September 28: Washington 2, PHILLIES 1
Don't know how many of the guys played with hangovers last night, but Roy Oswalt had a very nice tune-up with five shutout innings. Sure, the guys lost, but they've clinched home field and the NL East ... no reason to push too hard to finish strong and get folks injured.
Although ... it would be nice to see the Phils sweep the Braves this weekend and deny Atlanta a trip to the playoffs (assuming San Diego can get up off the deck).
Not much else to say ...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Halladay ... IN!
September 27: PHILLIES 8, Washington 0
PHILLIES WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
And this is why you trade Kyle Drabek!
Yes, it looked grim through the bitter months of June and July, as Phillies fans everywhere, perplexed by the offensive funk and frustrated by the growing injury list, began figuring out just what it would take to capture a measly Wild Card spot. No one, as I have stated before, could have seen September coming.
But it was for a September stretch run that one Ruben Amaro traded away a piece of Phillie Phuture to get the gunslinger affectionately known as "Doc". Fans always knew we could use him, but how little did we ever realize how much we would need him.
A 14-1 record against teams in the NL East with a 1.69 ERA. That's an ace. That's a guy who wins you divisions, divisional series, an LCS, and a World Series.
And in case there was no doubt, the two-hitter he spun tonight, combined with his 21 wins, sparkling ERA, and perfect game, has probably clinched the 2010 NL Cy Young Award, as well.
Congratulations to the Phils ... let's keep this going and take a place in the pantheon among the greatest dynasties to ever play the game!!
PHILLIES WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
And this is why you trade Kyle Drabek!
Yes, it looked grim through the bitter months of June and July, as Phillies fans everywhere, perplexed by the offensive funk and frustrated by the growing injury list, began figuring out just what it would take to capture a measly Wild Card spot. No one, as I have stated before, could have seen September coming.
But it was for a September stretch run that one Ruben Amaro traded away a piece of Phillie Phuture to get the gunslinger affectionately known as "Doc". Fans always knew we could use him, but how little did we ever realize how much we would need him.
A 14-1 record against teams in the NL East with a 1.69 ERA. That's an ace. That's a guy who wins you divisions, divisional series, an LCS, and a World Series.
And in case there was no doubt, the two-hitter he spun tonight, combined with his 21 wins, sparkling ERA, and perfect game, has probably clinched the 2010 NL Cy Young Award, as well.
Congratulations to the Phils ... let's keep this going and take a place in the pantheon among the greatest dynasties to ever play the game!!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Kyle Kendrick, You Are The Weakest Link ... Goodbye!
September 26: New York 7, PHILLIES 3 (Magic Number is still 2)
September 25: New York 5, PHILLIES 2 (Magic Number is 2)
Record since "Houston Massacre": 23-6
Record in September: 19-5
There's an old saw, with many variations based on the situation, that goes like this:
"If you're sitting at a table, trying to figure out who the idiot is at the table, and you don't recognize anyone else as being the idiot, the idiot is you."
In the "table" known as the Phillies rotation, it appears that Kyle Kendrick still doesn't realize that he's gonna be the odd man out come playoff time. Pitching six innings as if he's auditioning to replace one of the Big Three, Kyle reverted back to his old ways in the seventh, proving once again that he's the weak link in an otherwise stellar run this past month.
I suppose it's not a surprise to Phillies fans, really. After all, we've watched this kid pitch inconsistently all season, so why would we be even remotely fooled into thinking that the performances of Messrs. Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt, and (lately) Blanton would inspire the young Kendrick to greatness? I think, in part, it's because we'd love for this September storming of the NL East Bastille to include a flashback to another September of years past, when another young pitcher helped drive the Phils to a title.
Alas, much like Connor McLeod (of the Clan McLeod), there can be only one Marty Bystrom.
And so, all of Phille fandom must wait another day for the Fightins to have a chance to clinch the NL East.
September 25: New York 5, PHILLIES 2 (Magic Number is 2)
Record since "Houston Massacre": 23-6
Record in September: 19-5
There's an old saw, with many variations based on the situation, that goes like this:
"If you're sitting at a table, trying to figure out who the idiot is at the table, and you don't recognize anyone else as being the idiot, the idiot is you."
In the "table" known as the Phillies rotation, it appears that Kyle Kendrick still doesn't realize that he's gonna be the odd man out come playoff time. Pitching six innings as if he's auditioning to replace one of the Big Three, Kyle reverted back to his old ways in the seventh, proving once again that he's the weak link in an otherwise stellar run this past month.
I suppose it's not a surprise to Phillies fans, really. After all, we've watched this kid pitch inconsistently all season, so why would we be even remotely fooled into thinking that the performances of Messrs. Halladay, Hamels, Oswalt, and (lately) Blanton would inspire the young Kendrick to greatness? I think, in part, it's because we'd love for this September storming of the NL East Bastille to include a flashback to another September of years past, when another young pitcher helped drive the Phils to a title.
Alas, much like Connor McLeod (of the Clan McLeod), there can be only one Marty Bystrom.
And so, all of Phille fandom must wait another day for the Fightins to have a chance to clinch the NL East.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
"Icing The Kicker"? Really, Jerry Manuel?
The Mets' four-year implosion from Major League Team to The Bad News Bears is now complete as manager Jerry Manuel pulled off a move last night that was so bush-league that no self-respecting bush-leaguer would ever do.
In case you missed it, the Mets had runners at the corners with two out in the top of the ninth inning of a game they trailed, 3-2. Brad Lidge was facing Pedro Feliciano and had an 0-2 count on him. As Lidge went into his windup, the third base umpire started to frantically wave for time.
Lidge didn't see this, nor did the home plate umpire, as the pitch was delivered. Feliciano swung and topped the ball back to Lidge, who threw to first for the final out. Or so the 45,000-plus at Citizens Bank Park thought. The third base umpire noted that he'd called time before the ball left Lidge's hand, so the out was taken off the board and Lidge would have to pitch to Feliciano again.
Now, a manager cannot simply call time to "ice" a pitcher. There has to be a good reason to call time in baseball: an injury, make a pitching change, etc. So, it's obvious that Jerry Manuel had a good reason to call time in the situation. Perhaps a pinch-runner at first in case Feliciano hits a ball in the gap to try and take the lead.
Nope. Jerry Manuel called time to insert a pinch-runner at third base!!! Keep in mind, there are two outs. So on a fly ball to the outfield, the game's over. On a ground ball to the infield, Greg Luzinski could be standing on third ... and the play is never going to be made to the plate. Wild pitch? Well, that's always a possibility with Lidge ... but unless the ball comes right back off the backstop to Chooch ... even Luzinski scores from third on a wild one.
So, why waste a pinch runner in that situation? Why put in a faster runner than Thole with two outs? I've seen hundreds of games in my lifetime, and I've never seen a team pinch-run for a guy at third with two outs. There's no sane or legitimate baseball reason for it. Which probably explains why Jerry Manuel isn't one-tenth the manager Charlie Manuel is.
The only reason for such a move is that Manuel was introducing the concept of "icing the pitcher". He knows that Lidge is prone to wild pitches, especially with the slider. Ahead in the count, 0-2, he knows the slider is coming on the next pitch, but the control Lidge has shown of late with the slider, and with the defense Chooch possesses, he also knows Feliciano is toast.
Unless, of course, he can piss off Lidge and get him angry enough to have him over-throw the slider and wild pitch a run home. He can't affect Lidge by hollering "He ain't no pitcher, he's a belly-itcher" from the dugout, but he can piss him off by calling time just at the start of his windup. And that's exactly what he did.
Bush league. Childish. And a clear indication that the Mets, as an organization, have fallen so far, so fast. To engage in tactics that scream out to be eradicated from the rulebook. (Here's how you do it: once a pitcher comes set on the rubber, only the batter may call time, and the home plate umpire still controls whether or not he will allow it. To prevent the batter doing to Lidge what Jerry Manuel did, no substitutions can be made when the batter calls time after a pitcher comes set.)
Here's what the Phillies should do to send a clear message to the Mets, and to MLB, about the way you can prevent this from becoming the norm (because you know Tony LaRussa saw this last night and went 'hmmmmmmmm'): Plunk the first Met batter in today's game ... right between the shoulder blades.
Send the message to the manager that if you're gonna pull that kind of bullshit, your players are going to pay for it. You start getting your players plunked for getting cute with the rules, and the MLBPA will be screaming for MLB to outlaw the practice.
I have one very strong message for Jerry Manuel, knowing that he will never see it:
You're a joke. Your team stinks, and the best you can do to try and win a game is to pull a bush league stunt to try and rattle the pitcher. Why not teach your guys to hit? Or field? You're leading by example, and the example you set last night shows why the Mets have mailed in this season and rolled over. Your choice of tactic last night may have appeared "cat smart", but your players saw it for what it was ... an act of desperation by a manager who has been in over his head since he took over, and who hasn't anything better up his sleeve to improve his team's fortunes.
Your players don't need you, doing magic tricks with the rules. They need a strong leader with the vision to make the club better through stronger fundamentals, not through rules tricks. You're doing sleight-of-hand, hoping the players won't see that you have nothing up your sleeve to make them a contending team. But the players have already read the book; they already know the ending. And nothing you're doing is instilling any confidence in you.
You've mailed in the season, as well. And last night's bush-league move was an acknowledgement that you have nothing better to offer your team than a hope and a wish and a dream that if you could just upset Brad Lidge, you could get the wild pitch necessary to tie the game. And you'd have been satisfied with that, crowed about the "brilliance" of your stratgem, when you should be embarrassed that such a tactic is all you could think of in the situation.
A bolder, more educated manager, seeking to turn fortune 'round, would have gone for the surprise suicide squeeze. But that would have required execution and fundamentals, something you obviously have spent little or no time discussing with your team. Which is why the only bullet you had in the chamber was a cheap, immature stunt.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Jerry Manuel. Because it's highly doubtful that anyone will ever hand you the keys to a major league club again. Last night's idiocy should have finally opened eyes to the fact the the emperor is not wearing any clothes.
In case you missed it, the Mets had runners at the corners with two out in the top of the ninth inning of a game they trailed, 3-2. Brad Lidge was facing Pedro Feliciano and had an 0-2 count on him. As Lidge went into his windup, the third base umpire started to frantically wave for time.
