Philadelphia Phillies 2007 Post Season Thread [Archive]

K.C.

01-29-2007, 04:02 PM

Introducing, you're 2007...PHILADELPHIA.....PHILLIES!!!Leading off...#11...shortstop, Jimmy Rollins!Batting second #8...right fielder...Shane Victorino!Batting third...#26....second baseman...Chase Utley! (loud applause)Batting fourth...#6...first baseman...Ryan Howard! (five minute standing ovation)Batting fifth (boos start)...#5...(boos grow louder)...left field...Pat Burrell! (louding booing in unison)Batting sixth...#33....center fielder...Aaron Rowand!batting seventh...#18...third baseman...Wes Helms!batting eigth...#51...catcher...Carlos Ruiz!batting ninth and pitching...#39...pitcher...Brett Myers!Ladies and gentleman...YOUR 2007 Philadelphia Phillies! Just 62 days until opening day.

TheMojoPin

01-29-2007, 05:41 PM

Man, fuck this.I better not have my Cubs thread locked this season if this shit stays open.

K.C.

01-29-2007, 05:57 PM

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" />The reason the thread may have been locked last year is because the Cubs were out of it by May 20th.

TheMojoPin

01-29-2007, 06:00 PM

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.

K.C.

01-29-2007, 06:01 PM

TheMojoPin wrote: 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. 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. 

This message was edited by K.C. on 1-29-07 @ 10:02 PM

TheMojoPin

01-29-2007, 06:03 PM

Paper, shmaper.  If "paper" meant anything, the Cubs would have had a WS in 2004.  IT'S ON!!!

johnniewalker

01-29-2007, 06:04 PM

TheMojoPin wrote: Paper, shmaper. If "paper" meant anything, the Cubs would have had a WS in 2004. IT'S ON!!!You do know wes helms is at third, what are you doing!

TheMojoPin

01-29-2007, 06:07 PM

K.C.

01-29-2007, 06:08 PM

johnniewalker wrote: TheMojoPin wrote: Paper, shmaper. If "paper" meant anything, the Cubs would have had a WS in 2004. IT'S ON!!! You do know wes helms is at third, what are you doing! meh...it's easy to pick the worst position on the team and bust on that. What about the guy across the diamond from him that's the reigning MVP? Or the rotation that's probably the best in the NL (SportingNews already rated #1 in the NL...should be interesting to see where some of the other outlets rank it).

PigShitIrish

01-29-2007, 08:28 PM

Wes Helms > David Bell

PigShitIrish

01-29-2007, 08:36 PM

Pitchers & Catchers report Feb. 14th, we obviously have nothing else to look forward to sportswise. "I think we're the team to beat in the NL East -- finally," - Jimmy Rollins

Earlshog

01-30-2007, 05:55 AM

As good as the top of that order the bottom is really bad.... Gordon is the closer...  I have been a Phillies fan to long to be over confident

MasterSoySauce

01-30-2007, 05:57 AM

i think we're the team in the nl east to beat this year.

K.C.

01-30-2007, 12:14 PM

Earlshog wrote: As good as the top of that order the bottom is really bad.... Gordon is the closer...  I have been a Phillies fan to long to be over confidentI think you'll see Rowand play a little bit better than last season. Part of his bad play can be attriubted to injury, but I think another big part of it was him learning the pitching in a new league. And I honestly expect Ruiz (if he starts the season as the starting catcher) to be an upgrade over Lieberthal. At the end of last season, I thought Ruiz was finally starting to break through. The bullpen could be the achillies heel of the team. It's not that Gordon was bad...there was a stretch where he may have been the best closer in the NL for a couple months...it's just I don't know if he'll stay healthy. They signed Antonio Alfonseca, but that's not a particularly compelling move. Madson's unpredictable, but I do like Matt Smith a lot from what I saw of him last season. As long as Lieber stays on the team, the talk is that Adam Eaton could start the year in the bullpen, so that could be interesting. The biggest thing for me is that four of their five pitchers (Myers, Lieber, Hamels, Garcia) can pitch deep into games. So there should, in theory, be a lot less pressure on the pen this year.   

This message was edited by K.C. on 1-30-07 @ 4:15 PM

K.C.

02-10-2007, 12:04 PM

Anyone catch Brett Myers at his contract-extension press conference? The guy lost like 30 pounds of fat. Great to see him in shape...he's a been a victim of wearing down mid-season which has kept him between 12-14 wins as opposed to making the leap to 16-18 wins. I think this may be his break out season. The guy looks really committed for the first time.

johnniewalker

02-10-2007, 12:15 PM

K.C. wrote: Anyone catch Brett Myers at his contract-extension press conference? The guy lost like 30 pounds of fat. Great to see him in shape...he's a been a victim of wearing down mid-season which has kept him between 12-14 wins as opposed to making the leap to 16-18 wins. I think this may be his break out season. The guy looks really committed for the first time.  I think he's been quite good for two years.  2005 was the better of two years, and he had 12 less decisions than Lieber that year.   That said, it's great that he is in better shape and i think you are right that he did have trouble in the second half of the year.   He's a great number 1.

EMAN

02-10-2007, 01:57 PM

Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard.

Earlshog

02-10-2007, 02:30 PM

johnniewalker

02-10-2007, 02:48 PM

EMAN wrote: Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard.  When you are a number 1 pick you'll get shit unless you really perform huge.  A .258 avg. and 29 homeruns doesn't do it.  He had a solid year in 2005, and he is paid an awful lot.  I thought in 2005 people cheered him quite a bit, but in 2006 it went worse for him.

cougarjake13

02-10-2007, 02:52 PM

Earlshog wrote: EMAN wrote: Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard. and he owns the Mets... the best reason i hope he's off to an AL team

K.C.

02-11-2007, 04:08 PM

EMAN wrote: Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard. .222 batting average with runners in scoring position and an average of 127 strikeouts per season over his career. And of those strikeouts, the vast majority are him taking strike three. It's not that he's terrible, it's just that he can be so much better than what he is, but the guy doesn't make adjustments. Also, he's not worth the money he makes, and the organization points to Burrell's contract as being an albatross on their payroll which is preventing them from spending more money on players.  I hope the guy does well this year, but we'll see.  Got my opening day tickets. Phils vs. Braves - 1:05 PM. I'll be there probably at about 8:30 AM.   

This message was edited by K.C. on 2-11-07 @ 8:09 PM

EMAN

02-15-2007, 10:58 AM

K.C. wrote: EMAN wrote: Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard. .222 batting average with runners in scoring position and an average of 127 strikeouts per season over his career. And of those strikeouts, the vast majority are him taking strike three. It's not that he's terrible, it's just that he can be so much better than what he is, but the guy doesn't make adjustments. Also, he's not worth the money he makes, and the organization points to Burrell's contract as being an albatross on their payroll which is preventing them from spending more money on players.  I hope the guy does well this year, but we'll see.  Got my opening day tickets. Phils vs. Braves - 1:05 PM. I'll be there probably at about 8:30 AM.   This message was edited by K.C. on 2-11-07 @ 8:09 PM Good point everyone. I understand he really does not live up to his hype and makes way too much money for what he does. Heres to hoping he can live up to it all this year.

cougarjake13

02-15-2007, 06:29 PM

EMAN wrote: K.C. wrote: EMAN wrote: Why does everyone hate on Burrell? I know the man has had his share of dissapointments but I really like him bating after Howard. .222 batting average with runners in scoring position and an average of 127 strikeouts per season over his career. And of those strikeouts, the vast majority are him taking strike three. It's not that he's terrible, it's just that he can be so much better than what he is, but the guy doesn't make adjustments. Also, he's not worth the money he makes, and the organization points to Burrell's contract as being an albatross on their payroll which is preventing them from spending more money on players.  I hope the guy does well this year, but we'll see.  Got my opening day tickets. Phils vs. Braves - 1:05 PM. I'll be there probably at about 8:30 AM.   This message was edited by K.C. on 2-11-07 @ 8:09 PM Good point everyone. I understand he really does not live up to his hype and makes way too much money for what he does. Heres to hoping he can live up to it all this year. isnt he the one that refused to sign with the cards ??

K.C.

02-27-2007, 05:05 PM

Scott Miller from CBS sportsline's camp report<a href="http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10021635">http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10021635</a> And Five Things to know:<a href="http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10021629">http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10021629</a>

Snoogans

02-27-2007, 05:06 PM

there is only 1 thing to know, any team from philly will not ever win a championship again. FUCK PHILLY

K.C.

02-27-2007, 05:16 PM

Snoogans wrote: there is only 1 thing to know, any team from philly will not ever win a championship again. FUCK PHILLY [QUOTE] "We're the team to beat. I can't put it any other way," Rollins said at Bright House Networks Field after the team's first full-squad workout. "Look at our team and what we're bringing. Look at the improvements we've made. You look at the rest of the division." <img src="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/john_donovan/05/09/five.disappointing/t1_rollins.jpg" border="0" alt="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/john_donovan/05/09/five.disappointing/t1_rollins.jpg" title="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/john_donovan/05/09/five.disappointing/t1_rollins.jpg" width="300" height="241" />

This message was edited by K.C. on 2-27-07 @ 9:16 PM

Snoogans

02-27-2007, 05:17 PM

yea exactly, team to be in the NL east, cause they know they have no shot at anything better

cougarjake13

02-27-2007, 05:22 PM

Snoogans wrote: there is only 1 thing to know, any team from philly will not ever win a championship again. FUCK PHILLY sounds good to me

tbagnu

02-28-2007, 08:12 AM

we should have a ron and fez night down at citizens bank park when our phils FACE the NY MESS!!!

Furtherman

02-28-2007, 08:18 AM

Just got my tickets for opening day!!!  GO PHILLS!

LOAF

02-28-2007, 08:44 AM

Less then 6 hours until the first spring training game!!!!!!!!!!!

FezsAssistant

02-28-2007, 08:58 AM

I'm not a Phillies fan, but I hope they kill the Mets this year. 

tbagnu

02-28-2007, 09:24 AM

Fez'sAssistant wrote: I'm not a Phillies fan, but I hope they kill the Mets this year.  amen assistant fez...amen!!!!!!

