Thud: Cardinals 1, Phillies 0
by WholeCamels on Oct 7, 2011 11:47 PM EDT
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PrintThe magical 2011 season came to a sudden, helpless end tonight in Philadelphia, as Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter followed his poor Game Two performance with a brilliant Game Five clincher, going the full nine innings in a 1-0 win over the Phillies, sending them to their first NLCS since their World Championship season of 2006.
With the exception of a rough first inning, in which Halladay surrendered the game's sole run after a Rafael Furcal leadoff triple and an RBI double from Skip Schumaker, the Phillies' right-hander arguably outpitched Carpenter, but to no avail, as the Phillies offense was unable to muster more than a couple mewling threats.
Carpenter only struck out three but walked none and induced 18 groundballs. 18! Even if you're not striking people out, you'll win a lot of games that way.
Halladay, for his part, struck out seven and walked one in eight innings pitched. Free agent-to-be Ryan Madson pitched a perfect ninth.
And for the second season in a row, the Ryan Howard found himself in the unfortunate position of making the season's final out, albeit this time on a groundout, and injured himself on the run to first base. An apt metaphor, maybe.
There will be plenty of time to unpack and reflect on this season, by most accounts a success but still a great disappointment. Please stay tuned to The Good Phight.
As your Blog Lord, I encourage you to step away and enjoy the beautiful weekend.
Goodbye for now.
Fangraph of Termination
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Me either.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s all good.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like d the part
Where Carpenter laughed at Howard for swinging at 3-0.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 7, 2011 11:51 PM EDT reply actions
lmPao
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbN0g8-zbdY
I love Ryan Howard.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Oct 7, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
He's just been missing his fix
Of front-running teams losing in the post-season.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 7, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Not a thing. I’m all smiles. It was Win / Win, tonite. But this is just… phucking Phenominal.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Oct 7, 2011 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel your pain though. Believe me. See you next year.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Gaby Sanchez - 1, Nyjer Morgan - 0
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Oct 7, 2011 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Chief Noc-a…Noc-a…Noc-onna win the division next year either
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
by DirtyWaters on Oct 8, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions 11 recs
rec'd for accuracy
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s right, Howard should be like the Braves’ high profile stars and ground into double plays at the end of games insuring that you won’t even make the playoffs.
Fucking Racist Troll.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
this hurt the most so far…. last year was more understandable for some reason
I hate new york.
by XxActionJacksonxX on Oct 7, 2011 11:52 PM EDT reply actions
I’m the opposite. Maybe it came from being at the game this year and the excitement of the evening, or maybe because my life overall is in a better place, but last years crushed me in a way that this one has not.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 1:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Howard has an achilles injury
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 7, 2011 11:52 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Who the fuck rec’d this?
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
a). A despicable human being
b). Some poor person staring at his screen in horror for hitting the wrong button.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I hit the wrong button and fixed it… poor fucking howard:(
by Cole_Hamels_Can on Oct 8, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
B was correct! Sorry about that Cole_hamels_can
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
It’s ok, I’m sorry that I did that. I really love the Big Piece.
by Cole_Hamels_Can on Oct 8, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Cripes. Talk about adding injury to injury.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 1:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Glad I was able to enjoy this season on TGP. Big ups to all blog and associate blog lords for all the great content and for the great community.
by philsandthrills on Oct 7, 2011 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
Seconded, and same to you P&T. You’ve had quality analyses here yourself.
by Airedale260 on Oct 8, 2011 12:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Amen- thanks all for making this year great.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 1:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If it was 1-0 because of some hits by Pujols/Berkman/Halladay, that would make this at least somewhat more stomach-able.
Our season ended because of hits by Rafael Furcal and Skip Schumaker.
That blows.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Oct 7, 2011 11:54 PM EDT reply actions
Our season ended because our offense disappeared completely. Even game 3 we won because of a fluke Ben Fran homer.
Which could have easily finalized a sweep had a ball or two bounced differently in game 2. Such is life.
Or if Jerry Meals
Actually followed the rules and immediately ejected LaRussa for balls and strikes instead of changing the strike zone.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
two things
1. The Phillies lose another playoff series where they outscore their opponent.
2. A baseball season is brutal. In the national league only one team in the playoffs this year made it last year. That is the phillies. I that does not make this season a success to you then I feel sorry for you.
Baseball really is a cruel mistress.
by PhilsForever on Oct 7, 2011 11:55 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
With only 8 teams in the playoffs, its very hard to get to the playoffs in any single yet, not to mention 5 years in a room.
Its been a great season, albeit with a disappointing end.
Its funny, the Phils record has improved every year for the past 4 years, but our playoff results got worse. Crazy.
Eagles: 1-3, but things WILL turn around.
Flyers: Soon
Phillies: 5 Time NL East Division Champions!
Totally agree.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not surprising.
I’m amazed it took this long to get this bad.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 7, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
achilles dont just go away :(
I hate new york.
by XxActionJacksonxX on Oct 7, 2011 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
If it is a torn Achilles, recovery time is 4-6 months+ depending on the severity of the injury. So, ready for the beginning of Spring Training is unlikely, but he should be back at some point in the first half.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
hah, we were wondering where you were at.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Citizen’s Bank Park, then driving home, eating dinner, and getting a shower- since I am still wide awake, dropped by to visit.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I heard they would making people sit down… is that true?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
I don’t know- I did not hear anyone that I am sure was working for the team tell me to sit (someone behind me hollered about it at one point, but I was blessed with a bunch of annoying Cards fans sitting right next to and behind me).
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:49 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don’t want to rush Howard back. That guy needs time off. And he’s a big guy, so his feet need to be firmly under him.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
He been hurt a lot lately… Didn’t he have a ankle injury last year… yeah it’s going to get worst
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Yup- Sprained his left ankle sliding into second base in August 2010. Said prior to the season that his ankle was 95%, but suffered from bursitis and other problems with it. Just a shame.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:51 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
fuck.
will carroll said the same thing based on his first look. is this from the phillies staff? this isnt good for anyone.
Ryan told a few of the Phillies beat writers that the Phillies doctors think that is what it is.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m less upset than last year for some reason. The Cards were a worthy foe, I no way ever felt that we were much better than them. If you take away their horrible start with Ryan Franklin blowing like a dozen games, they’d be right up there in wins.
The pitching duel was something great…jst hope doc’s performance doesn’t get forgotten….chris carpenter is not chopped liver and its not like kyle lohse shut us down….I honestly am more upset/sad/depressed that baseball is over till April 2012 and Ryan Howard may not be around for a loooong part of that season, but this team will be back they deserved a better fate
I am far more upset
By game four. Angel Hernandez’s work behind the plate was shameful that night.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
P.S.
It’s a bad thing when you know an umpire’s name.
Just sayin’.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I've gotten tickets several times from an associate of JM
No hate for me.
"When life hands you lemons, make a profit." - Chet Cashley
"Float like a Butterfly, sting like a Bee; Make sure you got the ball in your hands, or else you won’t get a TD." - Joe Theismann
by Ralf E Chubbs on Oct 8, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
So getting tickets for you overrides his shitty umpiring?
I’d return the tickets.
Eagles: 1-3, but things WILL turn around.
Flyers: Soon
Phillies: 5 Time NL East Division Champions!
I'd rather see the game
"When life hands you lemons, make a profit." - Chet Cashley
"Float like a Butterfly, sting like a Bee; Make sure you got the ball in your hands, or else you won’t get a TD." - Joe Theismann
by Ralf E Chubbs on Oct 8, 2011 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
The umpiring this series was deplorable. I know that better umpiring probably does not make a difference in the series, but it site seemed like after LaRussa’s little temper tantrum, the Cards got all the calls.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:47 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I made a comment earlier, I don’t understand why fighting the Ump makes him make calls in your favour. It should have the opposite effect but it never does!
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Thing is, it was not just him- look at the spray charts from the last three games (have not looked at tonight so I may be wrong about it, but games 3 and 4 I am sure of). Look a how many Phillies pitches were called balls in the zone. Then look at how many “called strikes” were out of the zone for Phillies hitters.
Also, it was calls on the bases. The Rollins “fair” ground out up the first base line. hunter Pence being called out on his attempt to steal second. It just felt like the Phillies were not only getting beat by the Cardinals, but by the umpires as well.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sure, but it started with Measles.
The out/safe calls are more subjective, but the strikezones were certainly never in the Phils’ favor.
I know they are subjective, but when everything close is going against one side? I mean it sure felt like the Phillies simply could not catch a break.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 9:13 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s not good to think like that. You sound like a Flyers fan.
When it comes to the NHL Playoffs I think exactly like that.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Please explain? I am not a Flyers fan (although I am starting to follow them- my baby brother loves them, and talking about them gives us something to connect on).
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 9:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am heartbroken but in no way is baseball over. Go Brewers/Tigers.
I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not be a pitch. - Roy Oswalt
I root for a tie. Game 7 World Series all the way to the 100 inning.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Can't find it
There was a Looney Tunes short where it was the World Series. The newspaper shown to set this up had a headline stating “Trophy split in case of tie”. I still laugh at that today.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I pretty much agree with you here. For whatever reason I don’t have the same animosity toward the cardinals that i had toward the Giants (or their fans) last year.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
What bothered me about LaRussa
Is how he was allowed to argue balls and strikes in game 2. Honestly, it was low, then to go on TV to do it? And be allowed to?
He bought their team a win for $25k. That’s chump change in his next contract, when he can point out he “outfoxed” the Phillies in 2011.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
He was fined for it.
I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not be a pitch. - Roy Oswalt
But isn’t the 25k going to a charity he supports? Just does not seem like punishment to me.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kinda like NBC screwing over the Eagles.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
What happened with NBC and the Eagles?
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It should be spent on local small business sign companies to produce signs degrading the person being fined. That’s the best option – helps local small business and provides a real negative for the person being fined.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Thing is- if it is a public person like LaRussa, most of the negative is already known. I agree with the charity he hates thing, though.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 2:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Made me laugh. Except for a few unbalanced people out there – and there are some, I know – are there really people who could name a charity they hate? I’m not talking about PACs or fund-raising organizations that promote a certain point of view, but an honest-to-God charity. I suppose someone who is against religious practices could “hate” a charity organized for that religion, but the concept of doing something to help others is not one you normally associate with hatred.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
How come, when someone argues balls and strikes, the umpire tends to see their point of view on future calls? Why don’t they get mad at them and call things more in the other way?
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
yeah Tony LaRussa’s a jerk, but it’s the difference between on jerk and a collection of jerks douches, and a certain pitcher who uses baseball to advance his marketing career.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
So, I'm guessing that you don't find "Fear the Beard" remotely clever, cute or funny?
That makes two of us.
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I pretty much loathe all the peripheral shit that baseball teams drum up to dupe lemming fans into shelling out money for fake beards, animal hats, or you name whatever other bullshit that teams other than the Giants do.
I kind of just want to watch baseball.
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Being a neanderthal luddite, I have no idea what Beast Mode is.
Is it really cool?
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you here, I think there’s something to be said for “respecting the game” when you’re a baseball player, writer, manager, or even a fan. Baseball’s been here long before us, and it will be here long after us. No need to act like you’re doing the game a favor with your silly antics.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
The grandstanding and gesturing is nothing more or less than giving the finger to the game, the fans and your opponents. If the Brewers had any self-respect, they’d take Morgan out back and bitch-slap some sense into his head.
Instead, they deem him as cute and an inspiration, thereby revealing their own lack of respect for the game.
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
To be honest, Morgan doesn’t get on my nerves as much as Wilson does. I see Morgan (and Valverde of the Tigers for that matter) as celebrating in the heat of the moment and getting excited at moments where, well, one should be excited. Whereas Wilson’s gestures on the mound and Cody Ross’s Sosa-style HR hop are clearly staged and intended to draw attention to one’s self.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
You don't think Valverde does ballet spins on the mound to draw attention to himself?
And Nyjer Morgan has 3 personalities. It’s not all heat of the moment stuff.
