expectations. These next few weeks will be harder if Josh Beckett's unable to go, but Lester's certainly a capable replacement. Red Sox 4, Angels 1.
Jacoby Ellsbury picked up from last October, going 3-5 with a run, RBI and two stolen bases. Jonathan Papelbon gave up a hit but somehow still struck out the side needing only 13 pitches. I hope Brad Lidge was watching. {I hope Brad Lidge was sleeping. That game ended too late.}
Last year, in the AL Championship Series, everyone thought the Indians, up 3-1, would seal the deal because Sabathia and Fausto Carmona were lined up to finish us off.This year, Sabathia was unstoppable for the Brewers, and many were writing off the Phillies in Game 2 because of him. Well, the clock struck midnight on his Cinderella season, and Victorino hit a grand slam to cap off a five-run 2nd inning marked by CC's wildness and a nine-pitch at bat by Brett Myers, who walked to keep the inning alive and make the Hawaiian Punch possible. Phillies 5, Brewers 2.
Myers, who later had a 10-pitch at-bat and singled in another inning, didn't take a back seat to Cole Hamels the night after the lefty became the unquestioned ace of the staff. Myers gave up two runs on three walks and two hits with four strikeouts over seven innings.
Lidge - maybe he was watching Papelbon? - rebounded from Wednesday's 35-pitch outing to post a clean 9th on 12 pitches.
Jayson Werth had two hits including a double to start the scoring in the 2nd; Pedro Feliz knocked him in with a double. Atop the order, Jimmy Rollins and Victorino went 5-9. It wasn't all good tonight, as the bats still aren't clicking, leaving 10 men on base. The heart of the order, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell, went 0-10 with seven strikeouts. They have to bust out sometime. Right?
Music: We've been getting a lot of queries about Jayson Werth's intro song. Being a hair metal aficionado, it's one I can answer: Sammy Hagar's Heavy Metal. Rock on.
[Photo credits: Associated Press]
Sep 30, 2008
Pre-game jitters
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.}
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 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]
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