Phillies Breakfast Links, October 13, 2009: "BEAT L.A.!" Edition
by WholeCamels on Oct 13, 2009 8:27 AM EDT
238 comments
Hamels lined up to start NLCS Game 1
"You know..."
Phillies no match for Gonzalez' big bat
He would have haunted my nightmares had the Phillies lost this series.
Best: Fox, MLB would love NY-LA World Series
"With the Yankees advancing, I think it's fair to say we were sitting with a winning hand either way,'' Fox Sports president Ed Goren said. "There's no question that right out of the chute, game to game, you'll see an increase in ratings over the last couple of years.''
We all know it's true, but wow, talk about piss-poor marketing. "We only have one (maybe two) desirable products."
Making new baseball memories
Normally I hate these "Phillies win because of grit and determination" puff pieces, but I'm just in the mood today!
Tell us: Who do you want to see in the World Series?
You guys know what to do. Phillies-Angels.
Park Could Return for NLCS
"An Influential English Daily in South Kroea" reports on our pal, Chan Ho Park.
Franzke Makes the Call
Jayson Werth's RBI single, and the last out, as called by Phillies radio announcer Scott Franzke (the new Voice of the Phillies).
20 things to ponder about the Dodgers
BEAT L.A.!
Phillies Notebook: Howard didn't miss it
That might be the biggest hit of Ryan Howard's career. I feel privileged for having seen it.
The700Level.com - Quotable: 'Get me to the plate, boys'
Ryan Howard = Legend.
Head-scratching moves work out
I wouldn't call putting Scott Eyre in a "head-scratcher." He's murder on lefties, and do you really trust Lidge, still?
Celizic: Angels present Yanks with biggest challenge
Mike "The Hat" Celizic is, and remains, one of the worst sportswriters in the world.
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The 700Level piece has a link to the TBS call of the Howard double. Wow. I didn’t hear it last night – we were all going bonkers at the bar. Was that a baseball game? Or a calculus class?
Franzke’s call sounds like he was jumping up and down right next to me. Its a real shame that we can’t find some way to get that on our TVs – not even Eagles style mute-the-TV-tune-to-YSP with the radio delay we get on baseball games.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 9:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
http://www.tindeck.com/listen/wtlx
You can listen here without waiting through the TBS guys like its set up on MLB.com.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
there’s also a product you can buy that will ‘delay’ radio calls so you can sync up your radio to your delayed TV. They push it pretty hard down here in ACC basketball country because unless you’re a Dook fan (and I’m not), listening to Dook Vitale cover your game is quite maddening, and Billy Packer grates a lot of people as well (i can tolerate him).
I’ve never used it, but the UNC PR department passively plugs it in the weekly ‘mailbag’ column.
At $200, it’s a little steep I think, but if you’ve got money to burn and would rather listen to the Phils team than the TBS/FOX clowns, might be right up your alley. If Harry and Whitey were broadcasting the games, it might be a no-brainer.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually played with the “pause live TV” bit on my DVR the last couple of games until I got things synced up. Made life so much better to not have to listen to the TBS schlubs.
*sigh*
by zempf on Oct 13, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, that call really is lame.
I don’t think you necessarily have to allow local broadcasters though. For one thing, I don’t even like the Phillies’ broadcasters for the most part, TV or radio. For another thing, one of the special things about having your team in the playoffs is seeing it be elevated to a stage where the whole country is watching, where it’s not just a parochial concern anymore. It’s actually quite cool to see the national perspective on your team – it’s better than local boosterism, at least in theory. Think of all the classic calls that have been made in the playoffs by national TV broadcasters – the Buckner play, the Gibson homer, the Puckett homer, etc. If we were fans of the teams involved, I’m sure we would appreciate those calls more than our own local versions.
It’s just that the national broadcasters have to be, you know, good. And they’re just not. Maybe America has a shortage of good broadcasters nowadays. I don’t know. It’s hard to believe that anyone out there thinks Joe Buck is the baseball PBP man in America who’s most deserving of being the top dog on a national stage. I’ve never met anyone who liked Buck, either in or out of Philadelphia. At best, some people find him mediocre.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I find Buck to be pompous and disconnected. What’s said is I lost almost of all my respect for him as a rational normal person when he just berated Randy Moss for the fake mooning of packers fans after a TD.
Shaking your butt at the crowd after a TD might be a little silly, but it’s not a “disgrace to america, the game of football, and his grandmother”. Dude didn’t drop his pants or anything. Just faked pulling them down and wagged the rump at the rowdys.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, sure. My point is that the best solution would be to just replace Buck with someone better, not to get rid of national coverage altogether.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Had TV on, but listening to MLB Audio
…and so glad I did. Living out of state, I had mlb.tv for the season, which thankfully includes post-season audio. Took me a little while at the beginning of the game to get audio and video reasonably synced, but it was worth it to hear Franzke call Howard’s double as I was watching it!
by Cthepitch on Oct 13, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go Phils
I love this team, Classic game last night.
How do you get to L.A from Philly?.... You take Houston Street.
by JerseyJay on Oct 13, 2009 9:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dat’s a good one! gonna email that to my friend in colorodo right now!
by sixrfan on Oct 13, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
how do you get from colorado to LA would’ve been a better setup.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually would prefer NOT to see Phillies-Angels. First, I would like to avoid having to be the bad guys in the Nick Adenhart story. Second, I would like to avoid having to personally be a bad guy by having to boo Bobby Abreu comes back to town. Everybody else would be booing out of sincere animus, and I don’t want to have to join them.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You wouldn’t have to join them…most of the folk booing abreu would be the same folk who booed him when he was here, you don’t have to boo anyone…you choose to boo.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course I would choose to boo. It’s the World Series and he’s the enemy.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes, the ‘battle’ metaphors for sports…how I love them.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, as an initial matter, no one really cares which metaphors you like and which you don’t, so way to bring up a totally irrelevant point instead of saying something that might actually be responsive.
