Philadelphia Phillies 2007 Post Season Thread

[K.C.]

Tonight could be the night for 10,000...I'm going to this game, and tomorrow's.


On a side note, Marcus Hayes has his 'Five things that will decide the Phillies season' column in the Daily News today. It was basically:

1) Kyle Kendrick continues to be a reliable, if not very good starter (Hayes basically says that if Kendrick pitches in the second half how he has his first 4 to 5 starts, he'll get strong NL RoY consideration)

2) Brett Myers and Tom Gordon return and are able to throw significant innings

3) Pat Burrell and Wes Helms contribute anything.

4) The Phillies find a viable 5th starter from within their minor league system (Hayes points out J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, and Matt Maloney as the best chances of this. Carrasco is the most talented of the three, but Happ is the most ready. Kyle Drabek is actually the best pitching prospect in the system, but he won't crack the majors this year, in my opinion)

5) Cole Hamels settles in as an ace pitcher.



If I had to guess, I'd say:

-Kendrick does a a decent job for a #4 starter, but isn't a RoY contender
-Myers and Gordon come back and pitch well
-Burrell will piece together a decent 3 weeks to a month if he plays, but will ultimately come up short when he's needed. Helms will remain a bust
-The Phils won't find their 5th starter from in the system
-Hamels will be fine

That probably adds up to another near miss of the playoffs yet again.

[K.C.]

By the way, I was thinking about how the '08 team will look going into the winter.

The lineup figures to remain mostly the same:
C - Carlos Ruiz
1B - Ryan Howard
2B - Chase Utley
3B -
SS - Jimmy Rollins
LF -
CF - Michael Bourn
RF - Shane Victorino

Bench: Wes Helms, Pat Burrell (all $14 million), Abraham Nunez (maybe...team has a club option on him)

Rowand will be gone because the Phils won't cough up the money to keep him. Bourn has probably earned a shot to start in CF, although it's not out of the realm of possibility for them to keep Bourn as the 4th OF, move Victorino to CF, and sign two starting OFs this offseason. The problem is I think they like Victorino in RF because his arm prevents a lot of 1st to 3rds on singles to right with a runner on.

I also expect them to buyout Barajas.

Now the rotation:

1) Cole Hamels
2) Brett Myers
3) Jamie Moyer
4) Adam Eaton
5)

The 5th starter spot will be interesting. I think the Phillies planned all along for the Scott Mathieson, Carlos Carrasco, and Kyle Drabek to make up the back of their rotation for the future.

Moyer was signed to a two year deal when he was brought in because that's when the team believed Mathieson (who's recovering from Tommy John) and Carrasco would be ready, at the end of the deal. Eaton got a three year deal to fill the spot until Drabek was expected to be ready.

Kyle Kendrick could throw a wrench into that lineup depending on whether what we've seen is real or not. At the very least, he could buy time for Carrasco and Drabek to come further along, and Mathieson to maybe start '08 in Triple-A and get some starts under his belt before coming back up.


So for that 5th spot, my guess is Kendrick will have the inside track provided he pitches well the rest of this season, with Mathieson as the other guy in the running. The Phils won't sign anyone.

Now, the bullpen:
CL -
SU - Tom Gordon
MR - Ryan Madson
MR - Mike Zagurski
MR -
LR -
LR -

Simply put, it's going to be a mess this offseason too. Geary could be there, but the club seems to have lost faith in him which is why they've been leaning on Mesa and Romero (both who will be gone next season).

Joe Bisenius is about the only interesting arm in the farm system as far as middle relief goes. And the club will definitely need a closer. Gordon can't do it anymore, and Myers will have to be in the rotation out of necessity.

I did read an interesting story, though, where they were originally grooming Mike Zagurski as a closer. Not sure if he'd be ready to step in next season, but it's an interesting thought. They'd probably be better off easing him into the 8th inning role and gradually working him into the closer's spot which would mean they need to sign someone or trade for next season.

[watson]

still at 9,999!!!!
Phils Win Phils Win baaaaaaaaaalaaaaaaaaa Phils Win 13-3, "hard to believe harry"


the GM is a boob, need to fire him

Bill Conlin for President
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/bill_conlin/

[cougarjake13]

its coming eventually


sometime this week

[xample]

Still alive at 9,999 .... hahaha

[ralphbxny]

Ron B must have sacrificed a chicken to keep this off. Which happens first don stu's 20k post or the phils 10k lose?

[cougarjake13]

Ron B must have sacrificed a chicken to keep this off. Which happens first don stu's 20k post or the phils 10k lose?

odds are still on the phils 10 k loss, they only need one to do it


stu still needs like 1300 posts

so my moneys on the phils

[xample]

http://sports.espn.go.com/i/magazine/new/040922_phanatic.jpg

We Did It!

I'd swear losing this 10,000th game has actually felt like winning something big.

[xample]

Well here is the current progress on my Phillies wall

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/xample420/pub/4001/philswall.JPG

[K.C.]

Well here is the current progress on my Phillies wall

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/xample420/pub/4001/philswall.JPG

Where's the Von Hayes wing of that bad boy?




I'd also like to declare I'm very much against the Phillies trading Michael Bourn for what would amount to a 4th or 5th starter. I think the guy is going to be very good in a couple years.

If the Phillies standing still at the deadline means protecting the few prospects they have, I'm ok with it.

[cougarjake13]

Where's the Von Hayes wing of that bad boy?




I'd also like to declare I'm very much against the Phillies trading Michael Bourn for what would amount to a 4th or 5th starter. I think the guy is going to be very good in a couple years.

If the Phillies standing still at the deadline means protecting the few prospects they have, I'm ok with it.


dont forget the dale murphy addition

[xample]

dont forget the dale murphy addition

hayes, murphy, jeltz... you name it .. they are all fairly represented..

[cougarjake13]

hayes, murphy, jeltz... you name it .. they are all fairly represented..

do you got a ryne sandberg phillie cards ???


http://images.bleedcubbieblue.com/images/admin/phillysandberg.jpg

[xample]

do you got a ryne sandberg phillie cards ???


http://images.bleedcubbieblue.com/images/admin/phillysandberg.jpg

Sadly, I do not. To my knowledge, there is a 1980 Minor League Sandberg card when he was coming up through the Phils system. It's pretty rare.

On a side note... I just picked up a 1952 Topps Robin Roberts which is in exceptional condition. It won't go on the wall.. but still a cool addition.

[cougarjake13]

Sadly, I do not. To my knowledge, there is a 1980 Minor League Sandberg card when he was coming up through the Phils system. It's pretty rare.

On a side note... I just picked up a 1952 Topps Robin Roberts which is in exceptional condition. It won't go on the wall.. but still a cool addition.

man just imagine having micheal jack schmidt and sandberg in the same infield, too bad they traded him to the cubs

January 27, 1982: Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies with Larry Bowa to the Chicago Cubs for Ivan DeJesus.

[K.C.]

http://www.spawntoys.com/images/carlton.s4.reg

Just bought it for $14 at a sports collectible store near here.

Not that it's very hard to find, it's actually quite common...I just figured i NEEDED to have an action figure of the greatest Lefty of all time.

27 when the team only won 59...greatest single-season performance ever.





By the way, it came out today that Kyle Drabek is having Tommy John surgery.

That's incredibly bad news. Of the Phils Top Four pitching prospects, three now have injury issues. Drabek and Mathieson are Tommy John guys, and Savery, who just signed, is a big injury risk.

Only Carrasco is on track now.

[K.C.]

By the way, I've seen every pitch J.D. Durbin has throw since his call up; here's my take on him


He has a lot of similarities to Oliver Perez of the Mets. He's got good stuff (sometimes great stuff, like he did against the Padres last start), but his problem is he runs VERY hot and cold with his control. Just like in his first start against the Mets about a month ago, he looked unhittable striking out the side in the first inning (including Reyes on three pitches), and then just lost any control he had.

There's potential, if the Phillies can settle him in like the Mets have with Perez, for him to stay in the rotation and contribute down the stretch, but the fact that he's bounced around from so many teams tells me his control issues won't be figured out and he'll be too unreliable down the stretch.

Still, so far he hasn't killed them...so there's a chance.

He may have the second best stuff on the staff, though (Hamels is WAY better than everyone, but he looks like he may have better pitches than Kendrick, Moyer, and Eaton), but no control makes him nothing more than a MLB washout/Quadruple-A player.

Hopefully they get lucky with him, though.

[cougarjake13]

http://www.spawntoys.com/images/carlton.s4.reg

Just bought it for $14 at a sports collectible store near here.

Not that it's very hard to find, it's actually quite common...I just figured i NEEDED to have an action figure of the greatest Lefty of all time.

27 when the team only won 59...greatest single-season performance ever.



i dont why but it looks like a life size carlton in that pic

[yomudder21]

Thank god for the Marlins and the Nationals, so the Phillies can at least come in 3rd place every year.

[K.C.]

Thank god for the Marlins and the Nationals, so the Phillies can at least come in 3rd place every year.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...



Year League Record Finish/Rank Manager High OPS Low ERA Year
2006 NL East 85-77 (.525) 2 Charlie Manuel Howard Myers 2006
2005 NL East 88-74 (.543) 2 Charlie Manuel Utley Myers 2005
2004 NL East 86-76 (.531) 2 Larry Bowa and Gary Varsho Thome Milton 2004

[K.C.]

man just imagine having micheal jack schmidt and sandberg in the same infield, too bad they traded him to the cubs

January 27, 1982: Traded by the Philadelphia Phillies with Larry Bowa to the Chicago Cubs for Ivan DeJesus.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/31/sports/baseball/31kazmir.html?ex=1306728000&en=8938f99448947b52&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

[tbagnu]

hopefully our man Howard is back with a vengance!!....hopefully the home park can help him continue on his re-birth!!!

[Earlshog]

the bullpen blows another...

Maybe they should go after Dotel or Gange..... Myers throwing lefty would be better then that fat polack Zhgfihsdakjfjksahfjhdsajfhsjkhfjklsdki shitdick...

[K.C.]

the bullpen blows another...

Maybe they should go after Dotel or Gange..... Myers throwing lefty would be better then that fat polack Zhgfihsdakjfjksahfjhdsajfhsjkhfjklsdki shitdick...

Um...we have a much bigger problem.

Chase Utley broke his hand...out at least for a month, possibly for the season.

May be time to jump into 'sell' mode.

[yomudder21]

Um...we have a much bigger problem.

Chase Utley broke his hand...out at least for a month, possibly for the season.

May be time to jump into 'sell' mode.



I can remember you dicks in the winter actually arguing that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Everyone admit the stupid Phillies did nothing all year and were a threat only to the Nationals and Marlins.

Now bring on the excuses on why they aren't 10 games up on the NL East. I love Philly Fan excuses. Enjoy watching Shea in the Fall, it is beautiful.

[cougarjake13]

I can remember you dicks in the winter actually arguing that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Everyone admit the stupid Phillies did nothing all year and were a threat only to the Nationals and Marlins.