Lidge didn't see this, nor did the home plate umpire, as the pitch was delivered. Feliciano swung and topped the ball back to Lidge, who threw to first for the final out. Or so the 45,000-plus at Citizens Bank Park thought. The third base umpire noted that he'd called time before the ball left Lidge's hand, so the out was taken off the board and Lidge would have to pitch to Feliciano again.
Now, a manager cannot simply call time to "ice" a pitcher. There has to be a good reason to call time in baseball: an injury, make a pitching change, etc. So, it's obvious that Jerry Manuel had a good reason to call time in the situation. Perhaps a pinch-runner at first in case Feliciano hits a ball in the gap to try and take the lead.
Nope. Jerry Manuel called time to insert a pinch-runner at third base!!! Keep in mind, there are two outs. So on a fly ball to the outfield, the game's over. On a ground ball to the infield, Greg Luzinski could be standing on third ... and the play is never going to be made to the plate. Wild pitch? Well, that's always a possibility with Lidge ... but unless the ball comes right back off the backstop to Chooch ... even Luzinski scores from third on a wild one.
So, why waste a pinch runner in that situation? Why put in a faster runner than Thole with two outs? I've seen hundreds of games in my lifetime, and I've never seen a team pinch-run for a guy at third with two outs. There's no sane or legitimate baseball reason for it. Which probably explains why Jerry Manuel isn't one-tenth the manager Charlie Manuel is.
The only reason for such a move is that Manuel was introducing the concept of "icing the pitcher". He knows that Lidge is prone to wild pitches, especially with the slider. Ahead in the count, 0-2, he knows the slider is coming on the next pitch, but the control Lidge has shown of late with the slider, and with the defense Chooch possesses, he also knows Feliciano is toast.
Unless, of course, he can piss off Lidge and get him angry enough to have him over-throw the slider and wild pitch a run home. He can't affect Lidge by hollering "He ain't no pitcher, he's a belly-itcher" from the dugout, but he can piss him off by calling time just at the start of his windup. And that's exactly what he did.
Bush league. Childish. And a clear indication that the Mets, as an organization, have fallen so far, so fast. To engage in tactics that scream out to be eradicated from the rulebook. (Here's how you do it: once a pitcher comes set on the rubber, only the batter may call time, and the home plate umpire still controls whether or not he will allow it. To prevent the batter doing to Lidge what Jerry Manuel did, no substitutions can be made when the batter calls time after a pitcher comes set.)
Here's what the Phillies should do to send a clear message to the Mets, and to MLB, about the way you can prevent this from becoming the norm (because you know Tony LaRussa saw this last night and went 'hmmmmmmmm'): Plunk the first Met batter in today's game ... right between the shoulder blades.
Send the message to the manager that if you're gonna pull that kind of bullshit, your players are going to pay for it. You start getting your players plunked for getting cute with the rules, and the MLBPA will be screaming for MLB to outlaw the practice.
I have one very strong message for Jerry Manuel, knowing that he will never see it:
You're a joke. Your team stinks, and the best you can do to try and win a game is to pull a bush league stunt to try and rattle the pitcher. Why not teach your guys to hit? Or field? You're leading by example, and the example you set last night shows why the Mets have mailed in this season and rolled over. Your choice of tactic last night may have appeared "cat smart", but your players saw it for what it was ... an act of desperation by a manager who has been in over his head since he took over, and who hasn't anything better up his sleeve to improve his team's fortunes.
Your players don't need you, doing magic tricks with the rules. They need a strong leader with the vision to make the club better through stronger fundamentals, not through rules tricks. You're doing sleight-of-hand, hoping the players won't see that you have nothing up your sleeve to make them a contending team. But the players have already read the book; they already know the ending. And nothing you're doing is instilling any confidence in you.
You've mailed in the season, as well. And last night's bush-league move was an acknowledgement that you have nothing better to offer your team than a hope and a wish and a dream that if you could just upset Brad Lidge, you could get the wild pitch necessary to tie the game. And you'd have been satisfied with that, crowed about the "brilliance" of your stratgem, when you should be embarrassed that such a tactic is all you could think of in the situation.
A bolder, more educated manager, seeking to turn fortune 'round, would have gone for the surprise suicide squeeze. But that would have required execution and fundamentals, something you obviously have spent little or no time discussing with your team. Which is why the only bullet you had in the chamber was a cheap, immature stunt.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Jerry Manuel. Because it's highly doubtful that anyone will ever hand you the keys to a major league club again. Last night's idiocy should have finally opened eyes to the fact the the emperor is not wearing any clothes.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Oh Thank Heaven ... Streak's At Eleven!!
September 24: PHILLIES 3, New York 2 (Magic Number is 2)
Record since the "Houston Massacre": 23-4
Record in September: 19-3
On Wednesday, I wheeled the virtual champagne from the virtual wine cellar into the virtual chiller. Tonight, I moved the virtual champagne from the virtual chiller to the virtual ice.
Yes, Phillies fans, your long, long wait for the 2010 Eastern Division Championship is almost over. How many of us, myself included, saw this coming after the Phils turned a 24-13 start into a 49-46 record in July with a horrendous 25-33 run in which the team simply couldn't hit to save its life? How many of us ... let's be honest ... gave up on the club's chances at the division, and started computing scenarios in which we could still get the Wild Card? I know I did.
But I the one thing I refused to do is completely give up hope that the guys could at least get into the playoffs. I love the Phils too much to give up on 'em completely, not in July. I never thought they'd do what they've done, but I wasn't bailing on them until it was clear that they couldn't catch anyone.
Think about how this team could have stacked up with some of the great all-time teams if they had played like champions in that 58-game funk. Let's take a look at it. The Phils are now an MLB-best 93-61. Subtracting out that 25-33 stretch, and the Phils are 68-28 in games prior to and after that 58-game aberration. Here is what the Phils' record could have looked like (as of tonight) if:
The Phils had played those 58 games at their post-49-and-46 pace (.745) clip: 111-43
The Phils had played those 58 games at their pre-49-and-46 pace (.648): 105-49
The Phils had played those 58 games at their current pace (.604): 103-51
The Phils had played those 58 games at a .556 (90-win) pace: 100-54
The Phils had played those 58 games at a .500 pace: 97-57
Obviously, this is pure fantasy, as no one really knows what would have happened if the Phils had played much, much better over those 58 games than they actually did. For openers, would they still have coveted Roy Oswalt with such a great record? Would they have needed him?
The list above is interesting when you consider how we saw this club coming out of Spring Training. We all thought this team, with Halladay, was even better than last year's team, and had the word "powerhouse dynasty" written all over it. Did we think 100 wins were possible? No, I don't think so ... I saw very few article or blog postings talking about 100 wins (Comments to posts? Yes, but few bloggers themselves were predicting a cool century). But if you look at what the Phils were capable of, even playing those 58 games at a 90-win pace (100-54 with eight games to play), you get the sense that the injuries and long hitting slump may have robbed us of a place in the pantheon of great single-season teams.
As it is, the current September is the stuff of legend. As much as September of 2007 was epic, this has been a September that could rank as one of the greatest closing kicks ever by a pennant contender. It's almost New York Giant-like in magnitude.
The Giants were 20-5 in September of 1951 to make up seven games after a 20-9 August ... the Phils are presently 19-3 making up three games after an 18-10 August. That's a 40-14 finish for the Giants versus a current skein of 37-13. Bet you haven't seen anyone compare the 2010 Phils to the 1951 Giants, have you?
So, let's enjoy this ride while it lasts, and keep reminding ourselves that we're watching something absolutely historical as the Phils continue to ride roughshod on the NL. Like you, I hope the bottom doesn't fall out ... but somehow, I think the way this club responded to all the injuries (remember what happened to the Mets when they lost Beltran, Delgado, Reyes, and Putz last year) has them believing that they are the best team on the planet.
And I agree ... the Phils are the best team in all of baseball right now. And just like I won't argue the merits of some Whiz wit on my steak ... I won't argue my previous point.
Record since the "Houston Massacre": 23-4
Record in September: 19-3
On Wednesday, I wheeled the virtual champagne from the virtual wine cellar into the virtual chiller. Tonight, I moved the virtual champagne from the virtual chiller to the virtual ice.
Yes, Phillies fans, your long, long wait for the 2010 Eastern Division Championship is almost over. How many of us, myself included, saw this coming after the Phils turned a 24-13 start into a 49-46 record in July with a horrendous 25-33 run in which the team simply couldn't hit to save its life? How many of us ... let's be honest ... gave up on the club's chances at the division, and started computing scenarios in which we could still get the Wild Card? I know I did.
But I the one thing I refused to do is completely give up hope that the guys could at least get into the playoffs. I love the Phils too much to give up on 'em completely, not in July. I never thought they'd do what they've done, but I wasn't bailing on them until it was clear that they couldn't catch anyone.
Think about how this team could have stacked up with some of the great all-time teams if they had played like champions in that 58-game funk. Let's take a look at it. The Phils are now an MLB-best 93-61. Subtracting out that 25-33 stretch, and the Phils are 68-28 in games prior to and after that 58-game aberration. Here is what the Phils' record could have looked like (as of tonight) if:
The Phils had played those 58 games at their post-49-and-46 pace (.745) clip: 111-43
The Phils had played those 58 games at their pre-49-and-46 pace (.648): 105-49
The Phils had played those 58 games at their current pace (.604): 103-51
The Phils had played those 58 games at a .556 (90-win) pace: 100-54
The Phils had played those 58 games at a .500 pace: 97-57
Obviously, this is pure fantasy, as no one really knows what would have happened if the Phils had played much, much better over those 58 games than they actually did. For openers, would they still have coveted Roy Oswalt with such a great record? Would they have needed him?
The list above is interesting when you consider how we saw this club coming out of Spring Training. We all thought this team, with Halladay, was even better than last year's team, and had the word "powerhouse dynasty" written all over it. Did we think 100 wins were possible? No, I don't think so ... I saw very few article or blog postings talking about 100 wins (Comments to posts? Yes, but few bloggers themselves were predicting a cool century). But if you look at what the Phils were capable of, even playing those 58 games at a 90-win pace (100-54 with eight games to play), you get the sense that the injuries and long hitting slump may have robbed us of a place in the pantheon of great single-season teams.
As it is, the current September is the stuff of legend. As much as September of 2007 was epic, this has been a September that could rank as one of the greatest closing kicks ever by a pennant contender. It's almost New York Giant-like in magnitude.