Second, “enemy” is not necessarily a “‘battle’ metaphor”, as it is a broad term that can be and is used in many different contexts. I don’t see it as being much different from “opponent.” So even if we were to accept that your point had any relevance to the topic of conversation, it would just be wrong in terms of its accuracy with respect to the English language. But otherwise, great post.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
back to ignoring your senior thesis
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not gonna jump on jemagee here. didn’t see that post as snarky as some of his other stuff.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t meant to be snarky – I consider enemy and opponent two different words (if they weren’t – there wouldn’t be two words – there’d only be one) – an enemy is someone you battle – an opponent is someone you compete against.
There are guys I boo cause I think they’re utter douches – regardless of what team they played for – guys I’d have a hard time rooting for if they become Philadelphia sports teams (the common sixer fan discussion is Kobe).
You want to boo Manny – that’s fine – he’s a tool and a cheat, but I don’t htink you HAVE to boo Abreu – you can hope he doesn’t succeed in his plate appearance – but booing him – after all the crap he put up with while he was here – well…i wouldn’t do it – but that’ just me.
I have a serious question here.
WHo had a better season – over all – not just a couple months – Ibanez or Abreu?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting question
Write up the analysis, put it in the fan posts, and we can promote it. It’d be an interesting study.
by David S. Cohen on Oct 13, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ibanez has a higher VORP, for what it’s worth. It’s very close though.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Abreu has a higher OBP and BABIP – Ibanez has a better slugging percentage and thus a higher OPS
I think salary would factor into any comparison – not to mention the ‘long term’ ‘ness’ of Ibanez contract versus the ‘one year rental’ of Abreu…
I also don’t know how healthy abreu stayed all year.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Abreu always stays healthy—his durability was one of the (many) things that made the critiques of him so infuriating. Has he ever missed significant time?
I still love the guy.
by dajafi on Oct 13, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that’s unpossible – guys on steroids get hurt – and he had a big head
I don’tknow that i can run this analysis in a way that would be ‘acceptable’ here – I’m good at running numbers – creating the query to present the data – analysis i admit that i suck at…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is kind of odd that it seems most
of the suspected “juicers” did seem to get hurt at some point after the 2003 season.
by SmilingJPhilsPhan on Oct 15, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone mentioned some things to me that put this beyond my ability
I don’t know how to adjust for the fact that Abreu was in the tougher pitchers league and that Ibanez was in the NL and the park adjustments.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I can find the time – and knowledge, I will
Bobby Abreu has a career BABIP of 351.
That seems pretty good?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly suspect that Abreu was also a juicer who never got caught. I have no proof whatsoever.
He had a ginormous head and very prominent jawbones, and his power just disappeared.
While that is all circumstantial evidence, and not good enough for a conviction in any court of law, the court of Bilzo is willing to hear the case, pending additional evidence that just might get released someday.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The worst thing about steroids is that they make people with big heads automatic suspects.
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The worst thing is people jumping to conclusions based on little to no evidence.
Not to mention that predisposition to hatred of a player probably makes one more likely to jump to a conclusion that has no factual support whatsoever.
Then again, the whole ‘steroids help you be better’ is anecdotal anyway ain’t it?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I still think the worst thing is the discrimination against people with big domes.
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you have a giant head?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As you know, none of us would be all that surprised :)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't know if it was intentional or not
but that was funny.
by Screen Name 20 on Oct 13, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no…not people with big heads….
but people who’s heads get bigger after they’re an adult and then shrink.
The fact that I didn’t like his as a player has nothing to do with my steroids suspicion. I liked McGwire but was pretty sure he was a juicer.
I liked Sosa, but was pretty sure he was a juicer.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was a rather large amount of evidence against both McGwiere and Sosa
There really is none against Abreu except your perception about his head size and your hatred of him (any phillies fan who hates bobby abreu doesn’t make sense to me…nor do I take them seriously)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t meant to be snarky – I consider enemy and opponent two different words (if they weren’t – there wouldn’t be two words – there’d only be one) – an enemy is someone you battle – an opponent is someone you compete against.
Hate to agree with Jem but, an enemy is someone you want to kill and an opponent is someone you want to best.
by SmilingJPhilsPhan on Oct 15, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, not necessarily
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enemy
Def. 1 = "one that is antagonistic to another; especially : one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent
Obviously, it has a stronger connotation than “opponent” does in terms of degree or emphasis, but there’s no difference in kind as the two of you are suggesting.
by taco pal on Oct 15, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Abreu
That would put me in an odd position, not just because Abreu is one of my all-time favorite Phils. Rather, his Phillies jersey is my only Phillies jersey, and I wear it to almost every game I go to. If he were on the other team, I don’t think I could wear it!
by David S. Cohen on Oct 13, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I have one too (which I got for half price the day after Bobby was traded – the only good thing to come out of that deal, from my perspective).
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I got my Abreu right after the trade too, though I also have an Utley.
For Who? My teammates.
For What? To Win.
How Much? Where do I sign?
by jonk on Oct 13, 2009 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw someone at the rockies games wearing an abreu jersey – I thought it was nice.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got a Burrell jersey, and the day we signed Ibanez, I went out and got a Hamels one. It’s a risky move. You have to get people who leave the organization on amicable terms.
Nobody’s gonna jeer at my Burrell jersey, but I have a bad feeling that Hamels isn’t going to fare that well with Philly when he leaves because of his ‘whinyness’ and eccentricities that his performance don’t quite allow for.
Lefty was a bit of a weirdo, but he was a ridiculous stud on the mound.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is Hamels leaving?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know that he will, but statistics say he will. Very few people play for one organization nowadays.
If that day comes, I’m not certain it’s going to be a friendly split. He’s a very good young pitcher, but he’s portrayed as a bit of a goofball in the media, and doing things like publicly whining about having to pitch at 2 PM instead of 1 PM allow you to peer into his personality a little better.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only as much as you can determine that Bobby Abreu used steroids without any actual evidence.