Now bring on the excuses on why they aren't 10 games up on the NL East. I love Philly Fan excuses. Enjoy watching Shea in the Fall, it is beautiful.

no need to kick them win they're down

[Earlshog]

I can remember you dicks in the winter actually arguing that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Everyone admit the stupid Phillies did nothing all year and were a threat only to the Nationals and Marlins.

Now bring on the excuses on why they aren't 10 games up on the NL East. I love Philly Fan excuses. Enjoy watching Shea in the Fall, it is beautiful.

If we knew at the beginning of the season that Brett Myers, Freddy Garcia, Tom Gordon, and John Lieber would be out for basically the whole season I doubt anyone would have picked the Phils to win the division. Its not an excuse its a fact (and just for the record I picked the Mets to win the division).

I will enjoy watching the games in Shea in the fall. Seeing that horseshit rotation knocked all over, one and done, then listening to the Mets fans cry on the fan will be a pleasure.

[K.C.]

I can remember you dicks in the winter actually arguing that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Everyone admit the stupid Phillies did nothing all year and were a threat only to the Nationals and Marlins.

Now bring on the excuses on why they aren't 10 games up on the NL East. I love Philly Fan excuses. Enjoy watching Shea in the Fall, it is beautiful.

Since this post, the Phils have gained two games on the Mets, and jumped the Braves...please...share some more enlightenment ;)




By the way, bravo to Gillick for getting Iguchi for nothing. He can hold the fort if Utley is only out three weeks, as being speculated.

[Earlshog]

Since this post, the Phils have gained two games on the Mets, and jumped the Braves...please...share some more enlightenment ;)




By the way, bravo to Gillick for getting Iguchi for nothing. He can hold the fort if Utley is only out three weeks, as being speculated.

I wonder if Iguchi can plau third when Utley returns

[xample]

Since this post, the Phils have gained two games on the Mets, and jumped the Braves...please...share some more enlightenment ;)




By the way, bravo to Gillick for getting Iguchi for nothing. He can hold the fort if Utley is only out three weeks, as being speculated.

What sucks is that Utley will be gone at least 3 weeks with a hand fracture.. I'd be surprised if he came back any quicker than that.

[scottinnj]

I can remember you dicks in the winter actually arguing that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL East. Everyone admit the stupid Phillies did nothing all year and were a threat only to the Nationals and Marlins.

Now bring on the excuses on why they aren't 10 games up on the NL East. I love Philly Fan excuses. Enjoy watching Shea in the Fall, it is beautiful.


I remember yomudder, she's a fucking vacuum cleaner that swallows. Waka Waka!

As for Shea Stadium, may it be on Osama Bin Laden's list of things to do.


The Mets I like. Mets fans can go to hell.

As for Atlanta Braves...the fans, the team, the stadium and anything else connected to them can suck it.

[K.C.]

I wonder if Iguchi can plau third when Utley returns

Not sure if he has the arm range...but he can't be worse than Helms or Dobbs (I like Dobbs a lot as a hitter...defensively at 3B, he's awful).

The problem is that none of them are power hitters, and traditionally you want power at the corners.


What sucks is that Utley will be gone at least 3 weeks with a hand fracture.. I'd be surprised if he came back any quicker than that.

Me too...I think it's at least a month, probably more. The thing that's helped the Phils right away is Burrell has woken up.

If Burrell and Howard can carry them for the next month, and Iguchi plays decent, they'll be fine. They need Burrell to stay hot, though.

[Earlshog]

We got Kyle Lohse... I guess with the state of the rotation its a good move.... They gave up a bag of balls for him

[K.C.]

We got Kyle Lohse... I guess with the state of the rotation its a good move.... They gave up a bag of balls for him

It's not terrible, especially since they gave up Matt Maloney who, even in the Phillies bad minor league organization, isn't a great prospect.

Lohse isn't too far removed from when he had success, which makes you think the Phils can fix him up, and he's still got good stuff.

His issue is basically mental toughness from everything I've seen.


I'd say he'll probably be like Eaton...give you a few gems, a few horrendous games, and keep you in ballgames the rest of the time.

The one encouraging thing is that against the NL this year, he has a 3.59 ERA...the reason his ERA is so much higher is he got hit really hard against the AL in interleague play this season.


My guess is the Phils are probably done as far as trades go, unless an injury dictates they need to make a waiver move down the line. If the rotation holds up, they'll be in it until the end.

[Earlshog]

It's not terrible, especially since they gave up Matt Maloney who, even in the Phillies bad minor league organization, isn't a great prospect.

Lohse isn't too far removed from when he had success, which makes you think the Phils can fix him up, and he's still got good stuff.

His issue is basically mental toughness from everything I've seen.


I'd say he'll probably be like Eaton...give you a few gems, a few horrendous games, and keep you in ballgames the rest of the time.

The one encouraging thing is that against the NL this year, he has a 3.59 ERA...the reason his ERA is so much higher is he got hit really hard against the AL in interleague play this season.


My guess is the Phils are probably done as far as trades go, unless an injury dictates they need to make a waiver move down the line. If the rotation holds up, they'll be in it until the end.

They may need us to suit upat this point... Bourn and Victorino are hurt now...

[tbagnu]

tell you what, regardless of how this season ends (on a winning note i hope) the phightin's have put together a heck of a year! it seems we have a bunch of fellas who really play well together!!..here's hoping we can tie up rowand for a while!!!

[K.C.]

tell you what, regardless of how this season ends (on a winning note i hope) the phightin's have put together a heck of a year! it seems we have a bunch of fellas who really play well together!!..here's hoping we can tie up rowand for a while!!!

Yeah, I'd love to see them lock Rowand up...I think they can use Bourn as the 4th OF for one more season, and then move him into a full time role in LF after Burrell's contract ends after the '08 season.

The problem is that I think the Phillies didn't trade Bourn because they see him as Rowand's replacement next season.

[Earlshog]

I am listening to the Phillies Cubs on XM. The announcers are brutal.

[K.C.]

I am listening to the Phillies Cubs on XM. The announcers are brutal.

Yeah, they've been driving me nuts all series. Ron Santo is radio cancer.

"Oh, come on...we've got to do something...we're not out of it yet. "

"Oh no, we're in trouble right now."

"Aw man...oh my gosh...I can't believe it....now we need to score some runs."

"Hopefully we're better than them today and score more runs. We need to get this together."

Stupid midwest hayseed.




Sucks about Kyle Lohse, though... one inning and he's hurt.

[TheMojoPin]

Yeah, they've been driving me nuts all series. Ron Santo is radio cancer.

"Oh, come on...we've got to do something...we're not out of it yet. "

"Oh know, we're in trouble right now."

"Aw man...oh my gosh...I can't believe it....now we need to score some runs."

"Hopefully we're better than them today and score more runs. We need to get this together."

Stupid midwest hayseed.

Wow, harsh. Ron is the one homer on our entire announcing staff, TV included. It's basically like having a diehard in the booth, except he also happens to have been one of their greatest players and one of the best 3rd baggers of all time. Yeah, he's a wreck up there, but that's why Pat Hughes is the other guy on the mic, and I'm sorry, anyone that says Pat sucks is just trying too hard to hate. Hughes is one of the best in the biz. And listening to him try and reign in Santo is hysterical...that the man can do that and call a great game is pretty impressive.

In short, suck it up. Santo isn't on the air because he's good at it...he's on the air because he's fun. But thanks for the "stupid midwest hayseed" stuff.

[K.C.]

And for anyone who wants to knock the Phils, considering they've lost:

-Ryan Howard for close to a month
-Chase Utley for close to a month
-Shane Victorino
-Michael Bourn
-Freddy Garcia for the season
-Jon Lieber for the season
-Ryan Madson possible for the season
-Tom Gordon for close to three months
-Brett Myers for close to two months
-Jayson Werth for a month

and are still within striking distance of the division and wild card...that's pretty damn impressive.

[K.C.]

Wow, harsh. Ron is the one homer on our entire announcing staff, TV included. It's basically like having a diehard in the booth, except he also happens to have been one of their greatest players and one of the best 3rd baggers of all time. Yeah, he's a wreck up there, but that's why Pat Hughes is the other guy on the mic, and I'm sorry, anyone that says Pat sucks is just trying too hard to hate. Hughes is one of the best in the biz. And listening to him try and reign in Santo is hysterical...that the man can do that and call a great game is pretty impressive.

In short, suck it up. Santo isn't on the air because he's good at it...he's on the air because he's fun. But thanks for the "stupid midwest hayseed" stuff.

Yeah, Pat Hughes is solid...my problem was mainly Santo.

And if that's his gimmick, to be the big time homer, then so be it...it just makes it impossible to listen to.

And in all honesty, if Larry Andersen (who does the Phillies radio color commentary) did that gimmick, it'd probably drive me equally insane.

One thing I've noticed is that all the midwest announcers seem to say 'we' way too much and it drives me insane. The White Sox do...the Twins...Uecker is awesome for the Brewers, so he's the one exception.

Still as annoying as the Ron Santo was...nothing is worse than listening to the Astros broadcast team...that guy doesn't even call the game...he tells awful stories and then recaps the play minutes after it happened.

[TheMojoPin]

And for anyone who wants to knock the Phils, considering they've lost:

-Ryan Howard for close to a month
-Chase Utley for close to a month
-Shane Victorino
-Michael Bourn
-Freddy Garcia for the season
-Jon Lieber for the season
-Ryan Madson possible for the season
-Tom Gordon for close to three months
-Brett Myers for close to two months
-Jayson Werth for a month

and are still within striking distance of the division and wild card...that's pretty damn impressive.

Good back and forth series with the Phils...we'll try and beat up on the Mets to help you guys out, so please do the same and keep the Beermakers in check.

Well played, boys...ain't no shame splitting a 4 gamer with the hottest team in all of baseball.

[TheMojoPin]

Yeah, Pat Hughes is solid...my problem was mainly Santo.

And if that's his gimmick, to be the big time homer, then so be it...it just makes it impossible to listen to.

And in all honesty, if Larry Andersen (who does the Phillies radio color commentary) did that gimmick, it'd probably drive me equally insane.

One thing I've noticed is that all the midwest announcers seem to say 'we' way too much and it drives me insane. The White Sox do...the Twins...Uecker is awesome for the Brewers, so he's the one exception.

Still as annoying as the Ron Santo was...nothing is worse than listening to the Astros broadcast team...that guy doesn't even call the game...he tells awful stories and then recaps the play minutes after it happened.

Trust me, plenty of Cubs fans love Santo but want him out of the booth. If Pat wasn't there, I'd be one of them. Though nothing beats Ron's bursts of emotion when they lose or win dramatically. He really is speaking for all of us in Cub fandom.

[Earlshog]

Wow, harsh. Ron is the one homer on our entire announcing staff, TV included. It's basically like having a diehard in the booth, except he also happens to have been one of their greatest players and one of the best 3rd baggers of all time. Yeah, he's a wreck up there, but that's why Pat Hughes is the other guy on the mic, and I'm sorry, anyone that says Pat sucks is just trying too hard to hate. Hughes is one of the best in the biz. And listening to him try and reign in Santo is hysterical...that the man can do that and call a great game is pretty impressive.