The Giants were 20-5 in September of 1951 to make up seven games after a 20-9 August ... the Phils are presently 19-3 making up three games after an 18-10 August. That's a 40-14 finish for the Giants versus a current skein of 37-13. Bet you haven't seen anyone compare the 2010 Phils to the 1951 Giants, have you?
So, let's enjoy this ride while it lasts, and keep reminding ourselves that we're watching something absolutely historical as the Phils continue to ride roughshod on the NL. Like you, I hope the bottom doesn't fall out ... but somehow, I think the way this club responded to all the injuries (remember what happened to the Mets when they lost Beltran, Delgado, Reyes, and Putz last year) has them believing that they are the best team on the planet.
And I agree ... the Phils are the best team in all of baseball right now. And just like I won't argue the merits of some Whiz wit on my steak ... I won't argue my previous point.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Oh my! Oh-swalt!
September 22: PHILLIES 1, Atlanta 0 (Magic Number: 4)
Record Since "Houston Massacre": 22-4
Record in September: 18-3
What a game! And in the pressure of a pennant race! Shades of Addie Joss in 1908! Okay, maybe the Addie Joss comparison is stretching things a lot, but any pitcher or team tossing a one-hitter, against their rival and chaser, in a pennant race, is cause for lots of hyperbole!!
And what about Rauuuul "Werewolves of London" Ibanez??? Another two-out double to plate the eventual winning run!! While I don't believe in the concept of a "clutch" hitter, we can say that Raul was clutch the past two nights.
I really have nothing more to say about tonight's game. Oswalt has been absolutely fantastic, and I think the National League (and them thar fellers over in the Amercun League) have seen the playoff future ... and they have got to be intimidated.
When was the last time you could honestly say that the Phillies, before they ever play a playoff game, have played in a way that is scaring the living crap out of the teams waiting to face them?
Record Since "Houston Massacre": 22-4
Record in September: 18-3
What a game! And in the pressure of a pennant race! Shades of Addie Joss in 1908! Okay, maybe the Addie Joss comparison is stretching things a lot, but any pitcher or team tossing a one-hitter, against their rival and chaser, in a pennant race, is cause for lots of hyperbole!!
And what about Rauuuul "Werewolves of London" Ibanez??? Another two-out double to plate the eventual winning run!! While I don't believe in the concept of a "clutch" hitter, we can say that Raul was clutch the past two nights.
I really have nothing more to say about tonight's game. Oswalt has been absolutely fantastic, and I think the National League (and them thar fellers over in the Amercun League) have seen the playoff future ... and they have got to be intimidated.
When was the last time you could honestly say that the Phillies, before they ever play a playoff game, have played in a way that is scaring the living crap out of the teams waiting to face them?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
On Pitcher Wins
For those who don't know, I am an avid tabletop baseball gamer. I've played them all: APBA, Strat-O-Matic, SherCo, Diamond Mind, Extra Innings, Time Travel, Replay. Even designed a baseball game of my own. I'm also a stats junkie ... I keep the most complete stats, even for the tabletop, that anyone could ask for.
So, whenever I start thinking about new ways to do things, I can use my tabletop leagues to try it out to see how it would work in reality. For example, my research showed that 96% of all extra-inning games end before the game goes into the 13th inning. So, in my leagues, teams play up to three extra innings. If no one wins after 12, the game goes into the books as a tie game (not replayed).
As Roy Halladay approached his 20th win, which he got tonight, I started thinking about what really constitutes a "win". And who deserves a win. Does a reliever, entering a tie game, deserve a win for something he really had nothing to do with?
So, here's what I plan on trying out for my next tabletop league project:
A starter can only be credited with a win in any game. And a starter may only be credited with a win if:
a) He pitches five innings or more
b) He allows four runs or fewer (earned or unearned)
Relievers cannot earn wins under this rule. Instead, any games won by the team, but not credited to a starting pitcher, are credited as "team wins".
Losses are another story.
All losses should be charged to an individual pitcher. The losing pitcher will be the one who gave up the eventual game-winning run. However, if the actions of a fielder cause the eventual winning run to score, the the loss is charged as a "team loss".
There's an important distinction, here, in the phrase "gave up the eventual game-winning run". Let me illustrate:
Ryan Madson comes on in the bottom of 9th and gives up a leadoff walk in a tie ballgame. Brad Lidge then walks two guys and gives up a sac fly for the win.
Under current rules, Madson is charged with the loss because his walk scored the winning run. But whose fault was it that the guy scored? Lidge's!! In this case, Lidge gets the loss as his wildness put the runner on third where the sac fly now is in play for bringing him home.
So, in my system, if the official scorer can point to the actions of a subsequent pitcher as being the cause for an inherited runner to score, then that pitcher gets tagged with the loss. Think if Madson walked the bases loaded, then Lidge served up a grannie. Yes, Madson put Lidge in a tough (and I mean tough) spot ... but Lidge didn't have to serve up a homer.
I admit that I haven't tried this, but it seems to make sense, probably in the same way that getting married made sense to me 24 years ago (thankfully, the missus doesn't read baseball blogs). But the test kitchen will be the tabletop.
So, whenever I start thinking about new ways to do things, I can use my tabletop leagues to try it out to see how it would work in reality. For example, my research showed that 96% of all extra-inning games end before the game goes into the 13th inning. So, in my leagues, teams play up to three extra innings. If no one wins after 12, the game goes into the books as a tie game (not replayed).
As Roy Halladay approached his 20th win, which he got tonight, I started thinking about what really constitutes a "win". And who deserves a win. Does a reliever, entering a tie game, deserve a win for something he really had nothing to do with?
So, here's what I plan on trying out for my next tabletop league project:
A starter can only be credited with a win in any game. And a starter may only be credited with a win if:
a) He pitches five innings or more
b) He allows four runs or fewer (earned or unearned)
Relievers cannot earn wins under this rule. Instead, any games won by the team, but not credited to a starting pitcher, are credited as "team wins".
Losses are another story.
All losses should be charged to an individual pitcher. The losing pitcher will be the one who gave up the eventual game-winning run. However, if the actions of a fielder cause the eventual winning run to score, the the loss is charged as a "team loss".
There's an important distinction, here, in the phrase "gave up the eventual game-winning run". Let me illustrate:
Ryan Madson comes on in the bottom of 9th and gives up a leadoff walk in a tie ballgame. Brad Lidge then walks two guys and gives up a sac fly for the win.
Under current rules, Madson is charged with the loss because his walk scored the winning run. But whose fault was it that the guy scored? Lidge's!! In this case, Lidge gets the loss as his wildness put the runner on third where the sac fly now is in play for bringing him home.
So, in my system, if the official scorer can point to the actions of a subsequent pitcher as being the cause for an inherited runner to score, then that pitcher gets tagged with the loss. Think if Madson walked the bases loaded, then Lidge served up a grannie. Yes, Madson put Lidge in a tough (and I mean tough) spot ... but Lidge didn't have to serve up a homer.
I admit that I haven't tried this, but it seems to make sense, probably in the same way that getting married made sense to me 24 years ago (thankfully, the missus doesn't read baseball blogs). But the test kitchen will be the tabletop.
Halladay Two-O
September 21: PHILLIES 5, Atlanta 3 (Magic Number is 6)
September 20: PHILLIES 3, Atlanta 1 (Magic Number is 8)
He wasn't particularly sharp, especially after the first inning, but Roy Halladay had just enough guile, arm, and guts to win his 20th game of the season tonight. In so doing, he becomes the first Phillies pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1982 to win 20 games. That 28-year wait was the third-longest active streak in the majors.
The Phils did just enough again tonight to win, but facing a quality team like the Braves, it doesn't have to be the 21st Century edition of The Bash Brothers. It just has to be a win.
Now, we all know how fragile leads can be (ask the 1964 Phils and 2007 Mets about that). But with a 5-game lead and just 10 to play, six against woeful opponents, it's getting clearer every day that the Phils should soon be posting one of those little "x-" in front of "Philadelphia" in the standings. I won't go so far as to call it over ... I have steadfastly refused to celebrate anything until that little "x" appears in the standings. But this is just about over, folks.
Ninety-one wins. A season-high nine-game win streak. Thirty games above .500. A 17-3 record in September. A 21-4 record since the long-forgotten "Houston Massacre". Another sell-out at The Bank. Rally Towels everywhere you look.
It looks and feels like October baseball ... because it's almost certain that, for the fourth consecutive year, there will be October baseball in the City of Philadelphia ... a new record for consecutive post-season appearances by the Phils.
We can all revel in the wonderful run in the second half that's had us come from seven down to five up, an amazing twelve-game swing in the course of the last 60 days. That's right, two months ago, this very evening, the Phils were seven games behind the Braves in National League East.
I'm going to go out on a huge limb and say that this past month has been the greatest month of baseball ever played by the Phillies. Yeah, it's easy to get caught up in the hype, but when you live as far away as I do (Chicagoland) and you're not right there, in the middle of the frenzy, it's easier for me not to get caught up in the hype, because I'm not surrounded by peers, co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors, all high-fiving each other over the streak the Phils are in.
I'm quite serious. Yes, the Phils had a magical, 12-3 October in 2008. But we expected it (well, I suppose many of us suspected the bottom would eventually fall out as it usually does for Philadelphia teams) and went along for the ride. But no one saw this coming, especially after losing that four-game set to the Astros. No one could have foreseen this. Even I kept saying that at least we could grab the Wild Card if all else failed.
And because no one saw this coming, it's not only all the more sweeter, it's also impacting my judgement on whether or not this stretch of baseball is the greatest ever played by a Phillies team. And I'm going to say that it is. You may disagree with my opinion, but that opinion, and $4, gets you a something-or-other coffee-type drink at one of those coffee-like places where everyone drinking a cup thinks they're very special and discerning people for drinking what is, essentially, whipped cream, air-injected milk, with caramel syrup and about as much real coffee in it as tiramisu. In other words, Starbucks is to coffee what Jamba Juice is to coffee. (Okay, that's my "you cannot be serious" rant about Starbucks and all Starbucks wanna-be shops.)
Enjoy the ride, Phillies fans ...
September 20: PHILLIES 3, Atlanta 1 (Magic Number is 8)
He wasn't particularly sharp, especially after the first inning, but Roy Halladay had just enough guile, arm, and guts to win his 20th game of the season tonight. In so doing, he becomes the first Phillies pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1982 to win 20 games. That 28-year wait was the third-longest active streak in the majors.
