We Go On: Phillies 8, Yankees 6
by dajafi on Nov 2, 2009 11:57 PM EST
105 comments
Facing their first elimination game in the last two postseason, the Phillies rose to the occasion once again behind Chase Utley's power and Cliff Lee's guts, holding off a furious late Yankees rally to send the World Series back to the Bronx for Game Six Wednesday night.
Lee wasn't quite as sharp in his second start of the Series as he was in the opener, but through the first seven innings he held the Yankees to single runs in the first, on an Alex Rodriguez RBI double that scored Johnny Damon, and the fifth, on a Damon groundout that plated Eric Hinske. Using all his pitches once again, he held New York to four hits and three walks through seven, striking out three.
Meanwhile, the Phillies battered A.J. Burnett, working on three days rest after shackling the Phils in Game Two. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Jimmy Rollins singled, Shane Victorino was hit by a pitch on his hand while trying to bunt. That brought up Utley, who crushed Burnett's first pitch for a three-run homer--his fourth of the Series. Two innings later, they chased Burnett after he started the inning with walks to Utley and Ryan Howard and surrendered a run-scoring single to Jayson Werth. Raul Ibanez followed with a single to bring Howard home, and Burnett gave way to David Robertson. The Phils added another run on a Carlos Ruiz groundout to go up 6-1. Utley struck again off lefty Phil Coke in the bottom of the 7th, blasting his fifth home run of the Series to tie Reggie Jackson's record. Later in the inning, Ibanez hit a tape-measure shot off the facing of the upper deck to make it 8-2.
Then disaster nearly struck. Continuing a run of questionable in-game decisions over the last three days, Charlie Manuel pulled Victorino to start the top of the 8th, sending Ben Francisco in to play center field; Victorino was obviously perplexed that Francisco was coming in for him, rather than Ibanez. The decision loomed large as the inning unfolded: Lee, over 100 pitches, seemed to have Damon struck out on a curveball, but couldn't get the call. On the next pitch, Damon hit a soft grounder to short that Rollins could not get out of his glove. Mark Teixiera followed with a double to left, putting men on second and third with none out. The next hitter was Rodriguez, who turned on a first-pitch fastball that Ibanez dove for and saw bounce off the heel of his glove, scoring both men. With the lead cut to 8-4, Lee gave way to Chan Ho Park, who got Nick Swisher on a groundout and induced a fly to shallow center from Robinson Cano. But Francisco's weak throw was too late to get Rodriguez at the plate, and the Yankees had pulled within three runs at 8-5.
It stayed that way going into the 9th, with Ryan Madson now on for the Phillies. Jorge Posada began the inning with a double to right that barely stayed in the park; Hideki Matsui followed with a single through the hole on the left side to put runners at the corners. With visions of disaster dancing in a million Philadelphian heads, Madson fell behind Derek Jeter 2-0--but came back to induce a 6-4-3 double play as Posada scored to make it 8-6. Damon, again the Yankees' most effective hitter, battled back from an 0-2 hole to single up the middle. But with the crowd roaring, Madson struck out Teixiera to end the game and send the Series back to New York.
This is still a steep uphill climb. But they didn't go out feebly, and with the bats hopefully heating up at last, they've got a puncher's chance as the Series shifts back to New York.
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Anyone have Pettite’s numbers on 3 days rest?
by Sals Stache on Nov 2, 2009 11:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
4-6, 4.15 ERA, 1.43 WHIP in 14 career starts on 3-day rest
These statistics, however are possibly a little deceiving. He had two seasons which spike all of his stats: 1995, he allowed 7 earned runs in two starts (9.2 innings). I think it’s safe to toss out that season, however, as it was his rookie season and he’d thrown far more innings than he’d ever thrown in his career. His awful 2001 start against the D-backs in the World Series, however, you have to, at least, take into consideration. That was his second start on short rest, however, while this would be the first time he’d be asked to do this by Girardi.
