April 1, 2009 - Phillies Breakfast Links

by WholeCamels on Apr 1, 2009 7:51 AM EDT

The Phillies top the Blue Jays, 9-1, behind a strong performance from recently named Opening Day starter Brett Myers.

Although the Phillies have contacted his agent, the changes of the team signing outfielder Gary Sheffield are "very slim." There's even discussion of Andruw Jones. Do not want.

The Inquirer does a piece about Charlie Manuel's time as a ballplayer in Japan.

Sam Donnellon reminds Philadelphia of its unabashed negativity, including some quotes from some truly splendid assholes who promise to give the Phils "one month" before booing. Ahh, maturity.

Larry Bowa thinks the 1978 club was the Phillies' best during their 70s/80s "glory" years. Probably nothing to do with the fact that he finished 3rd in MVP balloting that season.

My running favorite piece of sports journalism in the world: the Korea Times articles about Chan Ho Park.

Per Deadspin: Phillies fan St. John's employee refuses to remove Phillies jacket at Citi Field exhibition opener, leaves. Mets fans on Deadspin comment bitterly.

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Did anyone else read the ESPN the mag article about how many teams are valuing defense more than they used to and that’s why some big names got weak contracts in the off season? (Abreu, Dunn)

Made me a bit more sad about the new starting left fielder and his contract

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on Apr 1, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions

Except I suspect some people think his defense is actually good…

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Apr 1, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions

People just compare him to Burrell, and don’t look at Ibanez by himself, methinks. That’s why he would appear marginally better.

by Walcott on Apr 1, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Except that I have yet to see any kind of fielding metric that says IBanez is better defensively than Burrell. People ignore Pats arm and just assume he’s worse.

The Folks at the fielding bible disagree

http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/charts/voting2-08.gif

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on Apr 1, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, I agree with you completely. I was just offering up what I think could drive such an opinion.

by Walcott on Apr 1, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

So – irrationality :)

I just read that ESPN mag article and just shook my head – especially since they called out the Ibanez contract specifically in the article :)

"Someone created the box score," Morey says, "and he should be shot."

Blocked shots — they look great, but unless you secure the ball afterward, you haven’t helped your team all that much.

by jemagee on Apr 1, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Ibanez’ 3 year +/- rating is -8. Burrell is -30 in many fewer innings. Manny is – 28 and Dunn is -39. Dewan has said that the three year numbers are the most accurate.

Ibanez isn’t a good fielder by any means. But he might not be as bad as the other three. It will be interesting to see how he does out there this year.

by smitty99 on Apr 1, 2009 1:46 PM EDT reply actions