In short, suck it up. Santo isn't on the air because he's good at it...he's on the air because he's fun. But thanks for the "stupid midwest hayseed" stuff.

Santo is horrific. Hes very bush league. I usually could care less about the Cubs, (I can kinda relate to their historic futility as a Phillies fan) but listening to that jiz buckets really had my blood boiling.

[TheMojoPin]

Santo is horrific. Hes very bush league. I usually could care less about the Cubs, (I can kinda relate to their historic futility as a Phillies fan) but listening to that jiz buckets really had my blood boiling.

It's not like he was hired to be polished on the mic. That's why they have Hughes. Unclench and relax. What did he do to you? Why the rage?

And similar futility? Yeah, you've had a WS in the last century, but it's your only one...and good luck with those 10,000+ losses while we remain the 2nd most winningest team in baseball history.

[K.C.]

Good back and forth series with the Phils...we'll try and beat up on the Mets to help you guys out, so please do the same and keep the Beermakers in check.

Well played, boys...ain't no shame splitting a 4 gamer with the hottest team in all of baseball.

I'll give the Cubby bears, some credit. They've far and away surpassed my expectation for this season. Part of it is because the Cardinals and Astros have tanked...I think most people didn't see that coming. The other, is that the team really has come together.

[TheMojoPin]

I'll give the Cubby bears, some credit. They've far and away surpassed my expectation for this season. Part of it is because the Cardinals and Astros have tanked...I think most people didn't see that coming. The other, is that the team really has come together.

Well, I think the Astros were pretty clearly going to be crap, but yeah, the Cards really dropped the ball. They're not quite out of it, but without Carpenter, their rotation is hot garbage all around.

[Earlshog]

It's not like he was hired to be polished on the mic. That's why they have Hughes. Unclench and relax. What did he do to you? Why the rage?

And similar futility? Yeah, you've had a WS in the last century, but it's your only one...and good luck with those 10,000+ losses while we remain the 2nd most winningest team in baseball history.


I have haven't heard anyone that bad since Otis Anderson did Giants games, just venting. haha

1906. Not that anything else has to be said after that but they were bad the 60's 70's 80's (with the exception of two seasons) and the first half the 90's. At one point in the 70s and 80's they were .500 or below some crazy thing like 18 out of 19 seasons. Thats futility.

I always liked the Cubs growing up cause we could see all the games on WGN ( actually liked the Braves back when they were bad cause we got them on TBS).
Anyway I will be rooting like hell for you this weekend. Take down those Mets and I could use some big D Lee numbers for my fantasy team!!! I'd like to see thePhils help you guys out! Hey hopefully we will be arguing come playoff time!

[PigShitIrish]

I was at the game last night and it's great to see Howard hit a couple out and especially the one towards opposite field. I just want to know how, in the middle of a playoff race whether it be the division or the wild card, can your GM say that he would be satisfied if they go 3 & 3 in this homestand against two divisional teams.

[K.C.]

I was at the game last night and it's great to see Howard hit a couple out and especially the one towards opposite field. I just want to know how, in the middle of a playoff race whether it be the division or the wild card, can your GM say that he would be satisfied if they go 3 & 3 in this homestand against two divisional teams.

Because the home stand involves three games against the hottest team in baseball (Atlanta) that are being played without Utley and Victorino.

Remember...Utley was almost a lock for MVP before he went down.

I don't know that it was particularly smart to say 3-3, but he was taking the bullet for his team. By coming it out and saying it, it focuses the attention in the media on Gillick and lowers expectations for the team.

Whereas, if he came out and said 5-1, the media and fans would jump on the team if they went 3-3 or 2-4.

If I was him, I probably wouldn't have said anything, but I don't have a huge problem with it.

[PigShitIrish]

Because the home stand involves three games against the hottest team in baseball (Atlanta) that are being played without Utley and Victorino.

Remember...Utley was almost a lock for MVP before he went down.

I don't know that it was particularly smart to say 3-3, but he was taking the bullet for his team. By coming it out and saying it, it focuses the attention in the media on Gillick and lowers expectations for the team.

Whereas, if he came out and said 5-1, the media and fans would jump on the team if they went 3-3 or 2-4.

If I was him, I probably wouldn't have said anything, but I don't have a huge problem with it.

You're absolutely right. My problem was, why come out and say something like that.

[K.C.]

You're absolutely right. My problem was, why come out and say something like that.

Yeah, I don't really get it either.

My only guess is that he wanted to make himself the target to deflect attention from the team.

[scottinnj]

I just wanted to say to pigshitirish:

Your avatar rocks! and I will be eternally jealous.


Damn you.:innocent:

[Kris10]

Trust me, plenty of Cubs fans love Santo but want him out of the booth. If Pat wasn't there, I'd be one of them. Though nothing beats Ron's bursts of emotion when they lose or win dramatically. He really is speaking for all of us in Cub fandom.

All this broadcaster talk really makes me miss Harry, Andy, Whitey, and Wheels working together. *sniff, sniff*

[tbagnu]

All this broadcaster talk really makes me miss Harry, Andy, Whitey, and Wheels working together. *sniff, sniff*

AMEN Rouski!! I miss Whitey!!!!

[Earlshog]

I didn't even know Russell Branyan was on the team... Welcome....

[King Hippos Bandaid]

when will you bastards fold

The Phillies are usually like a Pair of 2s , you fold under pressure

:king:

[Earlshog]

when will you bastards fold

The Phillies are usually like a Pair of 2s , you fold under pressure

:king:

no they are the exact opposite.... They start every season 3 - 14 then miss the playoffs by two games...

[Redding]

Harrys homerun call on the branyan homerun was classic harry

HOW ABOUT RUSSELL BRANYAN!!!!!

[K.C.]

no they are the exact opposite.... They start every season 3 - 14 then miss the playoffs by two games...

True dat...4-11 this year.

And let's not forget the Adam Eaton factor...I wonder how many games in the standings that's cost them.

Coincedentally, he just went on the DL...Durbin's taking his start.

[Earlshog]

True dat...4-11 this year.

And let's not forget the Adam Eaton factor...I wonder how many games in the standings that's cost them.

Coincedentally, he just went on the DL...Durbin's taking his start.

Jesus... Maybe they can coax Don Carmen out of Retirement...

[K.C.]

This 10 game home stand should make or break them.

If they come out of it with a Wild Card lead and within 2 games of the Mets, then it's time to get excited, because they'll be legit in terms of the division and the wild card.

Any further out of the division by the end and the Mets probably have it locked up.


Either way, the Phillies are in a good position...they can beat Atlanta head-to-head, and the Padres haven't been all that good lately and shown no ability to hit the ball.

I'd like to see them chase the division down to the wire, but if as long as they end up in the playoffs i'll be happy.

[PigShitIrish]

If they can somehow sweep this series while the Mets and Padres are beating each other up, it would be a fucking great start to the homestand. By the way, watching the game right now and realizing how much hatred I have for Jose Mesa.

[K.C.]

Yeah, Mesa blows...went to the game tonight...awful weather, but a great game. How clutch has Kendrick been?

What sucks, though, is that Hamels is scheduled to miss his next start...could be a huge blow to the team.

[Earlshog]

Yeah, Mesa blows...went to the game tonight...awful weather, but a great game. How clutch has Kendrick been?

What sucks, though, is that Hamels is scheduled to miss his next start...could be a huge blow to the team.

No shit... hearing the elbow is really disconcerting.... who is going to take his spot in the rotation?

[K.C.]

No shit... hearing the elbow is really disconcerting.... who is going to take his spot in the rotation?

Everyone gets moved up a day because of the off day, and they're hoping he can go Saturday.

Durbin goes tonight.

Then Moyer and Lohse...if Hamels can't go Saturday, they'll either make a call-up or throw Kendrick on four days rest. My guess is if Hamels can't go Saturday, he hits the DL and they give J.A. Happ another shot, unless Freddy Garcia or Scott Mathieson are done their rehab.

UPDATE - Hamels said today he expects to go on the DL and miss three weeks.

In-house, the option are
1) JA Happ
2) Adam Eaton
3) Freddy Garcia
4) Scott Mathieson

to take his place...they could also make a waiver deal at this point, however, and try to grab someone for the stretch run. Not sure who's out there, though.


UPDATE #2 - An interesting possibility could be Fabio Castro who they just recalled yesterday to be a long man...Castro had been starting for AAA-Ottawa recently and is stretched out to throw innings.

[K.C.]

This is how ridiculous the injury list has been this year:

Freddy Garcia (twice, potentially out for the season)
Chris Coste (missed a week)
Jon Lieber (twice, out for the season)
Scott Mathieson (all season, potentially out for the season)
Tom Gordon (missed 2 1/2 months)
Ryan Howard (missed 2 weeks)
Ryan Madson (twice, potentially out for the season)
Brett Myers (missed 2 months)
Francisco Rosario (missed 2 months, still on the DL)
Jayson Werth (missed a month)
Chase Utley (missed a month, still on the DL)
Shane Victorino (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Michael Bourn (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Rod Barajas (missed 2 1/2 weeks, still on the DL)
Adam Eaton (missed a week, still on the DL)
Mike Zagurski (out for the season)
Yoel Hernandez (just went on the DL)
Cole Hamels (just went on the DL)

[King Hippos Bandaid]

This is how ridiculous the injury list has been this year:

Freddy Garcia (twice, potentially out for the season)
Chris Coste (missed a week)
Jon Lieber (twice, out for the season)
Scott Mathieson (all season, potentially out for the season)
Tom Gordon (missed 2 1/2 months)
Ryan Howard (missed 2 weeks)
Ryan Madson (twice, potentially out for the season)
Brett Myers (missed 2 months)
Francisco Rosario (missed 2 months, still on the DL)
Jayson Werth (missed a month)
Chase Utley (missed a month, still on the DL)
Shane Victorino (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Michael Bourn (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Rod Barajas (missed 2 1/2 weeks, still on the DL)
Adam Eaton (missed a week, still on the DL)
Mike Zagurski (out for the season)
Yoel Hernandez (just went on the DL)
Cole Hamels (just went on the DL)


I say its the Curse of Veterans Stadium

Everyone and their Mother would get injured there

:king:

[Earlshog]

This is how ridiculous the injury list has been this year:

Freddy Garcia (twice, potentially out for the season)
Chris Coste (missed a week)
Jon Lieber (twice, out for the season)
Scott Mathieson (all season, potentially out for the season)
Tom Gordon (missed 2 1/2 months)
Ryan Howard (missed 2 weeks)
Ryan Madson (twice, potentially out for the season)
Brett Myers (missed 2 months)
Francisco Rosario (missed 2 months, still on the DL)
Jayson Werth (missed a month)
Chase Utley (missed a month, still on the DL)
Shane Victorino (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Michael Bourn (missed three weeks, still on the DL)
Rod Barajas (missed 2 1/2 weeks, still on the DL)
Adam Eaton (missed a week, still on the DL)
Mike Zagurski (out for the season)
Yoel Hernandez (just went on the DL)
Cole Hamels (just went on the DL)


and despite all those injuries they're tied for the wildcard lead five out of first... you have to give it to Gillick and Manuel they've done a great job.