Earlshog

02-28-2007, 09:34 AM

I'd like to see them hang on to Lieber... Moyer is 43 and Eaton is injury prone.. always nice to have some depth in the rotation

tbagnu

02-28-2007, 09:42 AM

Earlshog wrote: I'd like to see them hang on to Lieber... Moyer is 43 and Eaton is injury prone.. always nice to have some depth in the rotation i agree with that 'hog and i also believe they should keep rowand and not trade him for linebrink or whatever his name is!!!

K.C.

02-28-2007, 01:03 PM

LOAF wrote: Less then 6 hours until the first spring training game!!!!!!!!!!! Kyle Drabek, the team's #1 pick from 2006 will be getting the start. He's still a solid 3-4 years away, but he's a definite blue chip prospect. Should be interesting to see how he does...I wish the game was on XM. The game tomorrow at  1:05 against Detroit will be broadcast on XM, too.  Whether or not they hold on to Lieber will depend on how much Alfonseca shows he has left in Spring Training. If he does well, they can plug Lieber into the rotation and shift Eaton to long relief. If he does poorly, you trade Lieber for middle relief.

LOAF

02-28-2007, 01:05 PM

K.C. wrote: LOAF wrote: Less then 6 hours until the first spring training game!!!!!!!!!!! Kyle Drabek, the team's #1 pick from 2006 will be getting the start. He's still a solid 3-4 years away, but he's a definite blue chip prospect. Should be interesting to see how he does...I wish the game was on XM. The game tomorrow at  1:05 against Detroit will be broadcast on XM, too.  Whether or not they hold on to Lieber will depend on how much Alfonseca shows he has left in Spring Training. If he does well, they can plug Lieber into the rotation and shift Eaton to long relief. If he does poorly, you trade Lieber for middle relief. Yeah I was actually scrolling through every channel to see if anyone was showing the game with no success. Oh well at least its good to know xm will carry the games starting tommorrow!!

cougarjake13

02-28-2007, 05:29 PM

PigShitIrish

02-28-2007, 06:44 PM

Phills beat the collegiate Noles, 12 to 4.  Utley and Dobbs had dingers. 

K.C.

02-28-2007, 06:59 PM

cougarjake13 wrote: K.C. wrote: LOAF wrote: Less then 6 hours until the first spring training game!!!!!!!!!!! Kyle Drabek, the team's #1 pick from 2006 will be getting the start. He's still a solid 3-4 years away, but he's a definite blue chip prospect. Should be interesting to see how he does...I wish the game was on XM. is that doug drabek's son ???Yep. His line for the tonight:2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HRNot great, but for a guy just getting his feet wet, acceptable.

Marc with a c

02-28-2007, 08:43 PM

over/under 35 homeruns given up by freddy garcia this year?

Kevin

02-28-2007, 08:46 PM

Dephinitely over.

This message was edited by Kevin on 3-1-07 @ 12:46 AM

ProfessorAnt

03-01-2007, 09:21 AM

Marc with a c wrote: over/under 35 homeruns given up by freddy garcia this year? over. CBP is going to be a challenge for Garcia, so he might make a few adjustments.  I'm listening now to the first real pre-season game. trivia. First out, Rollins; First bas e hit, Victorino, First double play, Garcia (Ander son). I'm glad to see Kyle making big statements again.  It was great fun last year to banter back and fort h with the typical Phillies doubters. I guess they  were right about the playoffs, but K never gave u p. Keep up the good work. I have to be a realist a gain and I'm not ready to claim the NL East title  yet, but the Phils have a better shot this year th an recent seasons. Let's hope Burrill can step it  up a bit to avoid the boo birds.   Go Phils.

K.C.

03-01-2007, 11:20 AM

Marc with a c wrote: over/under 35 homeruns given up by freddy garcia this year? Doesn't matter. He can win 17-18 games with a 4.50 ERA in CBP like he did last year in Chi-town. Besides, the White Sox stadium isn't exactly Dodgers stadium when it comes to pitchers.  The better over/under question is five starts made by Pedro Martinez in the 2007 season. And I take the under on that.

K.C.

03-01-2007, 11:24 AM

ProfessorAnt wrote: Marc with a c wrote: over/under 35 homeruns given up by freddy garcia this year?  over. CBP is going to be a challenge for Garcia, so he might make a few adjustments.  I'm listening now to the first real pre-season game. trivia. First out, Rollins; First bas e hit, Victorino, First double play, Garcia (Ander son). I'm glad to see Kyle making big statements again.  It was great fun last year to banter back and fort h with the typical Phillies doubters. I guess they  were right about the playoffs, but K never gave u p. Keep up the good work. I have to be a realist a gain and I'm not ready to claim the NL East title  yet, but the Phils have a better shot this year th an recent seasons. Let's hope Burrill can step it  up a bit to avoid the boo birds.   Go Phils. Hey, it's Phils fan extraordinare, Professor Ant! This thread is going to be by home base for the '07 season, but I'll be checking on Wackbag throughout...as the #1 public enemy of all Mets fans over there, I owe it to them.

ProfessorAnt

03-01-2007, 12:01 PM

K.C. wrote: ProfessorAnt wrote: Marc with a c wrote: over/under 35 homeruns given up by freddy garcia this year?  over. CBP is going to be a challenge for Garcia, so he might make a few adjustments.  I'm listening now to the first real pre-season game. trivia. First out, Rollins; First bas e hit, Victorino, First double play, Garcia (Ander son). I'm glad to see Kyle making big statements again.  It was great fun last year to banter back and fort h with the typical Phillies doubters. I guess they  were right about the playoffs, but K never gave u p. Keep up the good work. I have to be a realist a gain and I'm not ready to claim the NL East title  yet, but the Phils have a better shot this year th an recent seasons. Let's hope Burrill can step it  up a bit to avoid the boo birds.   Go Phils. Hey, it's Phils fan extraordinare, Professor Ant! This thread is going to be by home base for the '07 season, but I'll be checking on Wackbag throughout...as the #1 public enemy of all Mets fans over there, I owe it to them.  phils take one on the chin today...only 3 starters  showed up though. moyer had a rough start and got  tagged by Sheffield after a long ab. he'll get it  together.I'll check wb.com too. i just haven't been listening to ona much...bad timing. i'll try to get game notes when the season picks up. i'm living in manhattan now, so i bought 3 new caps and been sporting them around  town. already ran into 3 fans. they were under the  impression that burrell was clutch. I had to shar e some knowledge. I guess they didn't catch too ma ny games last year. I'll be at Wogies on Grenwich  for a few night and sunday games this year. Lots o f philly peeps hang there.

K.C.

03-01-2007, 12:15 PM

There's a few things I take out of the game today, though:1) Fabio Castro - 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K - heck of a line...he may be the answer to their bullpen questions if he strings together a good spring. 2) Greg Dobbs - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI - Two games, two HRs...I'm intrigued...he's an outside shot for the final bench spot as Karim Garcia has an inside track to it, but Dobbs is on my radar at this point.

K.C.

03-04-2007, 09:58 AM

Some of the things of note over the last two games:1) Eaton and now Hamels have had very encouraging starts. Eaton (vs. Bos) - 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 KHamels (vs. NYY) - 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K 2) This guy Greg Dobbs is continuing to light it up in the early going. 4-5 and another HR giving him 3 (counting the FSU game, which isn't an official preseason game) already. He's definitely putting himself in the mix for the last bench spot in the early going considering Karim Garcia hasn't looked particularly great so far.

Earlshog

03-08-2007, 06:12 AM

<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/wires/03/07/2010.ap.bbn.phillies.vukovich.0284/index.html">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/wires/03/07/2010.ap.bbn.phillies.vukovich.0284/index.html</a>

tbagnu

03-08-2007, 01:05 PM

R.I.P. Vuk!!!!!

Earlshog

03-09-2007, 10:09 AM

<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/</a>

K.C.

03-09-2007, 10:27 AM

Earlshog wrote: <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/">http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/</a> Good find on the pitching. I've been saying it all along as far as the Phils pitching goes. That rotation is absolutely stacked for this national league.

ProfessorAnt

03-19-2007, 03:03 PM

Did anyone catch Conlin's article this week?He points out a few things that I didn't realize,  but otherwise confirms my trepidation for this sea son.One quote perfectly captures my feelings for the s eason."These Phillies will be a dangerous, interesting and frequently electric team. They will merit your support. Just strap yourself in for a wild, bumpy ride." [quote]  Bill Conlin: Pennant cleaver Those ready to crown Phillies need to curb your enthusiasm CLEARWATER, Fla. - Here's a scary thought to open my 15th annual post-St. Patrick's Day Phillies forecast column: What if Ryan Howard's 2007 home run output suffers a 25 percent drop from 58 to 44? What if he goes from a club record to a total that would merely be the fifth best in the 124-year history of the franchise? Will the phans phreak out? Will the media maul the big guy? This is Billy Wagner's Philly, after all. For what can happen when the expected performance levels of our superstars fail to match or exceed expectations, reference post-Super Bowl Donovan McNabb. Or post-NBA Finals Allen Iverson. The expectations for the 2007 Phillies, a ballclub written off until at least 2008 by general manager Pat Gillick himself after he unloaded Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and others, are not only off the charts, they are off the planet. Former Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan had a buzz-phrase for the bull-market mind-set that ignored the warning signals and bought up every overvalued dot.com stock in sight: "Irrational exuberance . . . " After Greenspan first used the term in a 1996 speech to the American Enterprise Institute, every global stock market fell between 2 and 4 percent. So, when Phillies captain without portfolio Jimmy Rollins remarked last month that the Phillies are the "team to beat" in the National League East, the exuberance of my e-mail legion spiked like Google stock after a bullish quarterly report. Players are notorious for tunnel vision, of course, particularly those going into their eighth season without playing in October. And what's not to like about a player pumping his own team? Gillick reckoned after replacing Ed Wade, just about the only Phil with a no-trade, it would take a 5-game bump above 2005's 88 victories to make the postseason. Despite Howard's monster MVP season, despite career years by Rollins and Chase Utley, despite a breakthrough by Rule 5 steal Shane Victorino and an auspicious debut by wunderkind lefthander Cole Hamels, the Phillies won three fewer than the near-miss 2005 team. If the Phillies had won that same 88 games, they would have been involved in a playoff for the wild card with the Dodgers and Padres. Let's flash back to 1993, when I started the annual St. Pat's shot in the dark by picking the Phillies, dead last in 1992, to win the pennant. There was no wild card, so they had to win an East Division I felt was up for grabs. (The Atlanta Braves had not yet been blessed with a move to the East.) Nor had Lee Thomas overwhelmed his best pal and manager, Jim Fregosi, with offseason acquisitions. Danny Jackson wasn't exactly Freddy Garcia, but nobody expected Curt Schilling and Tommy Greene to blossom into top-of-the-rotation studs. Fregosi went into the season with Juan Bell at short, for God's sake, followed by rangeless Kim Batiste and, finally, rookie overachiever Kevin Stocker. Thomas had patched outfielders Jim Eisenreich and Pete Incaviglia into Fregosi's flexible outfield mix. M

K.C.