The Phils did just enough again tonight to win, but facing a quality team like the Braves, it doesn't have to be the 21st Century edition of The Bash Brothers. It just has to be a win.
Now, we all know how fragile leads can be (ask the 1964 Phils and 2007 Mets about that). But with a 5-game lead and just 10 to play, six against woeful opponents, it's getting clearer every day that the Phils should soon be posting one of those little "x-" in front of "Philadelphia" in the standings. I won't go so far as to call it over ... I have steadfastly refused to celebrate anything until that little "x" appears in the standings. But this is just about over, folks.
Ninety-one wins. A season-high nine-game win streak. Thirty games above .500. A 17-3 record in September. A 21-4 record since the long-forgotten "Houston Massacre". Another sell-out at The Bank. Rally Towels everywhere you look.
It looks and feels like October baseball ... because it's almost certain that, for the fourth consecutive year, there will be October baseball in the City of Philadelphia ... a new record for consecutive post-season appearances by the Phils.
We can all revel in the wonderful run in the second half that's had us come from seven down to five up, an amazing twelve-game swing in the course of the last 60 days. That's right, two months ago, this very evening, the Phils were seven games behind the Braves in National League East.
I'm going to go out on a huge limb and say that this past month has been the greatest month of baseball ever played by the Phillies. Yeah, it's easy to get caught up in the hype, but when you live as far away as I do (Chicagoland) and you're not right there, in the middle of the frenzy, it's easier for me not to get caught up in the hype, because I'm not surrounded by peers, co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors, all high-fiving each other over the streak the Phils are in.
I'm quite serious. Yes, the Phils had a magical, 12-3 October in 2008. But we expected it (well, I suppose many of us suspected the bottom would eventually fall out as it usually does for Philadelphia teams) and went along for the ride. But no one saw this coming, especially after losing that four-game set to the Astros. No one could have foreseen this. Even I kept saying that at least we could grab the Wild Card if all else failed.
And because no one saw this coming, it's not only all the more sweeter, it's also impacting my judgement on whether or not this stretch of baseball is the greatest ever played by a Phillies team. And I'm going to say that it is. You may disagree with my opinion, but that opinion, and $4, gets you a something-or-other coffee-type drink at one of those coffee-like places where everyone drinking a cup thinks they're very special and discerning people for drinking what is, essentially, whipped cream, air-injected milk, with caramel syrup and about as much real coffee in it as tiramisu. In other words, Starbucks is to coffee what Jamba Juice is to coffee. (Okay, that's my "you cannot be serious" rant about Starbucks and all Starbucks wanna-be shops.)
Enjoy the ride, Phillies fans ...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Gutless, Heartless Team That Call Themselves "The Mets"
Message to the Mets (and their fans):
Since you failed to show up at Citi Field for your weekend series against the Braves, I expect you to refuse to show up for your weekend series at Citizens Bank Park this weekend. After all, if you didn't have the guts to play spoiler in the NL East race this past weekend, you forfeit the right to exhibit any guts against the Phils this coming weekend. So, keep playing the way you did against the Braves, mailing it in and reserving your tee times.
It's quite obvious that you have no heart. The Collapse of 2007 was supposed to be an anomaly, a fluke, not really representative of the great Met "tradition" (of some of the luckiest plays ever in World Series history). But what about 2008, when you saw the Phightins in the rear view and folded like a tent? Or 2009, when a few key injuries sank your season before it every started? Or the team that mailed in 2010 from Spring Training?
So, please, don't start caring about the season now. Don't bother worrying about "playing for pride" ... you had that chance this past weekend and passed on it like I pass on rice cakes or whole wheat bread. Don't suddenly realize that you can play spoiler now. Just keep on playing your Wiis or X-Box 360s in the clubhouse to take your mind off how absolutely horrible your club is, and what a bunch of gutless, heartless players you all are.
And if you should get the idea that you should get up off your knees and start playing baseball, don't. Your heads are no place for ideas. Just keep on collecting your paychecks and mailing in your results.
Changing, ever so slightly, what Marcellus Wallace said to Butch in "Pulp Fiction", I say to the Mets:
"You leave town. Tonight, right now. And when you're gone, you stay gone, or you be gone. You lost all your Philly privileges."
Since you failed to show up at Citi Field for your weekend series against the Braves, I expect you to refuse to show up for your weekend series at Citizens Bank Park this weekend. After all, if you didn't have the guts to play spoiler in the NL East race this past weekend, you forfeit the right to exhibit any guts against the Phils this coming weekend. So, keep playing the way you did against the Braves, mailing it in and reserving your tee times.
It's quite obvious that you have no heart. The Collapse of 2007 was supposed to be an anomaly, a fluke, not really representative of the great Met "tradition" (of some of the luckiest plays ever in World Series history). But what about 2008, when you saw the Phightins in the rear view and folded like a tent? Or 2009, when a few key injuries sank your season before it every started? Or the team that mailed in 2010 from Spring Training?
So, please, don't start caring about the season now. Don't bother worrying about "playing for pride" ... you had that chance this past weekend and passed on it like I pass on rice cakes or whole wheat bread. Don't suddenly realize that you can play spoiler now. Just keep on playing your Wiis or X-Box 360s in the clubhouse to take your mind off how absolutely horrible your club is, and what a bunch of gutless, heartless players you all are.
And if you should get the idea that you should get up off your knees and start playing baseball, don't. Your heads are no place for ideas. Just keep on collecting your paychecks and mailing in your results.
Changing, ever so slightly, what Marcellus Wallace said to Butch in "Pulp Fiction", I say to the Mets:
"You leave town. Tonight, right now. And when you're gone, you stay gone, or you be gone. You lost all your Philly privileges."
Swee-eee-eee, Sweep City Woman
September 19: PHILLIES 7, Washington 6
JAYSON WERTH ... YOU ARE THE MAN!
WOW!!! What a comeback! Unbelievable! Scintillating! There are no words! I can't believe what I just saw! The Phillies win ... theeeeeeeeeeeeee Phillies win! And that's a Phils winner! You can put it on the boarrrrrrrd ... YES! Long drive to deep. Left. Center field. And that ball is ... OUTTA HEEEERRRRRREEEEE ... Jay-son Werth, with a two-run, home-run, and the Phils win it, 7-6!! Hard to believe, Harry!
You name the game-ending hyperbole, and it applied to today's game. As I watched football this afternoon, I kept my eye on the score updates that FOX kept cycling along with the football scores. And as a Phillies 3-1 lead turned into a 6-3 deficit in the upper-right corner of my TV screen, my anger boiled like a hotdog in those old steamer trays that Charlie Frank used to tote around the Vet in the old days.
As an aside, I miss Charlie. When he'd be out of dogs and someone would flag him down, he'd holler back, "Gotta take my doggy for a walk ... be right back". And that man knew how to slather the Gulden's onto every Phillie Frank :)
Anyway, imagine my surprise when, between football games, I copped my wife's Blackberry to check on the score of the Phils' game. 7-6! What happened?!?!? How? Who? A quick flip over to MLB Network to catch Quick Pitch ... and my questions were answered.
Joe Blanton continues, unfortunately, to refuse to last into and beyond the 6th inning so that the bullpen can get some needed rest down the stretch. I am amazed at Blanton: with the work that Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels have been doing, he simply doesn't get it. Cruising along with eight Ks through five innings, he doesn't take a page from their book and stay focused ... he gets lazy and then gets in trouble ... then gets his pitch count up above 90, which is where the real fun starts.
Of course, the big series starts on Monday, with Jair Jurrjens opposing Cole Hamels. The Braves series will be a playoff preview in the sense that we'll get a chance to see what Games 1-3 of the NLDS will look like on the mound. The rest of the National League will most definitely be watching, since either the Reds, Rockies, Giants, or Padres will be facing those three guys come October 6.
With the three-game lead, the Phils can take two and almost wrap up the division. Taking 2 of 3 would put the Phils at 91-62, the Braves at 87-66 ... leaving the Phils four up with nine to play. Here's what would be needed, then, the final nine games:
Should the Phils lose 2 of 3, then they'd be 90-63, and the Braves would be 88-65, leaving us with:
September 18: PHILLIES 5, Washington 2
September 17: PHILLIES 9, Washington 1
JAYSON WERTH ... YOU ARE THE MAN!
WOW!!! What a comeback! Unbelievable! Scintillating! There are no words! I can't believe what I just saw! The Phillies win ... theeeeeeeeeeeeee Phillies win! And that's a Phils winner! You can put it on the boarrrrrrrd ... YES! Long drive to deep. Left. Center field. And that ball is ... OUTTA HEEEERRRRRREEEEE ... Jay-son Werth, with a two-run, home-run, and the Phils win it, 7-6!! Hard to believe, Harry!
You name the game-ending hyperbole, and it applied to today's game. As I watched football this afternoon, I kept my eye on the score updates that FOX kept cycling along with the football scores. And as a Phillies 3-1 lead turned into a 6-3 deficit in the upper-right corner of my TV screen, my anger boiled like a hotdog in those old steamer trays that Charlie Frank used to tote around the Vet in the old days.
As an aside, I miss Charlie. When he'd be out of dogs and someone would flag him down, he'd holler back, "Gotta take my doggy for a walk ... be right back". And that man knew how to slather the Gulden's onto every Phillie Frank :)
Anyway, imagine my surprise when, between football games, I copped my wife's Blackberry to check on the score of the Phils' game. 7-6! What happened?!?!? How? Who? A quick flip over to MLB Network to catch Quick Pitch ... and my questions were answered.
Joe Blanton continues, unfortunately, to refuse to last into and beyond the 6th inning so that the bullpen can get some needed rest down the stretch. I am amazed at Blanton: with the work that Halladay, Oswalt, and Hamels have been doing, he simply doesn't get it. Cruising along with eight Ks through five innings, he doesn't take a page from their book and stay focused ... he gets lazy and then gets in trouble ... then gets his pitch count up above 90, which is where the real fun starts.
Of course, the big series starts on Monday, with Jair Jurrjens opposing Cole Hamels. The Braves series will be a playoff preview in the sense that we'll get a chance to see what Games 1-3 of the NLDS will look like on the mound. The rest of the National League will most definitely be watching, since either the Reds, Rockies, Giants, or Padres will be facing those three guys come October 6.
