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 Johan Santana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Johan Santana. Show all posts
Aug 7, 2010
May 22, 2009
SoxandPhils 1, New York 1
You would think Christine would root for the Red Sox because that would be like rooting for me, as I root for the Phillies because that's like rooting for her.
You would be mistaken.
She doesn't root for my team at all - except in rare interleague instances when they play the Mets. Because the Phillies play the Yankees in the Bronx while the Sox host the Mets this weekend, Christine said the Phillies would take care of business if the Sox did the same.
Brett Myers held up his end of the bargain - giving up three runs on eight hits with no walks and five strikeouts over eight innings in the 7-3 win. He actually pitched better than his line indicated because all three runs came on solo home runs later in the game.
With a matchup of each league's top home run teams in a joke of a ballpark, everyone expected a home run barrage. They weren't disappointed as the champions and roiders combined for seven: Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz (you know a park is messed up if Chooch hits one out), Deter Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Roidriguez (isn't he due for a test?).
Hopefully, that's the first of five wins for the SoxandPhils against New York. It can't be six because the Sox lost 5-3 to an an injury-depleted Mets team. Hey, it's still May, and we know the Mets are a very strong team in May.
The Red Sox could only muster three runs (two earned) off Johan Santana while Daisuke Matsuzaka looked like he hasn't missed a beat in his first start since coming off the DL. He was typical Dice-K: five innings, four earned on five hits and two walks. He needed only 80 pitches, which is sort of efficient for him.
Both games are on national TV tomorrow: Phils on Fox, Sox on MLB. I'll be rooting for a sweep. Begrudgingly, Christine will too.
You would be mistaken.
She doesn't root for my team at all - except in rare interleague instances when they play the Mets. Because the Phillies play the Yankees in the Bronx while the Sox host the Mets this weekend, Christine said the Phillies would take care of business if the Sox did the same.
Brett Myers held up his end of the bargain - giving up three runs on eight hits with no walks and five strikeouts over eight innings in the 7-3 win. He actually pitched better than his line indicated because all three runs came on solo home runs later in the game.
With a matchup of each league's top home run teams in a joke of a ballpark, everyone expected a home run barrage. They weren't disappointed as the champions and roiders combined for seven: Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz (you know a park is messed up if Chooch hits one out), Deter Jeter, Mark Teixeira and Alex Roidriguez (isn't he due for a test?).
Hopefully, that's the first of five wins for the SoxandPhils against New York. It can't be six because the Sox lost 5-3 to an an injury-depleted Mets team. Hey, it's still May, and we know the Mets are a very strong team in May.
The Red Sox could only muster three runs (two earned) off Johan Santana while Daisuke Matsuzaka looked like he hasn't missed a beat in his first start since coming off the DL. He was typical Dice-K: five innings, four earned on five hits and two walks. He needed only 80 pitches, which is sort of efficient for him.
Both games are on national TV tomorrow: Phils on Fox, Sox on MLB. I'll be rooting for a sweep. Begrudgingly, Christine will too.
May 6, 2009
Unexpected
Any Phillies fan would have love it if I had guaranteed that the Phillies would give up just one run in tonight's game started by the struggling Chan Ho Park. And that's what happened as Park pitched six scoreless innings before Scott Eyre and Chad Durbin yielded an unearned run.
Unfortunately, Johan Santana was a tick better, pitching seven dominant innings and winning 1-0.
And if I had predicted there would be just one unearned run for both teams, who would have guessed it was caused by an error by Pedro Feliz and a misplay by Jayson Werth?
It wasn't the greatest start for the Phils in new Ebbets Field, but if it gets Park on track, I'll take it.
Red Sox: They got whupped by Carl Pavano and the Indians tonight, 9-2. Maybe they're just saddened by the news about Jerry Remy, who announced he has lung cancer. “I hope that disclosing my bout with cancer will reinforce the dangers of smoking to every member of Red Sox Nation, especially children,” Remy said.
Unfortunately, Johan Santana was a tick better, pitching seven dominant innings and winning 1-0.
And if I had predicted there would be just one unearned run for both teams, who would have guessed it was caused by an error by Pedro Feliz and a misplay by Jayson Werth?
It wasn't the greatest start for the Phils in new Ebbets Field, but if it gets Park on track, I'll take it.
Red Sox: They got whupped by Carl Pavano and the Indians tonight, 9-2. Maybe they're just saddened by the news about Jerry Remy, who announced he has lung cancer. “I hope that disclosing my bout with cancer will reinforce the dangers of smoking to every member of Red Sox Nation, especially children,” Remy said.
Sep 27, 2008
Bring on CC or Manny
After a tense 9th inning in which Christine bit my nails, the Phillies are NL East Champions for the second consecutive year. They are once again the team to beat, just as Carlos Beltran predicted in the spring.In New York, Johan Santana tossed a gutsy shutout on short rest to keep their hopes alive for a few more hours. OK, they're now tied for the Wild Card, but after being up 3.5 games for the division on Sept. 10, this is another collapse.
Tonight's game ended with Brad Lidge, who as Harry Kalas noted has been nearly perfect this year, walking the tightrope but escaping with an unblemished save tally in the regular season. Jamie Moyer, who won last year's division clincher, tied the record for most wins in a season by a pitcher older than 45.