Joe has also been very careful to keep Andy well rested and he’s had many extra rest days in the postseason so the danger of a real stinker should be lessened. Take out those two bad years and you have ERA’s of 3.46, 3.66, 2.01, & 3.79 – not too shabby.
by Scooby Snacks on Nov 3, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s a nice rosy conclusion for that piece, but I don’t think it’s that simple. First off, they’re talking about ERAs based on 2 or 3 games of data — a small sample size if there ever was one.
Secondly, what Pettitte did on 3 days rest as a 24-year old back in 1996 doesn’t seem all that relevant to me. He’s only pitched 3 times on short rest since 2001 (all in 2006), so how his now 37-year old arm responds to a short rest is a much dicier question than the way they framed it.
by PhillyFriar on Nov 3, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One would have to think that if the Phillies are able to win Game 6, they would have the Yankees absolutely crapping their pants. Just trying to remember that it’s a three game winning streak that they need.
by WanderingMoses on Nov 3, 2009 12:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Amen. If anyone is equipped to do it, it’s this club. Before tonight’s game started, I thought perhaps the only thing breaking our way was that maybe — just maybe — their starters would begin to feel the effects of short rest. From the opening pitch, it was clear that Burnett didn’t have his A stuff. Here’s to hoping that that trend continues.
Seems only fitting that we’re going back to N.Y. with Pettitte on the hill…feels like we’re turning back the clock about ten years. As a Phillies lifer, there’s still something awesome about even having a puncher’s chance in the Bronx…
Steve Jeltz
.210/.308/.268
"I am a Matt Stairs fan. I celebrate his entire catalogue."
by Steve Jeltz on Nov 3, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In addition to the bats heating up, I wonder if the Yanks’ luck with BABIP/seeing-eye singles is going to run out soon. If so, then oh baby.
Pedro should do alright unless we get the same strike zone as in Game 2.
by alcatraz0109 on Nov 3, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose if they didn’t have CC Sabathia and the phillies had someone other than hamels/happ/blanton to choose from they would crap their pants…instead their rotation is set up nicely and Sabathia seems to be ok on 3 days rest?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, plus it’s a home game, and they have an advantage at DH. If this goes 7, I’m sure the Yankees will have no lack of confidence.
by Cormican on Nov 3, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would flip this around and say both teams will be crapping their pants in a Game 7. Who wouldn’t?
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Professional athletes?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, professional athletes are not immune to pressure.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would venture a guess, that all of all the teams in baseball, these two teams would be least susceptible to “crapping their pants” in any game. They are both fairly immune to criticism, considering just how much of it they take on a daily basis from fans/media and are comprised of some pretty tough players (minus a few—cough, Posada, cough). They both can score late in games and bounce back pretty well.
It’s going to come down to execution, and so far, the Yankees are leading in that category. The brain farts on the Phillies’ part have to cease. Throws way up the line, Howard not looking a runner back, not covering third in the 9th…all that stuff has got to stop.
by doubleh on Nov 3, 2009 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By “crapping their pants,” I don’t mean the same thing as “sh*tting the bed.” I’m just saying that both teams will feel a whole lot of pressure. Game 7 of the World Series is the most pressure-filled situation in the entire baseball universe. Only a select few men have ever experienced it in baseball history. I’m not necessarily saying these players are going to fail under the pressure, just that they’ll feel it.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
your right if they were “crapping their pants” they would not have won last night. But you have to say that with still having a chance after all the bad mistakes that the yanks got to wonder how we ar hanging around. When other teams made the mistakes we have in the past 2 years we beat those teams and we still aren’t beat so I think he meant that the fans would be crapping their pants.
I wasn't even a year old but I stayed up to be outside the Vet with my Dad and Mom when the Phillies won the World Series 1980.
by Christopher A on Nov 3, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
brain hershey squirts more like it
i’ve gone around other blogs and there hasn’t been a whole lot of mention of these untimely lapses and guffaws in the field with the exception of the Nationalsque failure to cover 3rd during the inning of doom. Many games turned on poor decisions and flubs in the field …the glove flip, Howard’s don’t hold the runner force out at first, J Roll’s fumbling the ball last night, and on the mound….shaking off Ruiz and throwing 3 consecutive curveballs to “coming to a AAA team near you soon” Swisher, and the coup de grace “shook off my catcher, first pitch curveball” to a pitcher who hasn’t swung the bat in 2 years. Also the Francisco.throw from the shallow part of the outfield…I read War and Peace in the time it took the ball to get to home plate. ..And Ibanez misread of ARod’s double. Also Jason Werth getting picked off at first …a guy who stole home in the reg. season turns into Jeff Spicoli on the basepaths in the WS.
