Lots to discuss on the Phillies and the hot stove hasnt been turned on yet.
Some things I thought about an news flowed in from the GM meetings:
1. Does Scott Boras own stock in W.B. Mason? I swear, the man never travels without a stack of binders. I could do a whole post about my hatred for Boras and what he has done to the game, but I will save that for later.
2. The Phils are kicking around the idea of two Tigers - Polanco for 3rd and Rodney as a late inning bullpen option. I dont like either. Rodney, although blowing only 2 saves last year, has a ERA above 4 playing in the grand canyon of Comerica. I really worry about him in the Bank. As for Polanco, he has been in a steady decline in his numbers the last two years, and never really had the arm to play 3rd. While I like his ability to be a contact hitter in the 2-hole in the lineup, I would rather see the Phillies pick up Beltre, who, despite his injuries, has a much bigger upside.
3. Some rumors about a trade of Cole Hamels have been floated. I think that would be a big mistake. Historically, pitches who have an innings increase of over 30 innings from one season to the next are due for a down year. In '08, because of the Playoff run, Hamels threw 70 more innings than '07. Thus, it was not a huge surprise (but a major bummer), that he had an off '09. I look for Hamels to have a much fresher arm in '10, and the Phillies would not get value back to trade him after his down year.
4. For long time Phillies fans, there is a really cool auction taking place right now. Darren Daulton's personal collection of Phillies memorabilia is being sold at Coach's Corner. I have bid on a few items (please done outbid me), and there is tons of great stuff from the bad Phillies teams of the late 80's, and the amazing 1993 squad.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Fire up the hot stove
Its been a few days since the World Series ended, but I am just now able to write about it. Many people have told me that I shouldn't be upset because the Phillies had a great season, that they made the Series in back to back years, and lost to a good Yankees team.
I disagree. Sure, I enjoyed the season, The Phillies were a fun team to watch, and had a variety of dramatic issues to keep conversation flowing. I was thrilled to make the playoffs again and make a run into November in defense of the title. But despite those accomplishments, I am pissed they lost to the Yankees and even more pissed about how they lost.
The Phillies were done-in by the same problems that plagued them all season, and by some stupid, stupid managing moves by Uncle Charlie. Lets take a look at a few examples.
1. The Pitching: Somehow the Yankees were able to win a world series with 3 starters, but the Phillies, who had 5 on the roster, constantly seemed like they were the team short on pitching. Why? Because Cole Hamels is still trying to find the Wizard of Oz to give him a heart, and Charlie decided to send the rookie of the year to the bullpen. Going into the playoffs he should have started Lee, Happ and Blanton, with Cole as a 4th starter to be used in a series with a comfortable lead. Assuming each of those starters could give you 6 innings, your bullpen sets up nicely with Park/Durbin, Eyre and Madson for the 9th. That way Hamels doesnt put you in a devastating hole in Game 3, and the bullpen doesnt have to rely on Lidge to blow game 4.
2. The bench: I think we learned a lesson about bench play from the Yankees. While he sent out the craptastic combination of Bruntlett, Stairs and Francisco, the Yankees had Brett Gardner and Matsui for the NL games. We dont have to spend much time to realize who was stronger here.
3. Charlie: Ugh...where do I start here. I am mystified at the litany of stupid moves made by Charlie. From using Lidge in a tied game 4, to using Stairs twice to lead off innings, to not replacing Ibanez for defense in game 2, to not letting Happ face Matsui in game 6, he mismanaged every step of the way. Makes me miss one of the unsung heroes of last year: Jimy Williams. Jimy was the puppeteer telling Charlie what to do, he was the man who finally explained the double switch, and he was the man that Pete Makannin couldnt replace.
So yes, the Phillies did have a fun exciting year, and I dont want to get on them too badly as they were the first NL team since the Reds to have a chance to repeat, but I am still frustrated that they came so far only to play so poorly in the final games. I dont think the Yankees are a better team - I think they were a smarter and calmer team in the WS, and that was the difference.
So on to next year: A few key questions are worth discussion:
1. Feliz: He had a 5.5 million club option for next year that the Phillies are nuts to pick up. He was the only automatic out in the Phillies lineup during the postseason, and his defense does not balance his lack of production from a key position. Figgins from LA and Beltre from Seattle are very good options available during free agency to replace him.