The only guy i have a problem with since he left was Rolen cause they offered him quite a bit of cash and he still complained about the money…plus the fact that third base has been pretty crappy since he left.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’ve already stated I don’t KNOW ….ehhh.. F-it. You seriously aren’t worth the discussion.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No – you just can’t support yet another asinine point barely worthy of Howard Eskin – but you are revealing yourself rather nicely
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
please tell me the last All-Star Caliber pitcher to spend his career with one team.
Dig in. Go for it. Put some evidence up smart guy.
In fact….I think Craig Biggio is about the last guy to spend a career with one team.
One out of what…..24 players x 30 teams = 720 players with maybe a 10% turnover year to year in retirees/rookies.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mariano Rivera
Andy Petite
that took a long time
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
crap – i knew i was wrong on petite
i forgot he went to houston
what about roy oswalt?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
congrats…that’s 1 out of maybe 1200 players in MLB, both of which could still end up on other teams.
Odds are good that Hamels will be a lifetime Phillie.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well – he’ll be a phillie for a long while – but again you were projectiing your own ‘insights’ into his character that some how he’d be derided after he left.
You derided abreu while he was here so of course you’d deride after you left.
And the fact that you derided him while he was here tells me all I need to know
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll give you 2 better reasons to root for the Yankees
1. No WS games starting at obscene hours (at least no more obscene than they already are)
2. No cross country travel for the players. That wears you out. The Phillies will have already been through a series traveling across 2 time zones, followed by a series across 3 times zones. As a one time heavy traveler, just that amount of travel can beat you up, and I wasn’t playing games during my trips, which would make it worse, I imagine.
by Cormican on Oct 13, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure that the world series start times will be the same regardless of the two teams playing…fox will come on the air at 8 and do their irritating pre game and first pitch will be around 8:45 or so and the games will run too long….i doubt the start time will change dependent on who the opponents are
Though if it’s angels/dodgers you gotta think they’d be a bit tempted to push it to more ‘prime time’ on the west coast…i doubt they will, but tempting.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t they announce that they were moving the WS first pitch up closer to 8pm this year? Pre-game will start at 7 or 7:30, with the game starting at something like 8:07. Still later than a typical game (in your time zone), but better than years past
by Cthepitch on Oct 13, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My time zone is california – so games start early enough for me – though a later start for a phillies game wouldn’t bother me so much.
I heard rumors of trying to get an earlier first pitch – I’ll believe it when I see it – pre game shows BEFORE 8 pm don’t get counted in prime time ratings…(except on Sundays)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I posted awhile back...
that for me, this is what I’d like to see, purely for selfish reasons. I live in L.A. and would get to see the Phils in 4+ post-season games. Watching the Phils clinch the NLCS last year was amazing. Even better would be being at the game if and when the Phils repeat as WS champs.
Of course, I’d also like to see the Angels beat the Yankees just so Bud and Fox and ESPECIALLY ESPN could completely lose their shit. Though I wouldn’t look forward to 20 minutes of every sportcenter devoted to how the Yankees could have possibly lost. Not to mention segments on how if the Phils win out, the Yankees are still a better team and would have probably beat them.
And maybe finally the Phillies will get some decent start times.
On as side note, I am completely thrilled that I won’t have to see Torrealba again in a long long time. I know little about him, but his bush league antics (continuously slapping the ground behind the batter with his glove, huge celebrations over an out, crying about a strike) pretty much made me a hater.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN doesn’t really have a horse in the race, they aren’t televising any of the playoff games…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They aren't broadcasting any games
But that doesn’t change the fact that to them, only 2 teams exist in baseball, the Yanks and the Sox.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow – this chestnut is even more irritating than booing santa claus
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps
But until things change, you’ll probably hear it a lot.
At least the Phils are in a fairly major market and are good. ESPN has to pay some attention to them. I feel sorry for small market teams like the Twins.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whether or not things change it won’t matter – cause much like booing santa clause – it’s just one of those statements irrational people will keep touting out
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dbacks fan here.
Congratulations, Phillies fans, on making the NLCS. Now go give the Dodgers what for!
I have a shrine dedicated to Mark Reynolds, wherein I keep his bobblehead, signed baseball, and jersey T-shirt.
by DbacksSkins on Oct 13, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not at all.
You know full well that the rest of the division hates the Dodgers.
I have a shrine dedicated to Mark Reynolds, wherein I keep his bobblehead, signed baseball, and jersey T-shirt.
by DbacksSkins on Oct 13, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow.
We’ll remember this you dirty, slimy snake.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You show me a "slimy snake"
and I’ll show you an amphibian.
I have a shrine dedicated to Mark Reynolds, wherein I keep his bobblehead, signed baseball, and jersey T-shirt.
by DbacksSkins on Oct 14, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Game Two
The really crucial question is who starts Game Two.
In my view, because the Dodgers are better against LHP, choosing Happ over Blanton or Martinez would clearly be incorrect.
Under normal circumstances, choosing Lee over Blanton or Martinez would be the right call notwithstanding the Dodgers’ splits, of course, but since Lee would be on short rest in this case, I don’t think it’s justified. Save Lee for Games 3 and 7.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like Lee on short rest
Though I was surprised to see that he’s never done it.
by ken on Oct 13, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s no need to risk it…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It should be Pedro.
It should be Pedro or Blanton, with the other one starting Game 4 (the Dodgers do well against left-handed starters, so Happ should head to the bullpen). Pedro’s had greater success against Manny during his career (.167/.194/.233 in 30 AB, compared to .560/.600/.720 vs. Blanton in 25 AB), and Blanton’s struggled against some of the other key Dodgers in his career (Ethier 5-for-11, Loney 5-for-8). I’d rather pitch Pedro at Chavez Ravine all things considered, so I’d go with him in Game 2.