by j reed on Nov 4, 2009 1:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well there’s ‘pressure’ and than there’s ‘crapping your pants cause you’re scared like a little girl’ – My guess would be the better professional athletes thrive at a game 7, it’s what they live for, i mean in baseball, basketball, hockey, there is no more ultimate moment than a game 7 – most other playoff games there’s a tomorrow, maybe, but game 7 is it, win or lose you’re done for the season – i would hope that most of the phillies look forward to a game 7 and aren’t scared of it.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 6:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we’re talking past each other here.
I don’t know exactly what you do for a living, so I’ll use David Cohen and WC as examples. They’re both lawyers, right? I’m sure they’re both excellent at their jobs and have a lot of experience. If you asked them if they’d ever like to argue a really important case in the Supreme Court, I’m sure they’d both jump at the chance. I’m also sure they’d do a great job there. At the same time, would they be crapping their pants once they got up to the lectern? My guess would be yes.
I don’t think there are any doctors here, but they’d probably feel the same way about, say, performing some groundbreaking surgery.
You can probably draw a similar analogy to your own line of work.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 6:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there an analogy for working at McDonalds?
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess when a busload full of sumo wrestlers pulls up at the drive-through and you have to “biggie-size” everything?
by doubleh on Nov 3, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do they have a union at mcdonalds?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nope. But they sure as hell would be better off if they did. Problem is that most of their people are part-timers—the Wal-mart strategy.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup, we’d all be better off if we were all in unioins
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 4, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You are REALLY not as smart as you think you are.
I don’t know if its just your internet persona, but I think that you would be an unbearable person to be around in real life about 75% of the time.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 4, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really don’t think I’m that smart – but then again, i’m not an idealist under 30 who hasn’t really lived life all that much either
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 4, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really don’t think I’m that smart
The beginning of wisdom…
by taco pal on Nov 4, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But you are a condescending fuck, that’s for sure.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 4, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I buy being nervous – but being nervous isn’t crapping your pants – crapping your pants is cowering in fear at the prospect of whatever is coming.
If you’re a lawyer who cowers in fear of being in front of SCOTUS – you aren’t a good enough lawyer to be there – you don’t have enough confidence in your ability – nervous yes – crapping your pants scared no
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This now seems to have devolved into a purely semantic debate, so no point in continuing it.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting, since I find almost every point you try to make usually revolves around semantics
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 4, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you don’t understand what “semantics” are.
by taco pal on Nov 4, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you don’t understand what a ‘douche bag’ is…or you’d try harder
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 4, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What a zinger. Oh, it cuts me to the bone.
by taco pal on Nov 4, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One thought: Madson now has gone in each of the last four games. I think some of what happened in the ninth tonight was simply them having gotten a bunch of looks at him.
by dajafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
fatigue as well
good point…also Ryan can usually go two in a row but., three and your pushing it. If there’s one thing Charlie doesn’t know is pitchers….Remember when he ran Lidge out there 4 back to back days in the regular season. It’s not like we have a pitching coach to giude him and tell him not to do this type of stuff ….It’s not like we have a pitching coach to tell him when he needs to pull his starters…
by j reed on Nov 4, 2009 1:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m probably in a distinct minority here, but my favorite part of the game was Jayson Werth rounding the bases on the flyout to left.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
by WholeCamels on Nov 3, 2009 12:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I too populate your minority. But don’t miss the Manuel quotes on sign stealing, which are my postgame faves.
by Wet Luzinski on Nov 3, 2009 12:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I realize
that I will be in the minority with this statement but I have to get it off my chest!