Ross on Halladay: "I’d tried everything against him…going the other way, taking pitches, trying to walk…and nothing worked. I’d never tried going up there and just trying to hit a home run off him."
My boy has mad hops
I rant on Twitter
Thanks for the incredible season, Phillies.
Whatever happens, happens. I won't allow myself to be upset.
by LeepinLizardz on Oct 8, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
my only logical conclusion from all of this is that I’m completely insane, as are most of you.
The playoffs are a complete crapshoot, the regular season means very little in the grand scheme, and the chance the phillies win it all is extremely poor regardless of who is on our team. AND YET, I (we) keep coming back every year for more. What the fuck are we thinking?!
I drew an analogy to an abusive relationship… we just can’t quit baseball!
by Cole_Hamels_Can on Oct 8, 2011 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
If you only care about the destination, then you are in fact insane. The destination was a crappy tourist trap this year, but the ride getting there was wonderful.
-------
Celebrating over 50 years of slightly more Phils wins than losses: 1961-2011
by schmenkman on Oct 8, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
That great quote about insanity, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result,” would lead many observers to think that we must be insane to keep following a team that can’t change. But the fact is that every once in a while you do get that different result, and that feeling is so special that it makes the ride to that point all the more worthwhile for the disappointments that happened earlier. Another wonderful thing about baseball is that regardless of the odds, some team, somewhere is going to walk off with the trophy, and for their fans the ride will have been magical.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
That it is one heck of a roller coaster ride every year… May not have ended the way we wanted (and for 29 teams every year it doesn’t) but it sure was a lot of fun along the way.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Roy is crying in his postgame
cept there are no tears, its impossibly saddening
by sophiejo on Oct 8, 2011 12:02 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
He's already asleep. Has to wake up at 5 am to run laps.
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Roy's face all season next year
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
by jrobulls on Oct 8, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Quote
“This is the greatest place I’ve ever played, and the best fans I’ve ever seen.” – Roy Halladay
I shed a tear. No joke.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Me too.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Awwwwwwww… Of all the healthy people on the team, I feel the worst for him tonight- he deserved a lot better than he got tonight.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he looks shattered :( I think my #1 baseball wish is for Doc to win a world series—and I hope to god it’s as a Phillie. It’s hard to think of anyone who deserves it more
Amen.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Some therapy, I guess
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIDLC8M4R28
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
Seriously
I will hunt down all those who were happy when they saw him crumple down. Even said in anger…that’s horseshit.
Ain't gonna say happy
But not sad either.
Happy hunting, I guess?
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Regardless of your thoughts of Ryan Howard, if you’re “not sad” at an injury that could put him out until 2013 or so, there is something very wrong with you.
Insurance
If he’s out for that long, their insurance out on him will cover the salary.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
$25M extra in the bank, I think.
But I don’t think he’ll be out for an entire season. He’s got nearly six months before 2012 even begins, let alone the whole year.
That wouldn’t fix anything, really. They can’t use the money to sign Pujols, Fielder, or any other free agent since Howard would be back in 2013 as is. They could shift JMJ to 1B for the year, and run with a Pence/Vic/Brown OF and have almost no flexibility as far as that goes.
The money that would be saved is not at all worth losing Howard for the amount of time he’d be gone if he tore his Achilles, especially given that it would solve nothing long-term.
Especially since it would significantly increase the chances that they re-sign either the one hip wonder or Ibanez for 1B/OF versatility.
Think they will be looking elsewhere
Ibañez has one awful inning of First base experience this contract. Sure some of that is Ryan being there, but some of it is also that he was not good defensively at that position either.
Gload is injured, and getting older. If he gets the injury fixed, he is looking at six months of recovery time, and he may not be ready to start the season. If he does not get it fixed, he would not be able to play on any type of a consistent basis.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:25 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Completely off the wall thought
What about signing a third baseman who can play first? Keep Polanco around, and he can start the season at third, while the new person holds down first, then play some combo of the three down the stretch (particularly since Polly is not hugely likely to meet luck in the health department, and is likely to need a fair number of days off).
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This is bullshit and I honestly think you’re a sociopath if you’re being sincere.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
I am slightly confused
Am I the sociopath because my heart doesn’t bleed over this, or is the guy who is threatening to find people from the internet and hurt them over their reaction to a baseball game the sociopath?
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
If you don’t fell bad that one of the teams best players could be done for all on next year, then you really arent a true fan.
Thank you
For the clarification to my question.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Definitely. The minute I saw him lying there after that play, my heart went out to him… I went from groaning that the season was over to praying that he was not hurt. Get well and come back Ryan!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thanks guys for a he’ll of a ride this season. I apologize for being wrong about Raul tonight.. But ya win some..
And while 24/106 is definitely something ill take from this season, this is what I’ll take most.
About 10 minutes ago, I went into my sons room to console him, after he realized we lost. He’s 4, and as most of you know, he really started to get into the phillies this season. We watched most games together every night.
I said to him, “Joe, it’s okay to cry because we lost, but losing is a part of life.”
“I’m not ca-ca-ca-crying cause we la-la-lost, I’m crying cause we can’t wa-a-atch anymore games together”
This team created a bond with my son and I this season that will last for the rest of our
Iives.
That’s what baseball is about.
I love this team, and I love this game.
Thanks TGP.
I’ll be back Monday to dissect the pence trade, Howards injury, Dom brown, a new third baseman, Oswalt, free agents, and trade targets.
25.8/106 "Winter is coming" -Eddard Stark
by Joecatz on Oct 8, 2011 12:06 AM EDT reply actions 34 recs
I can’t rec this enough.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Wow Joe this is awesome, and almost makes me cry. i wanna watch the rest of the playoffs with my grandpa now….
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll be here reading.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
We don't always agree during the season, Joe,
but I love you, man.
Indeed, that is what it’s all about.
"Fly Eagles fly..."
by 92-74-99-96 on Oct 8, 2011 12:14 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
A huge rec from this Giants fan with three sons.
Great post!
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
You are a totally entertaining addition to the blog. Between penetrating the heretofore impenetrable mysteries of Raul Ibanez’s streakiness, sharing first-person accounts of early-career Chipper Jones, joining THE SHUNNING, and the stories about your son (just a bit younger than mine), it’s been a fun ride this year. You gotta hang around.
by Wet Luzinski on Oct 8, 2011 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
What’s The Shunning?
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Dom Brown didn’t make a play to the best of his ability, so he was SHUNNED for a month or so. Kind of a parody of the idiots on talk radio that talk about how he’s lazy and doesn’t have hustle or grit or the will to win.
don’t forget this…definitely one of my personal favs this season
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
Ha you guys are great
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey we collect them on the Jays
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
The thing is, he NEEDS AT BATS. No matter how painful they may look. He needs to be allowed to bat, allowed to grow, and have a fanbase that supports him.
I’ve seen these fans sit through Burrell at-bat after Burrell at-bat. I’ve seen them applaud as Brad Lidge blew 19 saves. But Dom Brown can’t get a week of support?
It’s shameful. It’s really shameful. And no one in the front office, the coaching staff, or the players even stood up for the guy. It makes me sick.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Bear in mind what Lidge did the year before. That was something truly special, and really now. Matt Stairs will never buy his own drinks in a Philly bar in his life because of one at-bat in his entire career.
People will bitch about pretty much everything under the sun, but the fact that Brown is still with the team after all of the trades hopefully shows that RAJ intends to keep him.
9 of those 19 blown saves came in the dreaded 2009 campaign, to put it in perspective. But even then, Lidge had a strong postseason.
And I believe Lidge came back in 2010 to post a 35-save season(For comparison, Ryan Madson also had a 30 save season this year)
And he was an effective set-up man IMO this last month of the season.
This guy is/was a very talented pitcher, who gets lambasted simply for existing on the Phillies Roster.
by LeQuan Glover on Oct 8, 2011 4:08 AM EDT up reply actions
The thing is, the team is in a different place than it was while watching Pat the Bat’s at bats. Back then the expectations were lower- after all the team did not even make it to the post season until 2007. Now the expectations are high, and it is a lot harder to watch a young player find his way.
Lidge got away with what he did in 2009 largely because of 2008- if the two season happen in reverse order he maybe does not even get to return for the second season. and even then by the end of the season fan patience was growing thin, and in 2010 that patience was pushed even closer to it’s breaking point.
I further do not know what you mean by a week of support for Domonic- I think he got that. Maybe not a ton more, but there was a lot of high expectations and cheering when he was first brought up. Further, we do not know what the coaching staff and players were saying to him behind the scenes, but we can not expect them to try to put words in the fanbase’s mouths. Amaro has shown both through his actions in not trading Brown, and to a lesser extent his words (he has spoken well of Brown publicly on several occasions).
Clubs that are contending for the post season have to play the game differently than teams that are not in contention. This means that the need for young players to get playing time and experience has to be balanced by the importance of winning now. It is a tough balance to strike, and at some point the team is going to have to go through some ugly at bats from Brown along the way. But of the organization was dead set on trading for Pence, then it was probably best that Brown went back to the minors to learn to play well in left field and get the experience that comes with regular at bats, instead of collecting rust on the sideline.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Beyond what's already been said
This is phenomenal:
I said to him, "Joe, it’s okay to cry because we lost, but losing is a part of life."
Such an important lesson that isn’t taught anymore. Seriously, good job as a parent.
Juan "Doesn't Cheat The Game" Perez, future CF for the World Champion San Francisco Giants.
"And besides, if I wanted to participate in a mindless patriotic ritual where my voice isn’t really heard, I would vote." - Chris Marcil
Sorry if the timing is considered poor, but I just wanted to say this was a great read.
Rams, Cardinals, Bulls. Life is good.
Awwwww… What a sweetie you have in your son- for one so young he so gets it!
I thought of you during Ibañez’s 4th inning at bR (I so thought he was going to hit one there, and was marvelling that you would have called the play, even if it was a few innings early.)
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
cardinal fan here
who has been experiencing something similar with my young son lately. your post moved me deeply – i hope when the cardinals season ends, which it must soon, some way or another, that i will have the grace you did.
thanks for giving me something more meaningful to think about…
We live in the Boston area, but my daughters went to college in Philly. The older one has become a huge fan, and it makes me a little sad that I have never been to CBP with her (or even watched a full game with her on TV). Your son’s lament brought a lump to my throat.
Awwwww… Every year I take my mom to a few games. It is one of the better bonding moments for us, just sitting there and watching the Phillies play. Getting to shar last night with her is something that will stick with me for a long time and be something I remember with a smile, despite the outcome.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nearly Nostradamus as well
This was such a great post, almost everyone has ignored that you were within 5 feet of nearly “calling your shot”.
You said: Raul would hit a 2-run HR in the 6th.
What happened: Raul nearly hit a 3-run HR in the 7th (differences attributable to signal/noise attenuation in the prognostiphere).
Thanks for any number of wonderful posts during the season, Joe, in addition to this one.
Hunter Pence did not guarantee a WS, but, then, neither did Carlos Beltran.
Jeez guys. Youre making me blush…
Thanks for the thanks, and thanks for the ride. Cause its the ride that you’re supposed to enjoy, right?
This years ride for me was awesome. would not change a thing.
well, except we SHOULD HAVE KEPT…….
25.8/106 "Winter is coming" -Eddard Stark
Danys Baez!
But seriously, thank you Joe for putting everything into perspective. You are right. Winning in October is nice, but in the end, it’s all about the journey.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I know- that is the saddest thing to me- not that they are out of the post season, but that I won’t be spending my nights with the team that I love, and all of you and my mom (who I watch and listen to games with).
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
129 days til pitchers and catchers
-------
Celebrating over 50 years of slightly more Phils wins than losses: 1961-2011
Ugh. That’s a long time to have to watch the Eagles scuffle, not care about the Flyers, and remember that there is no NBA.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Oct 8, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
You forgot the worst part
January and early February when all Philly fans who are baseball-football have left is a countdown to pitchers and catchers/ the beginning of free agency.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I love your optimism! I actually think defense is a dying art in the NFL legislated away by Comissioner Goodell.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, but we have to remember that it is not the total end of it all. There is always a new beginning.