[cougarjake13]

and despite all those injuries they're tied for the wildcard lead five out of first... you have to give it to Gillick and Manuel they've done a great job.

i think it has to do more with the mets laundry list of injuries and andruw jones sucking ass for the braves, as well as not having much help behind smoltz and hudson in the rotation

[Earlshog]

i think it has to do more with the mets inept starting rotation and under producing outfield

fixed

[cougarjake13]

fixed

that definitely plays into it as well

[K.C.]

Well, at this point, unless you sweep the four game set against the Mets, the division is probably done.

Despite shitting the bed this week with the Dodgers and Padres, they're still three games back of the Pads, and have no teams between them in the Wild Card.

So it's doable.

The problem is whether the talent is there at this point. When you're throwing:
-Kendrick
-Lohse
-Moyer
-Durbin
-Castro

as your starting five in September, it's tough to be optimistic.

Still, I'll say that Kendrick has been fantastic, and Lohse has been great, actually, since he came over.

The problem is that Moyer looks done, Durbin is all over the place, and Castro doesn't belong in a big league rotation.


They need someone back to help, and it can't be Adam Eaton.

There's still a shot, but the window is closing on this season.

[BoondockSaint]

What the fuck was up with Ruiz' slide the other day? I see Giles is on the DL now.

[K.C.]

Big series this week...Phils will either make one more run at it or the Mets will lock up the NL East

[AJDELAWARE]

Yeah, this series is definitely make or break.

With the return of Chase, does Iguchi move to 3rd or will he dissapear. Hes had a realtively decent stint with the phils, it would be ashame to see him fly off to ottowa.

[cougarjake13]

Yeah, this series is definitely make or break.

With the return of Chase, does Iguchi move to 3rd or will he dissapear. Hes had a realtively decent stint with the phils, it would be ashame to see him fly off to ottowa.

well iguchi would still be a good utility guy to have on the roster and maybe if utleys not all the way back he'd still fill in at 2nd

[AJDELAWARE]

welcome Back Chase Utley

[K.C.]

well iguchi would still be a good utility guy to have on the roster and maybe if utleys not all the way back he'd still fill in at 2nd

He's great for the rest of this season.

The problem is that he's better than a utility guy. He'll find a starting job next season in MLB if he wants to stay as opposed to returning to Japan.

I'd like to see them try him out at 3B.
a) He can't be a worse fielder than Wes Helms or Greg Dobbs at the position
b) It's a solid right-handed bat from a position they need production (start Iguchi against LHP and Dobbs against RHP and you almost have a top notch 3B between the two)
c) He could be resigned relatively cheap in a market next season where Mike Lowell is the only real 3B of interest.

But for them not to try this out, they must think he REALLY can't play the position.

[AJDELAWARE]

The whole team really stepped it up last night.
It sad though, the way Gordon has been so cold lately, I actually got a little worried when they brought him in, even with a 7 run lead.

Chase Utley, back with a vengeance. Iguchi with the pinch hit homer looked great. PAT THE FUCKIN' BAT BURRELL BABY!!! Durbin pitched really well, I think they could have kept him through the 7th, but oh well. Uncle Charlie took his ejection count up another notch. Jason Werth, hot and heavy with a little bit of a hitting streak going on. 4 for 4 last night.

[K.C.]

The whole team really stepped it up last night.
It sad though, the way Gordon has been so cold lately, I actually got a little worried when they brought him in, even with a 7 run lead.

Chase Utley, back with a vengeance. Iguchi with the pinch hit homer looked great. PAT THE FUCKIN' BAT BURRELL BABY!!! Durbin pitched really well, I think they could have kept him through the 7th, but oh well. Uncle Charlie took his ejection count up another notch. Jason Werth, hot and heavy with a little bit of a hitting streak going on. 4 for 4 last night.

Gordon's not reliable anymore because he's hurt and needs surgery to repair his shoulder. He's trying to pitch through his contract with the Phillies, but because of the injury, you can't put him in late innings anymore because you just don't know what you'll get with him.

And he won't get the surgery because he's on the record as saying he would rather just retire than go through a surgery/rehab process. So he's at the very end of his career at this point.

[AJDELAWARE]

Definitely.

I think people are, in hindsight, glad that Charlie bumped Myers to a closing spot. He has really excelled at it and minus the injury, he has been really throwing well.

[Earlshog]

Definitely.

I think people are, in hindsight, glad that Charlie bumped Myers to a closing spot. He has really excelled at it and minus the injury, he has been really throwing well.


I agree it has worked but I would like to see him back at the front of that rotation next season... Him and Hammel are about as good a 1 - 2 punch as you get...

[AJDELAWARE]

I agree it has worked but I would like to see him back at the front of that rotation next season... Him and Hammel are about as good a 1 - 2 punch as you get...

I think for that to happen, they will have to make a few major off season acquisitions.

[K.C.]

Four games back thanks to Ryan Howard!

If we get 3 of 4, or 4 of 4, it's a race again.

[Earlshog]

I think for that to happen, they will have to make a few major off season acquisitions.

Maybe we could sign Joe Nathan with Rowands money if he dosen't come back... They could go for a lesser option like Wickman.... Mariano Rivera would look good in Red and White... haha...

[Earlshog]

Four games back thanks to Ryan Howard!

If we get 3 of 4, or 4 of 4, it's a race again.

don't forget Rollins, Burrell, and Victorino....

I agree... at this point Charlie Manuel has to start getting some Manager of the Year consideration...

[AJDELAWARE]

Maybe we could sign Joe Nathan with Rowands money if he dosen't come back... They could go for a lesser option like Wickman.... Mariano Rivera would look good in Red and White... haha...

I can't read Rowand's next move at all. I think it really depends on where the team ends up this season. I personally like the guy, but if he leaves (since Pat the Bat isnt going anywhere) id like to see Victorino move to center and capitalize on that speed, throw Jason Werth in right, and leave Pat in left field (and switch in Bourne as needed, or use Bourne as fodder in a trade deal for someone else)

I think the majority of the off season wheeling and dealing needs to be focused solely on pitching, and maybe a full time 3rd base, although having all those utility players filling in right now has proven to be useful in some batting scenarios.

[ralphbxny]

Loved the ending tonight. I was waiting for Bud selig to walk out like vince mcmahon and say the last out can not be recorded on an interference!! Keep playing or your FFFIIIRRREEDDD!!

[K.C.]

Loved the ending tonight. I was waiting for Bud selig to walk out like vince mcmahon and say the last out can not be recorded on an interference!! Keep playing or your FFFIIIRRREEDDD!!

Maybe if Marlon looks at the fact that he if he did nothing, Green would have beat it out, it wouldn't have been an issue.

Stupid play. Worse than Lastings Milledge not seeing a 30 foot wall in front of him and running into it knee first because he was out of position in the first place. At least that one didn't hurt them...it was just funny.

[K.C.]

So that brings us to Thursday afternoon; Lohse vs. El Duque with the sweep on the line.

Lohse has pitched very well since arriving in Philadelphia, El Duque always gives the Phillies fits (seriously, how many fucking times do the Phils hitters have to swing fastball at a 60 MPH curve until they realize that's all he's going to throw them).

Should be fun. Ideally, the Phils need the sweep and the lead down to 2 GB.

But, if they do drop the game tomorrow and the Mets bump it back to 4, they still have three games left with the Mets in two weeks. So it's not the end of the world.

That said, 2 GB puts some MAJOR pressure on New York heading into a series against Atlanta where they face Smoltz and Hudson. So, let's get the sweep done.

[Earlshog]

I wonder what they will do with Hammels coming back Sunday. They could go with a six man rotation and give the staff a little extra rest. Maybe they will just skip Eatons spot. Send Durbin back to the pen? For all the woes, all of sudden the rotation is as good/bad as the Mets.

[AJDELAWARE]

Two really exciting games in a row. I was half tempted to drive to where the Mets are staying this morning and just stand outside with a broom, but dont wanna jinx it hahah.

[K.C.]

I wonder what they will do with Hammels coming back Sunday. They could go with a six man rotation and give the staff a little extra rest. Maybe they will just skip Eatons spot. Send Durbin back to the pen? For all the woes, all of sudden the rotation is as good/bad as the Mets.

Eaton or Moyer were going to be the odd man out. And since Moyer pitched well enough last night, it'll be Eaton.

Can't send Durbin back now...he's pitched too well.

[Earlshog]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Freddy Garcia cost the Philadelphia Phillies $10 million for one win.
The two-time All-Star right-hander had season-ending shoulder surgery Thursday, nearly three months after he threw his last pitch for the Phillies.



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/08/30/bc.bbn.phillies.garcia.ap/index.html

[Earlshog]

what a game... what a series.... 2 back.... WOW!!!

[AJDELAWARE]

My heart is still racing. What a fucking see saw of a game.

[K.C.]

Ok, so I've finally had a little bit of time to calm down.

I was at the stadium yesterday. I've been to hundreds of games and that was the best one I've ever seen in person.

And that was the best crowd I've ever been a part of since I've been going to baseball games.

That crowd was RELENTLESS on the Mets fans. And after the way the Phils one yesterday, I've never seen more sad-faced, confused looking people walking out of a stadium then those wearing the orange and blue.

The crowd was also relentless on Billy Wagner once they sensed the weakness there.

Absolutely fantastic game. It had everything you could want.

If the Phils take care of business in Florida, they'll be in phenominal shape. The Mets have a really shitty matchup this weekend. They have to play Atlanta, who they can't beat, and they get the Braves' top three starters (Smoltz, Hudson, James), and they'll be throwing either Humber or Pelfry on Saturday, neither of whom you can bank on, AND it'll be hard to believe that the Braves, who are now only 4.5 back, don't sense blood in the water and won't come out firing in this series.


It's all lined up for the Phils now...they need to finish their business here.


P.S: Nothing gives more pleasure then watching Pat Burrell own Billy Wagner. Wagner has gone above and beyond to talk shit about Burrell since he left the Phils. Hey Billy...how about earning that ridiculous contract the Mets gave you by...oh, I don't know...not serving up fastballs down the middle for Pat 'one-path swing' Burrell to crush. Wagner is such an asshole.

[AJDELAWARE]

Ok, so I've finally had a little bit of time to calm down.

I was at the stadium yesterday. I've been to hundreds of games and that was the best one I've ever seen in person.

And that was the best crowd I've ever been a part of since I've been going to baseball games.

That crowd was RELENTLESS on the Mets fans. And after the way the Phils one yesterday, I've never seen more sad-faced, confused looking people walking out of a stadium then those wearing the orange and blue.

