Some Phillies Links For You, September 12, 2011: Almost Perfect, Vance to 'Pen?, Home to Houston

I read that the caps were actually physically confiscated from the team prior to first pitch.

Very true. Piazza’s home run is arguably the most memorable sports moment in the immediate 9/11 aftermath.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to belittle or take away from anyones reaction to the event, or their own personal story, fellings, etc… That would be very jerky of me, or anyone who was there that day. It was definitely something that affected everyone.

That said, whenever it comes up, and someone knows I was there, and makes me tell them what it was like to be there, they almost feel obligated to give me their reccolection,

“I was driving to school on the Howard frankin in Tampa, and I turned around, and was so scared we were next b/c you, know, MacDill AFB is in Tampa…” Something like that…

I appreciate their story, but I don’t need or want to hear it. It’s very hard to explain.

I was the same way yesterday. I couldn’t get away from it as hard as I tried, and for me, the only thing that makes this year any different or special is that we got Bin Laden, and strangely, I didn’t hear that mentioned once, by anyone, anywhere.

Every year I’m reminded of that day, on the anniversary, and every year I kiss my kids a little longer, and hug my wife a little stronger, and pretend to tell myself I’m gonna do everything I can to be a better dad, husband, brother, son, frined and person, and not take things for granted. That usually lasts for a few days before life catches up.

This year I do want to try and be consciously better.

Thanks E.

I’m fond of days off and three-day weekends and barbeques regardless of when. But you make a good point.

times a million. Not to get too off topic, but thats exactly what my wife said when we saw the cake. “Cakes are for celebrations and Holidays. Why would we celebrate today?”

Thats my big fear too, and why I kind of agree with MLB’s hat decision. No need to glorify. It’s not like we celebrate Pearl Harbor day every December 6th. I would hate to see yesterday turned into some kind of celebratory event EVER.

You make a good point, but then who would buy the beer? NEVER 4GET.

I remember several years ago (2006, I think), there was a commercial that was very well done. Black screen, white text, “Let’s take a moment of silence to remember…” Then after 20 seconds or so, the name of the company (IBM?) appeared on the screen. That was it.

It’s the “you’re noticed by your absence, not your presence” kind of thing. I agree with the exploitation thing personally, but for some folks, they want to see their favorite products/entertainers/whatever say something/do something in remembrance. I don’t get it, but then I think a lot of this stuff reeks of egocentrism and a “look at me and at how patriotic I am,” much like those who are a little too fervent in their religious beliefs. It’s as if EVERYONE was trying to outdo one another on Twitter/FB yesterday. Me, I complained about the apparent lost art of tackling in the NFL. Of course, I’m then viewed as the insensitive one.

I should clarify that if the bakery is donating proceeds from the cakes to help FDNY victims and their families…It would still be a little weird in that cakes are meant for celebrations, but I’d be more okay with it

You’re right. I didn’t mean driven out in the sense that RAJ gave him an ultimatum or anything of that nature, but more along the lines of what you said, that ultimately RAJ made the decisions that in the end drove Lamar out. I doubt Rub made those decisions with that intent but the end result is what it is. But losing guys like Lamar and Arbuckle the last few years really bothers me.

I’m with you, Taco. For the fans who don’t care about player development and only care about “The Big Phillies,” how in the world do you expect Ruben Amaro to trade for major pieces if there are no trade chips? Money don’t mean much at the trade deadline.

On the flip side of that (and I’m in the same boat as you, FTR) though, If the organization is headed in one direction, and LaMar ahs a philosophy headed the other way, its probably not the worst idea to make a change.

That said, Losing Lamar, from a draft perspective, is going to be a bigger deal than anyone outside of this circle anticipate.

I think it should be noted what Keith Law said in a chat about this the other day. He indicated that the word around baseball was that Lamar was on the outs and going to demoted/fired after the season and chose to resign now instead.

Considering that Conlin’s source is likely to be Lamar you are obviously going to hear a very favorable take from him on it. He’s trying to position himself now to acquire another job and having word get out you were forced out doesn’t help that cause.

Maybe Conlin is right, but I think this other side of the conversation needs to be addressed as well because in my opinion it holds as much validity.

Sucks to be the Orioles.

Brett Lawrie single-handedly saved my fantasy team. It’s awesome to have a third baseman who hits a homer and steals a base every single night. I have nothing but love for the Blue Jays. In fact, my first ever fitted cap purchase was a Blue Jays cap with the old logo.

I’m rooting hard for the Fisher Cats to win it all.

And I do! The Phillies are my NL team and have been since 2007. I just don’t follow them at all until the playoffs.

Well, okay, but the games were pretty close. +7 in runs over four games isn’t a ton, especially since Game 1 had all the weirdness with the Mayberry blown call and all that.

Schedule comprehension failure… Panic mode failure… Reading failure…