Except in 2013, because the world will end by then ;)
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Oct 8, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So true WM. May be afected by my being night shift this week too. The church of BaseBa’al will save us all.
"We are the Borg. Resistance is futile."
When it comes to sports (but especially baseball), I am a big believer in old school reward and punishment. Good things come because of blessing. Bad things happen because of “sins” committed on the field of play.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Oct 8, 2011 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, next year is the very last baseball season! Let’s make it a good one!
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
Any word on how the Collective Bargaining Agreement is going? Will there even be a next season?
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but the guy who scheduled it was called back to his maker, thus pushing back the date!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hugs! Hope you feel better soon!!!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 3:31 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What is the word on Ryan? Saw him on the ground after the last at bat.
"We are the Borg. Resistance is futile."
Well, what we know for a fact is
0 for 18.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He hit a home run
So did Ben Francisco.
Francisco isn’t going to make $25,000,000.00 yearly for half a decade.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, way to belittle his injury by construing what he actually did do in this series.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s out for the season …. He should be in the MRI machine about now.
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As in…all of 2012?
Well fuck.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
No no I was making a joke for 2011… DON’T PANIC.
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
NOT FUNNY MAAAAN!
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry didn’t even interpret it that way until you mentioned it :P
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks. I appreciate the info. Hard to get the scoop while working (and occasioally getting on line)
"We are the Borg. Resistance is futile."
I’m honestly not hugely upset. Last year was worse for me. For whatever reason, once the Cardinals rode their hot streak into the playoffs and I knew the Phillies would face them, I had a really bad feeling.
That said, would it help the Phils to grab some guys that hit for average? I’m not saying that made all the difference, and obviously the playoffs are kind of a “hit or miss” (pardon the pun) sweepstakes anyway, but I feel like if the Phils had more guys who hit for a stronger average, they’d do better come the playoffs.
Up and down the Cards lineup, they posted much better averages than the Phillies. Hunter Pence was the obvious exception, but this was his first taste of the playoffs, and he definitely appeared to be pressing. I think all the guys were trying way too hard as the expectations were sky high. I think it would be a lot healthier for the team if they went in as the underdogs.
Anyway, just an idea and there’s no real way to prove it conclusively. Comparing this team to the ‘08 Phillies doesn’t reveal a ton of differences, other than the extra 80 or so runs scored during the season (which means nothing come playoff time).
Also as added salt to the wound, I feel that Howard contract is just an ugly tumor we’ll have to deal with for a while—not that he’s the lone goat, but he just isn’t worth that money. And the Pence trade, while a noble effort, will not help the age concerns down the line (unless we trade back). Think Ed Wade pulled a “Black jack no trades back?”
I was screaming at them throughout the September Cardinals series that they needed to play those games hard (as it seemed like they phoned it in once they clinched so that they would not see them in October). I wanted the Braves to win the final series (with tue Phiies playing well) just to not have to deal with them. As presently constituted, they are a great team, and I agree with another person on here that had they not had the early season bullpen issues, they may have won that division.
- I definitely think there is something to be said for batting for average. It is definitely a ski this team could use in the future. Power is down around the league, including in Philly, and someone who gets on base (think a healthy Polly who knows how to take a walk) would be wonderful.
Because of the last five years, it will be a very long time before the Phillies are seen as under dogs. It may be better for them to not deal with the weight of expectations, but that is not the hand that they have been dealt.
Howard’s contract is definitely going to be ugly. It is a bad deal, no doubt (although I fully expect Fielder and Pujols to get contracts that are just about as ugly this offseason. The Pence trade does not make the team much younger, but does make them a little younger- no, you can’t return him to Houston!
Vg
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 7:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m gonna be more sickened by the jackasses who will celebrate howard is hurt and blame him for all of this…I can’t wait to hear all that tremendous logic
“The nation’s best sports station, WIP.”
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
People on the twitters are mean!
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I am thankful that this is pretty much the only place I go to discuss the Phillies. The WIP crowd right now is going to be awful.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 7:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I know that the playoffs are a crapshoot and that there was a not-unreasonable chance that we would lose, but it still doesn’t make me feel better.
Oh well. Looking forward to next year and the reemergence of DOM.
I reject your reality and substitute my own.
by alcatraz0109 on Oct 8, 2011 12:15 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Double worst case scenario, just from an organizational standpoint: Amaro will listen to the media chirping about the need to acquire a “big hitting first baseman” in order to replace Howard for a portion of the season, and once again trades off a bunch of prospects in order to acquire one.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I still think the Lee deal was prearranged when he was traded last year. They got together, Amaro said, “We’ll bring you back either by the trade deadline or in the off-season.”
Hehehe. Back at the beginning of the season, Jayson Stark wrote a piece on the Phillies rotation. Apparently after the Hlladay and led trades happened, Amaro had made mention to Halladay that the team would get Lee back.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 7:44 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
To quote a wiser man than I: “Life sucks, sometimes; you gotta learn to live between the lines. Birds sing, babies cry, life sucks, and then you die: ”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do6kcmN6Kx4" target="new">big deal."
I’d say I’d miss you all, but I know I’ll be lurking consistently, so just thanks for making this a little less lonely from Chicago and a little less depressing at the end. Appreciate it greatly.
And better batters?
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Aside from the 7-8-9 holes, they weren’t TERRIBLE. They just didn’t come through in the clutch during the postseason.
Have to agree. Although I think Polly and Ryan were both playing hurt which probably affected their hitting
"We are the Borg. Resistance is futile."
It was obvious from the get-go that Polly was playing hurt and now we know Howard was playing hurt. Not trying to be combative or anything, just agreeing.
Polanco should have gotten the surgery
Surgery was an option for him back in late August. They decided to have him play through it, and honestly, that hurt ‘em a lot. I said it back then, and I’ll say it now:
Martinez was awful. But they could go through a stretch of losing in September and still snag home-field advantage.
Well… Martinez WAS awful. And they went through a stretch in September and still got home field. Only thing I got wrong was Polly not getting his problems fixed. :/
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Stupid he didn’t get surgery. Not like they wouldn’t make the playoffs without him. What a dumb decision.
The Jruth shall be told.
From my understanding, if he had the surgery, the optimistic timetable was that he would be back in time to get back in rhythm for the post season, but there was a chance that he would not be back in time, as the timetable for being recovered from the surgery is variable. The thing I would love to know is how long it was bothering him before they went looking for the cause of the pain- I remember Polanco saying in San Fran that the hip had been bothering him “for a couple of weeks” which means it was bothering him during his first stint on the DL. Catch it there and he really haas a chance to get the surgery and be back in time to be ready for the post season.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 7:51 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Polly’s been playing hurt for pretty much the entire last two years. It’s basically turned him into Pedro Feliz v2.0 in that he’s still an awesome defensive player, but his offensive consistency is entirely gone.
yeah I still like him though (from a purely fan standpoint). I hope he gets surgery and some R &R in the offseason.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love me some Polly too. It’s just that I know that he’s better with the bat when he’s not recovered from a fastball knocking a bunch of shit loose in his elbow or getting a hernia from some asshole trying to tackle him on top of his bulging discs.
I know that too. The question is whether at his age he is even capable of having a healthy season at Third (said as someone who likes Polanco and what he brings to the table). Father time is undefeated.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
just bat him in front of Pence for protection
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
Would definitely protect Dom’s swing from looking bad!
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The pain continues
since the year I was born, 1968, philadelphia teams have made 91 playoff appearances and won just 4 championships. What did I do to deserve this?
Cowboys suck.
You are blessed to be a Philadelphia fan. It could be worse- you could be a Buffalo fan or a Detroit fan and seen even less success. No, Philly teams do not win every year (neither do teams from any other city BTW), and yes, there is a unique frustration from being as close to winning a championship as the Philly teams have been without getting one. But it is better than many of the alternatives.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't want to do the research
but I know the Pistons have won several championships, the Red Wings have won a ton and the Tigers have gotten at least 1 World Series that I can remember – so maybe being a Detroit fan wouldn’t be that bad. Buffalo only has one team.
Cowboys suck.
Two: Sabres and Bills.
Might as well just hand them over.
by All ur Aces R Belong to Us on Oct 8, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
HAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-18-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-GB-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA-OUTS-HAHAHA!
Dirty Waters for the new batting coach! He so called it!!!!
I’ll gladly take that job as I feel like a broken record with my comments about their approach to sinkerball pitchers
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
How many did they hit right to Furcal in this game and the game Garica pitched…11 trillion. We got raped by Duncan.
it was only made worse by the clinic being put on by Theriot-Schumaker-Punto on how to go with the pitch
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
yeah those contact scrub hitters can be useful in the post season. I wanted too keep our prospects and get Jamey Carroll or some utility man with those small ball skills. Good bench piece. Instead we got to see Pence flail at all the down and away garbage he get’s thrown in just about every 2 strike count
Question (asked considering that those skills require team play to work)- would bringing in one guy with those skills even be a real help in Philly- singles are great, but ya need 2-3 of them to turn into a run.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:06 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gelb:
Ryan Howard believes he tore his left ACL on the final play of the game. MRI to confirm it tomorrow.
oh god
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Fuck. It just got more horrifying.
He just cannot catch a break.
ACL is about 12 months recovery....
Could be back by 2012 NLCS?
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions
It depends on what your definition of “back” is. I remember Dan Marino rupturing his Achilles in game 5 of the 1993 season. He was back in time for the 1994 season, but his leg was noticeably atrophied and weakened. In a different sport, and especially for a LH batter like Ryan Howard, that’s his back leg, where a good bit of driving power comes from.
If it’s torn, yeah. Bad juju. Very bad.
you mean Dan Marino was actually slower? wow…..
And yeah everyone I’ve talked to or heard talk about an achilles injury said they didn’t even start feeling normal again until two years later.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
He even tried to run on it. Horrible stuff.
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
How could people boo him for that? It’s unfortunate that they make all Phillies fans look bad.
Follow me @BBBMinorLeaguer | 2011 Jays record while in attendance: 12-12 (.500)
by Minor Leaguer on Oct 8, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I will be honest with you- I was at the park (and let out a groan when he grounded to Second- it took a minute to realize that he was hurt and hadn’t just stumbled out of the box- my mother, who was with me at the game, did not even realize that Howard was physically hurt until I mentioned what I saw to her afterward. She was so focused on the final play of the game and the Cardinals celebrating on our home turf that she did not even realize it. I am not defending all fans, and I am sure that some of them were booing Howard personally, but am saying that not all the noise was directed at him.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That is truly awful. Oh no. I feel terrible for him.
by ThinMountainAir on Oct 8, 2011 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions
That is what Howard suspects per every Phillies beatwriter on Twitter. MRI will confirm.
If true, I guess this ends the ensuing Mayberry vs. Brown controversy before it even got started. Unless of course Amaro does something in the offseason. Then it will be back on again. And I will want to strangle goats.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Don’t tell anymore… but I might like that better.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
by ThinMountainAir on Oct 8, 2011 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
It also means that either Gload or Ibanez could be resigned as a 1B/OF replacement instead of playing the free agent market because there’s very little in the way of a CF and/or 1B backup if Howard is lost, and I imagine they don’t want Vic and Mayberry playing every single day.
It would also mean that Benny Fresh would likely be kept, and get more playing time. That, I’m okay with.
I doubt that Howard’s injury causes Gload or Ibañez to be kept. Ibañez really only fits defensively (if you can even call it that) in left. While he has played first in the past, the fact is that the defensive metrics (for whatever they are worth, as the sample sizes were not huge) had him as a poor defensive first baseman.
Gload needs surgery to be healthy enough to play day in and day out, surgery that comes with a long recovery timeline (six months +). This makes an optimistic timeline for his recovery as being ready after the season starts, not what the Phillies need when Howard is highly likely to not be ready to begin the season.