2. The pitching: We already know that the Phillies have shown Brett Myers the door, a move that I think is a mistake. Brett provided much needed insurance against another Lidge implosion, and could serve as a consistent 4th or 5th started on a team that needs back of the rotation help. Lee, Hamels, Happ and Moyer are the 4 starters guaranteed to return, with Blanton and Pedro both a maybe. Pedro filed for free agency today, which may signal his intention to move on. I would love to see the Phillies add a Jon Garland to bolster the back end, or maybe tell Moyer he can start until the all star break when Kyle Drabek is big league ready.
3. The bench: If this were my team, the day after the world series I would pink slip Bruntlett, Cario and Stairs. Bruntlett is the biggest waste of $800,000 I have ever seen, and at 41 Stairs just cant get the job done anymore. After we see the free agent filings next week, I will check back with some ideas of players the Phillies could use to improve the bench.
So, congrats to the Yankees, and lets hope for an exciting offseason.
I disagree. Sure, I enjoyed the season, The Phillies were a fun team to watch, and had a variety of dramatic issues to keep conversation flowing. I was thrilled to make the playoffs again and make a run into November in defense of the title. But despite those accomplishments, I am pissed they lost to the Yankees and even more pissed about how they lost.
The Phillies were done-in by the same problems that plagued them all season, and by some stupid, stupid managing moves by Uncle Charlie. Lets take a look at a few examples.
1. The Pitching: Somehow the Yankees were able to win a world series with 3 starters, but the Phillies, who had 5 on the roster, constantly seemed like they were the team short on pitching. Why? Because Cole Hamels is still trying to find the Wizard of Oz to give him a heart, and Charlie decided to send the rookie of the year to the bullpen. Going into the playoffs he should have started Lee, Happ and Blanton, with Cole as a 4th starter to be used in a series with a comfortable lead. Assuming each of those starters could give you 6 innings, your bullpen sets up nicely with Park/Durbin, Eyre and Madson for the 9th. That way Hamels doesnt put you in a devastating hole in Game 3, and the bullpen doesnt have to rely on Lidge to blow game 4.
2. The bench: I think we learned a lesson about bench play from the Yankees. While he sent out the craptastic combination of Bruntlett, Stairs and Francisco, the Yankees had Brett Gardner and Matsui for the NL games. We dont have to spend much time to realize who was stronger here.
3. Charlie: Ugh...where do I start here. I am mystified at the litany of stupid moves made by Charlie. From using Lidge in a tied game 4, to using Stairs twice to lead off innings, to not replacing Ibanez for defense in game 2, to not letting Happ face Matsui in game 6, he mismanaged every step of the way. Makes me miss one of the unsung heroes of last year: Jimy Williams. Jimy was the puppeteer telling Charlie what to do, he was the man who finally explained the double switch, and he was the man that Pete Makannin couldnt replace.
So yes, the Phillies did have a fun exciting year, and I dont want to get on them too badly as they were the first NL team since the Reds to have a chance to repeat, but I am still frustrated that they came so far only to play so poorly in the final games. I dont think the Yankees are a better team - I think they were a smarter and calmer team in the WS, and that was the difference.
So on to next year: A few key questions are worth discussion:
1. Feliz: He had a 5.5 million club option for next year that the Phillies are nuts to pick up. He was the only automatic out in the Phillies lineup during the postseason, and his defense does not balance his lack of production from a key position. Figgins from LA and Beltre from Seattle are very good options available during free agency to replace him.
2. The pitching: We already know that the Phillies have shown Brett Myers the door, a move that I think is a mistake. Brett provided much needed insurance against another Lidge implosion, and could serve as a consistent 4th or 5th started on a team that needs back of the rotation help. Lee, Hamels, Happ and Moyer are the 4 starters guaranteed to return, with Blanton and Pedro both a maybe. Pedro filed for free agency today, which may signal his intention to move on. I would love to see the Phillies add a Jon Garland to bolster the back end, or maybe tell Moyer he can start until the all star break when Kyle Drabek is big league ready.