But what a 9th inning:
1. Strikeout. Christine thinks I'm flashing a peace sign when I hold up two fingers meaning two outs to go.
2-3. Base hit and walk. Uh-oh.
4. A little bloop between Chase Utley and Jayson Werth. A run narrowly scores, and the runners hold at first and second. Phillies still up 4-3, but I'm getting nervous about Christine's mental/emotional status if they blow this one.
5. Base hit to center - no one scores. Bases loaded with one out.
6. Ryan Zimmerman grounds one up the middle - looks like a surefire hit. I had been holding Christine's hand, and she nervously bit my thumb, forgetting that it wasn't hers. I thought Jimmy Rollins might get one out, but I didn't think the Phils had time to turn two. But they did.
The 2008 division flag was soon on the field.
Post-game notes: It was kind of sad not being at the park for the clincher after we were there last year. ... Pat Burrell brought his bulldog, Elvis, on the field - we hoped we would see him last year, but he didn't appear then. ... Werth drove Ryan Howard around the field in a golf cart with an open champagne bottle in his hand; isn't that illegal? ... Pedro Feliz and Chris Coste took some bikes from cops and rode them around the field; I'm pretty sure that's illegal, too. ... Brett Myers guaranteed the Phils will win at least one playoff game this year. ... Despite all of this, the celebration seemed a little more subdued than last year's.
Post-season notes: It's been a long, hard season that started on March 25 in Japan. Our faith wavered at times, but we never completely lost hope. We kept hanging in there to see if our teams would pull it off. The Sox couldn't win their division, but the Phillies did. And now each stands seven wins away from the 2008 SoxandPhils World Series we've been waiting for since the Phillies were swept by the Rockies last October.
We will welcome the Phillies to Fenway for Game 1, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. Game on.
Meantime, we have one more game - which is almost as meaningless as the March 29 exhibition game against the Blue Jays - before the playoffs. We will be rooting hard tomorrow for the Brewers and Marlins to give Shea Stadium the kind of sendoff that it deserves as the Mets complete their collapse.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Jul 22, 2008
That's more like it
If you were in a coma and missed the Phillies-Mets rivalry in 2007, tonight's game was a pretty good replica.After Johan Santana gave the Mets fans the kind of "signature" performance they'd been clamoring for all day on WFAN and Joe Blanton was officially inducted into the realm of sucky Phillies pitchers, the Mets led 5-2 in the 9th.
The Phillies were at a disadvantage because Billy Wagner was unavailable because of a muscle spasm. Despite the absence of their favorite whipping boy, the Phillies rallied. Jayson Werth, Greg Dobbs and Shane Victorino all singled to load the bases for Carlos Ruiz. Chooch hit a slow roller in front of second base. Jose Reyes picked it up, but Victorino beat him to the base and everyone was safe, 5-3 Mets.
Up next, pinch-hitter So Taguchi - the league's best pinch hitter last year, 0-16 in such situations this year. He doubled, tying the game. Jimmy Rollins, a fan favorite at Shea, doubled in two more runs and moved to third on a Chase Utley groundout. After Pat Burrell was intentionally walked, Ryan Howard hit one that bounced off the pitcher, allowing J-Roll to score, Phils up 8-5.
Brad Lidge allowed a run in the 9th, but nailed down the win. First-place Phils 8, second-place (tied with the Marlins) Mets 6.
Red Sox: Behind a good performance by ace Jon Lester, the Sox won last night in Seattle and can pull to a half game of the Rays tonight. They're up 1-0 in the 4th. Daisuke Matsuzaka made it through three innings with only 36 pitches.
[Photo credit: Associated Press]
Jul 5, 2008
One more day
Tomorrow we'll learn who is an All-Star and who got snubbed. For the Phillies, we know Chase Utley will be starting, and Pat Burrell, Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels have a good chance of joining him. If it were up to SoxandPhils, and we could select only one of the three, we'd give Pat the Bat his first selection. Who knows if he'll ever get another shot like this one.
For the Red Sox, looks like David Ortiz will be elected but won't play because of injury. Manny Ramirez will also be elected, but he hasn't said yet he won't play. Kevin Youkilis should hold on to win the ballot; Dustin Pedroia's lead is tenuous. Jonathan Papelbon is the only pitcher who warrants consideration. J.D. Drew deserves it more than Manny, but he'll get crowded out, especially with so many Red Sox in contention. Same holds true for Jon Lester. So I predict at least Manny, Papi, Papelon and Youk will be named to the squad, maybe more if the numbers shake out.
{There is only one guaranteed Red Sox to be at the game - Terry Francona. Don't count your all-star ballots before they're hatched.}
But no matter what happens, don't take it all too seriously. An All-Star for one team can become something else for another team a decade later ...
For the Red Sox, looks like David Ortiz will be elected but won't play because of injury. Manny Ramirez will also be elected, but he hasn't said yet he won't play. Kevin Youkilis should hold on to win the ballot; Dustin Pedroia's lead is tenuous. Jonathan Papelbon is the only pitcher who warrants consideration. J.D. Drew deserves it more than Manny, but he'll get crowded out, especially with so many Red Sox in contention. Same holds true for Jon Lester. So I predict at least Manny, Papi, Papelon and Youk will be named to the squad, maybe more if the numbers shake out.