4 of 5 runs allowed by Lee were a result of subpar fielding by our Phillies. No errors, just not playing World Series baseball. If Lee was Cole, there would have been serveral temper tantrums on the mound tonight.
I also strongly am tired of Charlie not playing smart baseball in this series. It is like our team is so full of themselves that they don’t realize they will not be World Champions IF they don’t win this series.
And, lastly, Utley came to play baseball tonight.
And, agree Whole Camels about Werth, seemed like he was confused!
by DeanH on Nov 3, 2009 12:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Manuel is the greatest manager in Phillies history, but he hasn’t skippered a good Series. That said, he did go with Madson rather than Lidge for the “save,” to the evident surprise of some of the pundit types.
by dajafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Manuel is the greatest manager in Phillies history, but he hasn’t skippered a good Series.
The competition (modern era) is Dallas Green and………….?
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nick Leyva, of course.
Just kidding. Terry Francona.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
by mikefive on Nov 3, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When did the modern era start? I know baseball is old and everything but the advent of the DH maybe?
All I’m saying – not exactly a ‘top 10’ list that it’s hard to crack – hell – he became top 3 after getting them to the playoffs for the second time last year, before he even won a series.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Geting swept by a wild card team warrants top 3? Man that’s just a sad araray of managers.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, I said ’06. They won 85 games and missed the playoffs that year.
As noted, it’s a really short list.
by dajafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My Memories all giggitied up – thanks
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Those would be my next three. There really haven’t been more than a handful with more than one good season.
by phillyinportland on Nov 3, 2009 2:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well, I’m not so sure GIrardi has either. We’ll find out. But he has a tough decision to make for game 6. I saw his moving up CC (which ultimately worked) as a gamble to sweep in Philadelphia. If the Yankees light up Pedro, all’s well that ends well for them, but if it doesn’t, he’ll have Sabathia again for game 7.
by Wet Luzinski on Nov 3, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A colleague of mine who’s a big Yankees fan is upset with Girardi. He thinks Gaudin should have gone last night, particularly because the lineup was so weak with Posada out at the start, and is concerned that they now have short-rest starters the rest of the way.
by dajafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I re read my rant and did not mean to roast Charlie. I personally believe Charlie is the best manager of the Phillies in the last 40 years, my lifetime of watching the Phils play. Thank you for bringing this up!
by DeanH on Nov 3, 2009 1:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yankees fan here...
Congrats on winning, glad we could make it a bit more interesting in the end though. I was actually expecting a lot worse going against Lee. Utley might have a chance to win WS MVP even if the Yankees can close this out, he’s locked in!
Looking forward to watching old-timers day back in the Bronx, seems fitting to have Pettite go against Pedro after all these years.
Enjoy your celebration tonight and good luck, but go Yankees!
by Monotonousblob on Nov 3, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Love it. Turn Back the Clock Night for game 6.
by Wet Luzinski on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Chase Utley
love, Phillies fans
That ball hit deep! Way back! You can put it on the boooaaaard...YES!
Long drive into deep right center field! This ball is OUTTA HEEERRRREE!
R.I.P. Harry Kalas 4-13-09
by HappyHuman on Nov 3, 2009 12:22 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
GO VOTE
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The NYY rally was caused by Cholly
the 2nd dumb fuck manager move in 2 nights . I use to be a Cholly fan but I am rapidly losing that
by DT1 on Nov 3, 2009 12:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Where exactly did he go wrong, pray tell?
by PhillyFriar on Nov 3, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if Ben Franciso was in Left instead of IBYY
he would of caught that BIG hit in the 8th by the Yankees..
werent you wacvhing the game?
didnt u see shane asking / talking /. arguing with cholly…. Why are you taking ME out but leaving Ibby in Left field?
by DT1 on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So – when Victorino was pulled, you think Ibanez should have been moved to center and Francisco to left?
Um, that’s dumber than suggesting Ryan Howard platoon first base with someone else…MUCH dumber
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he meant that Francisco should have been in LF to start the inning. Taking out Victorino at that point didn’t make much sense.
by dajafi on Nov 3, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you hear the PC where Manuel says Victorino could grip neither bat nor ball – makes more sense then
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t actually mind the Victorino move at the time, though I guess he should have either: (A) been taken out as soon as he got hurt; or (B) stayed in for the entire game.