3. The bench: If this were my team, the day after the world series I would pink slip Bruntlett, Cario and Stairs. Bruntlett is the biggest waste of $800,000 I have ever seen, and at 41 Stairs just cant get the job done anymore. After we see the free agent filings next week, I will check back with some ideas of players the Phillies could use to improve the bench.
So, congrats to the Yankees, and lets hope for an exciting offseason.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Its On! Phillies v. Yankees pre-series analysis
I know you have all been waiting with baited breath for my World Series analysis. Today, hours before the Series gets underway, I have decided to share my analysis with the world.
Lets get the prediction out of the way first. I am picking the Phillies to win in 5 games. Why? Because Jimmy predicted it, and I never bet against Jimmy. Also, as I will discuss below, the Phillies are stronger than the Yankees at 7 of 8 player positions, the teams are even in starting pitching, and the Phillies have a better bullpen (I know, I know Mariano is there...but so is Joba and his sweaty hat). All that adds up to a Phillies team with a clear edge.
Lets go position by position and analyze:
Catcher: Ruiz v. Posada. I give the hitting edge to Posada, but Chooch is hitting .400 for the postseason so that edge is very slight during October baseball. Defensively, this is not even close. I would say that, at this point in his career, Posada has the arm of a 7-year-old girl, but that would insult 7-year-old girls everywhere. Jorge is great in that ESPM commercial, but he cant throw, cant block balls in the dirt, and with the Phillies baserunning ability that is a large liability for his team. Add to that the fact that the Yankees #2 starter wont throw to him and I give the advantage to RUIZ.
First base: Howard v. Texiara (I dont care enough to learn to spell it right). Tex is a more well rounded hitting than Howard, and better defensively, but Howard's run production and clutch postseason hitting have been carrying the Phillies this year. He tied Gherig for most postseason games with an RBI, and his 9th inning double averted disaster in Colorado. Edge HOWARD.
Second base: Cano v. Utley. This one is a clear to me. Utley is a better overall hitting, baserunner and defender than Cano. Cano is a solid second baseman, and would win this matchup against many other teams, but not against Utley. Utley also wins the heart factor - while Larry Bowa was with the Yankees he criticized Cano's lack of hustle and heart while playing the game. No one would ever say that about Chase. Advantage UTLEY
Shortstop: Rollins v. Jeter. This is probably the closest call. Jeter is having a great offensive season, and his playoff heroics are well document to the point of being ridiculous (I am waiting for McCarver to fawn over Jeter's perfect form while adjusting his cup, complete with telestrator). But, Jimmy has been having a clutch offensive postseason as well. He started a key rally off Huston Street, and ended the Dodgers season by calmly dealing with Broxton's "unhittable" fastball. What solves this matchup for me is the defense. Jeter has the defensive range of a sea slug. Yes, he only made 9 errors this year. Why? Because he didnt even come close to getting so many balls that other shortstops reach that he didnt have the chance to make an error. Jimmy is the best defensive shortstop in baseball, s edge ROLLINS.
Thirdbase: A-Fraud v. Feliz. Clear edge to RODRIGUEZ. Better hitter, clutch this postseason and sold defense. Feliz has done nothing in months so this was not a close call.
Outfield: I decided to deal with the outfield as a group because the Phillies have the clear edge. In left, Damon and Ibanez compete. Raul is having his best offensive season, and despite a nagging abdominal injury has put up great numbers. Damon is a mistake hitter, and while he showed some grit with the Sox during their run, injuries and age have caught up with him. In center Victorino is one of the best players in the game right now. Gold glove defense, a .300 average and great speed make him a triple threat. Also, CC should recall that grand slam from last year..... Melky Cabrera is, well, Melky. Some good moments, but an average player. Finally in right we have Werth and Swisher. Mr. Moneyball hasnt done a damn thing the entire postseason, and is shaky on defense. Werth had a breakout season, is really hitting for power and plays a great defensive right. Advantage: PHILLIES.