{There is only one guaranteed Red Sox to be at the game - Terry Francona. Don't count your all-star ballots before they're hatched.}
But no matter what happens, don't take it all too seriously. An All-Star for one team can become something else for another team a decade later ...
Still some games before the All-Star break: Good wins yesterday against two irrelevant New York teams: The Red Sox beat the Yankees 6-4, and the Phillies won in their last-at bat, 3-2 over the Mets.
Chad Durbin is getting all of the attention for his shutdown relief of J.A. Happ and keeping the Phillies in the game until Johan Santana exited. Speaking of the savior, he's now 0-4 in his last six starts despite a 2.48 ERA. Since Johan's last win (June 1), the Twins, the team he left for dead, is 19-11. Lester, the guy the Red Sox wouldn't give up to get Johan, is 4-0 since then. I wonder who's happy with how things worked out?
We'll be back tomorrow with our normal Sunday game-day Phillies post.
May 19, 2008
Lester-rific
Jon Lester - 9 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
I work only a few night shifts per year. Tonight happened to be one of them. I was aware neither the Royals nor the Red Sox had a hit by the middle of the third inning when a work task needed my full attention.
When I finished that task, my boss told me Lester still had the no-hitter through 8 innings; we watched him finish the job.
On the post-game radio show, one of the announcers cited a bunch of trivia - Jason Varitek has caught more no-hitters (four) than anyone else, the Red Sox are second with 18 no-hitters, etc. - and then said "You can throw out all the numbers because Jon Lester is probably the first cancer survivor to throw a no-hitter."
I have a soft spot for those who battle disease. Although I know a part of these fighters wants to be thought of like anyone else, they also feel prouder of their accomplishments because of their past. Be proud, Jon. I'm glad we didn't trade you for Johan. (How many no-no's does he have?)
Speaking of the Mets, when the inning ended, my boss who roots for that team, laughed. I asked him why. "With all their pitching, the Mets still don't have one," he said.
Prediction: Lester will struggle in his next couple of starts, and people will blame this 130-pitch outing.
Phillies: Judging solely from the box score, Brett Myers didn't do as well tonight against the Nationals, losing 4-0. But the offense was also to blame. As one local radio host noted, "It would have taken a Jon Lester performance to win tonight."
I work only a few night shifts per year. Tonight happened to be one of them. I was aware neither the Royals nor the Red Sox had a hit by the middle of the third inning when a work task needed my full attention.
When I finished that task, my boss told me Lester still had the no-hitter through 8 innings; we watched him finish the job.
On the post-game radio show, one of the announcers cited a bunch of trivia - Jason Varitek has caught more no-hitters (four) than anyone else, the Red Sox are second with 18 no-hitters, etc. - and then said "You can throw out all the numbers because Jon Lester is probably the first cancer survivor to throw a no-hitter."
I have a soft spot for those who battle disease. Although I know a part of these fighters wants to be thought of like anyone else, they also feel prouder of their accomplishments because of their past. Be proud, Jon. I'm glad we didn't trade you for Johan. (How many no-no's does he have?)
Speaking of the Mets, when the inning ended, my boss who roots for that team, laughed. I asked him why. "With all their pitching, the Mets still don't have one," he said.
Prediction: Lester will struggle in his next couple of starts, and people will blame this 130-pitch outing.
Phillies: Judging solely from the box score, Brett Myers didn't do as well tonight against the Nationals, losing 4-0. But the offense was also to blame. As one local radio host noted, "It would have taken a Jon Lester performance to win tonight."
Apr 18, 2008
Since you're not hitting, read this
Dear Phillies Offense,
Last year, I could always depend on you. This year, where have you been? Didn't you like it when you used to win games?
Tonight I had the game off for a few minutes, and you decided to score three runs to make it 5-4. When I started watching again, that all stopped. I think last Saturday night was the only win I've seen this season. I'm not going to stop watching, so you better figure out a way to win whether I'm watching or not.
I've been here for your team through the ups and the downs, the good times and the bad. And let's face it, there have been some pretty rough patches over the years. Yet I still stuck by you and defended you. And I will keep doing that. All I'm asking for is a little effort on your part. That goes for you too, Phillies Defense. Way too many errors so far. Can you believe the Pitching has been supporting both of you this much this season?
There have been flashes, but it's time for consistency. It's time to capitalize on the good pitching and support your pitchers. It's time to live up to your potential. It's time to be better than .500. It's time to win.
Love,
Christine
P.S. I know you'll beat the Mets the next two games because you don't want to start hearing that they're in your heads, do you?
P.P.S. David Ortiz read the memo and had two more hits tonight, including a grand slam. Now Greg's going to have to learn to write in Japanese to Daisuke Matsuzaka. 101 pitches - five hits and two walks - in 5 1/3 innings? How is that even possible? [Maybe we should have gotten Johan Santana, who won the duel against Cole Hamels tonight.]
Last year, I could always depend on you. This year, where have you been? Didn't you like it when you used to win games?
Tonight I had the game off for a few minutes, and you decided to score three runs to make it 5-4. When I started watching again, that all stopped. I think last Saturday night was the only win I've seen this season. I'm not going to stop watching, so you better figure out a way to win whether I'm watching or not.