The crowd was also relentless on Billy Wagner once they sensed the weakness there.

Absolutely fantastic game. It had everything you could want.

If the Phils take care of business in Florida, they'll be in phenominal shape. The Mets have a really shitty matchup this weekend. They have to play Atlanta, who they can't beat, and they get the Braves' top three starters (Smoltz, Hudson, James), and they'll be throwing either Humber or Pelfry on Saturday, neither of whom you can bank on, AND it'll be hard to believe that the Braves, who are now only 4.5 back, don't sense blood in the water and won't come out firing in this series.


It's all lined up for the Phils now...they need to finish their business here.

Not to mention the crowd in Section 302 errupting into a frat boy brawl.
I have never bene as excited watching a game as I was to watch this one. made me really regret not physicially being there to see that shit go on.

Im thinkg 2-1 in favor of the Braves in this series, and if the Phils can keep their shit together, and win these games, were good to go.

Pat THE BAT Burrell is a god damn Met Killer!!! 20% of his career home runs are against them, and I think he is now #5 all time, in home runs against the mets.

[BoondockSaint]

Boy, you guys really blew one today.

[hammersavage]

Goodnight Philadelphia.......and good luck.........

[Earlshog]

I think every Phillies fan new this would happen

[AJDELAWARE]

C:\Documents and Settings\jvargo\Local Settings\Temp\notes6030C8\~6103846.jpg


Think this 40 man roster invite will help the rotation?

did you really just try to link an image from your desktop?

[Earlshog]

did you really just try to link an image from your desktop?


yeah I copied the wrong link... I didn't realize I'd have the message board police up my ass so quick

[Kris10]

What else is new....:flush:

[BoondockSaint]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Magic # is 19.

[K.C.]

Chris Roberson is the worst defensive replacement I've ever seen in the history of baseball.

I concede the 2007 season.

Thank you.

[Furtherman]

*punches wall*

[K.C.]

So, for the 2008 Phillies (I may have posted part of this before), the outlook is:

Asterik (*) denotes my estimate on the player's salary based on known factors


C – Carlos Ruiz ($400,000)*
1B – Ryan Howard ($9,000,000)*
2B – Chase Utley ($7,500,000)
3B – Wes Helms ($2,150,000)
SS – Jimmy Rollins ($7,000,000)
LF – Pat Burrell ($14,000,000)
CF – Michael Bourn ($400,000)*
RF – Shane Victorino ($400,000)*

Bench:
OF – Jayson Werth ($1,500,000)*
C/3B – Chris Coste ($400,000)*
3B/OF – Greg Dobbs ($400,000)*

SP – Cole Hamels ($900,000)*
SP – Brett Myers ($8,500,000)
SP – Kyle Kendrick ($385,000)*
SP –
SP – Adam Eaton ($7,635,000)

CL –
SU – Tom Gordon ($5,500,000)
MR – Ryan Madson ($2,000,000)*
MR – Julio Mateo ($1,500,000)
MR – Scott Mathieson ($385,000)*
LR –
LR – Jamie Moyer ($3,500,000)


Buyouts:
C – Rod Barajas ($500,000)
3B – Abraham Nunez ($750,000)

Payroll before Free Agency ($74,705,000)


Just some notes...I think Ryan Howard gets his long-term contract. I think Cole Hamels will have to wait until '09 for his after the Burrell money comes of the books. The rest is pretty cut and dry. In Adam Eaton's case, his salary dictates you have to start him, or at least give him a shot to be at least the 5th starter. Jamie Moyer, on the other hand, I think the Phillies will tell that he will only make the team as a situational left-handed reliever in hopes they think he'll retire. Also, if I had to guess, Wes Helms will be back as, platooning with Greg Dobbs at 3B next season. I only say that, because the only legitimate option on the market is Mike Lowell, and the Phils won't be able to afford him.

The only question mark for the team is Julio Mateo. He has a $100,000 buyout on his contract, but given what he's done at the minors, how do you not give him a shot at the $1.5 million to solidify your middle relief. Has all the potential to be a tremendous steal.

This team should have about $20,000,000 to spend this offseason, to fill three holes (3B, SP, CL)

For the closer role, the best potential guy is Francisco Cordero. He'll be 33 entering next season, but is coming off a career year with the Brewers. Expect him to get the Wagner deal this offseason...about 4 yr/$43 million with an option. That means it's probably cost the Phils $10 million against next year's salary to take a shot. I would. He'd be worth it and allow you to move Myers where he belongs, and not put unnecessary pressure on someone from the minors to fill the closer role.

That would leave $10 million to spend on a SP and two bench players. The Phillies will look for a high-ceiling 4th starter like Carlos Silva who they could snag for $5-$6 million per year over three years, and that will leave them the rest of the money to spread over the roster and fill out the bench.

[Kris10]

I'm sorry I've NEVER been a fan of Burrell, he's not worth $14,000,000, he never will be. Give some of it to Rollins and spend the rest on some damn pitching. :wallbash:

[hammersavage]

17

[cougarjake13]

wow

howard only makes 9 mil and burrell makes 14

[AJDELAWARE]

wow

howard only makes 9 mil and burrell makes 14

Right now, Howard only makes 900k. H will get a nice contract at the end of this year.

Burrell was a star out of college, so he got a really great contract. And as much as people like to bash him, he really is a solid player, he just is very unreliable at times, but as of the allstar break, hes really come to life, and I bet we see a banner year from him next year - in order to get another team to pick him up.

[cougarjake13]

Right now, Howard only makes 900k. H will get a nice contract at the end of this year.

Burrell was a star out of college, so he got a really great contract. And as much as people like to bash him, he really is a solid player, he just is very unreliable at times, but as of the allstar break, hes really come to life, and I bet we see a banner year from him next year - in order to get another team to pick him up.

shit i didnt even see that i guess i thought it said 9 mil

but 900 k damn what a bargain

[AJDELAWARE]

The 9m. figure is what that guy expects him to get contracted for next season. PB is only making 12-13m this year.

900k for Ryan Howard set a record for the most paid to a 2nd year player I believe. This is only his second full season of MLB. He was rookie of the year in a half season, mvp last season (his first full season) and now this year. Up until the beginning of the season, the phils were paying Chase Utley and Ryan Howard (arguably their 2 best players) less than 900k combined.

[cougarjake13]

The 9m. figure is what that guy expects him to get contracted for next season. PB is only making 12-13m this year.

900k for Ryan Howard set a record for the most paid to a 2nd year player I believe. This is only his second full season of MLB. He was rookie of the year in a half season, mvp last season (his first full season) and now this year. Up until the beginning of the season, the phils were paying Chase Utley and Ryan Howard (arguably their 2 best players) less than 900k combined.


now if only they had some decent pitching or at least no injuries

[K.C.]

wow

howard only makes 9 mil and burrell makes 14

Howard SHOULD get his long term contract by the end of this season.

The Phillies generally structure them so a guy makes the most money in the last years of his contract, unless it's an older player (i.e. Tom Gordon, Jamie Moyer).

Howard is expected to get somewhere near Pujols' contract, so he'll probably start at about $9 million and by the end, will probably be making somewhere between $17-$18 million in my estimation.

As for Burrell, you have to give the guy's agent credit. He signed off his best season (although, depending on how he finishes up, this may be his career year this season) and got a boatload of money because his agent conned Ed Wade into believing the guy was a future foundation player for the franchise.

He's horrendously underperformed it, but if he finishes up this year like he's been playing, and plays about the same next season, he'll be fine, AND he'll probably get similar value on the free agent market (although not for as many years, obviously).

[K.C.]

Only 2 GB of the Wild Card after today...Colorado is the big test. If the Phillies are for real, no less than 3 of 4 is acceptable or else they're done.

It's a shame...this is one of the hardest playing Phillies teams I can remember in quite some time. They just don't have the pitching talent, though...but maybe they can bash their way in...who knows.

They got fucked over big time between Garcia, Lieber, and Eaton...and in all honesty, if they had gotten anything from just ONE of them this season, they'd probably be in the Wild Card lead and contending for the division title.

[Bossanova]

Only 2 GB of the Wild Card after today...Colorado is the big test. If the Phillies are for real, no less than 3 of 4 is acceptable or else they're done.

It's a shame...this is one of the hardest playing Phillies teams I can remember in quite some time. They just don't have the pitching talent, though...but maybe they can bash their way in...who knows.

They got fucked over big time between Garcia, Lieber, and Eaton...and in all honesty, if they had gotten anything from just ONE of them this season, they'd probably be in the Wild Card lead and contending for the division title.

Maybe they should play the Mets 45 times a year. Then their pitching would look awesome

[AJDELAWARE]

Maybe they should play the Mets 45 times a year. Then their pitching would look awesome

And Pat the Bat would be in contention for the league MVP.

[Kris10]

And Pat the Bat would be in contention for the league MVP.

:wacko:

[cougarjake13]

Only 2 GB of the Wild Card after today...Colorado is the big test. If the Phillies are for real, no less than 3 of 4 is acceptable or else they're done.

It's a shame...this is one of the hardest playing Phillies teams I can remember in quite some time. They just don't have the pitching talent, though...but maybe they can bash their way in...who knows.

They got fucked over big time between Garcia, Lieber, and Eaton...and in all honesty, if they had gotten anything from just ONE of them this season, they'd probably be in the Wild Card lead and contending for the division title.



theres no doubt that if they had even one of those guys they'd have at least the 3 more victories to be wild card leaders and the mets would be hard pressed to be up 6 games if all 3 were healthy

[yomudder21]

this is where all the phillies fans talk about how if they didn't have injuries, had different players, and the management didn't suck, they would be in first place.

same old year, same old shit the bed team. have fun watching the mets in october. jimmy rollin's team to beat as been beaten.

[K.C.]

this is where all the phillies fans talk about how if they didn't have injuries, had different players, and the management didn't suck, they would be in first place.

same old year, same old shit the bed team. have fun watching the mets in october. jimmy rollin's team to beat as been beaten.

Yeah...I forgot...the Mets are one of the most storied winners in baseball history.

Wow, the legacy...the team history...championship after championship...winning season after winning season...

Wait a second...I got confused.

This is the Mets logo, right?????

http://adweek.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/nyr.jpg

Until your team matters in its own city, don't talk.

[cougarjake13]

Yeah...I forgot...the Mets are one of the most storied winners in baseball history.

Wow, the legacy...the team history...championship after championship...winning season after winning season...

Wait a second...I got confused.

This is the Mets logo, right?????

http://adweek.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/nyr.jpg

Until your team matters in its own city, don't talk.

the mets wont ever matter more than the yanks

even if we win 24 more championships before the yanks win #27 we'll still be the bastard step child

[K.C.]

the mets wont ever matter more than the yanks

even if we win 24 more championships before the yanks win #27 we'll still be the bastard step child

And that's my point...the Phillies history is putrid, but those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

The Mets, in a historical sense, are pretty unimpressive.

On a personal level, I like talking baseball with everyone from everywhere...but nothing comes across as more ridiculous and more uneducated then the Mets fans who come down to Philadelphia and think they're a top tier organization of historical significance.