I think there is definitely going to be a look outside the organization for a replacement. This look is necessary for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that there are some needs for this team that there are not organizational replacements for, but also the fact that planning to play Brown and Mayberry every day leaves the team very thin if an injury happens. Further, there is no guarantee that Brown is ready offensively or defensively to begin next year, and the last thing I want to see is them bring Brown up, have him have to play every day, and wind up with him losing confidence (and hearing it from the fanbase) because he is not playing well. Twice Brown has been brought up to the big league club because of injuries. Twice the results have been less than desireable (although the hype was probably unreasonable anyway). How about insuring that the third time Brown is up is the charm- bring him up when HE is ready and because HE is ready- offensively and defensively. If he is such a huge part of this team’s future he deserves the chance to mature and truly be ready.
I have mixed feelings about an expanded role for Benny Fresh. On one hand, he was not bad playing semi-every day in Cleveland. On the other, he essentially played his way out of the right field job this year, and I do not know that a new year by itself makes him an everyday player on a contending team.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This may be one of your most astute posts, danni.
But I don’t think the look outside the team will be for a 1stbase/power hitter, but an infielder/pinch hitter. Even if RAJ signs J-roll (which I think is only 50/50) they need to upgrade their reserves dramatically without Ryan and with an aging ballclub.
Someone below mentions Mark Reynolds. I’d guess that would be the maximum level we could expect/hope for.
Hunter Pence did not guarantee a WS, but, then, neither did Carlos Beltran.
are you kidding me… that’s like leaving a junky alone in a hospital pharmacy, and turning of all surveillance cameras.
I posted a similar tweet on Twitter and two people, presumably independent of each other, tweeted to me that the Phillies should sign Carlos Pena!
So it begins.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I said look outside of the organization… But can’t we look for a little better than that?
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:35 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Why go outside the organization when you have a significantly cheaper alternative who may be just as good inside the organization?
I say this under the assumption that Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder will not be coming to Philadelphia.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
so is this a big deal or not (I’m being serious). Halladay has seemed to have a problem down the stretch of giving up runs in the first inning. I saw something where he’s given up almost as many runs in the first inning than he has in the other innings combined. In 34 starts he let the leadoff man get on base 17 times. And it goes without saying that all four runs he gave up this series were in the first inning where he looked like Kendrick on a bad day and followed up both first innings with ridiculously awesome performances. Is this just circumstantial or is there something he needs to “fix” about how he starts games?
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
Probably having trouble getting in the groove. I’m not worried. Lee I’d be more worried about.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
This. One of the things I want to look at (and probably will really soon- if I can’t watch the Phillies might as well write about them right?) is Halladay’s damage control abilities- he seems uniquely able to recover from the bad inning, something I saw even last year.
One of the things that watching Halladay and Lee (and really all four of them) go on back to back days this season did was give me newfound respect for what Halladay is able to do in this regard. It is what makes him the best.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
it’s only a problem when your offense can’t score
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
well yeah I realize he can’t exactly be held responsible for only giving up one run. It’s more of an “Is this anything?” question.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the giving up runs early thing may be a common pitcher thing, though. You hear the commentators all the time talk about a pitcher settling in after the first couple of innings. I wonder what a look league wide at run scored distribution by inning would show us. I think it would show a lot of starting pitchers giving up a lot of their runs in the first two innings of their appearances (before they settle in) or the last couple.
"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."
by dannijd on Oct 8, 2011 8:46 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He’s done that for the duration of his career, but it’s streaky as ‘first innings only’ is a sample size of 35ish innings a year. It’s more noticeable now because he’s giving up fewer runs overall. This year was pretty hard on it, but again, small sample sizes. Normalize luck and he would have been pushing a sub-2 ERA.
All starters do it to some degree, as the first inning is always the 1-2-3 batters.
, the Phillies’ right-hander arguably outpitched Carpenter,
Arguably to who? You lost, suck nutz.
Morgan: Do you think I could come into the clubhouse after the game and display my ass for both those veterans and the younger guys?
Baker: Well, Joe, you are on the payroll of the team, and you're a legend, so I suppose — holy shit!
[Joe has appeared next to Dusty, in the dugout, completely naked]
Morgan: Hey.
Oh, you couldn’t be more banned.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I seriously hope
That the Juggalo avatar is ironic.
But being from Atlanta, I fear for the worst.
by JamesFromPhilly on Oct 8, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Please describe in a detailed process how you connected to the internet. Inquiring minds need to know.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Not fair
You know he found his mother’s laptop already on line and her in the kitchen washing dishes. This is the only plausible explanation.
Giants baseball: So hollow, so empty.
"You don't go out with the pressure that you've gotta be perfect. It's more, 'I know I'm capable of throwing a shutout, so I should probably strive for that every time I go out. And if I don't, then I bite myself in the ass, not everybody else.' "--Tim Lincecum discussing how he deals with the shitty Giants offense.
by Sabean's_Folly on Oct 8, 2011 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
How the fuck aren’t you still banned?
by philsandthrills on Oct 8, 2011 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s a Braves fan.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
That would be awesome. So long as they don’t win the Series this year.
I’m pulling for the Tigers or the Rangers.
by Airedale260 on Oct 8, 2011 12:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Howard
Per Gelb: “I was trying to run and I just felt this pop,” Howard said. “The whole thing went numb, like it was on fire.”
Howard: “They think it might be torn…if it is, I’ll have surgery.”
I hate new york.
by XxActionJacksonxX on Oct 8, 2011 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn't even close to crying until now.
I’m crying for Ryan Howard. And I don’t care if that makes me soft.
I cried when I saw it. It was obvious it wasn’t just a sprained ankle again. He was writing on the ground.
I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not be a pitch. - Roy Oswalt
Alright guys…girls…and aliens. I’m tapped out. It’s been one hell of a ride, I enjoyed every second it. Glad I signed on this season. Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute more than comments this offseason into 2012.
Es hat viel spaß gemacht, aber es würdet nur mehr “spaßer” machen.
Night all.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
Gelb made a mistake
Again, I apologize for the mistake. The early belief is that Ryan Howard has a torn Achilles. He will have an MRI on Saturday to confirm.
That’s not much better than a torn ACL, is it? (serious, non-rhetorical question; I know nothing about medicine)
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Not sure whether to put this here or in a FanPost. I want people to see it...
As the ruins of 2011 came crashing down around us… ok, stupid cliché, but you get the point… as Howard collapsed on his way to first in the ninth, my emotions quickly ran the gamut from furious anger (I put a hole in the wall with a breaker bar) to grief to despair (I cried a little) to all-consuming rage, before settling on simple disappointment. No more meaningful baseball until April. Poop.
Then I went for a walk, around the neighborhood, to clear my head. I had a chance to think. This year has been one hell of a ride. The best team in franchise history. Sweeping the Barves out of the playoffs. And, while I really thought we could and should beat the Cards, "you can’t win ‘em all." There are some real bright spots for next year. We still have three (or four?) of the best pitchers in baseball. We have a solid lineup with no outstandingly weak spots (e.g., Yuniesky Betancourt and Brandon Inge aren’t our starters). We’re riding the wave of the true Golden Age of the Phillies. Next year will be great.
I also want to thank everyone on The Good Phight for letting me be (or tolerating me as) a part of your community for another season. Thanks to Whole Camels and his blog lords for tolerating my odd hours, my tenuous grasp of the Philadelphia scene and my constant fucking profanity. Thanks to Wet Luzinski for inspiring my with his poetry. Thanks to JReed for being a superbly awesome human being (seriously, who uses Cthulhu, dumptrucking, radial arm saws and heavy metal in one post!). Thanks to TwistyWristy for her help with the Over/Under/Never (what the hell do we do with that, by the way?). Thanks to dannijd for her consistency and diminishing pessimism. Thanks to JoeCatz for his Nostradamus-esque predictions (which were essentially dead-on) and his Hot-Cold Theory of Raulian Relativity. Thanks to the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies for giving me a season to remember. Thanks to Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen for calling it in such an enjoyable fashion. Thanks to all the rest of you at TheGoodPhight. I’ll see you ’round this winter.
As most of you know, I live several thousand miles away, so this website and MLB.com are my only real links to the team I’ve followed all my life.
From the bottom of my heart: Thank you.
And you know what sucks most of all? It’s supposed to snow tonight.
by Phrozen on Oct 8, 2011 12:43 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
Rec’d. Can’t wait until next year to start the ride all over again.
by philsandthrills on Oct 8, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s always darkest before the dawn of a new season, Phrozen. You get first dibs at the hot stove, then.
by Wet Luzinski on Oct 8, 2011 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions
hey WL I did hommage poem fer you but with music hyperlinks. I just wanted you to know that before I posted it and you read it and were like all WTF he’s stealing my thunder and I’d be like I hope he gets the dedication cuz that kinda of thing goes on with artists and poets and shit but i don know if he’s all aware of that cuz of the intrawebs and i that’s not my intention to be all thunder stealy and what not.
likewise…sucks to cause I have to get up at 5 am to drive to my brother’s place to celebrate my nephew’s 1st birthday…fucking A
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
Baez earned my everlasting respect for his five scoreless innings in the Game of Endless Extra Innings. That was an incredible performance.
yeah I know, it’s odd how awful he was in nearly every other appearance but was so great there. And by the way in response to your post above. It’s been fun “talking” with you this season and I look forward to more in the winter months.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
you know, he didn’t pitch so badly before then, but was absolute garbage after…. possibly not coincidentally
well not only that but it seemed like Manuel saw it as a greenlight to throw Baez into some more higher leverage situations (instead of the garbage innings he had been pitching beforehand)
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
The title alone should win a pulitzer.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions
One awesome night
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
by jrobulls on Oct 8, 2011 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We also had that guy pitch an immaculate inning. That guy? Who’s not on the team anymore.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I love me some Juan Perez!!!
that 9 pitch – 3 K inning ranks high on my moments of the season list…inspired this Chappelle Show-Prince Juan Perez combo
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
Right, Perez. Hell of a way to do the last inning of the first game I ever attended in Philly. I didn’t even realize what he’d done until I got back to the motel.
I both missed the game and never got to see any recaps.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
by the way, where’s Romero?
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:09 AM EDT up reply actions
No wonder he was only allowed to pitch after everybody went to bed.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
This sucks, but it doesn’t diminish what they were able to accomplish in the regular season. This is objectively the best Phillies team I have had the pleasure of watching.
But the righteous indignation in some quarters of the web right now is ridiculous. This is baseball, and it’s why we repeat ad infinitum that “the playoffs are a crapshoot”. They didn’t play great and they lost three out of five games. Unless you are stupid enough to believe that they didn’t care or weren’t trying, then you have no right to walk around like you are owed something or you have been wronged in some way. You have every right to be upset with the result—we all are. But playing this bullshit game of outrage one-upmanship is absurd. Being more angry than everyone else doesn’t prove that you are a bigger fan, it just proves that you don’t have a fucking clue how baseball works.
Thanks to WC, my other co-blog lords, and our awesome commenters for making this a great place to share in the triumphs and tragedies.
The Good Phight, NotGraphs, Twitter, fun!
by FuquaManuel on Oct 8, 2011 12:58 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Oh great. Now I can’t say anything until someone says my name. It’s a The Good Phight dream!!
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Am I stupid for thinking that their problem at the plate is that they were trying too hard?
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
I thought about that. It looked like they were pressing way too hard at times, just poking and hoping and just thinking too much. Just hit.
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
I really wonder if the whole “WS or bust” mentality is partially to blame. Seems like they were playing so tight after Game 1. Saw it in last year’s playoffs too. Can’t be easy to have that kind of pressure; even worse this year with the expectations b/c of Cliff’s arrival plus the bad memories of NLCS ’10. Maybe this is one reason why the teams with the best regular season records so rarely go on to win the WS.