With the three-game lead, the Phils can take two and almost wrap up the division. Taking 2 of 3 would put the Phils at 91-62, the Braves at 87-66 ... leaving the Phils four up with nine to play. Here's what would be needed, then, the final nine games:
- If the Phils go 3-6, the Braves must go 7-2 to tie for the division, 8-1 to win outright
- If the Phils go 4-5, the Braves must go 8-1 to tie for the division, 9-0 to win outright
- If the Phils go 5-4, the Braves must go 9-0 to tie for the division, and cannot win outright
- If the Phils go 6-3, the Braves can only hope for the wild card
Should the Phils lose 2 of 3, then they'd be 90-63, and the Braves would be 88-65, leaving us with:
- If the Phils go 3-6, the Braves must go 5-4 to tie for the division, 6-3 to win outright
- If the Phils go 4-5, the Braves must go 6-3 to tie for the division, 7-2 to win outright
- If the Phils go 5-4, the Braves must go 7-2 to tie for the division, 8-1 to win outright
- If the Phils go 6-3, the Braves must go 8-1 to tie for the division, 9-0 to win outright
- If the Phils go 7-2, the Braves can only hope for the wild card (because one of those Phils wins would be against the Braves)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Miss A Little ... And You Miss A Lot
September 16: off day
September 15: PHILLIES 10, Florida 4
September 14: PHILLIES 2, Florida 1
September 13: PHILLIES 11, Florida 4
September 12: PHILLIES 3, New York 0
September 11: New York 4, PHILLIES 3
September 10: PHILLIES 8, New York 4
Wow ... take a few days off from blogging, and the Phils go from a half-game lead to a three-game lead! It's just what my professors used to say in college ... if you miss a little, you miss a lot!!
To my faithful readers, my apologies for the lack of posts the past few days. Real life intervened and kept me from posting. Maybe someday, I'll have some contributing writers like other blogs to keep fresh stuff flowing on a daily basis. Until then, I'll catch as catch can.
The recent success of the Phightins has me returning to the topics of "Post Four-Game Losing Streaks" and "Septembers". Since their four-game losing streak (the home sweep by the Astros) on August 23-26, the Phils have gone 16-4 (.800), keeping in tradition with their record after similar four-game streaks in the past four playoff runs.
As to September, the Phils have gone 12-3 (.800), which keeps them in line for another fantastic September run, something they've done every year since 2004. You can find articles on both phenomenon in the Classic Steaks section:
"How Sweep It Is"
"Brad Lidge: The Pitching Walenda"
I'll have more to say in the coming days about the Phils' possible playoff rotation, the health of Jimmy Rollins, and the race for a fourth consecutive NL East flag.
September 15: PHILLIES 10, Florida 4
September 14: PHILLIES 2, Florida 1
September 13: PHILLIES 11, Florida 4
September 12: PHILLIES 3, New York 0
September 11: New York 4, PHILLIES 3
September 10: PHILLIES 8, New York 4
Wow ... take a few days off from blogging, and the Phils go from a half-game lead to a three-game lead! It's just what my professors used to say in college ... if you miss a little, you miss a lot!!
To my faithful readers, my apologies for the lack of posts the past few days. Real life intervened and kept me from posting. Maybe someday, I'll have some contributing writers like other blogs to keep fresh stuff flowing on a daily basis. Until then, I'll catch as catch can.
The recent success of the Phightins has me returning to the topics of "Post Four-Game Losing Streaks" and "Septembers". Since their four-game losing streak (the home sweep by the Astros) on August 23-26, the Phils have gone 16-4 (.800), keeping in tradition with their record after similar four-game streaks in the past four playoff runs.
As to September, the Phils have gone 12-3 (.800), which keeps them in line for another fantastic September run, something they've done every year since 2004. You can find articles on both phenomenon in the Classic Steaks section:
"How Sweep It Is"
"Brad Lidge: The Pitching Walenda"
I'll have more to say in the coming days about the Phils' possible playoff rotation, the health of Jimmy Rollins, and the race for a fourth consecutive NL East flag.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Perfect Ten
September 9: Off day
September 8: PHILLIES 10, Florida 6
Well, the offense has started to come back to life, and not a moment too soon. Especially since we have a score to settle with the Mets, who shut us out for an entire series way back in June that I believe started us on that crystal-blue funk that lasted until July.
I'm trying not to jinx Jimmy Rollins by talking too much about his hamstring. Suffice it to say, it would be great to have everyone back for the stretch run, but let's be sure everyone is ready and healthy enough to play, especially in the post-season. Here's hoping the tightness in Jimmy's hammy is just that and that a few days' rest will set him to right.
Of course, the Braves lost tonight, sending them a full game back of the Phils. Nice to see the Cardinals start hitting at just the right time (how many times in the past has a rival played a team that was in a funk instead of being red-hot?). Looks like the Bravos put Kawakami into the 'pen, given his 1-11 record as a starter. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out when the Phils host Atlanta during the next homestand.
I followed a link at The Good Phight this morning over breakfast, and in the linked story, it seems that Kyle Kendrick is a bit miffed that he's not being considered as a reliable fifth starter by Charlie Manuel (and the fans) as Manuel has not named his fifth starter for Saturday's game at New York. Seems Kendrick's main complaint is that the other guys on the staff are considered "perfect", and Kyle doesn't believe he's been appreciated enough.
Kyle, I doubt you read this blog. And if you do, you're probably like every other major leaguer who thinks the ordinary fan can't possibly understand the intricasies of the game as well as you can. But let me clue you in on something ....
Those other pitchers? The ones you're complaining about being considered "perfect" instead of you?
Roy Oswalt? 5-1 with the Phils, 2.30 ERA and 11-13 overall, 3.09 ERA with a WHIP of 1.073. For his career? 146-83, 3.22 ERA, WHIP of 1.190.
Cole Hamels? Only the 2008 World Series MVP. 10-10, 3.06, WHIP of 1.165. For his career, 58-44, 3.54, WHIP of 1.173.
Roy Halladay? Cy Young Winner. 17-10, 2,33, WHIP of 1.050. For his career, 165-86, 3.33 ERA, WHIP of 1.184.
And you? 9-8, 4.29 ERA, WHIP of 1.389. For your career, 32-22, 4.74, WHIP of 1.433.
Do you see why, exactly, they're deemed "perfect" and you're not? Come cry to the press when you can match their accomplishments and still don't get any credit. Pitch like a pro, not like a minor leaguer, and the fans will cut you some slack. If you take the hill and the Braves have lost or are losing, pitch like you want to personally put the fork in them.
Until then, remember ... you play in Philadelphia, the toughest town to please in all of sports. We don't want to hear how hard you're trying to be a better pitcher, we want you to become a better pitcher. As Master Yoda once said: "There is no try. Only do."
You would be wise, young Padwan, to listen and understand that concept.
September 8: PHILLIES 10, Florida 6
Well, the offense has started to come back to life, and not a moment too soon. Especially since we have a score to settle with the Mets, who shut us out for an entire series way back in June that I believe started us on that crystal-blue funk that lasted until July.
I'm trying not to jinx Jimmy Rollins by talking too much about his hamstring. Suffice it to say, it would be great to have everyone back for the stretch run, but let's be sure everyone is ready and healthy enough to play, especially in the post-season. Here's hoping the tightness in Jimmy's hammy is just that and that a few days' rest will set him to right.
Of course, the Braves lost tonight, sending them a full game back of the Phils. Nice to see the Cardinals start hitting at just the right time (how many times in the past has a rival played a team that was in a funk instead of being red-hot?). Looks like the Bravos put Kawakami into the 'pen, given his 1-11 record as a starter. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out when the Phils host Atlanta during the next homestand.
I followed a link at The Good Phight this morning over breakfast, and in the linked story, it seems that Kyle Kendrick is a bit miffed that he's not being considered as a reliable fifth starter by Charlie Manuel (and the fans) as Manuel has not named his fifth starter for Saturday's game at New York. Seems Kendrick's main complaint is that the other guys on the staff are considered "perfect", and Kyle doesn't believe he's been appreciated enough.
Kyle, I doubt you read this blog. And if you do, you're probably like every other major leaguer who thinks the ordinary fan can't possibly understand the intricasies of the game as well as you can. But let me clue you in on something ....
Those other pitchers? The ones you're complaining about being considered "perfect" instead of you?
Roy Oswalt? 5-1 with the Phils, 2.30 ERA and 11-13 overall, 3.09 ERA with a WHIP of 1.073. For his career? 146-83, 3.22 ERA, WHIP of 1.190.
Cole Hamels? Only the 2008 World Series MVP. 10-10, 3.06, WHIP of 1.165. For his career, 58-44, 3.54, WHIP of 1.173.
Roy Halladay? Cy Young Winner. 17-10, 2,33, WHIP of 1.050. For his career, 165-86, 3.33 ERA, WHIP of 1.184.
And you? 9-8, 4.29 ERA, WHIP of 1.389. For your career, 32-22, 4.74, WHIP of 1.433.
Do you see why, exactly, they're deemed "perfect" and you're not? Come cry to the press when you can match their accomplishments and still don't get any credit. Pitch like a pro, not like a minor leaguer, and the fans will cut you some slack. If you take the hill and the Braves have lost or are losing, pitch like you want to personally put the fork in them.
Until then, remember ... you play in Philadelphia, the toughest town to please in all of sports. We don't want to hear how hard you're trying to be a better pitcher, we want you to become a better pitcher. As Master Yoda once said: "There is no try. Only do."
You would be wise, young Padwan, to listen and understand that concept.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Back Where You Belong
September 7: PHILLIES 8, Florida 7
September 6: PHILLIES 7, Florida 6 (2nd game)
September 6: Florida 7, PHILLIES 1 (1st game)
It took 99 days for the Phillies to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, first place in National League East. Finally, the Braves lost on a day the Phillies won (that's a gross exaggeration), and that propelled the Quakers back to their customary place atop the standings.
And it's been a long, strange trip back from the depths of the NL East ladder. Even last night's game had a tinge of "uh-oh" painted all over it when the Phightins blew another late-game lead and then had to fight back to win.
Not much to say about the events of the past 48 hours, other than to say, "Phew!", and hope that this latest stand atop the table will be permanent.
Later tonight, a look at the roads the Phils and Braves will be travelling as we approach the finish line of the 2010 campaign.