03-20-2007, 03:54 PM

Conlin is a bit off his rocker with that article. As great a columnist as he is, he just likes to stir controversy other times.  Let's face facts, the Phils haven't exactly set the league on fire this Spring with their pitching.  But you have to look at everything closer. Seven of their 12 losses this Spring are from guys that won't make the final 25 man roster. And all the worries about the bullpen are a little misplaced. The guys that have contributed to the enormous team ERA aren't going to be here. The guys that are, Madson and Geary, have pitched pretty well.  You also have to realize that either Lieber or Eaton, both who have pitched well, is going to be in the bullpen. So it's solid...it's not great, but they haven't given me a reason to panic by their performance so far anyway. The one guy to worry about down there is Gordon and it has nothing to do with his performance. When he pitches, he pitches well. It's about his health. And if he gets hurt, the Phillies have the chips to make a trade to replace him if they choose so. People need to relax...it's only Spring Training.  By the way, I'm projecting the 25 man roster as:Cs - Rod Barajas, Carlos Ruiz1B - Ryan Howard, Chris Coste2B - Chase Utley3B - Wes Helms, Abraham NunezSS - Jimmy RollinsOF - Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Greg DobbsSP - Brett Myers, Freddy Garcia, Cole Hamels, Jon Lieber, Jamie MoyerRP - Tom Gordon, Ryan Madson, Geoff Geary, Matt Smith, Adam Eaton, Antonio Alfonseca, Eude BritoI don't know how the hell they haven't cut Alfonseca yet, but the fact they haven't tells me he'll be on the team. I expect them to take a good long look at Eude Brito in the next couple weeks hoping he can win the spot. Everything I've seen points to them preferring to keep Castro in AAA this season, and while Segovia is one of the few young guys who's looked good, you want him as your 'first call-up' starter in case someone goes down. Bisenius also doesn't look bad, but they want to wait on him too.

K.C.

04-02-2007, 03:35 AM

Today's the day...getting ready to leave now...I'll be calling Ron & Fez from the ballpark to check in and wish Ronnie B a happy Phils opening day.

Hopefully they put me through.

LOAF

04-02-2007, 04:35 AM

4 and a half hours!!!!!!!!!

ProfessorAnt

04-02-2007, 09:44 AM

myers is looking nice...lots of balls in play though. hopefully he can get some run support for a fine appearance.

baseball's back bitches

LOAF

04-02-2007, 11:19 AM

Other then the 2 homers, myers pitched a great game. Lets just hope the phils break this tie and get the win!!

LOAF

04-02-2007, 11:58 AM

:furious: Fuck You Edgar Renteria!!

cougarjake13

04-02-2007, 07:19 PM

:furious: Fuck You Edgar Renteria!!

haa and a former cardinal too

Furtherman

04-03-2007, 06:34 AM

K.C.

04-03-2007, 08:19 AM

I was there yesterday. First time in the new stadium.... awesome park.

Beautiful day, bad game. Our pitching did look good there for most of the game. Don't worry Phils fans.. we still have a way to go!

I've got a good feeling...Ronnie B just said he revised his prediction to 161-1.

So nothing but gravy from here on out.

BoondockSaint

04-04-2007, 07:00 PM

Looks like Rollins was right, the Phils are the ones to beat. And the Braves have been.

LOAF

04-04-2007, 07:04 PM

Looks like Rollins was right, the Phils are the ones to beat. And the Braves have been.

Actually it looks like every analyist in the country was right....

OUR BULLPEN STINKS!!!!

K.C.

04-04-2007, 07:44 PM

yeah...there's issues there. In particular, Madson is awful...how about we not bring him into tie games anymore.

PigShitIrish

04-05-2007, 05:21 AM

Gordon worries me a lot more than Madson.

MasterSoySauce

04-05-2007, 05:24 AM

not much of a lead but i'd like to think we could've held on to it last night.

LOAF

04-05-2007, 11:15 AM

1st inning and Adam Eaton doesn't dissapoint

BoondockSaint

04-05-2007, 12:39 PM

Even the Nationals have a win.

Marc with a c

04-05-2007, 12:47 PM

Even the Nationals have a win.

ha.

and a perfect game

cougarjake13

04-05-2007, 02:45 PM

I've got a good feeling...Ronnie B just said he revised his prediction to 161-1.

So nothing but gravy from here on out.

umm 159-3 maybe ???

Kevin

04-05-2007, 02:48 PM

umm 3-159 maybe ???

fixed it!

cougarjake13

04-05-2007, 03:13 PM

fixed it!

noo you're gonna roone it

Furtherman

04-06-2007, 05:59 AM

A Braves sweep?! C'mon Phills...!!

Marc with a c

04-06-2007, 06:14 AM

http://pdn.philly.com/2005/04/26/mitch.jpg

Earlshog

04-06-2007, 06:36 AM

this has been there modus operandi the past five years. They get off to a terrible start and wind up missing out on the wildcard by three games... its not easy being a Phillies fan..

For the few seconds I listen to WFAN the douche Met fans think they are going all the way cause they beat the Cardinals.... who could be the worst team in the NL

Bama

04-06-2007, 08:04 AM

Go Braves. 162-0 here we come.

I'll go post in the MLB thread now.

King Hippos Bandaid

04-06-2007, 08:40 AM

0-3 with that lineup , good luck bro

PigShitIrish

04-06-2007, 06:22 PM

Good game, good outing for Eaton......even Pat the bat came through

cougarjake13

04-07-2007, 05:11 AM

Furtherman

04-09-2007, 06:25 AM

Someone check the Phil's water supply. I think it's the same water the Flyers have been drinking.

LOAF

04-09-2007, 06:31 AM

Someone check the Phil's water supply. I think it's the same water the Flyers have been drinking.

And the flyers got it from the sixers!!

K.C.

04-09-2007, 10:59 AM

Look, everyone wants to start well, but this team always starts badly.

Talk to me at the end of May...the team will be in contention this year. The question is whether the moves they made finally get them over the hump.

I'd like to see Garcia pitch before I formulate an opinion on that, but I'm not overly concerned about the poor start, especially when the starting pitching has looked good, minus Eaton.

LOAF

04-09-2007, 11:16 AM

There's are boy!!!!

cougarjake13

04-09-2007, 05:10 PM

nice bullpen

deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeckkkkk

Bossanova

04-09-2007, 05:11 PM

This thread is still open?

cougarjake13

04-09-2007, 05:12 PM

it'll close like mojo's cub thread did a few years ago

Marc with a c

04-09-2007, 05:38 PM

it'll close like mojo's cub thread did a few years ago

at least something involving the phillies will close.

Kevin

04-09-2007, 05:40 PM

at least something involving the phillies will close.

Nicely done, Good sir! Also it won't be half as entertaining when this one closes.. Because you do not get to imagine a tear filled Mojo, hitting that lock button for his own beloved Cub thread

K.C.

04-09-2007, 07:22 PM

Nicely done, Good sir! Also it won't be half as entertaining when this one closes.. Because you do not get to imagine a tear filled Mojo, hitting that lock button for his own beloved Cub thread

Goonies never say die!...it's our time...down here!

Couldn't help but notice the Astros basically wrote off Brad Lidge today by removing from his closer's role. I know Pat Gillick's a smart guy, I hope he's looking at this. The 'stros still need some starting pitching and the Phils are still sitting on Jon Lieber...if it takes a prospect as well, do it.

Lidge still has good stuff...I'd be willing to take a chance on the guy straightening himself out with a change of scenery...he was downright unhittable at his peak.

And even if he doesn't improve, he's still better, as is, right now than 90% of the Phils bullpen.

cougarjake13

04-10-2007, 04:46 PM

Goonies never say die!...it's our time...down here!

.

down here in last place ???

K.C.

04-11-2007, 02:52 PM

down here in last place ???

Thank god for the Nationals....
.
.
.
.
.
sorry Mudo.

cougarjake13

04-11-2007, 06:12 PM

Thank god for the Nationals....
.
.
.
.
.
sorry Mudo.

yeh but at the time of my post you guys were tied with the nats

Redding

04-11-2007, 06:15 PM

dont blow this game Gordon!!!!

K.C.

04-11-2007, 06:19 PM

One more for the good guys.

Moyer vs. Glavine on get away day tomorrow...should be a good matchup. Both have looked good to start the season. Phils need that one too.

3-6 going back home against an awful Astros team would look good.

tbagnu

04-12-2007, 09:40 AM

why???? why does our bullpen blow soooo much!!!...can't wait till the offense gets in gear also!!!!

BoondockSaint

04-14-2007, 05:17 AM

I'm gonna miss this thread. Goodbye 2007 Phillies, we hardly knew ye.:bye:

K.C.

04-14-2007, 08:00 AM

I'm gonna miss this thread. Goodbye 2007 Phillies, we hardly knew ye.:bye:

I'd be concerned, but they've done this the last five years or so in April...they'll be back.

cougarjake13

04-14-2007, 01:25 PM

I'd be concerned, but they've done this the last five years or so in April...they'll be back.

yeh in feb 2008

Furtherman

04-14-2007, 04:01 PM

Well they managed to pull one off today. I still care!

K.C.

04-14-2007, 07:00 PM

yeh in feb 2008

You Mets fans can have your little April moment...the Phils will be there in September.

It's how you finish, boys...it's how you finish.

cougarjake13

04-15-2007, 08:29 AM

You Mets fans can have your little April moment...the Phils will be there in September.