I wonder if we’d think they didn’t play great if, say, Ibanez’s flyball is a 3-run homer, and that’s how the game ends. Some games are just low-run environments, and the balls the Phillies hit well didn’t find the holes/carry. The Cardinals got two of them that did. This is not to say that the offense had collectively great approaches, or whatever, or that Polanco & Ruiz weren’t major blackholes, but this is what happens in baseball, all the time.
Many people would think they did fine. I would not, however.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Why do I hit post so fast?
It’s why I didn’t think their second win was a convincing win either.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
You’re right. But winning doesn’t mean they played well unless they win it all.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
let’s say you were a Cardinals fan, and the game ended with the Phillies winning 2 or 3-1, so all you got was the first inning run, and couldn’t cash in on other opportunities… bad at bats? Or good pitching from Halladay?
If the Cardinals gave up that home run, they’d have been shut down by Halladay. But they also played some solid defense… well Furcal did. And defense doesn’t factor into Home Runs.
What’s odd is if we got that home run, Carpenter probably leaves the game.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Because they got three hits and no runs. What are you saying exactly?
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Is it really that difficult to understand? Maybe re-read what I’ve written.
(Why is being three hit not somehow a function of Carpenter, but can only be “blamed” on the offense? Keeping in mind the other things I’ve already written.)
Because the offense swung at pitches early in the count. He had one 3 ball count all game I believe.
There’s strategies for when you are being beat by a pitcher. You slow the game down. You take your time in the batter box, you make him wait, and you fight off pitches. The Phillies didn’t do that. They swung early and often.
That’s what I believe at least.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
I would say it is somewhat a function of Carpenter, but more a function of poor offensive execution based on the location of Carpenter’s pitches. He left a lot of sinkers up in the zone and I actually thought the Phils should have raked him tonight.
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
The theme of biggest disappointment ever was played up repeatedly by Larry Bowa this week, culminating in his emphatic assertion that if the Phillies lost today’s game five it would be the worst loss in the history of the franchise. Thanks, former Phillies Manager Bowa, for showing us how jealous you are that you didn’t have the chance to manage this group. And no thanks for feeding the perception that Phillies fans were owed something more than a great regular season.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions
1977 called and wants you to hurry up your throw to get Lopes, you pipewiener.
by Wet Luzinski on Oct 8, 2011 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe this is just me, but not only for baseball but across the sports spectrum I would say that, while losses in the playoffs are disappointing and heartbreaking, they pale in comparison to regular season losses that prevent you from going to the playoffs, like when your team loses the last game of the regular season and is knocked out of the playoffs because of it.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I remember ’77 and ’78 very well. There is no question that I had more invested in those teams. I was a kid and they were my world in the summer and I watched or listened to every single game out in the boonies of central Pennsylvania. So my viewpoint is affected by the innocent intensity of childhood.
I think those were worse, because the team had never won the Series and it felt, especially after Black Friday and Hurricane Feeney, that they were never going to win. Worse than Cubs and Red Sox never.
The current group has already won a Series. The disappointment of assembling an historic starting rotation and losing isn’t as severe. There is something about being knocked down from the highest perch that isn’t as crushing as always being thwarted while crawling your way to the top for the first time, as the 1980 team finally did. I wouldn’t say that the team overreached or was hubristic, but it’s a lesser kind of tragedy when elites fail.
I hope Halladay gets the championship. But he has a such a superior approach to his work that he really doesn’t need anything outside of himself to be a winner. It’s inspiring.
by flyersfaninchicago on Oct 8, 2011 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Nicely put
I know that feeling you’re referring to. For me it was the ten-game losing streak in 1964, when it seemed like everything was going great all year, only to have it whisked away and told, no, no Series for you. And 1977, especially, was almost as bad because that team seemed to be appreciably better at both hitting and pitching and the way they lost on Black Friday was astonishing. And up to that point it really did seem worse because there was no previous champion to look back to and say, well, at least they won in blank. They were like the Brewers for twice as long.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey all. Haven’t been around much this year compared to other years. Life happens.
But me and the GF went to the game tonight. Stubhub left field foul pole. (Row 9 in 140 is really row 3!) Ok crowd made some friends. In the 6th, I was up cheering, and a CBP staff member told me to sit. I’ll go into it another day. But in an elimination game, I was told to sit. To me, something is wrong. Might as well be vacant leather couches behind Yankee stadium home plate. Talked to a Yankee fan today about AROD and my big fear is RYHO=AROD. Ah well. Still love em all and love TGP. Cheers and GO FLYERS!!!
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:01 AM EDT reply actions
ARod in the postseason: .884 OPS (.953 in the reg season), 7% lower in the postseason
Howard in the postseason: .845 OPS (.928 in the reg season), 9% lower in the postseason
Without looking anything up I venture to guess that both ARod’s and Howard’s postseason OPS’s are among the highest on the teams they played on.
-------
Celebrating over 50 years of slightly more Phils wins than losses: 1961-2011
Just think, things could be worse. This could be a part of your brand new stadium!
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
what the fuck is that? Seizure stadium?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
perfect situation for the Marlins. Go from using the “our ballpark is a football stadium” excuse for not drawing fans to “our ballpark has no seats” excuse for not drawing fans.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Whenever a Miami Marlin hits a home run in their brand new stadium, Marlins fans (all 200 of them) in attendance will be treated to that.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
worst than the Brew man sliding… what is next? Every time a Rockies score… Dinger is shot out a cannon outside the stadium?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Hey,
You may be onto something there.
Ross on Halladay: "I’d tried everything against him…going the other way, taking pitches, trying to walk…and nothing worked. I’d never tried going up there and just trying to hit a home run off him."
My boy has mad hops
I rant on Twitter
fixed
Whenever a Miami Marlin hits a home run in their brand new stadium, Marlins fans (all 200 of them) in attendance will be blinded
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
fixed
Whenever a Miami Marlin hits a home run in their brand new stadium, Marlins fans (all 200 of them) in attendance will have a seizure.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Whenever a Marlin hits a home run:
CARNIVALE!!!!
Ross on Halladay: "I’d tried everything against him…going the other way, taking pitches, trying to walk…and nothing worked. I’d never tried going up there and just trying to hit a home run off him."
My boy has mad hops
I rant on Twitter
Is it okay to say that has to be the gayest home run celebration anybody has come up with yet? (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Check out that link posted below.
It’s brought up a couple times. Plus: GAY GALACTUS!
Ross on Halladay: "I’d tried everything against him…going the other way, taking pitches, trying to walk…and nothing worked. I’d never tried going up there and just trying to hit a home run off him."
My boy has mad hops
I rant on Twitter
you all need to read this, now:
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/7/2474722/miami-marlins-ballpark-home-run-structure-what-is-that-gaaaaaaaaah
Look at this thing! HA!
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
I would love a big water feature in the outfield. Like, a real one. I would also like water features somewhere in the Phillies stadium, a big fountain somewhere.
This… this is like someone heard my idea and ran in the wrong direction. To Las Vegas.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Does SABRE have a place in the playoffs
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:12 AM EDT reply actions
Sidenote: I love the word Sabremetrics. Because, it’s an abbreviation for SABR. Which means that it should be spelled Sabremetrics, regardless of British or American English!!
At least I think so.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
sorry all, i was there tonight, and i was told to sit in the 6th. F that
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Cheering and waving a rally towel
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
while others were sitting behind me
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Where those others the President, the Pope and Dave Montgomery?
If not, fuck that. Who told you that, an usher?
yes an usher told me to sit, her partner apologized on our way out
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions
those others probably complained to an usher…it happens
"Francisco...that's fun to say! Francisco...Francisco" - Buddy
I can’t imagine what people at the game were showing. These threads showed us the gamut of emotion. Anger, depression, distancing, trying to be cheerful and appreciative for the season while being angry at people who are angry or depressed. It’s crazy. I can’t blame them for being complaining, they probably wanted to calmly watch.
But still, if you are in the ballpark, you don’t get to influence the seats around you. If you want to control the environment, watch at home or buy a box.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Baseball is a game and the players are just players. But I’m there to root and yell. To be told to sit down at the last game of the season…What happened? That is what I pay good money for
by Sept.28.Oct.27.Dec.28.2008 on Oct 8, 2011 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
A winter project for me is to explore this and dive into the “playoffs are a crapshoot” idea a little deeper. I probably own’t come up with anything new but I’ll have fun doing it.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll support you. I made a post on that in the previous thread. I’d be interested in your findings.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Wait till next year, 2012
Just thought I’d mention how much better the even years are – 1980 and 2008 – than this odd year, 2011. Someone else will get the joy we were hoping for. The Cardinals are the only remaining team that I have no wish to see take home the championship. The Tigers?Well, Detroit could use something to cheer about and I like Jim Leyland and the players on that team. The Rangers and the Brewers have never won a world championship, so that would be nice for their fans. It won’t be the same as rooting for the Phillies, but I’ll survive.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 1:22 AM EDT reply actions
Ah, yes, the BBTN desk has a WHAT WENT WRONG graphic.
I think I just died inside.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
So what did go wrong? as per the geniuses on baseball tonight?
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I have it on mute, so I couldn’t hear it. But it’s fun to make up your own dialogue, like I do whenever I watch Metropolis
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Oct 8, 2011 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK. JESUS, FUCK. FUCK WHAT?
That is all. I feel better now.
Might as well just hand them over.
by All ur Aces R Belong to Us on Oct 8, 2011 1:31 AM EDT reply actions
Fixed
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
by BIBTD on Oct 8, 2011 1:38 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Thanks man.
Might as well just hand them over.
by All ur Aces R Belong to Us on Oct 8, 2011 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I cant stop looking !!!
FLYERROB ! YOU STAY AWESOME FLYERS FANS ! ~ ~ ~ Lori Wilson Gray ~ ~ April 07th 1967 - May 27th 2011 ~ May you rest in Peace ~ I love you and miss you big Sis ! I cant believe at 44 yrs of age .. you went to sleep and never woke up. I promise to take care of Matt and Emily for you. With Love, your baby Brother.
in the words of Ivan Drago,
“if he dies, he dies”
I eat sentimentality for breakfast, but stats stop me dead in my tracks
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Oct 8, 2011 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking forward to discussing the rest of the postseason on here, as well as the host stove happenings.
Goodnight everyone, and Go Hoosiers.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
Actually, I have been to Indiana. Including Oilrefinerycementplantsteelmilltireburningsludgefilledcesspoolshitholeugliestpollutedassexcuseforacityintheworld. Forgot about it.
My dad and I drove from Philly to Chicago and back one summer, and went to games at the Vet, Three-Rivers and Wrigley. It was one of the most fun trips I’ve even been on, and I think I mentally blocked out the memory of Gary.
Guess no one is going to explain then..
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
It’s an overly polluted cesspool. A filthy hive of scum and villany. Cody Ross probably lives there.
Wait? What? I’ve never been to Indiana ( Would like to) give examples please.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Now, granted, I was only there twice, and we didn’t stop, let alone slow down. But you get the idea. I’ve never been to the rest of the state.
isn't Michael Jackson from there?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
When I think of Pugilistic boatmen, I like to think of sailors who punch whales. It’s a very entertaining image.
by Delicious Cake on Oct 8, 2011 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
There are about a hundred explanations for what a Hoosier is. The most convincing one I’ve ever heard was this: It’s essentially an old English word for hillbilly. Hoo is the old English word for hill and people from Virginia were often called Hoos in the Colonial era. The first wave of settlers to Indiana came from Virginia, who settled in Southern Indiana which is the only hilly part of the state, so they became known as Hoosiers or people of the hills.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
host stove happenings? what?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Hey Hey! Shock this site didn’t blow up like BGN
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
I could deal with losing 7-8. Shit even 3-4. But when your offense can’t muster anything but ground balls the majority of the game that’s just unacceptable to me. I guess I have different standards for a team that was supposed to go deep into the playoffs.
The Jruth shall be told.
And to show you how much I overreact, the 76ers are my favorite Philadelphia sports team, even though they’re mediocre year after year. I’m not a bandwagon fan; I just think it’s a failure when a team doesn’t live up to expectations. I still enjoyed the year and appreciate the winning and blah blah, but they just couldn’t get it done when it mattered. That’s a big deal to me.