Then our staff sets up like this for the rest of the series…
Game 1: Hamels
Game 2: Martinez
Game 3: Lee
Game 4: Blanton
Game 5: Hamels
Game 6: Lee (on normal rest)
Game 7: Martinez/Blanton
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JA Happ wants to know why you hate him.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2009 Dodgers vs. RHP: .270/.342/.407
2009 Dodgers vs. LHP: .272/.359/.427
.037 points of OPS is pretty substantial over the course of an entire lineup. And sending Happ to the bullpen in favor of Pedro and Blanton isn’t really overthinking it, as they’re all roughly equal pitchers:
Happ: 4.58 xFIP — 4.33 tRA
Blanton: 4.13 xFIP — 4.52 tRA
Martinez: 4.24 xFIP — 5.17 tRA
Plus, there’s the added benefit that since Happ has “bullpen experience,” Charlie will use him in high leverage situations, possibly even in the 8th and 9th. He simply doesn’t have the same faith in Bastardo yet, giving us only one other late-game left-handed option in Eyre. Madson, Eyre, Happ, a healthy Park, and Lidge (used situationally) is a bullpen I might have some modicum of faith in.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bah Numbers, JA Happ knows you hate him :)
What’s tRA – is it good if it’s low or high?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tRA is StatCorner’s response to FIP, xFIP, and the like. It’s basically a more complicated version of FIP that takes into account batted ball type. It’s explained in more detail here.
I’d be lying if I said I had a great grip on it at this juncture, but I like that it incorporates ground ball rate.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Happs being the lowest is good?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your lips to Charlie’s ears!
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/Hamels_in_Game_1__Sounds_like_Pedro_in_Game_2.html
by taco pal on Oct 14, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blanton or Pedro. Probably Blanton, but if the Phils win game one, I’d love to see Pedro for sentimental reasons. And I actually believe he still has a few great games left in his arm.
I see Lee in game 3. He’d be on normal rest and could pitch a game 7.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPN.com "expert" predictions
Split down the middle.
Olney, Neel – Phillies in 6
Kurkjian, Woj. – Phillies in 7
Phillips, Gammons – Dodgers in 7
Neyer, Caple – Dodgers in 5
Caple picking the Dodgers?!? Shocker!!!
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 11:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stark doesn’t get to make a prediction?
by phatj on Oct 13, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s because he covered the Phillies and still lives in the Philly area.
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 13, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For reference sake, 2008 predictions...
Stark — Dodgers in 7
Kurkjian — Dodgers in 7
Neyer — Phillies in 7
Phillips — Dodgers in 7
Caple — Dodgers in 5 (at least he’s consistent)
by wildcatlh on Oct 13, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty even split. Phillips is picking the Dodgers, which is a very good thing.
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neyer...
Seems to hate the Phillies. So no surprise there.
And Gammons world consists of 2 teams, the Yankees and the Red Sox. Since Torre is now managing the Dodgers…
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I find hysterical is read any chat from any ESPN head and you’ll see that they hate every team if you believe the fans.
Neyer did seem to think that Lidge shouldn’t be on the post season roster – but that’s a defensible argument since lidge SUCKED this year
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
Stark, Kurkjian, Kruk, and one of the Baseball Tonight hosts (forget his name) seem to like the Phils. Stark and Kruk for obvious reasons.
But the fact remains that all that is drowned out by the constant droning about the Yanks and the Sox.
The simple fact is that if you look at the Phils, they are stacked. They match up with anyone, including the Yanks and Sox. They have 2 MVPs, 2 Cy Youngs, and a World Series MVP. Not to mention a pile of all-stars (I count 10 that have been). And not to mention that they are the defending champs.
I’ll stack up Rollins/Victorino/Utley/Howard/Werth/Ibanez against Jeter/Damon/Teixeira/A-rod/Matsui/Posada any day of the week. And Lee/Hamels/Blanton/Pedro/Happ against CC/Burnett/Pettite/Jabba/Mitre. The only clear edge I’d give is to Mariano. That guy is in a different world.
And yet they seemed to be treated as an afterthought by ESPN. They always seem to comment along the lines of “oh, yeah, by the way, the Phils won. Now back to a pitch by pitch breakdown of Joba’s 4th inning.”
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you think ESPN is the one that’s nutty?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a Giants fan
GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!
BEAT LA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 13, 2009 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not surprised
that a dumb Giants fan has to rehash the dumbest and most unoriginal slogan in all of sports.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Not dumb or unoriginal. Actually an awesome moment. See below. Look it up if you think people say it just because it has a good rhythm.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know the history. I'm not impressed. The slogan is tired, un-original and played out.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So is Los Angeles – so it fits nicely.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Boom
Roasted
"It was almost like if Harry didn't call it, it wasn't real." - Jayson Stark
by Chris Haines on Oct 13, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well fellas,
It was well earned.
Now please beat the Dodgers. And if you want to tell your pitchers to plunk Manny 8 or 9 times, that would be great.
Funny Dog to Make Life Worthwhile
by frightenedinmate#2 on Oct 13, 2009 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome game last night
Thank God, I don’t have a weak heart, cause that game would have done me in.
Still it shouldn’t have been remotely close. Had Pedro Feliz not turned into Clint Barmes with the bases loaded twice, the Rockies run in the 8th inning should have been nothing more than a cute comeback attempt with little chance of success.
If the Phillies do that against the Dodgers, we could be in serious trouble (though the Dodgers bullpen is as suspect as the Phillies this season)
by Cormican on Oct 13, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pedro Feliz didn’t turn into Clint Barnes – he stinks enough as Pedro Feliz – his failure at the plate should not be a surprise.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I did wonder why he wasn’t in the 8th spot. I’d rather have Ruiz hitting 7th. I only get to watch a handful of games a year now that I live out of market, and Feliz hadn’t looked that bad previously.
by Cormican on Oct 13, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is somewhat odd thought process, and along the lines of sitting your best hitter so you can PH him at a key point in the game….
but…
If you put Pedro and the pitcher back to back, you have 2 black holes in a row in the lineup (3 if you count rollins!) You run the risk of never getting any production out of a consecutive 3rd of the order. Can you imagine how many 5 pitch innings the opposition would have if Pedro was leading off the inning?