It's how you finish, boys...it's how you finish.

lets see
1980 world series
1993 world series

you missed your boat in 2006

maybe next time in 2019

Bossanova

04-15-2007, 08:34 AM

lets see
1980 world series
1993 world series

you missed your boat in 2006

maybe next time in 2019

I love how the Phillies have half the amount of Championships as the Mets and the Mets are supposed to finish strong.

cougarjake13

04-15-2007, 08:38 AM

I love how the Phillies have half the amount of Championships as the Mets and the Mets are supposed to finish strong.

dont ya mean phils ?? finish strong

Earlshog

04-18-2007, 07:13 AM

dont ya mean phils ?? finish strong

he is a Met fan... nuff said

BoondockSaint

04-18-2007, 08:47 AM

I heard Chaile Manuel tried to fight a radio host last night and had to be held back.

Earlshog

04-18-2007, 09:59 AM

I heard Chaile Manuel tried to fight a radio host last night and had to be held back.

Charlie is as good as gone

BoondockSaint

04-18-2007, 10:00 AM

Charlie is as good as gone

Is there any rumors about who would replace him?

Kevin

04-18-2007, 10:10 AM

I heard Chaile Manuel tried to fight a radio host last night and had to be held back.

Link (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2841584)

Furtherman

04-18-2007, 10:22 AM

It's too bad Charlie didn't get to him because he was probably on his way out anyway but I would love to have heard that he dropped Eskin.

Kevin

04-18-2007, 10:36 AM

It's too bad Charlie didn't get to him because he was probably on his way out anyway but I would love to have heard that he dropped Eskin.

Don't know much about him.. Is he considerd a dink in Philly?? Eskin, i mean

Earlshog

04-18-2007, 10:37 AM

It's too bad Charlie didn't get to him because he was probably on his way out anyway but I would love to have heard that he dropped Eskin.

ha ha... now that would be the way to go out...

so did the flooding effect you? and more importantly is the quiet women okay?

PigShitIrish

04-18-2007, 10:44 AM

Don't know much about him.. Is he considerd a dink in Philly?? Eskin, i mean

He's the afternoon drive host on WIP, which is our version of the FAN. He's the sport's talk guy that almost everyone in town loves to hate, but he still get's a huge audience.

Kevin

04-18-2007, 10:53 AM

He's the afternoon drive host on WIP, which is our version of the FAN. He's the sport's talk guy that almost everyone in town loves to hate, but he still get's a huge audience.

Ah, Kinda like the Rome of Philly.. Thanks PSI

Furtherman

04-18-2007, 11:01 AM

ha ha... now that would be the way to go out...

so did the flooding effect you? and more importantly is the quiet women okay?

She's a bit wet down below but will be dried out soon.

K.C.

04-18-2007, 12:30 PM

Damn, I'm pissed...I wish Charlie had knocked the fuck out of Eskin.

King Hippos Bandaid

04-18-2007, 01:29 PM

You Guys are Known by 2 Names

1. Phillddelphia Philles
2. Mets Bitch

:king:

PigShitIrish

04-18-2007, 01:50 PM

Ah, Kinda like the Rome of Philly.. Thanks PSI

Exactly, except a little more flamboyant. He sometimes refers to himself as the "King of Bling". Eskin's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Eskin) always talking about what new suit or Rolex he has, he even where's fur coats to Eagles games.

Here he is at a pregame show...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/pacino_84/blog%20pics/comedy/eskin.jpg

spadanko

04-18-2007, 02:35 PM

SPY REPORT:

Brett Myers moved to bullpen, Lieber to rotation...

Over/Under on Charlie manuel Firing: May 15th

BoondockSaint

04-18-2007, 02:39 PM

SPY REPORT:

Brett Myers moved to bullpen, Lieber to rotation...

Over/Under on Charlie manuel Firing: May 15th

May 15th? Weird, that's the same date I have them winning their fourth game.

Snacks

04-18-2007, 02:50 PM

Exactly, except a little more flamboyant. He sometimes refers to himself as the "King of Bling". Eskin's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Eskin) always talking about what new suit or Rolex he has, he even where's fur coats to Eagles games.

Here he is at a pregame show...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v376/pacino_84/blog%20pics/comedy/eskin.jpg

how does anyone like eskin? I dont know how he has such a following in Philly, it amazes me.

cougarjake13

04-18-2007, 03:21 PM

i love when managers go nuts

wish there was a little more action

Bossanova

04-18-2007, 04:18 PM

Losing to the Nats now, did this team pack it in already this year

K.C.

04-18-2007, 04:19 PM

how does anyone like eskin? I dont know how he has such a following in Philly, it amazes me.

Everyone at that station is pretty retarded...I don't see how anyone can listen to it and take it seriously...it makes WFAN look like the New Yorker of radio.

By the way, this team is just painful to watch at this point. Down 4-1 to the Nationals. How could this team go from being the top offense in the National League last year, bring back virtually the same team, and be THIS bad at scoring runs?

Bossanova

04-18-2007, 04:25 PM

SPY REPORT:

Brett Myers moved to bullpen, Lieber to rotation...

Over/Under on Charlie manuel Firing: May 15th

How do you move your "big money ace" to the set up role?

LOAF

04-18-2007, 05:07 PM

How do you move your "big money ace" to the set up role?

Come on Boss, we are talking about Charlie Manuel. He is the worst coach this town has ever seen. I say bring back Rich Kotite, errr nevermind.

And for the record I like Howard Eskin.

Bossanova

04-18-2007, 05:26 PM

Come on Boss, we are talking about Charlie Manuel. He is the worst coach this town has ever seen. I say bring back Rich Kotite, errr nevermind.

And for the record I like Howard Eskin.

As a fellow Eagle fan, I must say curse you for mentioning that mans name

tbagnu

04-18-2007, 05:27 PM

charlie must go and go soon!!!!!

LOAF

04-18-2007, 05:29 PM

As a fellow Eagle fan, I must say curse you for mentioning that mans name

Haha, Yeah I am kinda bitter right now myself after using that name

ProfessorAnt

04-18-2007, 08:06 PM

another piece of shit game for the shils. 13th inning loss. i'm so glad i can only listen to the games on xm. watching the games would be even more heartbreaking.

i would have taken the under on 5/15 before seeing manual's outburst http://video.nbc10.com/player/?id=92590 but now I think he secured his position until the all star break.

the problem is manuel + bullpen + bench + risp hitting. its a compound problem that can only be fixed by playing out the season and building your offense and defense. good teams are good because they have player development (90's yankees excluded). they need to fill the bench with impact players. Bourn, Barajas, Dobbs, Werth and Nunez are not able to step to the plate and impact a game. Its more than just bench (the starters are cold too) but they're never going to comeback with the bad news bears that they recruited to come off the bench.

a change of manager isn't the answer, but it wouldn't hurt.

Earlshog

04-19-2007, 05:14 AM

now he puts the ace in the pen... Charlie its time to hang em up...

Johnny Manf

04-19-2007, 05:58 AM

i was hoping for a 2 game sweep of the nationals but losing in extra innings is just disappointing more than words can describe.

THEY'RE THE NATIONALS FOR GODS SAKE!
THE EXPOS!

Earlshog

04-19-2007, 07:25 AM

now Howards hurt... Maybe they will finish behind the Nats...

El Mudo

04-19-2007, 07:41 AM

i was hoping for a 2 game sweep of the nationals but losing in extra innings is just disappointing more than words can describe.

THEY'RE THE NATIONALS FOR GODS SAKE!
THE EXPOS!

We're not the Expos any more

And your team has a worse record than ours does....

http://inverse.physics.berkeley.edu/archives/nelson.gif

PigShitIrish

04-19-2007, 08:48 AM

now he puts the ace in the pen... Charlie its time to hang em up...

Yeah, an ace that's a little too willing to go to the bullpen, and then says that if he is put there he's not going to be shuffled around and be put back into the starting rotation. If anything they should have dumped Eaton in the pen, at least he's used to that role. Myers has better stuff and he's younger.

Johnny Manf

04-19-2007, 10:00 AM

And your team has a worse record than ours does....

thats why i'm mad

Earlshog

04-19-2007, 10:08 AM

We're not the Expos any more

http://inverse.physics.berkeley.edu/archives/nelson.gif

you think they will keep the Nats name when they leave in ten years?

ProfessorAnt

04-19-2007, 10:16 AM

We're not the Expos any more

i listened to the nats play by play last night and heard the queerest thing at the end of the broadcast. after the walk off sac fly the announcer said..."put another CURLY W on the schedule, the nats pull of an extra innings win over the phillies" ewch...that may be worse than "the giambino" or "an a-bomb for a-rod"

PigShitIrish

04-19-2007, 12:03 PM

And the winning streak begins!!

cougarjake13

04-19-2007, 02:26 PM

now he puts the ace in the pen... Charlie its time to hang em up...

what the hell is he thinking here ??? if i stick him out there for awhile he'll shape up ??

Snacks

04-19-2007, 03:50 PM

I just traded for Ryan Howard I hope he is ok. Sounds like it COULD be bad.

cougarjake13

04-19-2007, 03:51 PM

I just traded for Ryan Howard I hope he is ok. Sounds like it COULD be bad.

i drafted him in 2 of my leagues

i feel your pain

El Mudo

04-19-2007, 05:07 PM

you think they will keep the Nats name when they leave in ten years?

Why would they leave in 10 years? We're only moving into here next year

http://www.jdland.com/dc/images/stadium-rendering-0612.jpg

And we'll win a World Series before you do...take that to the bank

i listened to the nats play by play last night and heard the queerest thing at the end of the broadcast. after the walk off sac fly the announcer said..."put another CURLY W on the schedule, the nats pull of an extra innings win over the phillies" ewch...that may be worse than "the giambino" or "an a-bomb for a-rod"

Bob Carpenter is ripping off Charley Slowes (hoo hoo), who does the Radio Broadcast (and I like him and Dave Jaegler MUCH better than Carpenter and Don Sutton)...thats his thing to do whenever the Nats win in exciting fashion

johnniewalker

04-20-2007, 07:05 PM

Yeah, an ace that's a little too willing to go to the bullpen, and then says that if he is put there he's not going to be shuffled around and be put back into the starting rotation. If anything they should have dumped Eaton in the pen, at least he's used to that role. Myers has better stuff and he's younger.