Pitching: I think the starters in this series are very evenly matched. CC and Lee are both great, and will likely cancel each other out. Pedro and Burnett and very similar as well. Both are capable of an outstanding performance, and both are just as capable of a 2nd inning exit. After that, its a tossup. Pettite has the experience of the big stage, but so does Hamels if he can find himself for this series. Blanton/Happ are both better than Gaudin, but I doubt Girardi lets him start a game. Look for CC on 3 days rest. As for the bullpen, during the playoffs the Phillies have been much stronger. Durbin and Park have both had electric stuff, while Joba and Hughes have looked pedestrian. I am waiting for Joba to be attached by bugs, or dissolve into a pile of sweat on the mound. Of course, Rivera gives the Yankees the clear edge in closer, assuming that Lidge is the Lidge of this year. If Lidge is back to last year's form, and only the future can tell us that, then the late innings will be tough for either offense.
Manager: 4 years ago I didnt think their was a dumber manager in baseball than Charlie and boy did I eat those words. Now, I am not sure there is a dumber manager than Girardi. Most games he looks like he has no idea what is going on. He manages his bullpen like a 10 year old playing X-Box, and benches his #1 catcher so the no-hit wonder Molina can make AJ feel cozy. Charlie has pushed all the right buttons this postseason, including managing a bullpen held together with duct tape for most of the year. Advantage, CHARLIE.
So there you have it - in almost every position the Phillies have a clear edge, and in the intangibles I also give the Phils the edge. Oh, and not for nothing, Yankees admitted PED users = 2, Phillies = 0.
I welcome your thoughts and comments - lets discuss!
Go Phillies!
Lets get the prediction out of the way first. I am picking the Phillies to win in 5 games. Why? Because Jimmy predicted it, and I never bet against Jimmy. Also, as I will discuss below, the Phillies are stronger than the Yankees at 7 of 8 player positions, the teams are even in starting pitching, and the Phillies have a better bullpen (I know, I know Mariano is there...but so is Joba and his sweaty hat). All that adds up to a Phillies team with a clear edge.
Lets go position by position and analyze:
Catcher: Ruiz v. Posada. I give the hitting edge to Posada, but Chooch is hitting .400 for the postseason so that edge is very slight during October baseball. Defensively, this is not even close. I would say that, at this point in his career, Posada has the arm of a 7-year-old girl, but that would insult 7-year-old girls everywhere. Jorge is great in that ESPM commercial, but he cant throw, cant block balls in the dirt, and with the Phillies baserunning ability that is a large liability for his team. Add to that the fact that the Yankees #2 starter wont throw to him and I give the advantage to RUIZ.
First base: Howard v. Texiara (I dont care enough to learn to spell it right). Tex is a more well rounded hitting than Howard, and better defensively, but Howard's run production and clutch postseason hitting have been carrying the Phillies this year. He tied Gherig for most postseason games with an RBI, and his 9th inning double averted disaster in Colorado. Edge HOWARD.
Second base: Cano v. Utley. This one is a clear to me. Utley is a better overall hitting, baserunner and defender than Cano. Cano is a solid second baseman, and would win this matchup against many other teams, but not against Utley. Utley also wins the heart factor - while Larry Bowa was with the Yankees he criticized Cano's lack of hustle and heart while playing the game. No one would ever say that about Chase. Advantage UTLEY
Shortstop: Rollins v. Jeter. This is probably the closest call. Jeter is having a great offensive season, and his playoff heroics are well document to the point of being ridiculous (I am waiting for McCarver to fawn over Jeter's perfect form while adjusting his cup, complete with telestrator). But, Jimmy has been having a clutch offensive postseason as well. He started a key rally off Huston Street, and ended the Dodgers season by calmly dealing with Broxton's "unhittable" fastball. What solves this matchup for me is the defense. Jeter has the defensive range of a sea slug. Yes, he only made 9 errors this year. Why? Because he didnt even come close to getting so many balls that other shortstops reach that he didnt have the chance to make an error. Jimmy is the best defensive shortstop in baseball, s edge ROLLINS.
Thirdbase: A-Fraud v. Feliz. Clear edge to RODRIGUEZ. Better hitter, clutch this postseason and sold defense. Feliz has done nothing in months so this was not a close call.