They're not...and it would take a hell of a lot more winning to even put them on the radar in the grand scheme of baseball.

Now, who knows...maybe the Reyes/Wright nucleus produces a franchise that dominates the NL for the next decade...ok, let's wait and see...but until it happens, the people who act like that team has won ANYTHING need to shut up.

Even if this group even had ONE World Series under their belt, then I might buy the bragging, but they don't...at least for now.

[Marc with a c]

the phils have won at losing the most

[cougarjake13]

And that's my point...the Phillies history is putrid, but those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

The Mets, in a historical sense, are pretty unimpressive.

On a personal level, I like talking baseball with everyone from everywhere...but nothing comes across as more ridiculous and more uneducated then the Mets fans who come down to Philadelphia and think they're a top tier organization of historical significance.

They're not...and it would take a hell of a lot more winning to even put them on the radar in the grand scheme of baseball.

Now, who knows...maybe the Reyes/Wright nucleus produces a franchise that dominates the NL for the next decade...ok, let's wait and see...but until it happens, the people who act like that team has won ANYTHING need to shut up.

Even if this group even had ONE World Series under their belt, then I might buy the bragging, but they don't...at least for now.


well a little comparison

mets vs phils 1962 to 2006



yeh outside of 69, 73,84,85,86,87,88,99,00,and 06 they havent done shit

blue years are playoff years, 84,85, and 87 they finished 2nd with at least 90 wins
thats 7 playoff seasons out of 45, not counting 2007, 2 world series championships and 4 NL pennants


looking at the phillies in the same time as the mets 62 to present

all years below are years that the phils won at least 90 games and/or made the playoffs
93,83,81,78,77,76,64

thats also 7 playoff seasons in 45, not counting 2007, 1 world series championship, 3 NL pennants

so yes the phils have a storied history prior to the mets existance but since both have been around the mets have a slight edge

[Keotok]

WOOOOHOOOO....a 5-4-5 triple play!!!!:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:............ ....
















.......................which only prolongs the inevitable!

[ralphbxny]

Rough start...good end for the Fightin Phils!!

[K.C.]

You know...I don't care if they're teasing and they fall a game short again...I love baseball...and this team plays great baseball.

They can't pitch worth a damn...but they play great baseball.

[Bossanova]

You know...I don't care if they're teasing and they fall a game short again...I love baseball...and this team plays great baseball.

They can't pitch worth a damn...but they play great baseball.

Just make the playoffs

[Marc with a c]

Just make the playoffs

http://a2.vox.com/6a00c225207cec8fdb00cdf7f2b622094f-120pi

[xample]

Kim Batiste!!!!!!

Holy Shit..I am drunk.

[PigShitIrish]

3.5 behind the Mets, 1.5 behind the Pads.........does anybody still believe? It's hard to after how close they've come the past couple of years, plus the condition of the starting pitching and the middle relief. Although, I love Romero. He'd be a great set up man next year for Myers.

[K.C.]

3.5 behind the Mets, 1.5 behind the Pads.........does anybody still believe? It's hard to after how close they've come the past couple of years, plus the condition of the starting pitching and the middle relief. Although, I love Romero. He'd be a great set up man next year for Myers.

Oh, I'm all in.

Realistically, it'd take a pretty monumental collapse for them to catch the Mets (considering the Mets have 14 left against only the Nationals and Marlins), but for a team that had a chance to for all purposes put the final nail in the coffin yesterday, to come out, lose to the worst statistical pitcher in baseball this season, and commit five errors...hey, who knows...maybe they're primed for it.

They definitely have a shot at San Diego, though.

[Earlshog]

well a little comparison

mets vs phils 1962 to 2006



yeh outside of 69, 73,84,85,86,87,88,99,00,and 06 they havent done shit

blue years are playoff years, 84,85, and 87 they finished 2nd with at least 90 wins
thats 7 playoff seasons out of 45, not counting 2007, 2 world series championships and 4 NL pennants


looking at the phillies in the same time as the mets 62 to present

all years below are years that the phils won at least 90 games and/or made the playoffs
93,83,81,78,77,76,64

thats also 7 playoff seasons in 45, not counting 2007, 1 world series championship, 3 NL pennants

so yes the phils have a storied history prior to the mets existance but since both have been around the mets have a slight edge

how could you forget 1980... oh the humanity!!!! :wallbash:

[PigShitIrish]

The good thing is that the Padres schedule looks rougher than ours with Pitt., Colorado, San Fran, and finishing the regular season with a four game series with the Brewers.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

you'll find a way to Fuck this up

You always do...

Lets GO Padres

:king:

[Earlshog]

you'll find a way to Fuck this up

You always do...

Lets GO Padres

:king:


their is no way for the Phillies to fuck anything up... even if they lose every game the rest of the way they did much better then everyone could have expected all things considered....

The Mets on the other hand have lots to lose... Anything less then a world series appearance (which is looking very unlikely) and the season is a disappointment.

[K.C.]

Lets GO Padres

:king:

I'm sure that's the new slogan for the 2007 Mets Season.

No way they want to see the Phillies again.

[K.C.]

Anyone more interested in Phillies baseball tonight than Eagles football?

I'll be honest...I couldn't care less about the Eagles game tonight. I'll be watching the Phils first and foremost, unless they get blown out, or they blow out the Cards.

Then I might flip over.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Anyone more interested in Phillies baseball tonight than Eagles football?

I'll be honest...I couldn't care less about the Eagles game tonight. I'll be watching the Phils first and foremost, unless they get blown out, or they blow out the Cards.

Then I might flip over.


Nope...

Id watch the Giants vs the Bills over a Met playoff game

Football > All

:king:

[K.C.]

I was just reading something kind of noteworthy on MLBtraderumors.com


Apparently the Dodgers are expected to buyout Randy Wolf's $9MM option for next season.

That said, Wolf hopes he can return to the Dodgers next season at a lesser salary.

The problem, is that the Dodgers rotation seems set for the '08 season already (Penny, Lowe, Schmidt, Billingsley, Loaiza).

And Wolf is coming off his second season ending injury in three years.

I actually like Randy a lot...when he pitched in Philadelphia, I thought he was pretty effective for the most part. I thought Bowa misused him in the early parts of career which caused some of his problems.

But if the Dodgers pass on him, I think he's be a nice fit as the 4th starter next year at $5-$6 MM if he would want to comeback.

And Gillick is a big believer in home grown pitchers. He believes in having extensive knowledge on the player of his injury history from the minors on up and how they can be best used. It's part of the reason they signed Eaton, and part of the reason the Phils are already rumored to be interested in Carlos Silva.

And the Phils actually offered him more money last season than the Dodgers, showing they have interest. Could be something to track...

[BoondockSaint]

So, after having so many pitchers with injuries this year you want to bring in more pitchers with histories of injuries?

[K.C.]

So, after having so many pitchers with injuries this year you want to bring in more pitchers with histories of injuries?

This year was a freak season...this was like all-time record bad. They can't let it scare them off from taking shots.

Looking at what is likely to be on the market...yeah, I'd take a shot.
-Hamels
-Myers
-Kendrick
-Wolf
-Moyer (or god forbid, Eaton again)

It's a pretty solid 1-through-5.

The going rate for guys like Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva this season are going to be crazy. Wolf is probably a better pitcher who can be had at a lower price.

[K.C.]

Kendrick just looks so damn good...I'm really curious to see if he's going to hold up next season.

He's one of the smartest pitchers in terms of when to throw things I've seen in a while.

Could be just 2.5 if the scores hold up. Should be interesting see how the Pads do. The Wild Card race is great, but the division race is still on.

[K.C.]

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...:ohmy:

Aaron Rowand is god...not that this still may not be the meltdown of all meltdowns.

[Earlshog]

getting interesting...

maybe now is a good time for Alfonseca to serve his suspension

[AJDELAWARE]

getting interesting...

maybe now is a good time for Alfonseca to serve his suspension

Im starting to think the same thing, like maybe he should just bite the bullet and do it now, before they get in a situation where they really need him and hes not going to be there.

[Earlshog]

Hamels is going tonight. Nice. If he pitches well tonight we got ourselves a pennant race!

[Earlshog]

1.5 behind the Mets maybe J-Ro was onto something....

[AJDELAWARE]

The phils are so streaky and rollercoastery, you never know what will happen. If the mets continue this losing streak, its a sure thing though.

[tbagnu]

as i stated earlier in these posts, i want the phils to win it all just as much as all of you, but regardless of the outcome of this season, we must all agree that this team has a hell of alot of heart and determination!!...go phils!!!!:thumbup:

[K.C.]

Back to 1.5 after the stumble the night before, by result of a Phils win and another Mets collapse in the late innings.

I think if the Phils go 7-2 over the next nine, they'll be in.

That gets them to 90 wins, which SHOULD be enough to jump either the Mets or the Padres/Diamondbacks for the Wild Card.

I mean, come on...this is the National League...right?

...right?

:unsure:

[watson]

Back to 1.5 after the stumble the night before, by result of a Phils win and another Mets collapse in the late innings.

I think if the Phils go 7-2 over the next nine, they'll be in.

That gets them to 90 wins, which SHOULD be enough to jump either the Mets or the Padres/Diamondbacks for the Wild Card.

I mean, come on...this is the National League...right?

...right?

:unsure:


being a team based in Philadelphia is too much of an albatross for even the fightin phils to over come in 2007

they better get pitching in the offseason

[Earlshog]

Back to 1.5 after the stumble the night before, by result of a Phils win and another Mets collapse in the late innings.

I think if the Phils go 7-2 over the next nine, they'll be in.

That gets them to 90 wins, which SHOULD be enough to jump either the Mets or the Padres/Diamondbacks for the Wild Card.

I mean, come on...this is the National League...right?

...right?

:unsure:

With the Mets in the midst of an epic collapse 7 - 2 should definitely get them the division.

What a swing last night, haven't been this excited about baseball in a long time. Early in the evening stopped into a bar on the way home, with the intention of watching a little bit of the Phillies and Mets games.Grab a beer look up and see the Padres won, Mets are up three and the Phillies are down four. Disgustedly I left thinking the Phils will be back 3 1/2 in both the division and the wild card giving them virtually no chance with 10 games left. Low and behold they rally for the W and the Mets shit the bed.

Tough matchup tonight Shaun Hill has good stuff and Adam Eaton eats balls. The Mets have Pedro going against Scott Olsen, who wound up on the wrong side of a cops tazering a few months ago, has tons of long term potential, but has been throwing batting practice this year. One would think this will be the Mets night but the way things are going anything can happen.

[K.C.]

With the Mets in the midst of an epic collapse 7 - 2 should definitely get them the division.

What a swing last night, haven't been this excited about baseball in a long time. Early in the evening stopped into a bar on the way home, with the intention of watching a little bit of the Phillies and Mets games.Grab a beer look up and see the Padres won, Mets are up three and the Phillies are down four. Disgustedly I left thinking the Phils will be back 3 1/2 in both the division and the wild card giving them virtually no chance with 10 games left. Low and behold they rally for the W and the Mets shit the bed.