It's unbelievable...he's been one of the better consistant pitchers for the last 2 years. It doesn't make sense. I think you are right it must be him asking for it after just 2 bad games. Crazy...

K.C.

04-21-2007, 06:32 PM

Cole Hamels (4/21 @CIN): CG, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 15 K

There's a reason for a little hope

cougarjake13

04-21-2007, 06:56 PM

Cole Hamels (4/21 @CIN): CG, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 15 K

There's a reason for a little hope

maybe its not time yet to lock the thread

K.C.

04-22-2007, 05:47 PM

2-0 since the hour long team meeting before saturday's game.

The way they've played, it looks they've finally woken up, and decided to join the '07 season. They've looked like a completely different team on the field the last two games.

Tomorrow is a game you'd really like to have, but is going to be tough. They've got Eaton going against the Astros.

They should realistically lose the game, but if they can pull it out, then they're setup to run off some games and really right the ship, because the rotation sets up Moyer, Lieber, and Hamels after that against the awful Nationals pitching.

Moyer dominated the Nats last time, Lieber looks so much more comfortable as a starter, and Hamels is just untouchable right now.

They've got a chance to make up the ground they lost earlier this season, this week.

cougarjake13

04-23-2007, 02:25 PM

K.C.

04-23-2007, 06:40 PM

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/john_donovan/05/09/five.disappointing/t1_rollins.jpg

Rollins is God...I'm projecting at least 82 home runs this season.

cougarjake13

04-24-2007, 04:59 PM

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/john_donovan/05/09/five.disappointing/t1_rollins.jpg

Rollins is God...I'm projecting at least 82 home runs this season.

yeh and arod's gonna hit 126

johnniewalker

04-24-2007, 05:00 PM

yeh and arod's gonna hit 126

and Brett Myers is going to lead the league in holds.

tbagnu

04-24-2007, 05:53 PM

another win!!!...lookout!!!!...maybe we can now get past our april doldrums????

PigShitIrish

04-25-2007, 05:48 PM

Utley is on fire!

K.C.

04-25-2007, 07:11 PM

It's clicking on all cylinders right now.

With one more against the Nats and three against the Fish, there's no reason they can't go 3-1 over the next four and get back to .500 by week's end.

Also picked up some ground on the Braves and Mets today.

The realistic goals for this team short term should be:
-End of April- back to .500
-End of May- division lead, or within 1-2 games

Only question in my mind at this point is whether Gordon holds up. If not, I wouldn't use Myers as the closer...leave Myers in a setup role for now and throw the guy who has experience at doing it, Alfonseca, in the closer's role...the guy has been on fire all season and deserves the shot if Gordon doesn't get it done.

Kevin

04-25-2007, 07:14 PM

It's clicking on all cylinders right now.

With one more against the Nats and three against the Fish, there's no reason they can't go 3-1 over the next four and get back to .500 by week's end.

Also picked up some ground on the Braves and Mets today.

The realistic goals for this team short term should be:
-End of April- back to .500
-End of May- division lead, or within 1-2 games (Then i wake up from my fantasy dream)

Only question in my mind at this point is whether Gordon holds up. If not, I wouldn't use Myers as the closer...leave Myers in a setup role for now and throw the guy who has experience at doing it, Alfonseca, in the closer's role...the guy has been on fire all season and deserves the shot if Gordon doesn't get it done.

Fixed!

K.C.

04-26-2007, 08:05 PM

Matt Smith got optioned to Triple-A and the team recalled Fabio Castro for the lefty specialist role.

Can't say I'm surprised. Smith has been a huge disappointment this season. Castro had some great stuff last season. Still very young, but could fill the role well.

As far as the game today went, Shawn Hill was just on fire on the mound. Not much you can do about that, although they almost cracked Cordero to comeback for the win.

Freddy Garcia vs. Anibel Sanchez tomorrow. If they score Garcia some runs, he should be fine.

johnniewalker

04-26-2007, 08:30 PM

Before today Cole Hamels had such an amazing stat line. \
2-0 2.57 era 33 k's 6bb 1.07 whip

El Mudo

04-26-2007, 10:25 PM

K.C.

04-27-2007, 06:30 AM

As much as I love the Chief, EVERY ONE of his saves comes in heart attack style...he never makes anything look easy. I can't count how many saves have come on catches on the warning track alone

Cordero's a lightweight when it comes to that...nobody can almost blow a save like Flash Gordon. Yesterday was kind of funny, though. I thought Utley's ball to center was out, and then Harry Kalas actually even went into his home run call on the ball Burrell hit which was caught at the track, which would have tied the game. Very close stuff.

Cordero has been a bit of a disappointment so far, though. Still, the Nats have to be happy with what Hill gave them. He's looked sharp all season and he definitely looked great yesterday. If they can come out of the season with a couple starters to build off of, that's a plus for them.

cougarjake13

04-27-2007, 03:02 PM

[QUOTE=K.C.;1288566]Cordero's a lightweight when it comes to that...nobody can almost blow a save like Flash Gordon.QUOTE]

i still submit the former mets closers john franco and armando benetiez and even now billy wagner has a lil franco in him

PigShitIrish

04-27-2007, 09:24 PM

Great game tonight....Aaron Rowand is a real suprise this year. But seriously, this is the first time I have enjoyed watching baseball games in years. I'm 28, and never have seen a championship in any of our four major sports. As bad as April started out, I enjoy watching this team.

K.C.

04-29-2007, 02:54 PM

Rowand's had an amazing start to the year.

I never thought he'd play this well, but I did think he'd have a better year than last season...you could tell just by watching him that everything about his mechanics was messed up when he came off the DL after running head first into the wall.

He never got it back which is why he struggled, but he fixed it during the offseason and it's paid off.

My question is, when the hell did Jamie Moyer become an ace? He was good when they got him for the end of last season...he's looked awesome this season. People can say what they want about Gillick and some of his moves, but stealing Moyer from Seattle last season was a great one.

11-13 is nothing to be proud about, but considering they started 1-7, I'll take it...they've battled back to salvage the month.

This week should be a good test. Three against the Braves, and then four on the West Coast at San Fran.

4-3 would be a nice showing over the next seven, considering they're all tough games.

K.C.

05-02-2007, 12:49 PM

Well, Garcia is pitching the rubber match tonight...if it only goes 9, it should still clock in at a nice 4 1/2 hours...so strap in for a long one. He's the slowest pitcher I've ever seen work.

johnniewalker

05-02-2007, 12:53 PM

Well, Garcia is pitching the rubber match tonight...if it only goes 9, it should still clock in at a nice 4 1/2 hours...so strap in for a long one. He's the slowest pitcher I've ever seen work.

That's funny, there was such a contrast between him and Buerhle working on the mound.

K.C.

05-08-2007, 01:59 PM

The Phils are going to need to run off a bit of a hot streak here...6-2 over the next eight gets them to 20-20.

They've got Arizona and the Cubs, which is doable...but then they get four against the Brewers...luckily those games are at home, but they're scorching hot right now.

.500 is the mental barrier for the team I think...if they can get there, I think it'll be smooth sailing from then on out, but getting there is tough.

I also think this team still has a 12 of 13 type of streak in them...they always seem to, which is why they always seem to be in contention at the end despite horrible starts.

Bullpen definitely concerns me, though, with Gordon and Madson on the DL, and Howard still struggling is a definite concern.

cougarjake13

05-08-2007, 05:07 PM

i hope garcia isnt out for too long

tbagnu

05-16-2007, 07:01 PM

finally we hit the .500 mark!!!!...hamels is a stud!!!!..lets get howard back and on track!!!..look out!!!

K.C.

05-19-2007, 05:37 AM

Things have really set up nicely for them.

Imagine how good this team could/will be if they get Howard back and on track when he comes off the DL, and Gordon and Madson can be decent middle bullpen guys (because Gordon's closer days are done).

Hopefully they take care of business with the Blue Jays and Marlins the next few days.

Then it's Atlanta at the end of next week...that series should show whether they're really making their run for the top of the division.

And then come the Mets in early June which will be another big test.

ProfessorAnt

05-19-2007, 11:01 AM

Things have really set up nicely for them.

Imagine how good this team could/will be if they get Howard back and on track when he comes off the DL, and Gordon and Madson can be decent middle bullpen guys (because Gordon's closer days are done).

Am I the only one who thinks Howard was a big reason for their slump. It was atrocious. .204 with 20 hits in 29 games. The bullpen is shit and I don't deny that, but that was one hell of a hole to have at clean-up. .122 BA vs. LHP. SHIT. .280 OBP vs. LHP. His "injury" might just have been a break.

For the record. I am RH's #1 fan. Jersey, autograph, love letters, etc

K.C.

05-19-2007, 12:03 PM

He hurt them more than a few times during his slump, but him on track vs. Greg Dobbs as a starter...there's no comparison, despite the fact that I like the job Dobbs has done.

Howard's scheduled to start his rehab next week and is eligible to come of the DL on May 25. It would not surprise me to see them keep him down for quite a while, even if he is healthy, just to make sure his swing problems are worked out when he gets back.

You have to assume he'll be back at full strength at some point and that last year wasn't a mirage.

Madson started his rehab yesterday, and Gordon starts early next week. How those two do should go a long way in determining whether the Phillies trade for bullpen arms at the deadline this year.

I think they can solve a lot of their flaws in-house with getting those three players back, but it all has to work out.

I've got to give Charlie some credit...the Myers move seems to have paid off so far and fixed the closer problem. Hopefully everyone else can fall into line behind a good closer. That seems to how the better bullpens in baseball straighten themselves out, with specifically defined roles.

K.C.

05-22-2007, 03:31 PM

Week sets up the following:

Tuesday - Phillies (Cole Hamels 6-1, 3.30) at Marlins (Scott Olsen 3-3, 4.80)

Wednesday - Phillies (Freddy An. Garcia 1-3, 4.86) at Marlins (Byung-Hyun Kim 2-2, 7.15)

Thursday - Phillies (Jon Lieber 2-2, 3.00) at Marlins (Wes Obermueller 1-2, 3.71)

Friday - Phillies (Jamie Moyer 4-3, 4.37) at Braves (Tim Hudson 5-2, 2.42)

Saturday - Phillies (Adam Eaton 4-3, 5.70) at Braves (Buddy Carlyle 0-0, 0.00)*

Sunday - Phillies (Cole Hamels 6-1, 3.30) at Braves (Kyle Davies, 1-2, 5.17)

*-5-2 w/ 2.59 ERA at Triple A

So the Phils really have a pitching advantage in 5 of the 6 games this week. They dodge Willis with Marlins and Smoltz with the Braves this week. Definitely a good chance for them to make up ground, especially if the Braves beat up on the Mets earlier in the week.