The Jruth shall be told.
Post pictures of Milas Kunis!
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
Ummm be disappointed for more than 20 minutes before you start saying how awesome they are and completely forgetting about the faults of this team moving forward?
The Jruth shall be told.
They’re going to be in the exact some position next year most likely. Hopefully they’ll get it done then. They didn’t this year and that sucks.
The Jruth shall be told.
Phillies? Sixers might not have a season this year.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
You’re right I forgot about how much impact we have over the construction of the roster and well-developed psyches that can see past the crushing, throttling weaknesses on a roster that just managed to win 102 games. I mean, what a bunch of fucking SAPS.
http://www.thegoodphight.com
What the fuck does that even mean?
Some people did not want to talk to the MSM after the game? Who gives a shit!
Some people did not have a good game against Chris Carpenter? Chris Carpenter is a damn fine pitcher who, along with Doc, pitched brilliantly.
The greatest Phillies team of all time lost in the NLDS? The baseball playoffs are determined by small sample sizes where certain outcomes are largely dependent on luck.
The bottom line is this: The 2011 Phillies were one of, if not the greatest incarnations of the team in franchise history. But because intellectually deficient clotpoles such as yourself place way too much emphasis in judging a team on a small sample size, they will be remembered as “chokers.” And that’s a damn shame.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I think the playoffs exposed flaws with this team.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
The ironic part of everything is arguably the team’s actual greatest weakness (the bullpen) is not a topic of discussion tonight.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
All teams have flaws. But the Phillies ability to react, their approach to the plate, and their inability to work counts or get out of situations where they can’t hit a pitcher has been their problem for a few seasons now. A problem that’s only been hinted at by swapping out hitting coaches, but not one outside the system.
It’s a real flaw. And it’s the flaw I’d point to this series. After Game 1, I don’t think this team did very well when it came to hitting. And it’s not as if they lacked offensive talent. That’s the flaw I look at. It’s not a flaw you can get around by making your starting pitchers pitch later into games.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Yes. No matter how great a baseball team is, all are vulnerable to losing short series where the sample sizes are much too small for things to even out.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
That’s the point though, the Phillies were playing as if things would even out. And what some of us are saying you can’t make that assumptions in a 5 game series Making those adjustments and playing more situational baseball is no guarantee for success either but it’s about maximizing your odds in 5 game context. If what your doing isn’t working you have to adjust . That’s why it didn’t bother me when Utley stole – he was trying to manufacture a run.
I like this line of thinking. I don’t like this defeatist “well it’s a small sample size so therefore it’s all about luck.” attitude. There has to be something the Phillies can do to increase their chances of winning.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
You should never have a bad game against a very good pitcher?
I feel like I should not have to say this (actually that is a lie because given the content of your posts I do) Chris Carpenter is a damn fine pitcher. Having a bad day against him, regardless of the stakes of the game, does not somehow make you terrible. It’s not like we were shut down by BIG PELF or something. There is no shame in having a rough game against Chris Carpenter.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I honestly do not even know why I am continuing to bother with this. You don’t understand baseball. You make no attempt to understand baseball. I’m going to bed for the night.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Packin: According to Justin F. There’s no such thing as skill. Every loss, he’ll find a way to pin it on luck. While, in reality one of the only two games we won was ENTIRELY on luck(Ben’s homer).
I was upset when the Phillies recorded the final out, but in a way I’m extremely pleased: The Justin F’s of the world will have to endure the long winter without baseball. In this suffering, I take great glee and enjoyment.
What they did was insulting, in suggesting that the playoffs were a “crapshoot”, they had the excuse ready in case for the scenario. They disrespected the meaning of sports, which is to compete. They are competitors.
This isn’t a card game, where you need certain “cards” to win and you may or may not draw them. This isn’t poker, blackjack, etc. This isn’t bingo.
This is a physical competition between athletes who specialize in their respective fields. In such a physical competition, the best athletes are normally the ones who come out on top. Unless
A) They underperform
OR
B) Luck.
What exactly about our losses were predicated on luck? Game 2 was and is on Charlie Manuel. The adjustment may or may not have worked, but you owe it to your team to try everything you possibly can to win.
Charlie Manuel is not the team’s ballboy, he’s not their #1 fan winning frontrow seats to the game. He’s their manager. It’s his job to actually pay attention to the game. He’s a “player’s coach”, he’s the guy that softens up on ya.
But for all the good that may be, he’s still got to react to in-game situations. It’s the same with Andy Reid. He may very well be likable in the organization and he might have their trust and respect. But his coaching staff have got to make the adjustments they can to put the best product on the field.
But hey, it’s not all on him. Even to a supposed dumbass fan like me, Chase Utley’s so called intelligence was not on display. Not only was going for 1st-to-third on such a weakly played ball a bad idea, but he didn’t even look back at the play. He was charging full speed ahead like a chicken with it’s head cut off.
Oh and getting caught at second, that was PRICELESS. Carpenter hadn’t even thrown a pitch yet. Maybe Pence makes contact on the ball, maybe there’ll be a window of opportunity. Instead, he runs at the first chance he gets and to his credit Molina makes the play.
And finally, Ryan Howard is competing with Alex Rodriguez for worst playoff performer in the 21st century. Ryan Howard hasn’t done anything relevant in the postseason ever since the 09 World Series against the Yankees that was catastrophically awful.
None of that sadly, is luck. It’s a window declining. And it’s poor execution.
by LeQuan Glover on Oct 8, 2011 5:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You should never have a bad game against a very good pitcher?
That’s giving credit to skill you ignorant troll.
Ed Snider is a crotchety old fuck.
That is all.
by EREX21 on Oct 8, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I do not know why I am going to respond with a serious analysis, but I am feeling fine this morning and will make a non-condescending reply. Do what you want with it
You say I credit everything to luck, but that is not true, and that has never been true. For an example on this thread, see EREX’s reply right below this comment of yours where he quotes me two posts above this in a reply to packimop. Chris Carpenter is a damn fine pitcher who can shut who has the skill to shut down opposing offenses like he did last night. There is no shame in being shutout by Chris Carpenter. I say outcomes of batted balls are largely dependent on luck (more so for pitchers than hitters), but there are numerous skills in baseball. Examples of this from the batter’s perspective would be getting on base, working counts, and making solid contact. You attribute Ben Francisco’s home run to luck, but there is nothing lucky about making good contact on a pitch from a good pitcher (Jaime Garcia). Not to mention that Ben Francisco did hit 6 home runs during the regular season. It is true that none of these home runs came after the month of May, but he also saw a significant decrease in playing time as the season wore along as well. Unfortunately I do not have a graph or chart handy of the number of plate appearances per month of Ben Francisco, but I would not be at all surprised if the home run drought and the significant decrease in playing time were not hand-in-hand. Keep in mind, Francisco is a guy who went from starting right fielder to 5th outfielder in a matter of months. If you want an example of a home run that is luck, look no further than Joe Blanton in Game 4 of the 2008 World Series, where he admitted that he closed his eyes and swung. I hesitate to say the same thing about Matt Stairs’ Game 4 NLCS moonshot because Stairs is a guy who makes conscious efforts to swing for the fences. That’s about all he does, but that is what he does.
Calling playoffs “crapshoots”, especially the MLB playoffs, is just calling it like it is. Someone here or on Twitter (I don’t remember and am too lazy to look it up) said that of the past four Phillies teams, the worst of the four is the team that won the World Series. And I don’t think that person is wrong. The 2008 Phillies were not the best team in baseball this year. They were not the best team to qualify for the playoffs that year. Hell, during the season I remember people wanting the Phillies to be blown up and re-built from scratch.
In football, teams can make a conscious decision to exploit a certain weakness of the other team. For example, if a defense is starting Asante Samuel and Dimitri Patterson at cornerback, the opposing offense whenever they have the ball can make conscious decisions to continually exploit that weakness (Patterson). If one side of the offensive line is significantly weaker than another, defenses can load up and attack that area. Now football has its own sample size problem in that the seasons are only 16 games and playoff match-ups are all win-or-go-home so not everything will even out, but the point is because you can consciously and consistently exploit weaknesses throughout the game, it mitigates the crapshoot somewhat. Now in baseball, this is not true. Placido Polanco (2011 playing with a sports hernia edition, so we are all clear on the Placido Polanco we are talking about) will only get x number of ABs per game, where x is dependent on his spot in the order and how many times the Phillies go around their order. There is nothing the opposing team can do to capitalize on this weakness more frequently. Same with Raul Ibanez playing defense. If the landing spot of batted balls were not solely luck dependent, you can bet teams would try as hard as possible to hit as many balls as they possibly could in the direction of Ibanez, knowing that his defense sucks. Whereas in football, you can make conscious decisions to exploit a weakness consistently throughout the game, in baseball, the number of times you can exploit a weakness is dependent on numerous variables.
As far as Chase Utley goes, j reed mentioned this somewhere in this thread and I think I tend to agree with him on this, but Chase Utley being caught stealing late in the game last night is not really on Chase Utley. The team was struggling to make solid contact off Chris Carpenter, so Utley was trying to manufacture a run through “small ball” as some might say. The pitch he ran on was a 70-some mile per hour curveball, and Yadier Molina threw an absolute strike to the 2nd baseman who was able to apply the tag in time. That is just a good play by Yadier Molina counteracting a good decision by Chase Utley.
The last point I will make here is Ryan Howard. While I will ignore the Alex Rodriguez comparison for the sake of this discussion I encourage you to go to Fangraphs.com and under each player’s Win Probability section, check out various players’ clutch scores (including A-Rod). You will notice a year to year inconsistency between them, almost regardless of who you choose. That is because “clutch hitting” (i.e. performing better in high leverage situations than one normally would) is not a definable skill. You mention that Howard has not done anything relevant in the post-season since the 2009 World Series. Here is Ryan Howard’s Win Probability Added for every game playoff game he has played in since 2009. A positive number represents this player (in this exercise, I am focusing merely on Ryan Howard) increased his team’s chances of winning (i.e. the whole of his contributions to the game were combined were relevant to helping his team win). A negative number represents a player who may have contributed to a loss or was a hindrance in his team’s winning (i.e. his team won in spite of his negative contributions). As a point of reference so you know the numbers we are dealing with and what to and not to expect from Howard, Roy Halladay’s 2010 NLDS Game 1 no-hitter saw him end up with a 0.384 WPA, if you combine his pitching and his hitting (and if you think I am discrediting him with combining them, his hitting that game contributed a positive WPA). The highest number you could possibly have for this is 1.000 and that is basically impossible (Roy Halladay’s pitching in his perfect game against Florida was gave him .846 WPA for that game, which is ridiculous) So without further ado, Ryan Howard’s WPA in playoff games stemming from Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS to Game 5 of the 2011 NLDS.
2010 NLDS Game 1: -0.022
2010 NLDS Game 2: -0.068
2010 NLDS Game 3: 0.017
2010 NLCS Game 1: -0.091
2010 NLCS Game 2: 0.028
2010 NLCS Game 3: -0.014
2010 NLCS Game 4: 0.181
2010 NLCS Game 5: -0.116
2010 NLCS Game 6: -0.161
2011 NLDS Game 1: 0.420
2011 NLDS Game 2: 0.016
2011 NLDS Game 3: -0.112
2011 NLDS Game 4: -0.130
2011 NLDS Game 5: -0.154
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
by Justin F. on Oct 8, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
READ LOL
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah i’m not the one who posted that .GIF
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
No problem.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
That’s fine that it is negative. This exercise was not meant to for one to have the conclusion “RYAN HOWARD IS GOD IN THE PLAYOFFS!” (and I am not saying or insinuating that you are, just elaborating the point further), but rather to simply point out Ryan Howard has not been the bane of the Phillies existence in every post-season game. Or that his post-season contributions are continually regressing downwards. His greatest contribution (by far) since the 2009 World Series was in Game 1 this year when he belted that 3-run home run off of Lohse, and his 2nd greatest contribution was a game the Phillies lost against the Giants.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
They had a very poor approach to Carpenter. You can’t deny that.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
That’s kinda like saying the Reds last year had a very poor approach against Halladay. Being beaten by one of the best in the business isn’t exactly having a poor approach.