I've been here for your team through the ups and the downs, the good times and the bad. And let's face it, there have been some pretty rough patches over the years. Yet I still stuck by you and defended you. And I will keep doing that. All I'm asking for is a little effort on your part. That goes for you too, Phillies Defense. Way too many errors so far. Can you believe the Pitching has been supporting both of you this much this season?
There have been flashes, but it's time for consistency. It's time to capitalize on the good pitching and support your pitchers. It's time to live up to your potential. It's time to be better than .500. It's time to win.
Love,
Christine
P.S. I know you'll beat the Mets the next two games because you don't want to start hearing that they're in your heads, do you?
P.P.S. David Ortiz read the memo and had two more hits tonight, including a grand slam. Now Greg's going to have to learn to write in Japanese to Daisuke Matsuzaka. 101 pitches - five hits and two walks - in 5 1/3 innings? How is that even possible? [Maybe we should have gotten Johan Santana, who won the duel against Cole Hamels tonight.]
Apr 17, 2008
Big arms
Maybe they just needed the warm weather to start playing better.
[There's been plenty of talk that the Phillies' slow starts are just a sign that they are a warm weather team, but no one seems to mention that the playoffs don't occur in warm weather.]
Nice win today. Of course it was yet another business-persons special, so I missed out on the action again.
Brett Myers pitched a good game, despite getting into, and out of, a few sticky situations. Pat Burrell continues to tear it up, and Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Chris Coste all joined him in the home run parade.
So with this victory they pull up to .500 again. They haven't made it over that mark yet, but it's just a matter of time.
And now on to the game of the week: Mets vs. Phils. Johan Santana vs. Cole Hamels. Friday night. It's going to be crazy. And it will end in favor of the Phillies. Hamels has been pitching excellent. Santana, only so-so. Hamels is used to playing in Philadelphia and knows the ballpark. Last time Santana was in town, he pitched at the Vet against a very different team. Last year he gave up a home run a start, and this year he has served up four homers in three games. With the temperature nearing 80 tomorrow, the balls will be flying off of the Phillies bats and out of the Bank. I can't wait.
Speaking of aces, with another short start by a Red Sox pitcher last night, the staff could use a long start by Josh Becket. He appeared to be cruising against the Yankees until the bottom of the fifth. Hopefully he can pitch an efficient seventh before handing it over to the overtaxed bullpen.
[There's been plenty of talk that the Phillies' slow starts are just a sign that they are a warm weather team, but no one seems to mention that the playoffs don't occur in warm weather.]
Nice win today. Of course it was yet another business-persons special, so I missed out on the action again.
Brett Myers pitched a good game, despite getting into, and out of, a few sticky situations. Pat Burrell continues to tear it up, and Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Chris Coste all joined him in the home run parade.
So with this victory they pull up to .500 again. They haven't made it over that mark yet, but it's just a matter of time.
And now on to the game of the week: Mets vs. Phils. Johan Santana vs. Cole Hamels. Friday night. It's going to be crazy. And it will end in favor of the Phillies. Hamels has been pitching excellent. Santana, only so-so. Hamels is used to playing in Philadelphia and knows the ballpark. Last time Santana was in town, he pitched at the Vet against a very different team. Last year he gave up a home run a start, and this year he has served up four homers in three games. With the temperature nearing 80 tomorrow, the balls will be flying off of the Phillies bats and out of the Bank. I can't wait.
Speaking of aces, with another short start by a Red Sox pitcher last night, the staff could use a long start by Josh Becket. He appeared to be cruising against the Yankees until the bottom of the fifth. Hopefully he can pitch an efficient seventh before handing it over to the overtaxed bullpen.
Apr 2, 2008
Things can quickly change
That's my message to Phillies fans, as the reigning NL East champs fell again to the Washington Nationals and are dangerously close to another one of their trademark slow starts.
Consider the things that have changed since my last post:
--The Red Sox were a middling .500 team, trailing both the undefeated Devil Rays and the Empire. They're now back in first with a two-game winning streak. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester have turned in strong performances after they struggled in Japan.
--Yesterday, the Mets were buoyed by a strong debut from Johan Santana and looked like the Mets from the first half of 2007, but in game two Pedro Martinez went down like the Mets in the second half of 2007. (But tonight they pounded the Marlins.)
Point is, tomorrow morning I'm sure it'll be panic mode on WIP (unless Barack Obama calls in again) - but relax Philly, the Expos will come back to earth at some point.
{Despite the 1-0 final, Cole Hamels didn't dominate tonight, but he and the bullpen pitched well enough that the Phillies should have won this game. Every ball they hit hard, not that there were many, landed right at a fielder. Bad luck, I guess, but I still don't like it. Maybe I shouldn't have made any predictions, as two of my other picks, the Cubs and the Tigers, are also sporting 0-2 records.}
Random Sox notes: Congrats to Kevin Youkilis, the new record holder for consecutive errorless games for a first baseman. Lester's win was the first for a Sox lefty starter in Oakland since Zane Smith in 1995. Turns out we haven't had many good lefty starters since then - think David Wells, Steve Avery and a pre-ageless wonder Jamie Moyer.