K.C.

05-27-2007, 04:49 PM

The Phils are hot!!!! Three game sweep in Atlanta and now they head home against the D-Backs and Giants.

If they can follow up a good road trip with a good home stand, they'll be looking very good in about a week.

Howard's back and looks sharp, the starting pitching has been very solid...we'll have to wait and see the status of Myers and Gordon going forward...Alfonseca closing games isn't exactly something to be thrilled about, but this team has definitely dug itself out of its April hole...now it's time to start making up games in the standing.

The Braves can be jumped this week...if they can make up a game or two on the Mets before playing them head to head next week, they'll be in a nice position.

epo

05-27-2007, 05:15 PM

Howard's back and looks sharp, the starting pitching has been very solid...we'll have to wait and see the status of Myers and Gordon going forward..

I can't believe the city of Philadelphia hasn't burned down Charlie Manuel's house yet for this Myers situation. The man turned a 200+ inning ace into an injured bullpen arm.

That's fucking crazy.

K.C.

05-29-2007, 11:00 AM

I can't believe the city of Philadelphia hasn't burned down Charlie Manuel's house yet for this Myers situation. The man turned a 200+ inning ace into an injured bullpen arm.

That's fucking crazy.

I kind of have mixed feelings on it.

On one hand, it was working...Myers was lights out and Jon Lieber has been pretty damn sharp since returning to the rotation. It's part of the reason they've turned it around and gotten back on the winning track.

On the other hand, there's no doubt in my mind Myers was injured because he was thrust into a situation of throwing everyday that his arm just wasn't used to.

If you had seen the games early in the year, this team had no shot without a quality arm at the back of the bullpen. Gordon is shot, at least as a closer, Ryan Madson doesn't have the head for late inning pressure situations, and Alfonseca is as spotty as it gets.

Ideally, they should have signed a closer/8th inning guy to pair with Gordon to start the season so they wouldn't be in this situation. That's more Pat Gillick's fault than Charlie Manuel's.

Manuel did about the only thing he could do to try and save the season when the team showed up DOA in April.

xample

06-01-2007, 02:59 PM

I know this is really late..but I hate Atlanta with a passion and am still happy about the sweep last weekend.

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/xample420/pub/4007/philliessweep.jpg

cougarjake13

06-02-2007, 06:09 AM

I know this is really late..but I hate Atlanta with a passion and am still happy about the sweep last weekend.

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/xample420/pub/4007/philliessweep.jpg

nice job !!!!!!

K.C.

06-02-2007, 05:27 PM

Finally a win...and it took Hamels going all 9 to do it.

Hamels should win the Cy Young this year if he stays healthy...leads the NL in Wins and Ks...solid ERA...

If this team keeps playing as badly as it has the last four games, we could be witnessing another Lefty Carlton situation here.

Provided the Phils actually clean up their mess the rest of this series with the Giants, the Mets series will decide if this team has any chance to make a division run.

They at the very least need 2 of 3 there....but they're even starting to fall behind in the Wild Card standing...they need to hit their annual hot streak right about now.

xample

06-03-2007, 12:12 PM

Finally a win...and it took Hamels going all 9 to do it.

Hamels should win the Cy Young this year if he stays healthy...leads the NL in Wins and Ks...solid ERA...

I agree.. Hamels stays healthy and keeps racking up the wins (among other stats), he should walk away with the NL Cy Young.

xample

06-03-2007, 12:48 PM

http://enrico.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/shane_victorino_hr_1.jpg

K.C.

06-03-2007, 02:24 PM

I agree.. Hamels stays healthy and keeps racking up the wins (among other stats), he should walk away with the NL Cy Young.

His biggest competition is going to be Jake Peavy in San Diego and Smoltz from Atlanta.

Peavy has been untouchable so far this season, and Smoltz has been equally as good.

Hamels will have to lower his ERA by about to about 2.5 (it's 3.5 right now), to probably get a really hard look at the Cy Young, but he'll definitely be in the running.

xample

06-03-2007, 02:27 PM

His biggest competition is going to be Jake Peavy in San Diego and Smoltz from Atlanta.

Peavy has been untouchable so far this season, and Smoltz has been equally as good.

Hamels will have to lower his ERA by about to about 2.5 (it's 3.5 right now), to probably get a really hard look at the Cy Young, but he'll definitely be in the running.

Yeah I know... that will be Cole's worst area (ERA)

i honestly don't think smoltz will hold up all year at the same pace.. peavy on the other hand has a great chance (if he keeps healthly too)

Bellyfullasnot

06-03-2007, 10:10 PM

Hula bobbleheads? Why not Barbie dolls?

MHasegawa

06-05-2007, 04:27 PM

i always mark out for jamie moyer, love those stirrups.

Earlshog

06-05-2007, 05:22 PM

They need to boot Pat the bat. He is worthless. He can't field, run the bases, or hit in the clutch. He whiffs, does not protect Howard, he can't even hit against the Mets anymore. Fuck it, eat his contract and dump him for some pine tar and a couple rags.

Bossanova

06-05-2007, 05:24 PM

Earlshog

06-05-2007, 05:38 PM

BoondockSaint

06-05-2007, 05:51 PM

Is it me or does Ryan Howard look like Tracy Morgan?

Bossanova

06-05-2007, 05:52 PM

Is it me or does Ryan Howard look like Tracy Morgan?

Yes, but much MUCH heavier

Earlshog

06-05-2007, 06:14 PM

Is it me or does Ryan Howard look like Tracy Morgan?

Be careful... this is a post Imus world

xample

06-05-2007, 07:33 PM

K.C.

06-06-2007, 07:29 AM

Keith Hernandez is brutal, saying the Phillies miss Lieberthal and Bell. Granted they didn't make great upgrades but he keeps bringing it up like they lost Schmidt and Left in their prime... He is terrible... A case of AIDS for wagner would be grea

Wow, he actually said that???

Maybe the hair dye is damaging his brain cells...Lieberthal wasn't bad, but Ruiz is as good a hitter, MUCH better defensively, and costs about $7 million less per season than they were paying for Lieberthal.

And David Bell will go down as one of the all time jokes in Phillies history. The fact that Ed Wade kept him and traded Placido Polanco is embarassing...imagine this lineup with Polanco in it, playing 3B, right now.

Hell, Nunez is better than David Bell was.

Earlshog

06-06-2007, 08:20 AM

Wow, he actually said that???

Maybe the hair dye is damaging his brain cells...Lieberthal wasn't bad, but Ruiz is as good a hitter, MUCH better defensively, and costs about $7 million less per season than they were paying for Lieberthal.

And David Bell will go down as one of the all time jokes in Phillies history. The fact that Ed Wade kept him and traded Placido Polanco is embarassing...imagine this lineup with Polanco in it, playing 3B, right now.

Hell, Nunez is better than David Bell was.

not only did he say it, he kept eluding to it all game long. He is nothing short of horrific.

K.C.

06-06-2007, 07:27 PM

If Hamels completes the sweep tomorrow, the Phils move to five out.

Last chance for anyone who wants to jump on the bandwagon before it's too late.

K.C.

06-07-2007, 12:16 PM

Thinking about it, for the Phils to win the division, I think they need the following things to happens:

1) Myers back healthy, and as good as he was as the closer
2) Gordon back healthy, and able to be a solid (not spectacular) setup man
3) Trade for ANOTHER bullpen arm at the deadline
4) Trade for a starting LF

I think Myers will be fine...Gordon is the big question mark to me...he was one of the best setup men around when that was his role on the Yanks. Hopefully he has something left.

Gillick made good 'in-season' moves last season, so I think he'll be able to do it again this season. They don't need a shutdown bullpen arm in a trade...just a guy they can throw in the mix with Geary and Madson assuming that Gordon can lock down the 8th inning role.

The extra OF should be the easiest of the bunch to get...again, they're not looking for a superstar...just a guy who can start every day and contribute a nice .270, .280 average from the 7th spot in the lineup.

It's obvious to me at this point that Burrell is done, and I think Dobbs and Werth are better suited as 4th OFs/Pinch Hitters

Regardless of what he does this season, though, Myers HAS to be in the rotation next season. He's too good not to be, and the thought of a Hamels/Myers one-two punch is too good to pass up. Finding a closer should be the #1 offseason priority.

K.C.

06-07-2007, 06:21 PM

It's obvious to me at this point that Burrell is done,

Guess I spoke too soon.

xample

06-07-2007, 06:23 PM

Guess I spoke too soon.

Yeah no kiddin'.. I was about to write him off too..

Earlshog

06-08-2007, 05:25 AM

Regardless of what he does this season, though, Myers HAS to be in the rotation next season. He's too good not to be, and the thought of a Hamels/Myers one-two punch is too good to pass up. Finding a closer should be the #1 offseason priority.

lets just hope this trip to the bullpen dosen't fuck up his arm...

5 back...

xample

06-08-2007, 11:48 AM

I must repost this..... after this Mets series...

http://www.tradebit.com/usr/xample420/pub/4007/philliessweep.jpg

tbagnu

06-08-2007, 04:08 PM

it is a priveldge to be rooting for ronnie b's favorite team!!!...FACE!!!

cougarjake13

06-08-2007, 05:03 PM

man talk about highs and lows

coming off a sweep of the mets the phils are losing 6-3 to the royals in the 2nd inning

PigShitIrish

06-10-2007, 12:33 PM

cougarjake13

06-10-2007, 12:36 PM

xample

06-11-2007, 12:18 AM

Alright we let up 2 touchdowns and a field goal to the Royals!

wow we sucked this weekend.

K.C.

06-11-2007, 09:18 PM

I really can't stand this shit anymore. They sweep the braves then shit the bed against Arizona, sweep the Mets and now it looks like they're going to lose the series with the stinking Royals...................................... oh wait, there's still hope, Jose Mesa just came in.