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The crew at the BP roundtable last night had the same argument I had with a buddy of mine. When someone suggested pinch hitting for Feliz with the bases loaded, someone else said something to the effect of, “But you’ll want his glove in there.” Then someone else countered with, “I think you’d rather have Dobbs’ glove with a 3-run lead.” Yes, yes we would.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had mixed feelings about that. Obviously, there’s no guarantee that Dobbs would have succeeded either (he didn’t in the 9th). And I think Dobbs has less mobility than usual because of his injury.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dobbs is definitely hurting right now, but it’s almost criminal to let Feliz — a career .252/.288/.417 hitter against RHP — hit against a righty in a high-leverage situation. Dobbs at least saw 5 pitches in his at bat, and I’d have to think he’d have produced a better at bat against Betancourt than Pete did.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I mean, using Feliz is definitely problematic. But, you know, Dobbs’ career stats vs. righties aren’t really that much better: .271/.316/.434. To roll the dice on a single plate appearance vs. an inning in the field… I probably would have used Dobbs too but I don’t think the answer is so clear that reasonable minds couldn’t disagree.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the time, I thought it was the correct decision to keep Feliz in there. Knowing what we know now… well, it’s still really debatable. Dobbs had a poor year, and he’s not 100 percent. He had an awful AB in the 9th against Street, who certainly wasn’t as good in the series as Betancourt was, and might not be as good, period.
by dajafi on Oct 13, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suppored Feliz all year because I didn’t think he was THAT bad with the bat and he is awesome with a glove.
That being said – his approach at the plate this past series is comical. He has no plan or discipline. His approach every time is go up there hacking, regardless of pitcher performance or runners on base.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont think sending in Dobbs over Feliz is really all that great a move.
1) Feliz has the highest BA with RISP this year for the Phillies. At least, that has been mentioned, it must have gone down pretty mightily now, and also I dont know if it is just small sample size flukishness. Regardless, Feliz has actually had a pretty decent year with the Bat so far. I am not saying great year, just decent.
2) Dobbs has had pretty much a horrible year with the bat this year. He is also coming back from injury and he hasnt really shown anything to indicate that he is recovered from that.
On the other hand, pinch hitting Stairs for Feliz makes sense. Both actually have had pretty horrible recent slumps, but Stairs seems pretty good about taking pitches and getting walks. Feliz has been really bad recently, so that might be something to consider.
Maybe double switching Francisco would have been a good idea as well, though to be honest I cant remember the game situation. Lee was still in? Francisco had already been put in? Regardless, I think Francisco or Cairo should be the go to bats at this point, with Stairs going in if the chance of a HR is worth the heightened chance of an out. Maybe I shouldnt be giving up on Dobbs so quickly, though.
by Whack8888 on Oct 13, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong. To say Feliz had a decent year with the bat only ignores his sub-.700 OPS at a position which normally provides power. It also ignores the fact that among starting 3rd basemen in baseball, he had the LOWEST OPS. Which means he had an atrocious season with the bat. And he will continue to have atrocious seasons with the bat because he is an awful baseball player.
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technically, that isn’t correct. Feliz was somewhere between 25-27 out of 30 in OPS among starting 3B in MLB.
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get it now
You’re the real Ted Mosby
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stairs + Cairo
For Who? My teammates.
For What? To Win.
How Much? Where do I sign?
by jonk on Oct 13, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s probably the right move. My natural inclination was to go to Dobbs to save a move — remind me again why we carried Kyle Kendrick at the expense of a 6-man bench? — but whatever the case, I just didn’t think it was the right move to let Feliz hit there.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I could think during the game
Is that Pedro Feliz has got to be the most unclutch player in the history of baseball.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strike 3 – you’re out
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If only Feliz DID turn into Clint Barmes. If only…
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was only meaning to refer to Barmes
0-fer the series
by Cormican on Oct 13, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Congrats to the Phils on beating my Rocks
only one warning. MLB seriously wants a Dodger/Yanks series so beware of the umpiring.
by PinchHitLancePainter on Oct 13, 2009 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh – right – i forgot that MLB fixes games
Cause last year they really wanted phillies rays instead of dodgers red sox
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, you knew umpires fix games and didn’t tell us?
And they did? Wouldn’t Dodgers Sox have had better ratings???
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“beware of the umpiring.”
uhhh…okay…but even if the fix was on, I’m not so sure there is anything we as fans could do about it.
Thanks though.
by FuquaManuel on Oct 13, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean yelling at the tv at the top of your lungs doesn’t do anything?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t talk like that. I refuse to believe that Charlie Manuel can’t hear me when I scream at him to pinch hit for Pedro Feliz.
by PhillyFriar on Oct 13, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’d rather think that he just ignores you?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations, Phillies!
Now, on behalf of most of the rest of the NL West, go kick some Dodger ass. =)
"Spam headline: 'YOU ARE CHOSEN!' Oh, Morpheus, you're getting pretty lazy."
"Or they are informing you you are Jewish in a very lame conversion campaign."
"In either case, sending me spam is not the way to invite me to Zion."
by kishi on Oct 13, 2009 1:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
thanks
Doesn’t seem like there’s much love out there for the Dodgers. I guess the Mets, at least up until a year or so ago when they became somewhat pitiable, are or would have been our division equivalent.
Or the Braves five years back—I remember turning into a huge Astros/Giants/whoever fan when the playoffs started.
by dajafi on Oct 13, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's some dislike for the Dodgers
But a lotta hate for Manny.
"Spam headline: 'YOU ARE CHOSEN!' Oh, Morpheus, you're getting pretty lazy."
"Or they are informing you you are Jewish in a very lame conversion campaign."
"In either case, sending me spam is not the way to invite me to Zion."
by kishi on Oct 13, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t despise the dodgers. I enjoy watching Ramirez when he wants to play. That little kid enthusiasm he brings is heart-warming. The HCG isn’t a real good thing though…
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manny is a little kid
for better or worse. He does really cool things like high fiving that fan when he caught the fly ball and turning around to fire it back to pick off the runner. Unfortunately he also does child like nonsense of sulking when he doesn’t get his way. Leaving the field during play to use the bathroom and the terrible play where he flubbed a diving catch sat on the ball and laughed while the play was still going at his own absurdity.