Finally: Maybe Jonathan Papelbon is just upset Dice-K won't say what he named his son after almost a month:
Consider the things that have changed since my last post:
--The Red Sox were a middling .500 team, trailing both the undefeated Devil Rays and the Empire. They're now back in first with a two-game winning streak. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Jon Lester have turned in strong performances after they struggled in Japan.
--Yesterday, the Mets were buoyed by a strong debut from Johan Santana and looked like the Mets from the first half of 2007, but in game two Pedro Martinez went down like the Mets in the second half of 2007. (But tonight they pounded the Marlins.)
Point is, tomorrow morning I'm sure it'll be panic mode on WIP (unless Barack Obama calls in again) - but relax Philly, the Expos will come back to earth at some point.
{Despite the 1-0 final, Cole Hamels didn't dominate tonight, but he and the bullpen pitched well enough that the Phillies should have won this game. Every ball they hit hard, not that there were many, landed right at a fielder. Bad luck, I guess, but I still don't like it. Maybe I shouldn't have made any predictions, as two of my other picks, the Cubs and the Tigers, are also sporting 0-2 records.}
Random Sox notes: Congrats to Kevin Youkilis, the new record holder for consecutive errorless games for a first baseman. Lester's win was the first for a Sox lefty starter in Oakland since Zane Smith in 1995. Turns out we haven't had many good lefty starters since then - think David Wells, Steve Avery and a pre-ageless wonder Jamie Moyer.
Finally: Maybe Jonathan Papelbon is just upset Dice-K won't say what he named his son after almost a month:
(Matsuzaka) also had sufficient motivation to ask a clubhouse attendant to retrieve the game ball, which someone (the evidence points to Papelbon) had tossed into the stands.
Matsuzaka wanted the ball as a souvenir for his newborn son, whose name he has not yet made public.
"I had asked my teammates to hang onto the game ball, but I guess the message didn't get through," he said.
Feb 6, 2008
Baseball's back
Lots of baseball to ponder while I try to order tickets for the champs' June invasion of Philadelphia.
Johan's officially a Met. Santana, usually dominant in the second half of the season, actually started preparing in 2007 for his new team, which had a historic collapse last year:
Johan's officially a Met. Santana, usually dominant in the second half of the season, actually started preparing in 2007 for his new team, which had a historic collapse last year:
"Santana, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, was just 15-13 last year and lost seven of his last 11 decisions as his ERA rose from 2.60 to 3.33 ERA, his highest since 2001. He allowed a career-high 33 homers , the most in the AL."His new teammate, David Wright, isn't saying anything stupid, but it seems '07 will linger a bit in the Queens.
"Somewhat it allows us to officially, kind of completely shut the book on '07. It kind of takes away from, I guess, kind of the aura of what happened at the end of last year. We can kind of put that behind us. And when your superstars have a fresh attitude, looking ahead rather than behind, I think that that rubs off on the rest of the team."
Meanwhile, the Phillies won't let the Santana signing go unanswered. They're interested in Kris Benson. When did Chuck LaMar become a scout for the Phillies? With Allan Baird working for the Red Sox, why are our teams stockpiling former small market GMs?
Looks like Pat the Bat's making the Hall of Fame. More interesting is that joining him will be the punter of the Super Bowl champs, Jeff Feagles, who might be my favorite football player right now. He's been fun to watch and listen to as he's enjoyed his first Super Bowl trip and victory after spending 20 years in the NFL.
But I'll always remember the old Nintendo classic Tecmo Super Bowl. The game didn't have license to use a few of the players' names, so there would be a random player called "LB 49ers" or something like that. I'd always get confused whether Feagles (then an Eagle) was real or fake.
Finally, this is disgusting. Baseball cards are supposed to be historical documents. Blech.
Feb 3, 2008
Game on
Outside smells like a freezer, and the grass and sidewalks are coated with frost. I'm now in the mood to watch some football played in the desert.
This week, I've talked football, wrestling and competitive eating. Today, Jim Salisbury, I'm sure to Christine's gratitude, takes me back to the basics, err, baseball. He's got 42, or XLII, nuggets to tide over baseball fans who have to sit through one more football game and a few more days before spring training.
Some of the more interesting points:
For Christine:
VIII. The Phillies' equipment truck leaves for Florida on Thursday.
A decade ago, I was very happy that the Sox traded Jamie Moyer for Darren Bragg:
X. Unless Roger Clemens or Julio Franco surface this season - and that's doubtful - Jamie Moyer will be the oldest player in the majors. Moyer turned 45 in November. He has 230 wins, 196 coming after he was released three times in three years in the early 1990s.
This is why Billy Beane's a genius and the new guy in Minnesota's just a boy playing with men:
XIII. Santana and Dan Haren were the two top pitchers to be dealt for prospects this winter. The prevailing wisdom is that Oakland made a better score for Haren than the Twins made for Santana. The A's got six players from Arizona for Haren, including Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who has game-breaking offensive skills, and lefthanded pitcher Brett Anderson.
XIV. The rebuilding A's also nabbed two good arms - Gio Gonzalez and Fautino de los Santos - from the White Sox for Nick Swisher.
Who pointed out this before?