Outfield: I decided to deal with the outfield as a group because the Phillies have the clear edge. In left, Damon and Ibanez compete. Raul is having his best offensive season, and despite a nagging abdominal injury has put up great numbers. Damon is a mistake hitter, and while he showed some grit with the Sox during their run, injuries and age have caught up with him. In center Victorino is one of the best players in the game right now. Gold glove defense, a .300 average and great speed make him a triple threat. Also, CC should recall that grand slam from last year..... Melky Cabrera is, well, Melky. Some good moments, but an average player. Finally in right we have Werth and Swisher. Mr. Moneyball hasnt done a damn thing the entire postseason, and is shaky on defense. Werth had a breakout season, is really hitting for power and plays a great defensive right. Advantage: PHILLIES.
Pitching: I think the starters in this series are very evenly matched. CC and Lee are both great, and will likely cancel each other out. Pedro and Burnett and very similar as well. Both are capable of an outstanding performance, and both are just as capable of a 2nd inning exit. After that, its a tossup. Pettite has the experience of the big stage, but so does Hamels if he can find himself for this series. Blanton/Happ are both better than Gaudin, but I doubt Girardi lets him start a game. Look for CC on 3 days rest. As for the bullpen, during the playoffs the Phillies have been much stronger. Durbin and Park have both had electric stuff, while Joba and Hughes have looked pedestrian. I am waiting for Joba to be attached by bugs, or dissolve into a pile of sweat on the mound. Of course, Rivera gives the Yankees the clear edge in closer, assuming that Lidge is the Lidge of this year. If Lidge is back to last year's form, and only the future can tell us that, then the late innings will be tough for either offense.
Manager: 4 years ago I didnt think their was a dumber manager in baseball than Charlie and boy did I eat those words. Now, I am not sure there is a dumber manager than Girardi. Most games he looks like he has no idea what is going on. He manages his bullpen like a 10 year old playing X-Box, and benches his #1 catcher so the no-hit wonder Molina can make AJ feel cozy. Charlie has pushed all the right buttons this postseason, including managing a bullpen held together with duct tape for most of the year. Advantage, CHARLIE.
So there you have it - in almost every position the Phillies have a clear edge, and in the intangibles I also give the Phils the edge. Oh, and not for nothing, Yankees admitted PED users = 2, Phillies = 0.
I welcome your thoughts and comments - lets discuss!
Go Phillies!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Olympic Thoughts
Win or lose, Copenhagen was a waste of time. A crumbling economy, two wars and 45 million Americans without healthcare should leave no time to spare for our President....the time spent in Copenhagen focusing on games should have been spent dealing with America's many serious problems.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Manny being.....Manny?
I am really surprised by the revelation that Manny Ramirez was using steroids. After A-Fraud got busted, I thought he was going to be the biggest star to get caught and that baseball could back to normal. Instead, we have learned that literally the only player from the 90's/early 2000's who was clean was Ken Griffey Jr. I was always a big Griffey fan, but its interesting to look back and realize that he was the best player of his era.
I think Matt Stairs had the best comment on the latest steroid revelation:
"People are going to have to stop taking this health bull (bleep) and go back to being chubby and having fun."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Werth....less?
Sorry for the lack of posts....been busy. Of course I didnt make time to write during the Phils winning streak in St. Louis, which featured a great start from Joe Blanton, and a scary moment with Rick Ankiel. Like a true Philly fan, I did make time to write to complain about last night.....
First comment is that we saw, finally, the Chan Ho Park from spring training. He was aggressive, he was around the plate, and he had great movement on his cutter. All of that added up to a no-hitter through 5 and a shut-out into the 7th. Sadly, we were facing Johan Santana, who was his typical excellent self.
The play of the game, however, was the boneheaded play of the Phillies defense, most notably Jason Werth. The sole Mets run was scored by Carlos Delgado, who was able to waltz home while Werth held the ball in rightfield and didnt throw home until Carlos had time to get in there.
Asked after the game why he stopped for a snack and a nap before throwing the ball, Werth said he was "confused" by all the activity during the play and didnt pick up home plate until it was too late. I'm sorry...confused? Really? That is the best you can do? Yes, its really confusing to be an outfielder who need to throw home. You know what would have been less confusing, Jason? Throw. The. Ball!
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