It's baseball...even the best teams in the league lose 40% of the time.

The fact of the matter is that after tonight, the Phils are only 4 games back of the division lead.

Given the horrendous April, that's a HUGE accomplishment. And given the Mets' murderous schedule, that four-game series at the end of June could easily be for first place.

As far as Mesa goes, he's awful, but he can't be worse than Clay Condrey and he'll only see time in mop-up duty.

This team is heading in the right direction. If Hamels can grab the win tomorrow (which is actually today) against Contreras, they're in VERY good shape and they've definitely shown they can beat the Mets and Braves head to head this season.

This is by far their best chance in recent years to make a move. I just wonder what they do with Garcia when he comes back. If he can't pitch, or if Kyle Kendrick actually looks good as the spot starter, how do you push Garcia back into the rotation?

K.C.

06-12-2007, 11:00 AM

Garcia's injured shoulder worse than thought
By PAUL HAGEN
hagenp@phillynews.com

Freddy Garcia's season is probably over. His Phillies career likely is, too.
An MRI exam on Garcia's right shoulder yesterday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital revealed "some pathology" of the labrum and "fraying" of the rotator cuff, the team announced late in last night's 3-0 win over the White Sox at Citizens Bank Park.

Garcia will seek a second opinion. As a rule, players don't do that if they're told they have a chance to pitch again soon. They do it when they're told they face surgery. Recovery time following operations to repair such injuries is usually at least a year.

He is making $10 million this season and can be a free agent at the end of the year.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he was not allowed to comment on medical matters. Those announcements are supposed to come from general manager Pat Gillick or assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., neither of whom was made available last night.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, whose wife's niece is Garcia's wife, spoke to the pitcher yesterday and fears the worst.

"Almost always, a second opinion is not too much different," Guillen said. "Hopefully, he won't have to go to surgery, but, from what I hear, he might have to go. That's a shame, because [the Phillies] are missing a pretty good pitcher."

Garcia said little after the game except that he hoped treatment might allow him to avoid surgery. He said he didn't know when he would go for a second opinion.

It's a strange coincidence that the news came while the Phillies were playing the team from which they acquired the pitcher with the big game-workhorse reputation at the winter meetings last December in Orlando, Fla.

The trade, in which the Phillies gave up 2001 No. 1 draft choice Gavin Floyd and minor league lefthander Gio Gonzalez, immediately created a wave of optimism about their chances. It was a big reason shortstop Jimmy Rollins declared the Phils the "team to beat" in the NL East.

But Garcia never seemed right. His velocity was off from the beginning of spring training until March 21, when he left a start against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., with what was diagnosed as biceps tendinitis.

He opened the season on the disabled list and pitched with mixed success after he returned, before being shelled by the Royals Friday night in Kansas City. He lasted only 1 2/3 innings. After being taken out of the game, he was confronted in the dugout tunnel by Manuel, who demanded to know whether he was hurting.

Garcia said his shoulder was sore and acknowledged to reporters later that his shoulder had been bothering him since spring training. The initial diagnosis was a strained right shoulder, before tests yesterday revealed a more serious problem.

He was 1-5 with a 5.90 earned run average in 11 starts.

The Phillies have said that they don't believe Garcia was "damaged goods" when they made the trade. Even though his velocity was down at times last season, he was 17-9, logged 200 innings for the seventh time in his carer, and was 4-1, 2.49 in September.

Guillen said the White Sox believed Garcia was healthy when the trade was made.

"The guy pitches 200 innings plus every year. That can get to you," he said. "I think the kid is great, and we thought he was going to be great for Philly." *

So Garcia is done...the team has called up Kyle Kendrick in the meantime, from Double-A Reading to take the spot. If Kendrick pitches well, great...if not, then what?

I'd say when Myers begins his rehab, tell him he's a starter for good and throw him back in...Alfonseca has pitched well enough to hold down the fort so far. And if he falters, then you trade Rowand or Michael Bourn to pick up someone like Brad Lidge at the deadline.

Enough with this Myers as a close thing...they need him in the rotation, especially now.

cougarjake13

06-12-2007, 01:20 PM

So Garcia is done...the team has called up Kyle Kendrick in the meantime, from Double-A Reading to take the spot. If Kendrick pitches well, great...if not, then what?

I'd say when Myers begins his rehab, tell him he's a starter for good and throw him back in...Alfonseca has pitched well enough to hold down the fort so far. And if he falters, then you trade Rowand or Michael Bourn to pick up someone like Brad Lidge at the deadline.

Enough with this Myers as a close thing...they need him in the rotation, especially now.

myers was doing good as a closer but you have a guy thats been a good if not great at time closer in alfonseca and myers who prob prefers to be a starter and a need for a starter

sounds like a no brainer to me

K.C.

06-12-2007, 06:35 PM

myers was doing good as a closer but you have a guy thats been a good if not great at time closer in alfonseca and myers who prob prefers to be a starter and a need for a starter

sounds like a no brainer to me

Sounds like it to me too...which is exactly why they won't do it.

K.C.

06-13-2007, 09:20 AM

Thome's starting today's game at 1B for the White Sox...got what was basically a curtain call ovation when he stepped in for his first at bat.

K.C.

06-13-2007, 12:11 PM

Dhamn it, Ozhawieee!!!! Clean up you dhamn mauth and manage some games! A.J.'s not happy, Ozhawie, and I need to do my jawb and find out why! Don't disrespect me, Ozhawie...treat me with respect and win some dhamn games!!!

http://www.northtonorth.com/pages/photoarchive/instudioguests/DSCN0487.JPG

And that's the end of our show, donk!

http://www.thevillager.com/villager_135/sweep.gif

The sweeps keep piling up. Now if the Mets hold up their end of the bargain and lose tonight, it's only 2 GB...also a chance to jump the Braves.

johnniewalker

06-13-2007, 12:21 PM

You should thank the white sox bullpen for being entirely useless once again. Rowand stuck it to them.

tbagnu

06-13-2007, 03:08 PM

don't want to be a jinxy but things are looking much brighter 'round here!!!

PigShitIrish

06-13-2007, 04:14 PM

Tough series coming up, and I'm sure Jim Leyland would love to stick it up our ass.

K.C.

06-13-2007, 06:54 PM

You've got to figure they'll drop 2 of 3 @ Cleveland, because it's a tough series, so they need to win 2 of 3 from Detroit.

That'd put them at 3-3 over the next 6, which should be good enough to not lose any games in the standings, consider how the Mets are playing, and the very tough schedule they have.

Oh, and the Phils jumped the Braves tonight...nice work.

K.C.

06-17-2007, 08:31 PM

The loss in the rubbermatch to Detroit was a classic Uncle Charlie loss...he should have left Eaton in to pitch to Sheffield from the beginning...instead he overmanages by using Geary for a batter, Zagurski for a batter, and then leave Hernandez in WAY too long to blow the game open.

At least the team showed heart in making a game of it even AFTER Charlie screwed it up.

Three in Cleveland is up next...the Indians seem to be reeling a little bit from what I hear, and the Braves did well out there this weekend. Hopefully they can pick that series up. I'd still like to be in 1st by the end of June.

cougarjake13

06-21-2007, 05:49 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6947788

K.C.

06-22-2007, 09:09 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6947788

Exactly...that's why Red Sox fans were posers all those years...'oh, we can't win a World Series'... try have the team that excels at losing more than any in the past 120+ years (basically since the game started). 10,000 losses...that's stepping up to the big time.

cougarjake13

06-24-2007, 01:35 PM

Exactly...that's why Red Sox fans were posers all those years...'oh, we can't win a World Series'... try have the team that excels at losing more than any in the past 120+ years (basically since the game started). 10,000 losses...that's stepping up to the big time.

you've lost a lot but the sawx fans prior to 04 would say well as bad as you've been you still won the 1980 world series

PigShitIrish

06-29-2007, 09:23 AM

"The Real Deal" this afternoon.....Happ tomorrow

I feel pretty confident in saying that we'll have the division lead by Sunday!

BoondockSaint

06-29-2007, 12:52 PM

"The Real Deal" this afternoon.....Happ tomorrow

I feel pretty confident in saying that we'll have the division lead by Sunday!

Or maybe not.

cougarjake13

06-29-2007, 05:14 PM

Or maybe not.

not so much

http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/movies/images/borat-preview-1.jpg

BoondockSaint

06-29-2007, 05:57 PM

The Phils are now closer to fourth place than first.

oh_kee_pa

06-29-2007, 06:38 PM

xample

06-29-2007, 09:21 PM

so phillies fans,
I guess coming into this series your thoughts were that you could take 3 out of 4, be one game out going into july, then possibly in first by the all star game...

wow, sorry, so close

hows 3rd place?

couple of bumps in the road... still 2 left in this series.. and granted we're 5 out now.... still a long season ahead...........

scottinnj

06-29-2007, 09:52 PM

All we need is to have the Atlanta Braves plane get shot down, and we'll secure 2nd place and have a shot at the wildcard.

ALL METS FANS SHUT THE *F* UP! I don't want to hear it from your piehole.

scottinnj

06-29-2007, 09:53 PM

xample

06-30-2007, 10:04 PM

so we dropped another one to the mets.. blah

but, i finally started my phillies wall in my home office.. it's about 1/4 finished (primarily consists of the random phils cards i have from the 80s-90s).. got 270 up now..

here's a shot so far...
http://a189.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/l_496eacbb0292dbbd90c2d8e8d6bea444.jpg

weekapaugjz

06-30-2007, 10:06 PM

so we dropped another one to the mets...blah

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jedisentinal/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

xample

06-30-2007, 10:07 PM

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/jedisentinal/simpsons_nelson_haha2.jpg

http://www.stardock.com/brad/simp1.jpg

weekapaugjz

06-30-2007, 10:08 PM

i like you xample. too bad you have to root for the phils...

xample

06-30-2007, 10:12 PM

i like you xample. too bad you have to root for the phils...

i know.. but one day.... we'll get back to the promised land and i can stop recanting stories of the magical 93 season that almost was

weekapaugjz

06-30-2007, 10:12 PM

i know.. but one day.... we'll get back to the promised land and i can stop recanting stories of the magical 93 season that almost was

did i ever mention i love joe carter?

xample

06-30-2007, 10:14 PM

did i ever mention i love joe carter?

that's just mean.

weekapaugjz

06-30-2007, 10:19 PM

that's just mean.

i actually got his autograph in the bleachers at wrigley field. him and chip carey were doing the broadcast that day and i got homerun ball and got it signed.

xample

06-30-2007, 10:22 PM

i actually got his autograph in the bleachers at wrigley field. him and chip carey were doing the broadcast that day and i got homerun ball and got it signed.

cool stuff.. i totally respect the man as a ballplayer.. 'cept for that one tiny moment in history

weekapaugjz

06-30-2007, 10:23 PM

cool stuff.. i totally respect the man as a ballplayer.. 'cept for that one tiny moment in history

i know, that's why it's so nice to rub in...

cougarjake13

07-01-2007, 05:30 AM

cool stuff.. i totally respect the man as a ballplayer.. 'cept for that one tiny moment in history

hey its not his fault

if anything you have to hate mitch williams for throwing that pitch

or blame anderson and williams for giving up 6 runs in the top of the 8th when they were up 14-9

K.C.