XV. Yes, that's the same Gio Gonzalez who came from the White Sox to the Phillies for Jim Thome then was sent back for Freddy Garcia. The White Sox have now traded Gonzalez twice. The 22-year-old lefty led the minors with 185 strikeouts in 150 innings in double A last season.
Another reason Johan's a Met:
XXI. Baseball America ranks the Phillies' farm system 22d out of 30 teams.
However:
XXII. The Phils have a chance to do some significant restocking of their system in the June draft, provided they're willing to spend on top talent. They have three picks in the top 50 and six in the top 107.
I love this guy's name for a relief pitcher, a former Sox farmhand:
XXIV. Rule 5 pick Lincoln Holdzkom will be an intriguing newcomer in Phillies camp. The 6-foot-5 righthander has the kind of power arm teams dream of, but he has been unable to stick in one organization, partly due to attitude issues.
Sorry Christine:
XXV. There's not much interest in Wes Helms, so look for him to be in camp for a while with the Phils.
And I used to think they were chokers.
XL. In Charlie Manuel's three seasons as manager, the Phillies are an NL-best 133-89 after the all-star break.
That's all I got - enjoy the big game. I'm taking Jack with the points. And though I've got a nagging feeling the super-charged, early-season Patriots will show up, I think the Giants will at least cover. Goodbye to the '72 Dolphins.
Baseball Mogul: Finally finished year two with the Phils. Got them back to the playoffs, this time as a wild card. Three and out. I've already started retooling. I've signed Scott Olsen to a pretty good deal. And I'm considering a radio-caller type move: trading Adam Dunn to break up my three lefties and replacing him in left with Prince Fielder. Christine's wary of putting the big guy in left, but I promised if I do so I won't trade Ryan Howard. (This offseason anyway.)
This week, I've talked football, wrestling and competitive eating. Today, Jim Salisbury, I'm sure to Christine's gratitude, takes me back to the basics, err, baseball. He's got 42, or XLII, nuggets to tide over baseball fans who have to sit through one more football game and a few more days before spring training.
Some of the more interesting points:
For Christine:
VIII. The Phillies' equipment truck leaves for Florida on Thursday.
A decade ago, I was very happy that the Sox traded Jamie Moyer for Darren Bragg:
X. Unless Roger Clemens or Julio Franco surface this season - and that's doubtful - Jamie Moyer will be the oldest player in the majors. Moyer turned 45 in November. He has 230 wins, 196 coming after he was released three times in three years in the early 1990s.
This is why Billy Beane's a genius and the new guy in Minnesota's just a boy playing with men:
XIII. Santana and Dan Haren were the two top pitchers to be dealt for prospects this winter. The prevailing wisdom is that Oakland made a better score for Haren than the Twins made for Santana. The A's got six players from Arizona for Haren, including Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who has game-breaking offensive skills, and lefthanded pitcher Brett Anderson.
XIV. The rebuilding A's also nabbed two good arms - Gio Gonzalez and Fautino de los Santos - from the White Sox for Nick Swisher.
Who pointed out this before?
XV. Yes, that's the same Gio Gonzalez who came from the White Sox to the Phillies for Jim Thome then was sent back for Freddy Garcia. The White Sox have now traded Gonzalez twice. The 22-year-old lefty led the minors with 185 strikeouts in 150 innings in double A last season.
Another reason Johan's a Met:
XXI. Baseball America ranks the Phillies' farm system 22d out of 30 teams.
However:
XXII. The Phils have a chance to do some significant restocking of their system in the June draft, provided they're willing to spend on top talent. They have three picks in the top 50 and six in the top 107.
I love this guy's name for a relief pitcher, a former Sox farmhand:
XXIV. Rule 5 pick Lincoln Holdzkom will be an intriguing newcomer in Phillies camp. The 6-foot-5 righthander has the kind of power arm teams dream of, but he has been unable to stick in one organization, partly due to attitude issues.
Sorry Christine:
XXV. There's not much interest in Wes Helms, so look for him to be in camp for a while with the Phils.
And I used to think they were chokers.
XL. In Charlie Manuel's three seasons as manager, the Phillies are an NL-best 133-89 after the all-star break.
That's all I got - enjoy the big game. I'm taking Jack with the points. And though I've got a nagging feeling the super-charged, early-season Patriots will show up, I think the Giants will at least cover. Goodbye to the '72 Dolphins.
Baseball Mogul: Finally finished year two with the Phils. Got them back to the playoffs, this time as a wild card. Three and out. I've already started retooling. I've signed Scott Olsen to a pretty good deal. And I'm considering a radio-caller type move: trading Adam Dunn to break up my three lefties and replacing him in left with Prince Fielder. Christine's wary of putting the big guy in left, but I promised if I do so I won't trade Ryan Howard. (This offseason anyway.)
Feb 2, 2008
Wide right
I still don't know who I'm rooting for tomorrow, but over the past two weeks I've watched hours of interviews, hype and analyses, and I'm amply prepared for the game.I enjoyed the Friday-before-Super Bowl tradition of listening to Wing Bowl - Joey Chestnut repeated as champ. I've always been more of a Kobayashi fan, but I must admit Joey's starting to win me over. And I was also rooting a bit for El Wingador, though the odds were stacked.