His child like approach makes him awesome and terrible to watch depending upon the situation.
by Cormican on Oct 13, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s a great ball player – and a cheat – I’ve never seen one player so analyzed for things that have nothing to do with his actual game. (Aside from Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm looking for a good series between us.
I want my Dodgers to win, duh. But I want a good, solid series and I expect nothing less.
BTW, you guys are better than re-hashing “Beat LA”. I mean … c’MON!!!!
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Come on
Beat LA is a classic. And these two teams will now be meeting for the 5th time in the NLCS. My family still has “Beat LA” paraphenalia from 1977/78.
And I’m sure we’ll get those LA beat writers tossing out the old “they booed Santa Claus” various cheesesteak/worst fans in sports references so just consider it even.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always thought Boston Celtics fans invented “Beat L.A.” in 1982. Is that not right?
by taco pal on Oct 13, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The chant might have started there, but I have a button that says “Beat LA” on it that was produced for the 1977 NLCS. Also, I’d have to think there have been quite a few “Beat LA” references from USC and UCLA games, no? It’s not as if the Celtics invented the phrase.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t say who invented it, but ’82 Eastern Conference Finals was the defining moment for the phrase. Has to be one of the coolest fan moments in sports.
Whoda thought Boston fans could be so gracious? How things change…
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’re not that gracious. Celtics fans got extremely snarky towards Magic fans when we started using the chant before the NBA Finals last season.
"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"
by The Dark on Oct 14, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Sports fans are gracious…not even the ‘wonderful’ cardinals fans.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 14, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Cardinals have fans?
Who knew?
"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"
by The Dark on Oct 14, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup – best fans in sports don’t you know.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 14, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They DID give Holliday a standing O his 1st PA home.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 14, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no not really
The Dodgers and Phillies met in the NLCS twice in the late 70’s. They were both consistently good teams and contenders. There was plenty of Beat L.A. during those Dodgers/Phils series. Believe me, the Dodgers were hated in Philly.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santa Claus? They also cheered Michael Irvin's career ending neck injury.
Just adding that for completeness.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me guess – you have no clue about the story outside ‘booing santa claus’
Whereas dodger fans welcomed back with open arms an affrimed cheater who was suspended for 50 games….i guess they’re better fans
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey
Trying to get pregnant can be rough on anyone, and Manny is no exception.
"Spam headline: 'YOU ARE CHOSEN!' Oh, Morpheus, you're getting pretty lazy."
"Or they are informing you you are Jewish in a very lame conversion campaign."
"In either case, sending me spam is not the way to invite me to Zion."
by kishi on Oct 13, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was the Cowboys. It was Michael Irvin. It was the Eagles in 1999 and Doug Pederson started that game. Cut us a friggin’ break.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
so people in the stands at the Vet, the same Vet where they played Phillies games cheered Michael Irvin’s career ending neck injury during an Eagles game. Duh. I didn’t think that was necessary to spell out.
I mean us Dodger fans have still got to live down LA Raider fans, and they haven’t played her in 13 years! It’s part of the territory, and the Raiders played like 20 miles away in a completely different part of town (South Central vs 2 miles from Downtown).
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to live down dodger fans, laker fans, and the whole apathy of your city…in general
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You missed my point. I was saying I’m slightly (admittedly guiltily) proud of the fact that we cheered that play. It was an awful time for the Eagles, like 5-11, last in the East awful. Imagine being on the sidewalk when Ann Coulter was maimed by a bus (or Bill Maher, depending on you politics).
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok – see – now you just lost me – I don’t approve of cheering any major injury
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
I mean his career was done after that play. And don’t give me that, “They didn’t know how bad it was,” crap. He was motionless, had to have his neck immobilized and then if I recall correctly was carted off the field. As any kind of a sports fan (fans in Philly are supposed to be the most knowledgeable) you can’t see that and think, “Hah! Enjoy that twisted pinkie, Cowboy!!” That isn’t a cheering matter, and when I saw the coverage on ESPN and it was Berman, Jackson and (I think Young) all publicly shaming the Eagles fans for cheering … I thought it was appropriate to condemn that kind of behavior.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would publicly condem the behavior too – but the problem is that media singles out philadephia fans for bad behavior whereas bad beahvior happens all over.
Raider Fans – try going to a raider game in a jersey of the other team – you’ll be lucky to leave unharmed
In the city of boston bill buckner had to leave the city for a while because every time someone saw him on the street they’d hurl insults or roll a can of vegetables at him asking him to pick it up.
Just this year – some buffalo bills fans defaced a players house after a bad play in a game.
Philadlephia fans ARE NOT the only ‘reprobate’ fans…ALL fans are reprobate fans – philadelphia fans are the only ones consistently called out for it – primarily for two events ONE OVER FORTY YEARS AGO that most people who bring it up don’t even KNOW the story aside from the punchline
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tongue in cheek. I don’t either, but just as the booing of Santa Claus, this incident is always taken entirely out of context. Doesn’t make it right, but the fans at that game also weren’t cheering Rudy getting injured out there.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Booing Santa Claus
Wow. Did the 19 yr old kid even look like Santa?
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My goodness – he atually looked it up
VERY impressed :)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Google is a wonderful thing.
I always knew it, but firejoemorgan.com reinforced it.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know – but most people don’t even bother to learn the story – hell ESPN once did a story about it (albeit with kenny mayne who i hate) to get the whole thing out there (even though they perpetuate the myth at the same time)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there was a fatal shooting at Dodgers’ Stadium in 2003, and 3 people hospitalized after being stabbed in 2005, 15 charges of battery against fans and 8 charges of domestic violence between Opening Day and June 4, another man stabbed after Opening Day this year. Keep it classy, LA.
"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"
by The Dark on Oct 14, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll make sure I come up with some cleverly worded slogan that paraphrases “Your fans don’t show up until the 3rd inning of a League Championship Series game.”
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The smog makes them slow
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You weren't at Games 1 or 2 LA vs StL this year. The place was 99% full by the singing of the national anthem.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt any sporting event that doesn’t involve the lakers is 99% full in LA – ever…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually . . .
I was at that game (the clinching game 3) and it was also the same. I’m starting to think that LA fans being late to playoff games is an urban myth.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So is 99% actual attendance at a dodgers game.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
An urban myth perpetuated by the miniature empty Chavez Ravine people created that was then shown on national television during coverage of last year’s NLCS in the greatest hoax since the moon landing.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LIE TO ME
GO TO KINKO
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
last year you could see the stands on tv at the start of the game, and while it wasn’t empty, there were plenty of people dressed up as empty seats. It did fill in throughout the game, but people were obviously casually late. Now I didn’t watch any of the LAD-STL series this year, so I have no idea if it was different, but that ‘myth’ looked to be in full effect in the NLCS last year.
by Bilzo on Oct 13, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In ‘defense’ of LA – keep in mind that the 8 PM eastern start means the game is starting at 5 and folk do have to work, the LA has some pretty narly traffic, the 405 being the worst highway in the world around that time of day – and public transportation in LA is kind of a ridiculous joke thel ikes of which even Carlos Mencia wouldn’t steal.
Just saying – 8 pm eastern start, it’s easier to work a full day, have dinner and get there before the start versus the 5 pm pacific start.
Some of them I’m sure are justifiabily late because they couldn’t get off work early
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who am i kidding – the 405 is the worst highway in the world – regardless of the time of day
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went to NLCS game 5 last year...
And I didn’t get to my seat till the 2nd inning. I was at the park on time, but from getting in the entrance to getting an actual parking space took over an hour. Not to mention another 20 minutes walking to actually get from the parking spot to the stadium. Which included having to climb down a giant hill on literally a dirt trail through scrub brush. Though it was interesting watching women try it in heels.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dirt trail through scrub brush?
Where the HELL did you park and where were your seats!?
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was some kind of overflow parking lot up on a bluff near the giant Dodgers sign. The choice was to walk back down the winding road (and add like 20 minutes to the walk) or take a direct route down the hill (and by hill I don’t mean a little hill, it still took 10 minutes to get down it). And add a minute or so for the time I took to shake the sandy dirt out of my shoes.
It was so bad I wouldn’t have been surprised if someone sued. It was and is utterly retarded that they don’t have a simple staircase put in.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
whoops
You were in Tucson.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
by WholeCamels on Oct 13, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is the one where if you look north you're staring right at the LA Police Academy? You should have just parked there.
Lots of times, if I’m with able-bodied people I park there. If anyone gives you static you tell them you’re there to use the ATM at the credit union.
You must’ve been 180 degrees from there, over the shrubs.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it’s an urban myth in the way that Phillies fans booed Santa Claus and cheered Michael Irvin’s career-ending injury.
Which they didn’t—since it was Eagles fans who did both.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’ll forgive them – a city of 8 million people – they couldn’t support a single football team, TWICE…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's all politics and has nothing to do with LA's desire for an NFL team.
I personally blame our previous mayor, Hahn and Mark Ridley-Thomas who said the only way the NFL is coming to LA is if the NFL comes to South Central LA. No chance of it being outside of the city limits or in the San Fernando Valley.
If you want to accuse LA of having horrible, degenerate politicians and a corrupt machine, fine. But to say the people are inferior because they don’t have NFL is a bit unfair.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t say inferior – i said unable to support.
LA is inferior for a lot of reasons.
There are some who feel that LA NOT having a team is what the NFL truly wants from a ratings point of view.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need a special post for ‘fans of other teams who hate LA’ to post in :)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe they are complaining about the “Beat L.A.” chant. To Phillies fans.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t believe anyone cares.
we could just go LA Sucks – LA Sucks
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's at least more original and, honestly I would respect it more.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No – it’s not original – it’s derivative of numerous chants from various locations – which again suits LA nicely as LA really is just a derivative mishmash of wasted life these days. (Trust me, I live closer to LA than you think)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, *I* am.
I think you’re all better than that is all. It annoys me. Big deal, not like I think you all care or anything, it’s just this is an old-school rivalry that I think is better than being re-treaded is all.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know the national media distorts everything. And they will find every way to retread whatever they can. Get ready for mind-numblingly awful coverage.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair
Isn’t the fact that the chants annoys an opposing fan actually more of a reason to use it?
"Spam headline: 'YOU ARE CHOSEN!' Oh, Morpheus, you're getting pretty lazy."
"Or they are informing you you are Jewish in a very lame conversion campaign."
"In either case, sending me spam is not the way to invite me to Zion."
by kishi on Oct 13, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS to all you wellwishers last night
in my flu induced state I got a 17 out of 25 on the exam i took
Which usually would suck
But it was the highest score in the class – so the teacher is now forced to curve (whcih he hates to do) but it was a piss poor exam…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m happy to know that in LA fans we can find a common outlet for our obnoxiousness. Makes me look forward to this series even more. Bring on the trolls…
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
then I congratulate you, on a curve!
http://www.thegoodphight.com
by WholeCamels on Oct 13, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were just some dumb ass questions – i hate theory – but how the hell am i supposed to know what language set to use to accomcdate japanese, eastern european, english and spanish.
I HATE theory classes
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I made a welcome post a couple of days ago,
Basically, I just want to reiterate that I think this is a decent blog and you all have a lot to be proud of. My father-in-law is a Phillies phan (he grew up in Philly) so I have much respect to you guys.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s a witch! Burn him!
Really jumped all over you there, didn’t we.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He brought up the booing thing – i think it’s one of those ‘issues’ that gets to philadelphia sports fans, we REALLY get pissy about the booing
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve realized that Skip Bayless IS an act – all of him – there is no substance or context to him – it’s all an act to get reactions he has no actual beliefs – he’s just out to goad people.
He’s like eskin – just on a bigger stage with better pay (and a much cooler brother)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had no idea the booing Santa Claus was such a raw nerve. Now I do.