07-01-2007, 03:01 PM

so phillies fans,
I guess coming into this series your thoughts were that you could take 3 out of 4, be one game out going into july, then possibly in first by the all star game...

wow, sorry, so close

hows 3rd place?

Are you out of your mind????

When you matchup three AAA pitchers against ANY team, you're in a bad position. All you had to do was look at the pitching matchups and figure it would be at the very best, a split, if not the Mets winning 3 out of 4. I don't know anyone, who thought rationally, who believed the Phils would take anymore than 2 with that rotation.

It got even worse when the Mets cancelled their game pushing El Duque back a day.

The Phillies were in a bind coming in having to pitch Durbin, Happ, and Kendrick, all in this series, and even throwing Hamels wasn't a lock (as we saw), because Maine is easily the Mets best pitcher this year.

The bottom line, though, is that 5 GB with a half season to play is totally doable. The team adds Gordon and Myers after the break, and by then, I figure Gillick will have addressed the starting pitcher need in SOME capacity.

I'll give the Mets credit...I went to three of the four games at CBP this series, and they jumped all over the opportunity when they saw it. But this was as much the Phillies being caught with their pants down as it was anything else.

cougarjake13

07-01-2007, 03:05 PM

"The Real Deal" this afternoon.....Happ tomorrow

I feel pretty confident in saying that we'll have the division lead by Sunday!

Are you out of your mind????

When you matchup three AAA pitchers against ANY team, you're in a bad position. All you had to do was look at the pitching matchups and figure it would be at the very best, a split, if not the Mets winning 3 out of 4. I don't know anyone, who thought rationally, who believed the Phils would take anymore than 2 with that rotation.

It got even worse when the Mets cancelled their game pushing El Duque back a day.

The Phillies were in a bind coming in having to pitch Durbin, Happ, and Kendrick, all in this series, and even throwing Hamels wasn't a lock (as we saw), because Maine is easily the Mets best pitcher this year.

The bottom line, though, is that 5 GB with a half season to play is totally doable. The team adds Gordon and Myers after the break, and by then, I figure Gillick will have addressed the starting pitcher need in SOME capacity.

I'll give the Mets credit...I went to three of the four games at CBP this series, and they jumped all over the opportunity when they saw it. But this was as much the Phillies being caught with their pants down as it was anything else.

you're own phellow phillie phanatic said you'd have the division lead by sunday

K.C.

07-01-2007, 03:10 PM

By the way, speaking of my games I attended this series at the CBP...

As you may have noticed, there was a sizeable Mets fanbase that showed up...I'd say it was probably 60-40 Phillies fans to Mets fans for the first three games (not sure about Sunday).

Anyway, the Mets fans weren't well represented...first off, it was a lot of Jersey trash masquerading as Mets fans that represented you guys.

Second, you'd have thought a pack of retards decended on the ballpark...this was the standard chatter you heard from one of them in the stadium:

"come on Wright...come on Wright...*Wright hits a single to LF* Yeah Wright...Yeah Wright...he hit that ball...he hit that ball...*announcer announces Shawn Green*...Shawn Green. Shawn Green (repeat's his name 11 more times)...oh, Green hit the ball to right...he hit the ball to right."

It was like fucking Dustin Hoffman in Rainman...it's not like they were enthusiastically screaming, or cheering, or chanting the guy's name...they just repeat it over and over again, completely deadpan, and then feel the need to do play-by-play on everything they see.

Oh...and nothing made me laugh harder than my two favorite, and very often heard, quotes of the weekend.

1) "The Mets are just a great franchise." (False...the Mets, historically, are a pathetic franchise and by FAR #2 in New York, even including the last two years)

2) "David Wright is the best 3B in New York." (Seriously...don't tell me you guys really believe that.)

And lastly...none of them were able to explain to me the logic behind trading Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano...and believe me...I asked a LOT of them.

K.C.

07-01-2007, 03:12 PM

you're own phellow phillie phanatic said you'd have the division lead by sunday

Well...I did say "anybody who thought rationally"

I did hear a bunch of people say, actually, they thought the Phils would win 3 of 4 or sweep...but they weren't exactly baseball savvy people...anyone who follows the game saw the gaping holes in their rotation for this series.

cougarjake13

07-01-2007, 04:19 PM

Well...I did say "anybody who thought rationally"

I did hear a bunch of people say, actually, they thought the Phils would win 3 of 4 or sweep...but they weren't exactly baseball savvy people...anyone who follows the game saw the gaping holes in their rotation for this series.

well i dont know the guy personally so i can vouch for his sanity or lack thereof

cougarjake13

07-01-2007, 04:27 PM

Oh...and nothing made me laugh harder than my two favorite, and very often heard, quotes of the weekend.

1) "The Mets are just a great franchise." (False...the Mets, historically, are a pathetic franchise and by FAR #2 in New York, even including the last two years)

2) "David Wright is the best 3B in New York." (Seriously...don't tell me you guys really believe that.)

3) And lastly...none of them were able to explain to me the logic behind trading Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano...and believe me...I asked a LOT of them.

1. except for 10 years ( 69,73,84,85,86,87,88,99,00,06) i'd agree.

2. wright is a great 3b but better than A-rod ??? no, i mean the guy moved from ss to 3b mid career and is still a gold glover.

3. there was no logic, other than his value was high and they thought that peterson could rectify the problems he was having in tampa, obviously they thought he had the talent and was just in a bad team situation and peterson has worked wonders in the past with oakland and now with the mets so the theory was good, execution not so good.

but kaz is getting injured a lot due to his throwing motion and short size, which was one of the concerns the mets had about him so the trade isnt looking as bad as it did last year when kaz came flying out and kicked ass before the all star break

xample

07-01-2007, 11:23 PM

i'm just glad we avoided the sweep.

K.C.

07-02-2007, 06:47 AM

but kaz is getting injured a lot due to his throwing motion and short size, which was one of the concerns the mets had about him so the trade isnt looking as bad as it did last year when kaz came flying out and kicked ass before the all star break

It's still pretty bad....any throwing issues can be worked out over time, and size isn't too much of a concern...there's plenty of undersized pitchers who do well.

The bottom line, is that he's only 23 and shown legitimate ace stuff at the major league level already. Whereas, Zambrano completely broke down almost as soon as he arrived and was never very good to begin with. He had a decent first half the year the Mets got him, but career wise, he was always pretty bad.

But I guess on the bright side, if you're a Mets fan, you have to kind of like it because it's part of what got Steve Phillips fired. And if Phillips was still the GM, they definitely wouldn't be where they are right now.

PigShitIrish

07-02-2007, 07:28 AM

you're own phellow phillie phanatic said you'd have the division lead by sunday

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source
sar·casm (sär'kāz'əm) Pronunciation Key
n.
A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule.

Earlshog

07-02-2007, 09:03 AM

They have to put Myers back into the rotation when he returns.

Luckily for them the national league sucks ass so they have a chance. I know they took three out of four but I am not overly impressed with he Mets. They have a stacked line up I'll admit, however the pitching leaves quite a bit to be desired.

K.C.

07-02-2007, 11:56 AM

These are the players to watch, in terms of guys the Phils could have interest in at the deadline.

You have to understand, the Phillies have a lot of low-minor prospects, but very few close to major league ready ones. And they're not going to part with people like Michael Bourn or Carlos Carrasco.

So it limits what they can do.

They may trade Adrian Cardenas who's the top hitting prospect, and more of a middle infielder which means he's blocked coming up.

Anyway:

RPs Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, or Luis Ayala: The Nationals have some depth in the bullpen and are out of contention. Cordero will probably be the hottely saught after commodity, and will command a price far more than the Phils will pay. Rauch and Ayala are more likely options if they trade with the Nats

OF Juan Encarnacion: Encarnacion is one of the few expendable parts of any value of the Cardinals, and could provide some right-handed pop. Could be a fit for the Phillies in LF, and I can't imagine he'd command too much in terms of prospects.

RP Damasco Marte: The Pirates are pretty much out, and Marte is a guy the Phillies had interest in before. However, since they added J.C. Romero, my guess is they'll give him a chance as the top left-handed reliever and Zagurski hasn't been too bad.

SP Kyle Lohse, RP David Weathers: Lohse could be a desperate gamble to stabilize the 5th starter spot if Durbin doesn't work out and Garcia is done. Unfortunately, he's just not that good. Weathers is another bullpen guy who will command a lot more interest than he's necessarily worth because of his closer experience, so he'll likely get traded for more than he's worth which means the Phillies will stay out.

3B Morgan Ensberg, SP Jason Jennings: Ensberg has been an enigma for years where he'll produce, and then fall off the earth. He's having a fall off the earth type of year this season, and my guess is the Astros have soured on him. He's high risk/high reward, but could stabilize 3B and provide a right-handed power bat the Phils need. Jennings is a potential interesting guy, but he'll command a lot of interest, and the Phillies most likely won't part with the prospects it'll take to get him.

SP Odalis Perez: Depends on how desperate the Phils are for that 5th starter, but the Royals will likely try to move Perez. Wouldn't be a great move, though.

RP Akinori Otsuka: Could be a nice fit for the Phillies at the backend of the bullpen if Gordon doesn't come back. And the Rangers will be looking to move a lot of players.