When you are against a good pitcher, or a pitcher you are having trouble hitting, your #1 goal should be to get him out of the game – make him throw more pitches. Another tactic is to throw him off his pace – step outside the box, take your time, do your best to simply foul off pitches.
The Phillies swung early and often.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
True, but some of their “early and often” swings nearly resulted in runs. See Utley and Ibanez’s near HRs.
Doesn’t mean it’s a proper or appropriate approach. The Phillies had that season where they hit a lot of home runs, and now it seems they have trouble scoring when they don’t hit home runs. Just because something worked doesn’t mean it was the best way to do it.
All swinging early has done for the Phillies all year is result in quick innings and getting beat by awful pitchers and teams. It’s no different in the playoffs.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Ibanez had a great AB though. In of itself aggressive hitting isn’t bad in the right context. Like in game 2 of the ‘09 WS. They showed alot of patience with Burnett but after about the 3rd inning a] the strike zone was established and it was evident that the pitchers were getting generous corners, b] Burnett had control of his two seamer, and both curves (the back door ones for strikes and the nasty hook outpitch that batters whiffed on). At this point it’s time to get aggressive and maybe have one or two batters just come out first pitch swinging. Now he really has to throw a quality strike or a ball. You have to force him over the center of the plate where you can barrel the ball or have him throw a ball so you can get a hitters count.
But there was no real rhyme or reason to the Phillies aggressive ABs. Except against Garcia but that was so predictable it was more tell than strategy.
Hard to have a good approach against someone who is absolutely pounding the bottom part of the zone. Just 3 strikeouts are a pretty good indicator that they weren’t really chasing crap out of the zone.
Carp was great last night. He was helped out a bit in a few spots, but I don’t really think there was much more they could have done aside from praying harder that their groundballs would find holes.
The Good Phight, NotGraphs, Twitter, fun!
I would normally agree, but Carpenter was not that great tonight. Take a look at the location of his pitches (if you DVR’d the game you will see how often he missed his spots). The Phils were hitting ground ball after ground ball and if the pitches were down in the zone, okay…but they were up in the zone and in many cases middle/middle. It was a truly pathetic offensive performance tonight.
Carpenter was literally laughing at Ryan Howard after he popped a 3-0 ball up to right field. He thought it was hilarious.
The Jruth shall be told.
How was that douchey? He was laughing at Howard because he was made an awful decision. I was doing the same thing. It’s more like “I can’t believe that are you serioues?” kind of thing.
The Jruth shall be told.
It’s not in the spirit of the game, but I mean… it was ridiculously stupid.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Yeah, but you weren’t the opposing pitcher. Carp laughing at Howard was incredibly douchey, whether you agree or not.
So then do something about it. It’s the same exact argument that if you don’t want someone to celebrate in the endzone then don’t let them score a touchdown.
The Jruth shall be told.
There’s a difference between celebrating a touchdown or homerun or whatever, and mocking an opponent who has failed. A BIG difference.
Its been really cool hanging with you guys this season.
Can’t wait to do it next season. You guys taught me a lot about baseball this year believe it or not. It will be awesome to ridicule my Braves wife some more with you guys next year lol.
BQ, LL, see yall around :P
Wait, so didn’t your wife tease you tonight?
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
not out loud. she knows better than antagonize me further
but she was hating on hunter pence
This hurts. A lot.
I feel incredibly sad for Doc. He deserved much better. I applauded Howard as got up and was helped off the field and with how numb and empty I felt at that moment, I’m actually pleasantly surprised at my growth as a human being that I didn’t succumb to anger or disgust at that moment and remain silent. I know, I know… That’s a low bar to clear, but still…
I really hope Ryan’s alright, he recovers quickly, and he doesn’t unfairly take the brunt of the fanbase’s rage. He means a lot to this team and to me as a fan, and this potentially-devastating injury has left me just as sick to my stomach as the game itself has.
I don’t really know why else to say, so I’m going to say very little so as to avoid knee-jerk stupidity and hyperbole.
I’ll be back soon to take part in the post-mortem, second-guessing and off-season prognostications leading up all the way to pitchers & catchers reporting.
For now, I’m going to crawl into bed with a bottle of Jameson & hopefully time it right so I can crawl back out by Monday morning.
Thanks to WC & the rest of the blog lords for manning the helm of our little part of this great ride of a season.
How much the sudden, tragic, ghastly crash-ending colors that ride will be something I’ll have to sort out at a later, more sober date.
Take it easy, Phighters.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Oct 8, 2011 2:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
oh, and I hope Tony LaRussa contracts anal cancer and dies slowly in a pool of his own bloody excriment.
Okay, so I still have SOME growing to do as a person….
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Oct 8, 2011 2:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
My mother died from cancer, and I don’t wish that on anybody.
But I wouldn’t mind if he was run over by a bus.
Well said; this sums up me too right now. Thanks to all Good Phight bloglords and other posters and all Phillies. Yes, all. (MINI-MART!) If you discuss other baseball teams in the playoffs I will check in, maybe by Game 4 NLCS. Have a great Philadelphia (Alaska/Tennessee/Florida/etc) weekend.
I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not be a pitch. - Roy Oswalt
bad timing, missed your PS. Whatever.
I was wondering what size animal it needed to be to not be a pitch. - Roy Oswalt
Eh, it was a joke. The first post is my true sentiments as this moment.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Oct 8, 2011 2:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am tired of random Youtube videos.
Without getting in on it myself!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIBeYoP9Wi0
Written for a boxer, so the refrain is them counting to ten. Awesome stuff. Would have been a great NLCS song…
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
For some reason this one hurts less than last year. Last season I pretty much refused to accept that this team was going to do anything short of win it all until Beardface struck out Howard, and then when he did I locked myself in my room for two hours and didn’t say anything.
This year I pretty much accepted that there was a chance that this would happen, and when it did I sat here angrily for about 20 minutes, then called up one of the only other Phillies fans I know around here, and we just didn’t talk about baseball for a couple of hours. Kinda nice.
Hell of a season, and finding SBN back in December or so was one of the best findings I’ve ever had as far as sports goes. This site is wonderful. Thanks for everything this year.
Go Phils.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Oct 8, 2011 2:34 AM EDT reply actions
One last post before I try to go nighty-night
Thanks to the Blog Lords and Associate Blog Lords for doing a magnificent job. Thanks in very large part to you guys, my knowledge of baseball continues to grow, and I am forever thankful to you. Without you, I would probably be somewhere saying something completely idiotic while thinking I was making an actual point about something. I first learned sabrmetrics and how to think rationally about baseball from you guys and as we progress into the off-season and into 2012, I am eager to continue learning and being entertained by the wonderful content on here.
To the TGP regulars, it has been a pleasure hanging out with you as always, and I am sure we will have more fun discussions as the baseball playoffs progress and the hot stove rumors begin.
Good night and good baseball.
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
pictures or banned.
I come in peace. Neutrality is my thing.
Barry Sanders is better than Deion Sanders.
The ban threat is in full force tonight.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Does she have a deep or booming loud voice that the vendors usually have?
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
This. I seriously don’t get what the big deal about her is.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Brings up a question, can you be a fan and work in the stadium? I really don’t think you can be. You can’t watch the game, and if it’s going bad you can’t let it affect you.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Curious Minds Want to Know
How many players on the 25-man roster actually played? How many pitchers pitched?
All but three players got into at least one game. Missing from action were Brian Schneider, Wilson Valdez, and Kyle Kendrick. Ten pitchers participated with at least 1/3 inning – Stutes in game one had the fewest IP. Kendrick was the only pitcher who did not appear once. Ross Gload and Ben Francisco pinch hit twice each (and each got one hit). Michael Martinez pinch ran twice (and scored one run). And John Mayberry, Jr., only got four plate appearances (and went 0-4 but the Phillies won both games he played in). Also, Roy Halladay’s BA of .167 (1-6) was higher than three regulars – Polanco, Howard, and Ruiz.
by phillyinportland on Oct 8, 2011 3:25 AM EDT reply actions
So, it just occured to me
That Halladay is 2011’s Jim Konstanty. He lost 1-0 to the Yankees in Game One, 1950.
Doesn’t help at all, of course.
There have been a few times that I’ve cried after a game, and last night was one of them. I have always been disappointed after the season, but last night I just felt empty, like there was a black hole in me. I woke up this morning thinking that I would be a little better, but I’m still sad.
I can’t even start thinking about next year, but I believe that last night the Phillies showed that baseball is a team sport. Halladay showed up to do his job, but without the offense, it’s a no win situation. I know that might sound extremely simple, but that’s about all I can think about right now other than “I’m about to go to work and my boss is a Cards fan.”
I will be watching the other series just cause I love baseball.
Thanks to the blog lords and everyone here for another great season!
www.southpawcurve.tumblr.com - check out my baseball blog!!
Balls
That’s really all I have say. Eloquent, I know.
What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.
I was about to go with “MULEFRITTERS!” but felt that was too harsh and uncouth!
http://www.thegoodphight.com
CODSWALLOP!
What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.
…Balls.
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
by TheOrangeCone on Oct 8, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
i have such a bad hangover right now
Not even 1 run, are you fucking kidding me?? Clearly I’m not over it
I was stunned when the Phillies lost, and in even more agony when Ryan Howard crumpled in a heap down the first base line. I tried to go to bed immediately afterward, but I found I couldn’t sleep…so I went outside, walked around campus, and vented at myself, the stop signs, the trees — anything I knew would accept my frustration and not yell back at me. It’s disappointing it had to end this way, and the winter months are going to seem that much longer.
Still, it was a great season. I went to bed angry, but a good night’s sleep seemed to give me some perspective. Like the others said above, I’m thankful for the 102 victories, this year’s wonderful rotation, and the fight that the team put up all throughout the season. Even with all the injuries and setbacks they suffered, they managed to set a franchise record in wins and post an historic seasonal pitching performance. I’m still in mourning over the Phils, but even more than that, I’m going to miss all those great guys (and gals) I met and shared a beer with during the Phillies viewing parties at Temple this year (who conveniently happened to not show up to to watch the game yesterday), especially since I never got their names (holy run-on sentence, batman!).
I don’t know if I’m making much sense here, but putting all this into words makes me feel a lot better.
i'm feeling better..a lil bit anyways
To be honest i didnt expect them to win it all. the problems with the offense were never addressed. fact is rarely does the team with the best record win it all. its baseball, its the way it goes. but that being said im optimistic about next year. getting rid of some bad contracts like raul, lidge, baez, oswalt..and maybe even polly. id offer jimmy 3 years nothing more. if he wants 5 and market value..well then enjoy SF jimmy. overall the pen got younger, we still have 2 good young starters in cole and vance. just need some youth in that lineup. for those more in tune with the farm, is galvis ready yet?…wouldnt mind seein them sign jj hardy if he’s willing to play 3rd. it stings right now but most of us saw change was needed with this lineup. in denial perhaps. the pitching covered up alot of those flaws as well.
I like your avatar.
Might as well just hand them over.
by All ur Aces R Belong to Us on Oct 8, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The fun has only begun. Waiting on the fate of No. 11. Losing him will feel much worse for me than losing this play off series.
Also, Ryan Howard’s injury. My son was near tears about it this morning.
What kind of plane is it? Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows and wheels and it looks like a big ol' Tylenol.
I am going with the Yankees if you don’t win Championship I will always feel failure. If we won the back to back but didn’t and it left me with that Eagles and Flyers feeling. This is how I feel now just hurt that so many great Philly teams have failed this past decade it just makes me sick.
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.
Sorry I didn't say this last night...
But it’s been really fun hanging with you guys this season.