September 6: PHILLIES 7, Florida 6 (2nd game)
September 6: Florida 7, PHILLIES 1 (1st game)
It took 99 days for the Phillies to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, first place in National League East. Finally, the Braves lost on a day the Phillies won (that's a gross exaggeration), and that propelled the Quakers back to their customary place atop the standings.
And it's been a long, strange trip back from the depths of the NL East ladder. Even last night's game had a tinge of "uh-oh" painted all over it when the Phightins blew another late-game lead and then had to fight back to win.
Not much to say about the events of the past 48 hours, other than to say, "Phew!", and hope that this latest stand atop the table will be permanent.
Later tonight, a look at the roads the Phils and Braves will be travelling as we approach the finish line of the 2010 campaign.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Let's Show Some Respect ...
... when Atlanta's Bobby Cox comes to The Bank for the final time in the regular season later this month.
The Florida Marlins didn't give Bobby Cox so much as a PA announcement this weekend, becoming the only team thus far this season not to recognize Cox's impending retirement after all those years at the helm of the Braves and Blue Jays. To me, that seems petty. Yes, it's a divisional rival, but we're talking about one of the greatest managers in MLB history.
Surely, the Marlins recognize that. And, yes, Cox did talk some smack back when the Fish canned their manager, but that's understandable for two reasons: a) Cox was a mentor of the Marlins' skipper, b) the way the Marlins did it, as they do everything else, was particularly classless. But regardless, ignoring Cox's accomplishments and his career is childish, petulant, and unprofessional.
So, even though we're embroiled in a heated pennant race with the Braves, and we'd never, ever cheer for them, I hope that both the fans, as well as the Phillies' organization, are classy and respectful towards Bobby in his final series in Philadelphia. I know we take the rap for being "bad" fans, but too many people mistake passion for ignorance. But no amount of explaining Philadelphians' behavior will suffice if neither the team, nor its fans, are as classless as the Marlins were this weekend.
We hate the Braves. Finished behind them a lot during their 14-year run. But as baseball fans, let's make sure we do what we have always done ... recognize greatness in all its forms, no matter the opponent.
Let's give Bobby Cox a rousing ovation, and acknowledge that while we don't like his team, we understand that we have been witness to one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game.
Order up!
The Florida Marlins didn't give Bobby Cox so much as a PA announcement this weekend, becoming the only team thus far this season not to recognize Cox's impending retirement after all those years at the helm of the Braves and Blue Jays. To me, that seems petty. Yes, it's a divisional rival, but we're talking about one of the greatest managers in MLB history.
Surely, the Marlins recognize that. And, yes, Cox did talk some smack back when the Fish canned their manager, but that's understandable for two reasons: a) Cox was a mentor of the Marlins' skipper, b) the way the Marlins did it, as they do everything else, was particularly classless. But regardless, ignoring Cox's accomplishments and his career is childish, petulant, and unprofessional.
So, even though we're embroiled in a heated pennant race with the Braves, and we'd never, ever cheer for them, I hope that both the fans, as well as the Phillies' organization, are classy and respectful towards Bobby in his final series in Philadelphia. I know we take the rap for being "bad" fans, but too many people mistake passion for ignorance. But no amount of explaining Philadelphians' behavior will suffice if neither the team, nor its fans, are as classless as the Marlins were this weekend.
We hate the Braves. Finished behind them a lot during their 14-year run. But as baseball fans, let's make sure we do what we have always done ... recognize greatness in all its forms, no matter the opponent.
Let's give Bobby Cox a rousing ovation, and acknowledge that while we don't like his team, we understand that we have been witness to one of the greatest managers to ever grace the game.
Order up!
Killing Me Softly With Kendrick
September 5: Milwaukee 6, PHILLIES 2
For the second time in two weeks, Kyle Kendrick took to the mound knowing that the Braves had either lost their game earlier in the day, or were trailing, 6-1, as he took the mound. And, for the second time in two weeks, he pitched poorly in a situation where the Phils stood to gain ground on the Braves.
In this case, he faltered with the Phils in a position to catch the Braves and move into a tie for first place, erasing what had been a seven-game deficit back in July. I simply have one thing to say to Phillies management at this time:
SEND HIM TO THE BULLPEN!
There must be someone, anyone in the farm system who might be able to give a Marty Bystrom-like performance in the rotation during September. And I don't necessarily mean that he has to go 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA like Bystrom did in 1980. I just want someone who will go, say, 3-1 or so, and give us some quality innings, save the bullpen, and keep us in games, especially on nights when the Braves are losing (or have already lost).
Is it too much to ask of this guy to pitch like a big boy in big boy games? He's quickly becoming a streak-stopper, and that's not gonna play well along the shores of the Delaware now that the remainder of the games are against divisional opponents. It's even more critical this week, because the Braves play the Cardinals over the coming weekend, and there's a huge chance to not only gain ground, but maybe start putting some space between us and Atlanta.
And, for God's sake ... don't let him pitch against the Nationals. Please. Pretty please. With a cheesesteak on top. Keep Kendrick away from the Nationals.
I know, I know. It's only a one-game deficit, and we still have six to play against the Braves. But something tells me that Kyle Kendrick is going to impact this pennant race in a negative way before it's all over. And if that means the wild card, and no chance of home-field advantage in the NLDS and NLCS, the road to a third straight pennant, and baseball immortality, just got a little tougher.
The Phils have been dipped in the waters of the River Styx. Apparently, they let Kyle Kendrick hold them by the heel for the dunking.
Order up!
For the second time in two weeks, Kyle Kendrick took to the mound knowing that the Braves had either lost their game earlier in the day, or were trailing, 6-1, as he took the mound. And, for the second time in two weeks, he pitched poorly in a situation where the Phils stood to gain ground on the Braves.
In this case, he faltered with the Phils in a position to catch the Braves and move into a tie for first place, erasing what had been a seven-game deficit back in July. I simply have one thing to say to Phillies management at this time:
SEND HIM TO THE BULLPEN!
There must be someone, anyone in the farm system who might be able to give a Marty Bystrom-like performance in the rotation during September. And I don't necessarily mean that he has to go 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA like Bystrom did in 1980. I just want someone who will go, say, 3-1 or so, and give us some quality innings, save the bullpen, and keep us in games, especially on nights when the Braves are losing (or have already lost).
Is it too much to ask of this guy to pitch like a big boy in big boy games? He's quickly becoming a streak-stopper, and that's not gonna play well along the shores of the Delaware now that the remainder of the games are against divisional opponents. It's even more critical this week, because the Braves play the Cardinals over the coming weekend, and there's a huge chance to not only gain ground, but maybe start putting some space between us and Atlanta.
And, for God's sake ... don't let him pitch against the Nationals. Please. Pretty please. With a cheesesteak on top. Keep Kendrick away from the Nationals.
I know, I know. It's only a one-game deficit, and we still have six to play against the Braves. But something tells me that Kyle Kendrick is going to impact this pennant race in a negative way before it's all over. And if that means the wild card, and no chance of home-field advantage in the NLDS and NLCS, the road to a third straight pennant, and baseball immortality, just got a little tougher.
The Phils have been dipped in the waters of the River Styx. Apparently, they let Kyle Kendrick hold them by the heel for the dunking.
Order up!
Sam ... You Are The Man!
September 4: PHILLIES 5, Milwaukee 4
How often do you ever give thanks for having a good, aggressive third base coach? I'd bet that the answer is a) never, or b) only when a sportscaster brings it to my attention.
Such is the case in the Phillies win on Saturday night. Sure, you can focus on the four long balls that Roy Halladay surrendered. Or the back-to-back jacks by Howard and Werth that tied the game at two.
But you'd be missing out on the real story of the game, third base coach Sam Perlozzo's heads-up call to send Wilson Valdez on Ryan Braun's overthrow that plated the eventual winning run. Sam read that play all the way, because there is no way he can send Valdez if Valdez has already come to a dead stop at third on the sac fly.
Reading that play takes a lot of skill, not just in knowing that the throw is going to be high and wild, but in also knowing that the sign needs to be given early enough so that Valdez never slows down, stops, or otherwise doesn't keep churning towards home plate. All too often, fans want to criticize third base coaches for either being too conservative, or not reading plays like the one that scored Valdez. And rarely do they give credit on a play like the one that won the game last night to the guy who really made it happen ... third base coach Sam Perlozzo.
Great read on the play, Sam. Way to steal one from the Brewers, big guy!
Phillies fans ... when you're toasting things this weekend, raise a glass for Sam.
Order up!
How often do you ever give thanks for having a good, aggressive third base coach? I'd bet that the answer is a) never, or b) only when a sportscaster brings it to my attention.
Such is the case in the Phillies win on Saturday night. Sure, you can focus on the four long balls that Roy Halladay surrendered. Or the back-to-back jacks by Howard and Werth that tied the game at two.
But you'd be missing out on the real story of the game, third base coach Sam Perlozzo's heads-up call to send Wilson Valdez on Ryan Braun's overthrow that plated the eventual winning run. Sam read that play all the way, because there is no way he can send Valdez if Valdez has already come to a dead stop at third on the sac fly.
Reading that play takes a lot of skill, not just in knowing that the throw is going to be high and wild, but in also knowing that the sign needs to be given early enough so that Valdez never slows down, stops, or otherwise doesn't keep churning towards home plate. All too often, fans want to criticize third base coaches for either being too conservative, or not reading plays like the one that scored Valdez. And rarely do they give credit on a play like the one that won the game last night to the guy who really made it happen ... third base coach Sam Perlozzo.
Great read on the play, Sam. Way to steal one from the Brewers, big guy!
Phillies fans ... when you're toasting things this weekend, raise a glass for Sam.
Order up!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Harry Kalas: Connecting With Fans
In the words of His Whiteness, Richie Ashburn, it's "hard to believe" that we've endured almost two full baseball seasons without the dulcet tones of our life-long friend, Harry Kalas. Almost impossible to fathom Phillies baseball without him. And, with all due respect to Tom McCarthy, Phillies baseball just isn't the same on TV or radio, without Harry.
Many people wrote about Harry and what he meant to Phillies baseball back in April of 2009, just after Harry's passing. And nothing I could say here, almost 18 months later, could really add to the tributes, praise, and anecdotes that were written at the time. Nothing I could add would give any greater insight to the man, the legend, nor could convince anyone to think the world of Harry.
I do want to mention, however, something that my own father had said, way back on a cold September afternoon in the Fall of 1976. It was my official introduction into the psychology of sports fans.