And the other day, the NFL Network played what was probably the first Super Bowl I sat down and watched every play - the 1991 Giants' nail biter over the Bills.
I was a late bloomer to football, and for some reason this Super Bowl was a quiet night in my house. I watched it all with my Dad, hooked on every play. For a Sox fan in a Yankee house, there aren't many opportunities to be rooting with your Dad during a major sporting event. When Scott Norwood missed his kick, there was a sort of joy that I haven't felt again until two weeks ago when I called my dad after Lawrence Tynes made his kick.
At times like these, I think maybe I should have just been sucked into the Empire for all this father-son stuff. Yeah, right. Dad and I can bond just fine busting each other's chops over the Red Sox and Yankees. (Until Mom or Christine tells me to knock it off.)
Back to baseball: Johan's got his deal. Tito's happy. I hope Johan doesn't strain his neck watching the balls fly out of Citizens Bank.
Jan 31, 2008
Jacoby's mom and other tidbits
Sometimes, they're pampered millionaires playing a boy's game. Sometimes, they're just boys. With moms.
In an e-mail to the Boston Globe, Jacoby Ellsbury's mom Margie says:
Looks like that's not going to happen anytime soon.
In other sports: Here's a Super Bowl prediction: If Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi can't stop the Giants early, look for Bill Belichick to find a way to get Manny on the roster.
Yup, G.I. Manny's going to the Super Bowl. He's taking a rare break from his offseason training in the desert where he's been getting in shape for the repeat. One of his agents says he's "fired up" for the upcoming season unlike ever before. Though he laughed when the topic of early spring training reporting came up; the agent said "maybe."
Yes, Christine, winter will end sometime: The TV schedule for the Phils has been released. Four times from March 1 to March 23 you can see whether the likes of Mike Zagurski, Chris Snelling or Clay Condrey can squeeze their way onto a crowded roster. Or whether Pat Gillick can find a way to screw Chris Coste again.
In an e-mail to the Boston Globe, Jacoby Ellsbury's mom Margie says:
"I'm glad it's finally settled and our boys (Jacoby, Clay, Jed) got to stay in Boston."She also reveals that she may not have the same feeling toward wearing outdated Red Sox garb as I do:
"Since the boys are staying, I wore my Red Sox shirt to work today. GO RED SOX."Speaking of which, last fall one of my friends was nice enough to give me an Ellsbury World Series shirt from his trip to Boston. I warned him that I would blame him if it became an instant addition to the Pedro/Mo/Nomar/Clemens collection of antiquated garb.
Looks like that's not going to happen anytime soon.
In other sports: Here's a Super Bowl prediction: If Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi can't stop the Giants early, look for Bill Belichick to find a way to get Manny on the roster.
Yup, G.I. Manny's going to the Super Bowl. He's taking a rare break from his offseason training in the desert where he's been getting in shape for the repeat. One of his agents says he's "fired up" for the upcoming season unlike ever before. Though he laughed when the topic of early spring training reporting came up; the agent said "maybe."
Yes, Christine, winter will end sometime: The TV schedule for the Phils has been released. Four times from March 1 to March 23 you can see whether the likes of Mike Zagurski, Chris Snelling or Clay Condrey can squeeze their way onto a crowded roster. Or whether Pat Gillick can find a way to screw Chris Coste again.
Jan 29, 2008
Johan update
Good news for the Sox, bad for the Phils. Santana's likely going to New York. I can't believe they got him for what was likely the worst of the packages offered by the Empire, the Sox and the Mets. Christine's taking it well. Maybe she's in denial. Maybe that will end when Johan pitches the Mets to a win against the Phils for the first time since June. {No worries. The winning streak will still be intact.}
Jan 25, 2008
More dugout chatter
Last week Chase Utley and Pat the Bat took questions from the phans. Today, young Brett (I know he's no longer young, but we'll always call him that) joined the fray. We didn't learn whether he owns a computer or anything else too revealing, but he gave me a few nuggets to work with.
First of all, what's up with these fans always asking the same questions: what's your favorite ball park, what other position would you have liked to play, do you enjoy Philadelphia, etc. How come no one asked the commonplace, how's the wife and kids? {First, because obviously they are staged questions. Second, is this really a joking matter. Can't we hope that he has grown up and learned not to hit his wife.}
Anyhoo... we learn the chat interrupted the filming of commercials. Since I'm sure young Brett doesn't have a high Q-rating, this can only mean more cheesy Phillie promo commercials are on the way. Just the other day I told Christine I could use some Phillie commercials as blog fodder. She agreed and also can't wait to see this year's slogan. {Last year's Jamie Moyer-Chase Utley commercial? Awesome, if a little weird the first time I saw it.}
We also learn that Myers, as a real young Brett, looked up to Roger Clemens. He's got the fat part down, let's hope he doesn't emulate the illegal drug use. {Those who have David Ortiz on their team should not crack fat jokes.}
Then, we learn something truly scary about the Phillies front office:
What? Since Pat Gillick took the liberty of letting the world know Johan Santana was available last fall, does he think Myers is better than Johan? {Sigh. Is Santana truly available? No. He's not a free agent. He's not going to be traded.}
And toward the end he answered "Would you play for the Mets?" in an odd way:
Based on the answer it seems like he would, but other than Curt I haven't truly believed any Sox when they said they wouldn't play for the Empire. {Talk about overanalyzing. I don't think he'll play for the Mets - he seems kind of stubborn like that - but he gave the safe, PC answer of never say never. Oh yeah, and Curt Schilling's fat too.}
Etc.: Heard a couple of Phils on the radio today. Brad Lidge sounds like he's going to have the mental makeup to handle Philly. Shane Victorino, however, needs to work on his math skills. When asked about J-Roll's prediction of 100 wins, Victorino said it doesn't matter how many wins they have - even 60 - as long as they make the playoffs. You have to win a few more than 60 to reach the playoffs Shane.