That being said, with a 6-run lead in the 8th inning, I thought it was a reasonable gamble to try to get a stubborn Victorino to ice his hand and get ready for Game 6.
by PhillyFriar on Nov 3, 2009 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
VICTORINO SMASH
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this. Basically, the last two innings went about as poorly as one could expect and we still won. Which shows exactly why it’s OK to make moves like this when you have a six-run lead.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably, but we’ll never know for sure.
It doesn’t matter at this point. We win and go back to New York. Howard needs to somehow stay tied with Mr. Wilson and not strike out any more. At least he walked twice tonight.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
by mikefive on Nov 3, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Charlie is not perfect. He will make mistakes. But, he has the guys playing their hearts out for us fans most of the time. I think we should stop tying to find mistakes as I believe they are far and few between all the right decisions. He should be MLB Manager of the Year in my opinion some year!
by DeanH on Nov 3, 2009 12:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Think about this
Ultey has tied Reggie Jacksons record and the phillies are LIKLEY to Lose this series be it game 6 or 7 .
Has any team ever hit 10+hrs — the phillies now have 10 in 5 games — and LOST the world series
by DT1 on Nov 3, 2009 12:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Lost?
So what am I going to watch on TV Wednesday night?
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so u think the odss favor us beating NYY
in game 6 and game 7?
really? we might do it but the odds dont favor ir
by DT1 on Nov 3, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s not what you said though, you said they LOST the World Series. Which is quite simply, at this moment, factually inaccurate.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Me…cause everyone things i’m a dummy
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
where did I say they have LOST already?
please provide the link or highlight the text where I said that
by DT1 on Nov 3, 2009 12:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Careful – if you actually GET to the center of the earth you’ll melt
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So what is this stuff about Myers and Hamels nearly coming to blows after the game tonight?
Apparently Myers said something to the effect of “I thought you quit?” and Cole responded by cursing at him.
Myers is an ass, and I have disliked him for some time…this seems like a really dickish move to be pulling when you are about to go play game 6 in the WFS. Then again, it could provide motivation for Cole were he to get another chance to pitch. Doubt it, but still.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 1:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think it's perfect.
Myers is an idiotic, wife-beating retard who can’t seem to end a season in the rotation.
Hamels is the golden boy who has had rotten luck this year. Eric Stephen did an entire piece on how Hamels is basically the same exact pitcher in ’09 as ’08 – just crazily unlucky.
That being said, if the village idiot says or does something shitty to you, and you respond in kind you don’t really lose face.
by Seanny Rotten on Nov 3, 2009 4:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, someone here did that same piece, we’ve known it for a while.
But the media in philadlelphia is idiotic and hamels already has the ‘pretty / soft’ boy image from the whole chriopractor (or accupuncturist?) thing…this doesn’t bode well for his future in philly
but i’m pretty sure myers is gone.
I love how the phillies PR folk tried to spin myers/hamels – they gotta hire some smarter folks.
Don't frack with me or you'll get a punch in the kidneys...you've been warned
by jemagee on Nov 3, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cole Hamels is odd
what with his goofy wife and her utterances of, “WE’RE ADOPTING AN AIDS ORPHAN!!” and his odd ass personal website with the stadium that is like no baseball stadium ever seen on Earth, etc., etc.
But is he really worse than Steve Carlton who ended up being not only odd, but a crazy borderline anti-Semite?
I think it’s sad when a bona fide lunatic goes over better than your average, run of the mill, screwball San Diegan.
by Seanny Rotten on Nov 3, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Our own Matt Swartz did that work on Hamels first, fwiw.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
by WholeCamels on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Clubhouse chemistry is always a bit of a mystery. You hear stories about how close the bullpen members are or how certain players are very isolated once the game ends. You think that maybe the guys who’ve been in the rotation together would be friends or at least defend one another, but that’s obviously not always the case: a lot of these starters have been competing against one another for a spot in the rotation or the honor of being opening day starter, etc. So, maybe there is some bad blood between Myers and Hamels. Or, as you said, maybe it was said in an attempt to get Hamels fired up and motivated for a possible start in game seven. Maybe the incident didn’t really happen as portrayed. Whatever the truth is, I hope Hamels realizes that his reaction to small things going wrong is hurting him and he can find it in himself to pitch a game like he’s capable of – his two shutouts this year show he can still do it.
by phillyinportland on Nov 3, 2009 2:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Go get'em in the Bronx!