I was 13 in the Fall of '76, and had been watching Phillies baseball many evenings with my Dad, since I was eight. So, when it came to announcers, I didn't know from Adam about what made Harry "special" to Phillies fans. In fact, if memory serves, Harry wasn't nearly as popular in 1976 as he would be in the years to come. But the incident that I'm about to recount, and the comment that incident elicited from my father, was probably the start of the special relationship the fans came to have with Harry.
It was Sunday, September 26. A cold, rainy day greeted the Phils in their final visit to Parc Jarry in Montreal for a double-header. The opener, delayed by rain that fell intermittently throughout the game, saw Jim Lonborg pitch extremely well, and Greg Luzinski hit a three-run homer in the sixth to propel the Phillies to a 4-1 win. Because of the late start, word had reached the booth in the seventh inning that the Pirates had lost in St. Louis, 5-2, assuring the Phils of no worse than a tie for the NL East title.
When the last out was recorded, Harry, as excited as we'd ever heard him, proclaimed the news that the Phillies had won the National League Eastern Division. He and Whitey shared a word or two, then Harry gave his tradtional, "Back with final totals and a recap after this ..."
What Phillies fans witnessed when the telecast resumed for the between-games show was, in my opinion, the start of the love affair that Phillies fans had, and will always have, with Harry Kalas. What we witnessed in my home, in front of the TV, tuned to Channel 17, prompted my Dad to utter the words that have stayed with me to this day.
When the cameras came back on, Harry was on-camera. In the background was a black backdrop with the Expos logo on it (remember, the game was being played in Montreal). As Harry spoke, the camera picked up tiny glimmers on Harry's cheeks. Tears. Our announcer was as choked up about the Phillies winning as we were. He had been crying, just as my Dad had been crying. Tears of joy. While Phillies fans had "suffered" though the horrible 1972 season ... Harry witnessed every single game. He probably wondered, back then, if he'd ever call a playoff game.
But here he was, crying like we were. My Dad, not given to bouts of sentimentality, said, "He cares as much as we do. I'll be damned!" From that day on, my father was a Harry Kalas fan, and so was I.
Looking back, I've come to realize that, for me, it was important to know that the people who were broadcasting the games that I watched or listened to, were as invested as I was in the outcome. Prior to that day, I had just thought of Harry as some guy, just doing his job. But that day, we all discovered that it was more than just a job for Harry (and, for every other broadcaster in the business). We discovered that he was one of us. A fan. Someone who lived and died with wins and losses just like we did.
That Harry Kalas would become a legend and a hero in Philadelphia is something we should have seen coming. From guys like Lenny Dykstra and Aaron Rowand, Reggie White and Clyde Simmons, Bobby Jones and Steve Mix, Bobby Clarke and Barry Ashbee ... Philadelphians have loved, admired, and made heroes of players who were most like Philadelphians themselves. People the citizens would be proud to call one of their own.
Harry Kalas was one of those people. And whether he ever intended it or not, those tears he cried in 1976 would be the cement that created that special bond between broadcaster and fans that can never be broken.
Order up!
Many people wrote about Harry and what he meant to Phillies baseball back in April of 2009, just after Harry's passing. And nothing I could say here, almost 18 months later, could really add to the tributes, praise, and anecdotes that were written at the time. Nothing I could add would give any greater insight to the man, the legend, nor could convince anyone to think the world of Harry.
I do want to mention, however, something that my own father had said, way back on a cold September afternoon in the Fall of 1976. It was my official introduction into the psychology of sports fans.
I was 13 in the Fall of '76, and had been watching Phillies baseball many evenings with my Dad, since I was eight. So, when it came to announcers, I didn't know from Adam about what made Harry "special" to Phillies fans. In fact, if memory serves, Harry wasn't nearly as popular in 1976 as he would be in the years to come. But the incident that I'm about to recount, and the comment that incident elicited from my father, was probably the start of the special relationship the fans came to have with Harry.
It was Sunday, September 26. A cold, rainy day greeted the Phils in their final visit to Parc Jarry in Montreal for a double-header. The opener, delayed by rain that fell intermittently throughout the game, saw Jim Lonborg pitch extremely well, and Greg Luzinski hit a three-run homer in the sixth to propel the Phillies to a 4-1 win. Because of the late start, word had reached the booth in the seventh inning that the Pirates had lost in St. Louis, 5-2, assuring the Phils of no worse than a tie for the NL East title.
When the last out was recorded, Harry, as excited as we'd ever heard him, proclaimed the news that the Phillies had won the National League Eastern Division. He and Whitey shared a word or two, then Harry gave his tradtional, "Back with final totals and a recap after this ..."
What Phillies fans witnessed when the telecast resumed for the between-games show was, in my opinion, the start of the love affair that Phillies fans had, and will always have, with Harry Kalas. What we witnessed in my home, in front of the TV, tuned to Channel 17, prompted my Dad to utter the words that have stayed with me to this day.
When the cameras came back on, Harry was on-camera. In the background was a black backdrop with the Expos logo on it (remember, the game was being played in Montreal). As Harry spoke, the camera picked up tiny glimmers on Harry's cheeks. Tears. Our announcer was as choked up about the Phillies winning as we were. He had been crying, just as my Dad had been crying. Tears of joy. While Phillies fans had "suffered" though the horrible 1972 season ... Harry witnessed every single game. He probably wondered, back then, if he'd ever call a playoff game.
But here he was, crying like we were. My Dad, not given to bouts of sentimentality, said, "He cares as much as we do. I'll be damned!" From that day on, my father was a Harry Kalas fan, and so was I.
Looking back, I've come to realize that, for me, it was important to know that the people who were broadcasting the games that I watched or listened to, were as invested as I was in the outcome. Prior to that day, I had just thought of Harry as some guy, just doing his job. But that day, we all discovered that it was more than just a job for Harry (and, for every other broadcaster in the business). We discovered that he was one of us. A fan. Someone who lived and died with wins and losses just like we did.
That Harry Kalas would become a legend and a hero in Philadelphia is something we should have seen coming. From guys like Lenny Dykstra and Aaron Rowand, Reggie White and Clyde Simmons, Bobby Jones and Steve Mix, Bobby Clarke and Barry Ashbee ... Philadelphians have loved, admired, and made heroes of players who were most like Philadelphians themselves. People the citizens would be proud to call one of their own.
Harry Kalas was one of those people. And whether he ever intended it or not, those tears he cried in 1976 would be the cement that created that special bond between broadcaster and fans that can never be broken.
Order up!
Called Shot
September 3: PHILLIES 1, Milwaukee 0
If you read my post earlier today about the Brewer starters for the weekend, you'll note that I warned fans that Chris Capuano was the type of pitcher that seems to give the Phillies fits: someone who is struggling and has been hit around by weaker clubs like Pittsburgh, who suddenly finds his groove against the Phils.
Such were the five innings of one-run, four-hit ball served up by the aforementioned Capuano as the Phils struggled all night (and went hitless against Milwaukee's porous bullpen) and managed to escape with the 1-0 win ... thanks to King Cole and his seven innings of three-hit ball.
Naturally, the two-time zone change after a very late ending last night in Denver had something to do with the offense playing in a haze. You would think that teams have a game plan in play for trips like that: when to go to bed after returning to Philly, when to get up, pre-game meals, protein and carb regimens, etc. so that the effects of the jet lag aren't as noticeable.
Maybe Capuano just had his stuff tonight. Let's hope this isn't yet another mini-funk that the offense has been way too prone to this season.
With the Braves losing, the lead in NL East is down to a single game. It's possible, given the right circumstances, that the Phils could be in first place by Labor Day.
For one weekend, let's all be Marlin fans ...
If you read my post earlier today about the Brewer starters for the weekend, you'll note that I warned fans that Chris Capuano was the type of pitcher that seems to give the Phillies fits: someone who is struggling and has been hit around by weaker clubs like Pittsburgh, who suddenly finds his groove against the Phils.
Such were the five innings of one-run, four-hit ball served up by the aforementioned Capuano as the Phils struggled all night (and went hitless against Milwaukee's porous bullpen) and managed to escape with the 1-0 win ... thanks to King Cole and his seven innings of three-hit ball.
Naturally, the two-time zone change after a very late ending last night in Denver had something to do with the offense playing in a haze. You would think that teams have a game plan in play for trips like that: when to go to bed after returning to Philly, when to get up, pre-game meals, protein and carb regimens, etc. so that the effects of the jet lag aren't as noticeable.
Maybe Capuano just had his stuff tonight. Let's hope this isn't yet another mini-funk that the offense has been way too prone to this season.
With the Braves losing, the lead in NL East is down to a single game. It's possible, given the right circumstances, that the Phils could be in first place by Labor Day.
For one weekend, let's all be Marlin fans ...
On This Day In Phillies History ...
September 3, 1883
The Phillies ended a 14-game losing streak by defeating the Providence Grays, 6-3. The win brought the Phils record to 15-69 on the season, the team's first-ever season in the National League. Providence had beaten the Phils, 28-0, on August 21, during the losing streak.
The Phils would finish the season with a 2-12 run to finish their first season at 17-81, 46 games behind the National League champion Boston Beaneaters. On the season, the Phils gave up 888 runs in 99 games, an average of 8.97 runs per contest. They had games in which they gave up 29, 28, 25, 23, and 20 runs.
Order up!
The Phillies ended a 14-game losing streak by defeating the Providence Grays, 6-3. The win brought the Phils record to 15-69 on the season, the team's first-ever season in the National League. Providence had beaten the Phils, 28-0, on August 21, during the losing streak.
The Phils would finish the season with a 2-12 run to finish their first season at 17-81, 46 games behind the National League champion Boston Beaneaters. On the season, the Phils gave up 888 runs in 99 games, an average of 8.97 runs per contest. They had games in which they gave up 29, 28, 25, 23, and 20 runs.
Order up!
WABAC, 1980: Buffets And Boxing
1980 was obviously a magical season for Phillies fans. A first-ever World Series title, the MVP for Mike Schmidt and the Cy Young for Steve Carlton.
And part of the lore that makes the legend is the now-famous "Buffet Incident" in Pittsburgh on August 10. For those who are too young to remember, or for those who love hearing the story again, here's what happened:
The Phillies had just lost the opener of a Sunday doubleheader to the Pittsburgh Pirates, part of what would be a four-game sweep by the Buccos. The Phils, who entered the weekend series just three games behind the first-place Montreal Expos, had now fallen six games back, and stood just three games above .500 at 55-52.