I don’t have much of a hangover this morning, just waiting to hear about Ryan Howard. I’m hoping Amaro takes a good look at the possibility of starting John Mayberry at 1B right from the get-go in ST until Howard’s back. He’s done it before and done pretty well. Another silver lining to that is that Dom Brown can play during the off-season, figure some stuff out, and maybe get in on the LF job for 2012. This could be his year, finally. Sucks how it happened, pressing what may have been his stiffest competition for the job into emergency service at 1B for an unforeseeable amount of time.
Hmm
I went to bed really sad and angry. But now that it’s morning, in the clear light of day…I feel exactly the same.
So
was not surprised at the results….slumped offensively during pretty much all of september and it followed them right into the playoffs.
Same thing as last year.
Need to get rid of Ryan Howard. He just doesn’t show up in the playoffs. Polanco is old and is too beat up, Oswalt needs to go, Ibanez is done, Madson is gonna be too expensive, fuck.
Bullies, Phightins, and Vickerbockers
I’m pretty sure Howards postseason OPS is still one of the highest in baseball history. This year was brutal, but you can’t say he “doesn’t show up”
yea i agree with you on this. The guy gets too much hate. People seem to just focus directly on him and not look at what the rest of the team did…or didn’t for that matter.
Even last year, he didn’t hit any(?) homers, but he was still the best hitter on the team. People see the lack of RBI’s and just assume he doesn’t show up.
Howard was the team’s best hitter against the Giants last year in NLCS but had 0 RBIz. This year against St. Louis he had 6 RBIz but was mostly putrid. /small sample sized
http://www.thegoodphight.com
12 strikeouts in 25 PA (oh strikeouts don’t matter)
11 total bases. Wow that’s amazing in a 7 game series. Pro.
Not hard to get .500 SLG when you bat .318
Yea, sounds like a great leadoff hitter to me, besides the strikeouts. But I guess that’s better than the 5 total bases he accumulated during this series.
The Jruth shall be told.
how easy it is to forget that he was one of the only player to show up in that SF series. I’m not sure what argument you are trying to make with those numbers, but .318/.400/.500 is a pretty good line.
If Rollins, Vic, or Utley were getting on base ahead of him then there would be RBIs and game winning hits to go along with those numbers. But they sucked in that series, so somehow it’s Ryan Howard’s fault that those hits were singles and doubles and not home runs?
Maybe your observational bias is getting the better of you.
rollins: .261/.320/.304
1 double, 0 HRs (or triples), 7K, 2BB in 25PA
2 SB, 1 CS
Vic: .208/.296/.250
1 double, 0 HRs (or triples), 6K, 2BB in 28PA
1SB
Utley: .182/.333/.227
1 double, 0 HRs (or triples), 2K, 4BB in 27PA
3SB
I’m sorry, which of these guys did you say didnt suck??
So that means they were on base. The only difference is they walked and Ryan Howard hit singles and doubles. Ryan Howard just didn’t do it when they were on base.
If you want to blame somebody you should blame the players behind Howard for not being able to hit him in even though he was repeatedly on base, and 4 times even on second base.
Just like Phrozen was going against your argument because Howard didn’t get those XBH’s when the players in front of him were on base.
The Jruth shall be told.
It’s funny how the people saying he doesn’t show up are the same people that were saying he’s our best player because of the RBIs.
I noticed this too. It made me laugh. It was a sad laugh, though.
Might as well just hand them over.
by All ur Aces R Belong to Us on Oct 8, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone seems to forget 2009. Against the Rockies…he was just amazing.
"You play to win the playoffs, and we let 'em off the hook!" -Herm Mora Green
And against the Dodgers too.
A proud member of the Church of BaseBa'al
by WanderingMoses on Oct 8, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Howard need lessons in philosophy, preferrably taught with a 2×4 (“Opposite field..oppo!”). No park can hold him when he barrels up on a pitch, esp when pitchers see him trying to pull over everything and throw him hanging outside breaking pitches. This malady spread to his teammates, sadly. I’ll miss Hot Raul; Polly could regain his form after hernia surgery; Roy II won’t undergo surgery until baseball is done for him. With lots of salaries going off the books they can keep Madson and maybe negotiate something with Jroll. I haz a sad….
"He's a bum...this one stinks...this jerk can't play."-- A father teaching his daughter the Phillies lineup from the program roster, the Vet, c.1998
"It"
Our Fightins didn’t have it IMHO. I’d define it as complimentary role players who do the timely little things. We got spoiled in ‘08 when our lineup of mashers had some great role players in the ’pen. Who’s the alpha dog (or two) sittin on the bench when its our turn to bat? I dunno, just askin…
"He's a bum...this one stinks...this jerk can't play."-- A father teaching his daughter the Phillies lineup from the program roster, the Vet, c.1998
well then I certainly hope Amaro trades a bunch more prospects for it in the offseason.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Phillies winning pct. before Hunter Pence joined the team: .632
Phillies winning pct. after Hunter Pence joined the team: .606
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
This. Note change of .sig.
I fear that the Pence trade will haunt us, especially if Ryan is out for more than 2012 (note: this sounds hyper-dramatic, but that injury is not good at any time, and especially not good for a “big man” who relies on power for much of his game).
Unlike some others who’ve posted above, I was much more upset about last night than 2010. In 2010, I was angry. In 2011, I’m just sad, and a bit more concerned about 2012, and maybe 2013. And I did not expect last night’s outcome. At all.
I do appreciate the blog coaxing me off the ledge. But I may have more to say, later.
Hunter Pence did not guarantee a WS, but, then, neither did Carlos Beltran.
As others have said, thanks also to all the bloglords and posters
I’ll read some of you over at BSH.
Hunter Pence did not guarantee a WS, but, then, neither did Carlos Beltran.
The other reason I was disappointed at the loss was this, TGP’ers hate Hunter Pence, for whatever reason it may be. Or they’re so much infaturated with the “unlimited potential” of those middle-end kids.
I remember one poster on TGP saying he didn’t mind a trade, if the Phillies ripped off the other team. And that’s the kind of mentality that TGP’ERS have.
What kind of general manager is going to let himself roll over and die for another team?
In order to build a team, you have to manage through both the wins and the losses of a trade.
The Phillies gave up Michael Bourn, a bonafide defensive specialist to acquire Brad Lidge, a guy who before the start of the 08 season was known as much for his playoff chokes as his success. The Phillies gambled on his success and it paid off in a World Series.
Would you like Kyle Drabek back? He’s doing OH-so-well in the majors and minors of the Toronto organization. How about those guys we traded for Cliff Lee? How many of those guys are actually productive right here and right now and how many of them
do you project to be productive in the future?
Hunter Pence is 28(going on 29), so he’ll be in his prime. As a healthy player who has a solid hitting percentage, has some speed on the bases and is a solid defensive fielder.
Unless we traded OMFG superstars for him(Cosart has injury concerns and Singleton’s “pop” is in question) I don’t see what exactly we lost in terms of the rebuild.
It was an even trade, and it still is an even trade regardless of the result. It’s not Hunter’s fault that anyone not named Rollins or Utley decided to suck in this series.
We don’t predict Howard pops his achilles and may only be able to play baseball for us when he’s 33(IE: Next year). I’m sure if Amaro had a crystal ball, he might’ve held off on it.
But that’s the fun and the risk that comes with it, call it “luck” if you will. But I don’t see it as luck I see it as the series of unfortunate events that happened.
So if you don’t wanna make a move, because it “doesn’t guarantee a WS”, then just stop watching. Or better yet, if management felt that way I’d tell them they’d best not make a move at all.
by LeQuan Glover on Oct 8, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
No one on TGP hated Pence.
There was however a lot of people on TGP who did not like the trade and deemed it unnecessary.
Ed Snider is a crotchety old fuck.
That is all.
There is a difference between hating Hunter Pence (which I don’t think anyone here does) and not liking the logic behind the decision to trade for Hunter Pence and the price Amaro paid to get Hunter Pence (which is how a lot of people here do feel).
Writer at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Goddamn it, I got tricked into reading half of a LeQuan Glover post because the byline was off the bottom of my screen.
by phatj on Oct 8, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I love this lineup, and each player will live in my heart forever for what they’ve done over the past four years, but it’s time for a shakeup. This is where the Phillies need to take a cue from the Eagles front office (of all places!). One thing the Eagles have always understood (as long as I’ve been alive and watching them, that is) is that professional athletes are ticking time bombs. You can’t reward players for past performance, and you can’t let fan sentimentality get in the way of your business. Because above all else, that’s what the Phillies are: a business. They’re in the business of putting the best possible team on the field, and while the pitching has certainly done that, this lineup is too far past its prime.
Sure, I’d love to see Rollins, Utley, and all the rest retire in red pinstripes. But I think I’d love to see Roy Halladay hoist the trophy more. And that’s the decision the front office needs to make here. Stick with these guys until they’re literally, physically done for the feelgood aspect, or bring in new blood to try and make this team a better contender.
It’s why we’re the fans and they’re the front office. They can be the outcast. They can make the choice that no one else can make: the right choice. /Caine’d
"What's gonna happen is that you jerk off the ball. You almost want to let this guy here jam you, and if it comes, it comes." Gary 'Sarge' Matthews
It is right now, although it was at the time of the trade too, and really it’s only going to get bigger.
Giving St. Louis the bird since 1982
by Veni Vidi Vici on Oct 8, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Reflecting on everything the next day, this is actually worse than the NLDS loss. For all we know, Domonic Brown could’ve easily been better in a five game sample size. Pence played better than I’d expected for us and he was fun to watch, but there’s a chance this one is gonna come back to bite us.
And don’t forget the PTBNL, Santana, who’s pretty damn good for a throw-in.
that’s exactly the argument we all made back in July: in a short series, you dont know who is going to get you a big hit. Could be Pence, could be Brown, could be Michael Martinez. Who knows. But you definitely gave away talent on the off-chance it is Pence. And it didnt work out. So all you’re left with is giving away talent and wondering if Dom or Mayberry could have done better. And Pence didnt hit well this series, which makes it all even worse…
SIGH ! WTF is all I got to say !
FLYERROB ! YOU STAY AWESOME FLYERS FANS ! ~ ~ ~ Lori Wilson Gray ~ ~ April 07th 1967 - May 27th 2011 ~ May you rest in Peace ~ I love you and miss you big Sis ! I cant believe at 44 yrs of age .. you went to sleep and never woke up. I promise to take care of Matt and Emily for you. With Love, your baby Brother.
Incredible season by you guys
You guys fought till the end ( unlike the us, the Braves ) and hopefully next season is much better for both teams. Good luck in the offseason. Can’t wait for Spring Training.
The PuertoRican Kid
GIVING UP OUR TOP PROSPECTS FOR HUNTER PENCE WAS WORTH IT GUYS
Last name Ever
First name Greatest
Pay DeSean Jackson
But..
What if they’re in a close race for first in the division and Biddle and May and DeFratus can get us LOLbaldo Jiminez at the deadline? Need moar aces! Especially if Oswalt’s option isn’t picked up and the league is catching on to The Vanimal
All I have to say about this whole debacle is...
SHOULD OF KEPT J.A. HAPP!
Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.
I spent the weekend mostly by myself in a tent in the woods out in the mountains of Western North Carolina. No TV, no sports radio and no way to charge my phone (which I kept off until I needed to make calls). I talked to my wife (who hates camping and stayed home for the weekend) on Saturday morning. She told me the Phils lost 1-0. I spent the rest of the weekend, imagining that maybe my wife had mixed up the score and the Phillies actually won.
Just so you all know, in my Into the Wild alternate universe, the Phillies were up 1-0 over the Brewers right now.
Nope. Didn’t expect a Game 5 to conflict with my camping when I planned the trip. Still haven’t seen a single highlight clip. I hear Howard got injured late in the game. I’m really way out of the loop on this one.
Torn Achillies. Likely missing at least the very start of next season.
Editor at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
I am fully prepared for “starting 1st baseman for the 2012 Philadelphia Phillies….Albert Pujols!”
/Amaro would
Editor at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
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