Tough matchup tonight Shaun Hill has good stuff and Adam Eaton eats balls. The Mets have Pedro going against Scott Olsen, who wound up on the wrong side of a cops tazering a few months ago, has tons of long term potential, but has been throwing batting practice this year. One would think this will be the Mets night but the way things are going anything can happen.

Eaton benefits from pitching at RFK...he'd be hard pressed to give up the amount of HRs e normally gives up (even though I'm sure he'll try). That park SHOULD play to his strengths a little bit.

Besides, if the Phils can get him 5-6 runs of support, they'll be in good shape.

Meanwhile, if the Mets lose with Pedro on the mound tonight...forget about. This is it for them. They need a shutdown start from Pedro to give them some kind of chance just to take a breath.

[Earlshog]

Another nice win, the Nats are playing them tough. Hopefully they can take a couple from the Mets next week. Phillies have the Braves, tough series but if you want to be in the playoffs you have to beat good teams.

[PigShitIrish]

The Padres should implode with the loss of Cameron and Bradley while having to go to Milwaukee for four games to finish the regular season out. The Phils just have to play good baseball these last two series to hold off the Rockies. Who knows, maybe even take a shot at the division.

[Johnny Manf]

if they win out then the worst that could happen would be a one game playoff with whoever they might be tied with (if anyone).
thats only if they win out though.

i say they drop 2 out of the final 6.
but thats because i refuse to get my hopes up again during the final week of the season like always.

no playoffs since 1993's world series run.
this year looks the same as so many "close but no cigar" years i have seen.

[Kris10]

no playoffs since 1993's world series run.
this year looks the same as so many "close but no cigar" years i have seen.

What a year that was.... wow! That was a really fun year! I was 13 and won the lottery to purchase tickets, I had to give my dad the $ and he bought them for me.... *sniff, sniff*
What memories that brings back.

Anyway, they wouldn't be the fighting Phils if they didn't bring it down to the wire.

[K.C.]

1 GB of the Mets
1 GB of the Padres

Kendrick vs. Smoltz...tomorrow...7:05...be there...whoa!

http://mail.tku.edu.tw/120335/proust/moviepic/Henry%20Winkler%20-%20Fonzie.jpg

[Earlshog]

Smoltz is tough, but the line up in on fire.... The fans are fired up...

Last night the announcers mentioned the Phillies have the third best record in the NL the past five years ( Behind Atlanta and St Louis) but haven't made the play-offs once...

[Johnny Manf]

Kendrick really has to be on his game tonight because even though the lineup is really hitting the shit out of the ball, I still think they are gonna have a tough time against Smoltz.

Hope to see an exciting game though.

[K.C.]

Three games vs. the Nats for the season.

I'm just glad someone else finally knows what it feels like to be a Phillies fan. For all the Mets fans, that anxiousness/nauseousness/sense of dread and impending doom you feel in the pit of your stomach...we call that Phillie-itis.

It's nice to be on the other side of this for a change.

Hamels vs. Redding tomorrow - If Hamels is on, the Phils should be in a good position for that one.

Eaton vs. Chico on Saturday - Well...anyone's better than Eaton. And Chico is a lefty facing a left-handed heavy lineup. This one has the most potential of the three for a Phillies loss.

Moyer vs. Bergmann - Bergmann is actually a solid looking pitcher with a bit of a future for the Nats. He's given the Phillies trouble in the past. Still, if Moyer gets the calls from the home plate ump he usually gets, the Phils should be fine here. If he doesn't, like in his last start, then this could be a shootout.


I'm not even going to bother sizing up the Mets' weekend. On paper, they should win all three games, but it's not even about that anymore with them. They need someone, desperately, to hold a lead (if they even get one), and it's just hasn't happened.



If the Phils win all three, they'll win the division out right.

Two of three, it's a playoff

One of three, pack your bags.

[Earlshog]

Don't forget the wildcard is still play.

One game at time!

[Kris10]

Just purchased my NLDS Home Game 1 tickets today boys !!!!!! :thumbup: I won the 2nd chance lottery, guess with the win last night they decided I was ticket worthy.

[tbagnu]

Just purchased my NLDS Home Game 1 tickets today boys !!!!!! :thumbup: I won the 2nd chance lottery, guess with the win last night they decided I was ticket worthy.

lucky lucky you rouski!!..i was at a sales class all day and just got to my 2nd chance e-mail, but alas! all are gone!! damn i am praying for a sweep this weekend!! GO PHILS!!!

[cougarjake13]

Just purchased my NLDS Home Game 1 tickets today boys !!!!!! :thumbup: I won the 2nd chance lottery, guess with the win last night they decided I was ticket worthy.

what happens if they dont make the playoffs ???? you get a full refund no ???

[Furtherman]

Yes!!!

[fluffernutter]

No bragging or tooting my horn or gloating (just a fan here, I don't play) but it is nice to see the Phils in first. Yeah sure, its very sweet because it is against the Mets, but I'm not going to lower myself to the local jackass by downing the Mets fans. Many of whom are friends on here and whom I respect. Who am I to disrespect your fandom?
Its just really fun to watch the local boys do good.

[K.C.]

At the park tonight...incredible atmosphere. Absolutely incredible.

[lleeder]

Chico is helping the Phils to choke-o the division lead away.

[BoondockSaint]

At the park tonight...incredible atmosphere. Absolutely incredible.



Hopefully you got one of those jizz rags that everyone was swinging around. You can wipe your tears with it.

[Doogie]

Congratulations Phillies. Now dont go squandering away this opporitunity.

[Bossanova]

Congratulations Phillies. Now dont go squandering away this opporitunity.

Agreed. Don't waste this monumental collapse please

[Fallon]

Congratulations Ron!

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9168/54663893pi5.jpg

[cougarjake13]

Agreed. Don't waste this monumental collapse please

first round sweep by the padres or rockies depending on who wins the playoff game tommorrow

[K.C.]

first round sweep by the padres or rockies depending on who wins the playoff game tommorrow

Man, you guys are vindictive.

[Bossanova]

Man, you guys are vindictive.

I actually like the Phils chances. I hate to say that right now, but they are playing some great ball. Good luck you pricks

[cougarjake13]

Man, you guys are vindictive.

hell yeh

and sorry bossa but the g men will redeem new york tonight













































i hope

[Bossanova]

hell yeh

and sorry bossa but the g men will redeem new york tonight













































i hope


HAHA, thats the worst part. I now have to root for the Eagles with the rest of these fuck Phillie fans

[Doogie]

Man, you guys are vindictive.

I have to say that I was a battling man when the season was on, and fought with a few of you guys, Yankee fans, etc. But when it comes to the postseason it is a whole new season and the Phils are playing well of late. I am not gonna do the whole "I hope you get eliminated thing" cause the truth is I dont have the accumen to do it now. I am still in a shock as to how badly things collapsed for the Mets.

I said it before congrats to the phils and I do wish them luck. For me unless a guy on the team is a pedo, I have to no reason to root against any of them right now. I just need some time to get over this loss and then I shall pull together and be more whimsical. Your guys are playing well and let it end there with what needs to be said.

[cougarjake13]

HAHA, thats the worst part. I now have to root for the Eagles with the rest of these fuck Phillie fans

its never too late to switch allegiances, and i dont mean anything gay you fags

[Bossanova]

its never too late to switch allegiances, and i dont mean anything gay you fags

As much as I hate the Phillies, I fucking hate the Giants so much fucking more. Sorry bro

[tbagnu]

FUCK all of the cunty mutts fans!! OUR team is full of heart and they are true champs!! Go Phightins!!!!

[Bossanova]

FUCK all of the cunty mutts fans!! OUR team is full of heart and they are true champs!! Go Phightins!!!!

You better not be talking to me or Doogie, we actually said nice job

[scottinnj]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/themarshal/image002-3.jpg

[scottinnj]

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o217/themarshal/image002-2.jpg

[K.C.]

Well, this is how I'd grade the position players

C - Carlos Ruiz - As an eight hole hitter, he did a solid job this season. As a defensive catcher and signal caller, he's phenominal.
Grade - B

C - Chris Coste - Defensively, he's not the best catcher, but as a hitter and a pinch-hitter, he more than makes up for it. A very adequate backup catcher.
Grade - C

C - Rod Barajas - Horrendous signing. Ok defensive catcher, but a huge disappointment offensively.
Grade - F

1B - Ryan Howard - 115 HRs over the last two season and he led the league in RBI. I really don't care if he sets the single season strikeout record every year for the next 10 years. With his power, and especially how often he comes up clutch, he's a very special player
Grade - A

2B - Chase Utley - If he hadn't missed a month, we may be talking about Utley and Rollins stealing votes from each other for MVP. The guy is a grinder, and the quintessential professional hitter. Mets fans, if you watch Utley, this is what you hope David Wright is in a few more years, not just in terms of talent, but leadership as well.
Grade - A+

3B - Greg Dobbs - He came over on waivers and for a platoon hitter, did a very nice job against left-handers. He's not much defensively, but he made up for it with some timely hitting. Very valuable role player.
Grade - C+

3B - Wes Helms - It looked like an upgrade on paper from Nunez & Bell last season, but Helms provided very little in terms of contributions. Offensively, he was mediocre at best (in reality, he was a humongous underachiever) and defensively, he's one of the worst 3B I've ever seen.
Grade - D-

3B - Abraham Nunez - He can't hit worth a damn, but he saved countless games for his defense. He excels as a late inning replacement.
Grade - C

SS - Jimmy Rollins - Played every inning of every game. One of the best seasons in MLB history. Bonafide MVP.
Grade - A++

LF - Pat Burrell - It's the tale of two season for Burrell, but the bottom line is that he carried this team through the stretch that Utley was out. Furthermore, his owning of Billy Wagner worked two-fold...it propelled the Phillies, and basically wrecked Wagner for the rest of the season. This season, isn't much different statistically, then what he normally does each year, but this season finally, FINALLY, turned the fans because of the situations in which he posted the number
Grade - B+

LF - Michael Bourn - He may be on par with Jose Reyes speed-wise. It's be interesting to see what he could do in a full season in terms of stolen bases. His role as a defensive replacement worked out as he made some game saving plays this year. As a hitter, he's still working at it. May be ready to move into the 4th OF utility role next year, but not ready to start.
Grade - C

CF - Aaron Rowand - What can you say about this guy...career year, fantastic defense, fantastic leadership. He earned every penny of what he'll get this offseason.
Grade - A+

RF - Shane Victorino - Honestly, he's one of the best defensive OFs in the league. Offensively, he took a big step forward and proved himself an every day player. If they lose Rowand this offseason, it'll be a hit, but sliding Victorino into CF would lighten that blow a little.
Grade - B+

RF - Jayson Werth - He was as hot and as clutch as anyone down the stretch. The guy came up with big hit after big hit and played a very strong OF. If Victorino goes to CF next year, Werth could easily be slotted as the starting RF and do a solid job.
Grade - B

Really, the only position they need to make a significant improvement at is 3B. The rest are solid and all that is required is adding depth.