First of all, what's up with these fans always asking the same questions: what's your favorite ball park, what other position would you have liked to play, do you enjoy Philadelphia, etc. How come no one asked the commonplace, how's the wife and kids? {First, because obviously they are staged questions. Second, is this really a joking matter. Can't we hope that he has grown up and learned not to hit his wife.}
Anyhoo... we learn the chat interrupted the filming of commercials. Since I'm sure young Brett doesn't have a high Q-rating, this can only mean more cheesy Phillie promo commercials are on the way. Just the other day I told Christine I could use some Phillie commercials as blog fodder. She agreed and also can't wait to see this year's slogan. {Last year's Jamie Moyer-Chase Utley commercial? Awesome, if a little weird the first time I saw it.}
We also learn that Myers, as a real young Brett, looked up to Roger Clemens. He's got the fat part down, let's hope he doesn't emulate the illegal drug use. {Those who have David Ortiz on their team should not crack fat jokes.}
Then, we learn something truly scary about the Phillies front office:
slrmp97: How does it feel knowing when the Phils were looking for the best starting pitcher available this offseason, they decided you were it?
Myers: It's a great feeling that the organization has that kind of confidence in me. Hopefully, the fans feel the same way.
What? Since Pat Gillick took the liberty of letting the world know Johan Santana was available last fall, does he think Myers is better than Johan? {Sigh. Is Santana truly available? No. He's not a free agent. He's not going to be traded.}
And toward the end he answered "Would you play for the Mets?" in an odd way:
Myers: Never say never, but I seriously doubt it. As I stated earlier, I have a lot of love for this city and that would seem really weird. I wouldn't want to feel like a traitor!
Based on the answer it seems like he would, but other than Curt I haven't truly believed any Sox when they said they wouldn't play for the Empire. {Talk about overanalyzing. I don't think he'll play for the Mets - he seems kind of stubborn like that - but he gave the safe, PC answer of never say never. Oh yeah, and Curt Schilling's fat too.}
Etc.: Heard a couple of Phils on the radio today. Brad Lidge sounds like he's going to have the mental makeup to handle Philly. Shane Victorino, however, needs to work on his math skills. When asked about J-Roll's prediction of 100 wins, Victorino said it doesn't matter how many wins they have - even 60 - as long as they make the playoffs. You have to win a few more than 60 to reach the playoffs Shane.
Jan 15, 2008
Joh-on, Joh-off
With the Sox in pursuit of perhaps the best pitcher in the game, you'd think he'd garner more than a passing mention on this site from me.It'd be great to have a 1-2 tandem of Santana and Beckett, two of the top 5 starters in the game. They'd make the Sox a cinch to best the Empire again. And what a pair they'd be in the playoffs, like Curt and Pedro, or Curt and Randy Johnson.
But there's something not right with it. I disagree with those (like Christine) who say the Sox are now the Yankees. I understand the argument, but it's not quite true. This deal, however, would be hard to argue. We don't need him, and last year's championship, unlike 2004's, was more about the future and young, homegrown talent. In 2004, it was an aging powerhouse whose window was closing.
It's been quiet on the Sox end, but that's not necessarily good. Who saw Schilling coming before the great '04 when all the talk was on Javy Vasquez?
Theo, thankfully, said it best last week in the Boston Globe:
"We reached a point with our situation, having most of a world championship club back, having a burgeoning farm system, which I think was just rated the second best in all of baseball, where we feel that we can improve by letting our young players play. We don't have desperate holes we need to go out and fill at any cost. We can pick and choose what makes sense for us, rather than be desperately in the marketplace."That's not an arrogant GM who thinks a successful club one year will autmatically be successful the next. Just one who also understands the value of a great farm system and young talent like Pedroia, Papelbon, Elsbury and Buchholz.
Hopefully, Theo has been hovering over the deal soley to drive the price up for the Empire, who'll have to pony up to beat any of the incarnations the Sox have reportedly offered.
If they get him, we're still the favorites, and hopefully, they'll send enough of their prospects to hurt themselves in the long-run.
Also making a resurgence is the Mets bid, which still doesn't seem to include Jose Reyes. If the Mets land Johan without losing Reyes, the Phils will have a real tough time backing into the division again. If Reyes goes in the deal, it'll still be tough for the Phils , but should make their prospects better in the long-run.
My apologies: In my brief Johnny Podres post yesterday, I didn't mention that he was a former Red Sox pitching coach as well, responsible for developing pitchers like the pre-roid Roger Clemens, Bruce Hurst and Oil Can Boyd. I just found out myself.
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