Phanatic: I was robbed

PHILADELPHIA - The Phillie Phanatic plans to file a formal complaint with the Philadelphia Daily News for naming Brad Lidge its first-ever Sportsperson of the Year.

"No disrespect to Brad Lidge, but I am the real reason the Phillies won the World Series," the usually humble Phanatic told SoxandPhils in an exclusive interview. "He had a great season and really helped me get over the hump, but where would the Phillies have been without my great cheerleading this year?"

The Phanatic said the award should also reflect an athlete's bond with the community.

"Brad Lidge was perfect this year. Perfect. What in Philadelphia, besides this past postseason, is ever perfect?" the Phanatic said. "I've suffered for years with the fans and never lost my faith even when most would have written off these guys. How many times has Brad Lidge tried to pump up a crowd of 7,000 in Veterans Stadium in the sufferable August sun when the Phillies were dead and buried?

"Even after winning the World Series, Brad Lidge couldn't spend the offseason here," the Phanatic continued. "When he was chosen to narrate the Phillies yearbook DVD, he opted to record it in Colorado instead of Philadelphia. I know he just had a new baby and all, but c'mon."

Usually a big Brad Lidge fan, the Phanatic even questioned his role in the World Series, which concluded with the closer, 48 for 48 in regular and postseason save opportunities, dropping to his knees in an iconic picture.

"Yeah, he was great, but where was he when the freezing rain gushed down at Citizens Bank Park in Game 5? He was sitting in a sheltered bullpen," the Phanatic said. "Cole Hamels got a lot of credit for pitching that game. And so did the fans for sitting through it. But try keeping their spirits up when you're weighed down by wet and frozen green fur."

The Phanatic eventually conceded that Brad Lidge, or maybe Charlie Manuel, probably deserves the award. His beef is with the Philly writers who couldn't toss him a single vote.

"Mo Cheeks was fired and even he got two votes. So did his former boss," the Phanatic said. "The 76ers are falling apart, but the mascot of the World Champions can't get a little love?"

Help wanted

So looks like we're getting a new beat writer in town... Maybe they'll hire a more blog-friendly reporter...

Company: The Philadelphia Daily News
Position: Philadelphia Phillies
beat reporter
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Job
Status: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable
Ad Expires: January
13, 2008
Job ID: 862785

Description:The Philadelphia Daily News is looking for a talented and energetic beat writer to cover the Philadelphia Phillies. The ideal candidate will be a dogged reporter who can regularly break news on a highly competitive beat but also savvy enough to identify trends and provide the perspective our readership demands.

We are looking for someone who is dedicated to covering baseball for the long term and would prefer candidates with experience managing a significant beat and working sources.

The Phillies writer also will provide content beyond the newspaper for our Web site, philly.com, and make scheduled television appearances on “Daily News Live.”

Please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples that best demonstrate your skills to … Pat McLoone, Assistant Managing Editor, Philadelphia Daily News, PO Box 7788, Philadelphia, PA 19101 or send your materials via email to mailto:tmcloonp@phillynews.com

*****

...like me.

I've been blogging about baseball for more than a week, so there's my writing sample.

Between the Yankees of my youth and Phillies of recent years, I've seen more than my share of mediocre baseball, so there's my experience. {What? Mediocre?? You didn't live through the dark years, aka, the Terry Francona era. That was mediocrity.}

And I just know I'd be able to break the story in baseball. I know I could get the dirt on the Phanatic. I just have to find his "trainer."