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
by eths on Nov 3, 2009 3:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope Pedro throws until his arm falls off
Last game for him all year Charlie, make it break off for the win!
When we get to game 7 though you got a tough choice with pitching, because I sure as hell wouldn’t give it to Hamels, but then again you might be able to do a rotation of some sorts. Lee should be able to give you 2-3 innings as well (possibly start him to set a tone)
by Ant on Nov 3, 2009 9:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Phillies
will still lose. If you think the Phillies’ bats are starting to wake up, so too will the Yanks bats. Half the team is practically 3/16 or something to that affect; they will wake up in time for game 6. I’ll take a one-eyed. one-legged, Pettitte with only a pinky, index finger, and a thumb over Pedro anyday. Same goes for CC against any pitcher.
by Off The Hook on Nov 3, 2009 10:25 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
There’s a special place in hell for dumbasses like you, I believe.
by FuquaManuel on Nov 3, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Bronx?
(ok, I apologize)
(not really)
by wildcatlh on Nov 3, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll take a one-eyed. one-legged, Pettitte with only a pinky, index finger, and a thumb over Pedro anyday.
I’d love some way to actually set this up. Anyone on this blog the leader of a large crime syndicate?
by PhillyFriar on Nov 3, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The key to last night
Was that the Yanks pitchers were not getting strike calls 3 inches off the plate (usually outside to left handers). It was pissing AJ off and helped lead to his blowing up early (that and the short rest and him being as hit or miss as a 5th starter.
by boknows71 on Nov 3, 2009 12:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d love to see PitchFX data from last night compared to game 2. He definitely wasn’t getting the same calls he was in that game & he kept going there anyway.
*sigh*
by zempf on Nov 3, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From what I hear, Joe West will probably call a tight strike zone for Wednesday’s game as well. I am not sure who this will benefit, but I think a high scoring game will help the Phillies.
As far as Hamels goes, all the media buzz is just empty media buzz. Hamels is pretty much a straight forward guy, and if you ask him a question he will give an honest answer, at least that is what it seems like to me. There is some benefit to Cliff Lee style interviews, “Yeah we did pretty well, everyone did pretty well, we just need to do well later” and seeing how the Hamels thing went down, it is easy to see why Lee and many other players do that kind of thing. At the same time, it is kind of a shame that a bunch of adults cant all sit down and say what they think and read what somebody said without turning into a bunch of weird gossipy teenagers.
Hamels says “I want to pitch in Game 7 and hope the series gets that far and this year has been disappointing and I cant wait to work out my problems over the off season.”
Good for him.
by Whack8888 on Nov 3, 2009 8:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve heard just the opposite on Joe West in that he calls a more than generous strike zone.
Anyone else have any input here? I know “Cowboy” Joe hasn’t been exactly a friend to the Phils in the past.
by doubleh on Nov 3, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Goldilocks
According to Hardball Times, West has a league-average strike zone in every direction and is one of the very best in the game in being consistent. Odd that the ’90s-era Phillies used to have so many disagreements with him.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
other notables
Yesterday’s home plate ump, Dana DeMuth, had the third-smallest strike zone in MLB circa 2007.
Gerry Davis, who scheduled for Game 7 (he also did Game 1), had the smallest.
Game 2 ump Jeff Nelson had the largest.
by taco pal on Nov 3, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I will see in person
Going to my first WS game in my 36 yrs on Earth tonight. Closest I was before was 1983 clincher in the NLCS.
WOO FRIGGIN HOOOOOOOO!!!!!
by boknows71 on Nov 4, 2009 10:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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