And after looking it up, it isn’t really fair that the Baylesses and Plasskeys (dear GOD am I embarrassed those two twits at any time wrote for major papers in LA!!!) dumby and unoriginally (hah) use it again and again and again …
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least they could be original and talk about batteries and JD Drew :)
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But no,
far be it from any sportswriter or personality who covers sports nationally to look up anything or do any preparation. Joe Morgan is an obvious target, but the vast majority don’t do any kind of research. Plasskey is another one, in the same article he’ll say “stats are bad” and then cite some crazy stat to support his claim that the Angels show “heart” or that they “choked” or whatever.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was reminded of this when I read about Jozy Altidore, an up and coming striker for the American national soccer team, being hit with batteries before a HOME match against Honduras in Chicago and having to receive treatment. It puts things into perspective I think, that all throughout the rest of the world, sporting events are seen as places to get drunk, rowdy, and occasionally violent. In the US, we have a higher standard (and more effective police).
I would never want to have anything like international soccer in baseball, as I think assaulting athletes during a match of any kind is absolutely wrong, but can you imagine where Philadelphia would fit on an international scale? You know, instead of comparing our follies to grandmothers in St. Louis.
A pointless exercise, I guess, but a bit thought provoking.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well – see – As americans – with all te various sports options we have, and options in general, we don’t really have a ‘national identity’ let alone a national identity through sports…in other countries these soccer teams (be they your national team or your ‘local club’ team like in those british cities i don’t get at all) there seems to be a lot more of ‘identity’ tied up in the performance of said teams…I often say I think that some fans should take the phillies (or whatever) less seriously, and not let whether they win or lose affect them so much, but that whole soccer thing is a scale i don’t understand
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bill Simmons had a pretty good column saying just that. That its not even worth comparing fans of any team anywhere in the US to soccer fandom in Mexico. On such a different scale that it quickly becomes a silly discussion.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it’s not just mexico – it’s most countries that aren’t the United States, I think it has to do with variety of what’s available in general and the historical ‘national pride’ tied up in a soccer team (or local pride in terms of a team like Man U or Chelsea) and the US has never really had that – I mean sure we cared about the olymipcs every once in a while – but more for political reasons – and the national pride is just fleeting – we have too many distractions
I HATE when Bill Simmons and I agree on things – makes me feel dirty
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think in the same article he may have claimed that Kevin Garnett could beat the entire Mexican national team in a fist fight.
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well – since KG only takes cheap shots – probably he could – but it would take a while…
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will say this,
you guys are about 10000 times more cordial to opposing fans than those insane maniacs at McCovey Chronicles.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Division Rivalries
Are much more hostile. You should see Met-Phillies exchanges. And Marlins ones probably would be, too, if they had any fans. Zing!
Any more broad, sweeping generalizations we can make on here today?
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blondes are stupid
Midwesterners have sex with cows
southerners have sex with their farm animals
I think that covers it right?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and I never ever have anything positive to say about anyone, anything, or anytime.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This guy
He’s not kidding!
http://www.thegoodphight.com
by WholeCamels on Oct 13, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
White people can’t jump. There’s another one. They even made a (fairly funny, at times anyway) movie about it.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, Brent Celek disagrees with the above statement. ^
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Shelton makes some great movies about damaged athletes
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No no!
you don’t understand. If you even say, “Hi! I’m an (opposing team to the SFGiants) fan. How do you do?” That elicits about 100 replies and then one of the moderators has to ban you so as not to have the entire site crash. I’m not even talking about Dodgers or Rockies fans going over there.
by Seanny Rotten on Oct 13, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I’ll be sure to stay away. I actually had my Phillies hat stolen at a SF Giants game many years ago, so they do have some hostile fans out there.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably raiders fans hoping to see SOMEONE WIN
Is there any area of the country with more poorly run franchises, the raiders, the 49ers, the giants, and really the A’s are poorly run in terms of spending they just found some weaknesses to exploit.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MCC is a little scary
Three sites I avoid as an opposing fan: MCC, Gaslamp Ball, and Bleed Cubbie Blue. (Bleed Cubbie Blue looks dangerous even if you’re a Cubs fan. But, then, well, you’re a Cubs fan and it’s probably your own fault.)
"Spam headline: 'YOU ARE CHOSEN!' Oh, Morpheus, you're getting pretty lazy."
"Or they are informing you you are Jewish in a very lame conversion campaign."
"In either case, sending me spam is not the way to invite me to Zion."
by kishi on Oct 13, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anybody seen...
a replay of what happened to Victorino rounding 3rd on the Howard double? The audio and video clips mention it; did TBS show Shane’s little mishap? I missed it if they did (had a little accident).
Clearly not a big deal beacuse it wasn’t a problem, but I’d like to see what happened. Linky maybe?
by Ritty77 on Oct 13, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wondered why utley was pretty much right behind him when he scored
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haven’t seen the full replay, but it looked to me that Shane was watching the ball land and missed third base and had to go back and tag up. I read a piece where Vic was quoted as saying “What am I doing?” while Utley is behing him screaming and cursing to “Go, go, go!”
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think your interpretation is right. The dugout let him have it. Jimmy called it a “Shane ADD moment.”
by Steve J on Oct 13, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shane missed third. He had to go back and tag.
by The R on Oct 13, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The replay is on MLB.com somewhere. He was basically watching the ball like he hit a homerun and ran like 95 feet right past the bag.
For Who? My teammates.
For What? To Win.
How Much? Where do I sign?
by jonk on Oct 13, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 5 of them were past the bag though.
For Who? My teammates.
For What? To Win.
How Much? Where do I sign?
by jonk on Oct 13, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, who cleans up all of our beer?
For Who? My teammates.
For What? To Win.
How Much? Where do I sign?
by jonk on Oct 13, 2009 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
People who don't matter.
Remember the Phitans
by RememberthePhitans on Oct 13, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the ability of a warm night sleep they bring in the homeless winos – they don’t mind the carpet in their booze
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Oct 13, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After the WS last year, they cut the carpet out of the clubhouse and sold it, beer/champagne stained and all.
by doubleh on Oct 13, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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