[BoondockSaint]

Congrats to the Phillies and their fans. Your team deserved it more than the Mets did. See ya next year.

[spadanko]

Congrats fellas.. Phils played with heart and guts.. mets dodn't.. you guys deserved it

[Kris10]

what happens if they dont make the playoffs ???? you get a full refund no ???

Would have gotten a full refund but no need to worry about that now! I'll be there on Wed !!!!!! Just awaiting the time and team at this point! :clap:

[Earlshog]

who would you rather play?

I'd prefer San Diego.

[Furtherman]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Furtherman/phillieswin.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Furtherman/phillieswin2.jpg?t=1191249613

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/Furtherman/phillieswin3.jpg?t=1191249591

http://media.philly.com/images/fan_270.jpg

http://buzznet-39.vo.llnwd.net/assets/categories16/phillysports/We_Believe--large-msg-119124344743.jpg

[Doogie]

FUCK all of the cunty mutts fans!! OUR team is full of heart and they are true champs!! Go Phightins!!!!

You are a disingenous cunt, and I hope that YOU get the superaids and are dead within one week you ass cock douche fuck. Die mother fucker, die!!

[Marc with a c]

You are a disingenous cunt, and I hope that YOU get the superaids and are dead within one week you ass cock douche fuck. Die mother fucker, die!!

Yeah, you ass cock douche fuck

[Marc with a c]

Seriuosly congrats. The phils clearly deserved it more.

That being said I hope you lose in the first round without getting a hit, and a line drive goes off of rollins face into utley eye and then bounces down howards throat and they all die as cole hamels dies of anorexia.

Good luck.

[Freitag]

who would you rather play?

I'd prefer San Diego.

Are you nuts? 1) SD is a longer flight than Colorado and 2) the Phils bats will react very well in Colorado.

You do not want to be an East Coast team and play a West Coast team in a best of five.

[Earlshog]

Are you nuts? 1) SD is a longer flight than Colorado and 2) the Phils bats will react very well in Colorado.

You do not want to be an East Coast team and play a West Coast team in a best of five.

I don't think being on a plane for an extra couple hours will have much of an effect.

I know the Phillies could potenitally score a lot more runs in Colorado then San Diego but Colorado also has a better likelihood the SD of lots of scoring.

While the Padres have a better rotation the line up (esp with the injuries to Bradley and Cameron) is going to have a tough time keeping up with the Phils scoring.

Right now Colorado is red hot while the Padres had two chances to seal the deal and could not get it done.

There are a million different ways things could play out. Its just a gut that think San Diego would be a better match up for the Phils.

[Furtherman]

Read this before they remove it! (They shouldn't - I'm joking)

IT'S NOT OFFICIAL, BUT NL EAST RACE IS OVER (http://www.nypost.com/seven/08262007/sports/mets/its_not_official__but_nl_east_.htm)


Jimmy Rollins: The best team won.

Yes, it's still the dog days of August and the Mets have to travel to beautiful Philadelphia tomorrow, but the NL East race is over. Though the Yankees are fighting for their playoff souls, the Mets are merrily on their way to another October.

From August 26th, 2007 New York Post

[Furtherman]

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[Earlshog]

Read this before they remove it! (They shouldn't - I'm joking)

IT'S NOT OFFICIAL, BUT NL EAST RACE IS OVER (http://www.nypost.com/seven/08262007/sports/mets/its_not_official__but_nl_east_.htm)




From August 26th, 2007 New York Post

haha... I just sent him an e-mail

[King Hippos Bandaid]

this is your victory

Prepare to Job to the Rockies/Padres

You fags will get Playoff Fright

:king:

[scottinnj]

No Way King Hippo.

Itl'll be Philadelphia vs. Chicago for the Pennant.

Colorado chewed up their bullpen to get that last win Monday night.

[Kris10]

I have tomorrow off from work for "a family emergency out of state". Philly here I come, game 1 baby!!!!! Bring on the Rockies!

[King Hippos Bandaid]

id bet the over

good luck beating a team which has won 14 out of 15 and wants it more

Rockies in 4


:king:

[K.C.]

Rockies in 4


You think, or you hope?

[King Hippos Bandaid]

You think, or you hope?

if out of 7 then 5

in out of 5 then 4


:king:

[Furtherman]

<object width="425" height="353"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dgvuGFj2Zng&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dgvuGFj2Zng&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="353"></embed></object>

[Keotok]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3046331

Poor Adam Eaton. He has to sit at home with his $24.5 million...

[Earlshog]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2007/news/story?id=3046331

Poor Adam Eaton. He has to sit at home with his $24.5 million...

I'd prefer that 6.29 ERA sit at home against the Rockies.

[ralphbxny]

<object width="425" height="353"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dgvuGFj2Zng&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dgvuGFj2Zng&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="353"></embed></object>

Hysterical!!!

[Furtherman]

I'm looking at my XM online radio... And I don't see XM BASEBALL?!?!?!

Is this true? The Phillies are starting!!!! Help!!

[BoondockSaint]

They never play the games online.

[Furtherman]

Sons of bitches... oh well... let's hope 610 WIP is streaming!! Thanks!

[Kevin]

<p>Welcome to the thread of a team that actually will be competative this year, Mojo. <img src="/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/bye.gif" border="0" width="26" height="18" /></p><p>The reason the thread may have been locked last year is because the Cubs were out of it by May 20th. </p>

I will make the same bet I have with Spoon that at the end of the year the Cubs will have the better record, with each game over being worth $2.

<p>deal...I don't think the Cubs will be nearly as bad as they were last year, but the Phils are easily one of the top teams on paper in the NL heading into this season. </p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by K.C. on 1-29-07 @ 10:02 PM</span>


Who won this Bet.. PAY UP!!!

[Furtherman]

Can anyone in Philly tell me where they are being broadcast? I've tried 610 WIP and 1210 WPHT... to no success!!

[BoondockSaint]

If you still mean an online stream you're going to be out of luck. Games are never streamed.

[Furtherman]

Seriously? Shit... I'll blame this on John Street too!

[Marc with a c]

rockies are up 2-0 in the top of the 2nd for those wondering.

[Kevin]

3-0 b 2nd.. Hammels already at 55 pitches.. Struck out Holliday with the bases loaded though..

[King Hippos Bandaid]

3-0 Rockies, the hot teams always stay hot

the Phillies were happy with the Victory of Getting in

Even Jinxy Jinxerton can see where this is going.

:king:

[ralphbxny]

Use mlb.com game day...its like watching the game on Tv but your not.

[Furtherman]

Ralph, you are THE MAN. THANK YOU!!!!!

[Kevin]

3-0 Rockies, the hot teams always stay hot

the Phillies were happy with the Victory of Getting in

Even Jinxy Jinxerton can see where this is going.

:king:




Honestly.. Wow.. How long after you said this did it take for Philly to get back into the game.. 10 minutes??

Seriously.. Stay away from My Rangers.. I mean it!

[Marc with a c]

Honestly.. Wow.. How long after you said this did it take for Philly to get back into the game.. 10 minutes??

Seriously.. Stay away from My Rangers.. I mean it!

everything king hippo touches turns to poop.

[ralphbxny]

Phils showing some spunk!!

[Kevin]

Phils showing some spunk!!

No.. This all Hippo..

[ralphbxny]

Ralph, you are THE MAN. THANK YOU!!!!!

I help out all my fellow junkies....first one is free...next one will cost you!!!

[King Hippos Bandaid]

everything king hippo touches turns to poop.

I sure hope this isn't made into a mod quote

:king:


Honestly.. Wow.. How long after you said this did it take for Philly to get back into the game.. 10 minutes??

Seriously.. Stay away from My Rangers.. I mean it!

I saw that and figured this post was coming

Rockies will win Mark my Word......

:king:

[ralphbxny]

FLASH!!! The old man still has it!!

[ralphbxny]

Well I am on my way home then off to Miami boys and girls. Enjoy the games and I will be watchin from my hotel bar!!

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Hotel Motel Matt Holiday Innnnnnnn

:king:

[cougarjake13]

we may have to lifetime ban hippo


he's single handedly ruining all ny area sports franchises

[scottinnj]

Never Fear, Kyle Kendrich is here.


And we will show the Rockies how to launch some potatos on Thursday. Frank Morales is good, but he's no Jeff Francis-and we still got 2 hrs off that guy.

We will win on Thursday. I'm feeling this.


Edit: Sorry Kyle, I should have spelled it Kendrick.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

we may have to lifetime ban hippo


he's single handedly ruining all ny area sports franchises


I've done nothing because Philly is the Sport Enemy of New York

I hope God Takes a Shit on Philly....

:king:

[King Hippos Bandaid]

No.. This all Hippo..

4-2 Sir

I am partial to my teams

but when it comes to predicting others and notusing my heart , I am gold

:king:

[Kevin]

4-2 Sir

I am partial to my teams

but when it comes to predicting others and notusing my heart , I am gold

:king:

The only reason they didn't totally blow it is because you didn't fully insinuate what you were thinking.. It was so strong however that it nearly happened..

[Doogie]

I've done nothing because Philly is the Sport Enemy of New York

I hope God Takes a Shit on Philly....

:king:

Dont be a hater...I may not be happy what happened to the Mets, but I wouldnt go that far. I shall not spew anymore hatred the rest of this week. At least not in here.

[Kris10]

Wasn't happy with the game results but still had fun yesterday anyway. It beat watching it online or on tv, thats for sure! :thumbup: I was soooooo pissed off in Rollins & Utley's performance. No excuse for striking out 3 times and once looking. :furious: For whatever reason, I was ok with Howard not doing well. They better pick up the slack though.

[led37zep]

God Hates the Phillies. Back to Back homeruns in the top of the first? Are you kidding me?

[King Hippos Bandaid]

there are 2 generic , run of the mill pitchers starting, it wouldn't surprise me if it was a shootout...

The Phillies are Done if they lose today

Kendrick did OK, but he will fold in the playoffs

:king:

[MadMatt]

Use mlb.com game day...its like watching the game on Tv but your not.

That could be one of the coolest things I have ever seen!

Thanks a lot ralphbxny, that is a GREAT find. :clap:

[Fezticle98]

I'm listening on XM and I thought they were gonna say Howard was picked off by a cunt hair. Instead, he said "by a count...ry mile!"

[MadMatt]

CO Grand Slam in the 4th. They are now up 6-3.

Lohse SUCKS as a pitcher! No freaking arm, at least not one that lasts.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Matsui's Finest Moment in his Shitty Career

Good to see it came against the Phillies

:king:

[Earlshog]

Matsui's Finest Moment in his Shitty Career

Good to see it came against the Phillies

:king:


He had a good season, its too bad he wasn't on the Mets this year. If they had a halfway decent second basemen they might not have been involved in the worst collapse in the history of baseball.