Manager Dallas Green had seen enough. Storming into the clubhouse after the game, Green started berating his entire team, criticizing their play and their "playboy" mentality about baseball. As he steamed and stormed around the clubhouse, Green spotted the post-game meal, spread out on buffet tables.
Venting a season's worth of frustration with his prima-donna players, Green trashed the buffet tables, flipping them over and sending their contents all over the floor. Properly motivated (or, perhaps, furious at their meal being ruined), the Phils won 11 of their next 18 games to end a homestand just 2-1/2 games back in the NL East.
Although Green seemed satisfied, there was one member of the Phillies organization who was not, especially when the Phils went 3-6 on that aforementioned homestand, losing two of three each to the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers. And that person was general manager Paul Owens.
Paul Owens was an old-fashioned baseball man who spent his brief playing career in the minor leagues in Class D. He became the player-manager of his club in Olean, NY, then became part of the Phillies system when the Phils became the affiliate in Olean. After managing at Class C, Owens became a scout, and then became the director of the Phillies' farm system. In June of 1972, Owens, nicknamed "The Pope" due to his likeness to Pope Paul VI, was named the team's general manager.
In short, Owens had gotten to the GM spot the way most men had done since the days when the GM was created: he had worked his way through the system, learned the game inside and out from the inside, and advanced through the ranks. His MBA (Masters of Baseball Administration) came, not from Harvard or Yale, but from Olean, Bakersfield, Reading, and all points on the baseball globe.
And so, when the Phils left the Vet to head west for another of those patented West Coast Swings, they began with a four-game set in San Diego against the Padres, the last-place team in NL West. The Phils took the first two games of the series before dropping the nightcap of a Saturday doubleheader and Sunday's (August 31) game, in which the Phils gave up big innings in both contests that put the games out of reach.
Owens was not happy. Traveling with the club, he, too, stormed into the clubhouse at Candlestick Park after the team's next game in 'Frisco. But he wasn't interested in tipping over tables.
Instead, Owens lashed out at his team for their indifferent and sloppy play. For their laziness. For wasting their considerable talent on being a third-place team and an also-ran. No one knows, with any certainty, if what happened next was planned, or the result of just going with the flow of passion emanating from a man who had given his life to the game.
As he ranted, Owens, who was known to loosen his tie almost as soon as he'd knotted it, peeled off his sport coat and rolled up his sleeves. Getting in the face of just about every player in the room, Owens challenged his team. To a fight.
He dared any player in the room who disagreed with him to step forward, and then step outside. It is highly likely, in this era of free agency, player privilege, and Harvard MBAs running teams, that this was the last time a general manager ever challenged his team to a fight. In a room filled with big contracts (for their time), big stars, and even bigger egos, Owens was willing to go to the mat for what he believed in.
Not a single player took him up on the offer, despite having 20+ years and being in top physical shape on Owens.
What the team did do, standing at 69-60, is go 22-11 to win the NL East on the season's penultimate day over the Montreal Expos. Defeated the Houston Astros in what is still, arguably, the greatest playoff series in baseball history. And knocked off the Kansas City Royals to win it all.
Much credit has been given to Dallas Green's buffet table tossing for righting the ship. But the truth was that Green's show was a temporary kick in the pants. It was Paul Owens, challenging his players to fight against him, that got the players to fight for him and for the fans in Philadelphia.
It took the life's passion of the man they called The Pope to instill that same passion for winning in his team. The same passion that Phillies fans possess, and that we try to instill in those who have since come and gone from the club.
Order up!
And part of the lore that makes the legend is the now-famous "Buffet Incident" in Pittsburgh on August 10. For those who are too young to remember, or for those who love hearing the story again, here's what happened:
The Phillies had just lost the opener of a Sunday doubleheader to the Pittsburgh Pirates, part of what would be a four-game sweep by the Buccos. The Phils, who entered the weekend series just three games behind the first-place Montreal Expos, had now fallen six games back, and stood just three games above .500 at 55-52.
Manager Dallas Green had seen enough. Storming into the clubhouse after the game, Green started berating his entire team, criticizing their play and their "playboy" mentality about baseball. As he steamed and stormed around the clubhouse, Green spotted the post-game meal, spread out on buffet tables.
Venting a season's worth of frustration with his prima-donna players, Green trashed the buffet tables, flipping them over and sending their contents all over the floor. Properly motivated (or, perhaps, furious at their meal being ruined), the Phils won 11 of their next 18 games to end a homestand just 2-1/2 games back in the NL East.
Although Green seemed satisfied, there was one member of the Phillies organization who was not, especially when the Phils went 3-6 on that aforementioned homestand, losing two of three each to the Padres, Giants, and Dodgers. And that person was general manager Paul Owens.
Paul Owens was an old-fashioned baseball man who spent his brief playing career in the minor leagues in Class D. He became the player-manager of his club in Olean, NY, then became part of the Phillies system when the Phils became the affiliate in Olean. After managing at Class C, Owens became a scout, and then became the director of the Phillies' farm system. In June of 1972, Owens, nicknamed "The Pope" due to his likeness to Pope Paul VI, was named the team's general manager.
In short, Owens had gotten to the GM spot the way most men had done since the days when the GM was created: he had worked his way through the system, learned the game inside and out from the inside, and advanced through the ranks. His MBA (Masters of Baseball Administration) came, not from Harvard or Yale, but from Olean, Bakersfield, Reading, and all points on the baseball globe.
And so, when the Phils left the Vet to head west for another of those patented West Coast Swings, they began with a four-game set in San Diego against the Padres, the last-place team in NL West. The Phils took the first two games of the series before dropping the nightcap of a Saturday doubleheader and Sunday's (August 31) game, in which the Phils gave up big innings in both contests that put the games out of reach.
Owens was not happy. Traveling with the club, he, too, stormed into the clubhouse at Candlestick Park after the team's next game in 'Frisco. But he wasn't interested in tipping over tables.
Instead, Owens lashed out at his team for their indifferent and sloppy play. For their laziness. For wasting their considerable talent on being a third-place team and an also-ran. No one knows, with any certainty, if what happened next was planned, or the result of just going with the flow of passion emanating from a man who had given his life to the game.
As he ranted, Owens, who was known to loosen his tie almost as soon as he'd knotted it, peeled off his sport coat and rolled up his sleeves. Getting in the face of just about every player in the room, Owens challenged his team. To a fight.
He dared any player in the room who disagreed with him to step forward, and then step outside. It is highly likely, in this era of free agency, player privilege, and Harvard MBAs running teams, that this was the last time a general manager ever challenged his team to a fight. In a room filled with big contracts (for their time), big stars, and even bigger egos, Owens was willing to go to the mat for what he believed in.
Not a single player took him up on the offer, despite having 20+ years and being in top physical shape on Owens.
What the team did do, standing at 69-60, is go 22-11 to win the NL East on the season's penultimate day over the Montreal Expos. Defeated the Houston Astros in what is still, arguably, the greatest playoff series in baseball history. And knocked off the Kansas City Royals to win it all.
Much credit has been given to Dallas Green's buffet table tossing for righting the ship. But the truth was that Green's show was a temporary kick in the pants. It was Paul Owens, challenging his players to fight against him, that got the players to fight for him and for the fans in Philadelphia.
It took the life's passion of the man they called The Pope to instill that same passion for winning in his team. The same passion that Phillies fans possess, and that we try to instill in those who have since come and gone from the club.
Order up!
Brewer Moundsmen For The Weekend
Here's a quick look at the three probable starters for the Brewers this weekend:
Friday: Chris Capuano
2-2, 5.06, 5 HR allowed, .272 average against, .333 average on balls put in play
Saturday: David Bush
7-11, 4.71, 25 HR allowed, .293 average against, .305 average on balls put in play
Sunday: Randy Wolf
10-10, 4.76, 26 HR allowed, .272 average against, .290 average on balls put in play
Just when the offense needs a little pick-me-up, here come the rather generous Brewers, allowing about a .300 average if you put the ball in play. They also have taken the whole "chicks dig the long ball" thing quite seriously, believing that chicks dig it when you give up the long ball.
This series, however, has a "Danger, Will Robinson!" feel to it. Capuano's stats are inflated partially because he hasn't pitched well in his three starts over eighteen appearances. In his last start against Pittsburgh on August 28, he gave up six earned in three innings in a game the Brewers came back to win, 8-7. This is just the type of pitcher that, historically, has given the Phillies fits: a guy who, on the face of it, the Phils should light up like one of Harry's Macanudos, but who channels Whitey Ford for his appearance against the Phils.
Of course, Randy Wolf is always up for games against his former team, and that means you can throw out his stats, as well. He'll come out, guns a-blazin', and give the guys a tough time, you can almost play the "Whitey Special", and bet your house on it.
On paper, this should be a sweep for the Phils. But don't be too surprised if Messrs. Capuano and Wolf play like gangbusters this weekend.
Order up!
Friday: Chris Capuano
2-2, 5.06, 5 HR allowed, .272 average against, .333 average on balls put in play
Saturday: David Bush
7-11, 4.71, 25 HR allowed, .293 average against, .305 average on balls put in play
Sunday: Randy Wolf
10-10, 4.76, 26 HR allowed, .272 average against, .290 average on balls put in play
Just when the offense needs a little pick-me-up, here come the rather generous Brewers, allowing about a .300 average if you put the ball in play. They also have taken the whole "chicks dig the long ball" thing quite seriously, believing that chicks dig it when you give up the long ball.
This series, however, has a "Danger, Will Robinson!" feel to it. Capuano's stats are inflated partially because he hasn't pitched well in his three starts over eighteen appearances. In his last start against Pittsburgh on August 28, he gave up six earned in three innings in a game the Brewers came back to win, 8-7. This is just the type of pitcher that, historically, has given the Phillies fits: a guy who, on the face of it, the Phils should light up like one of Harry's Macanudos, but who channels Whitey Ford for his appearance against the Phils.
Of course, Randy Wolf is always up for games against his former team, and that means you can throw out his stats, as well. He'll come out, guns a-blazin', and give the guys a tough time, you can almost play the "Whitey Special", and bet your house on it.
On paper, this should be a sweep for the Phils. But don't be too surprised if Messrs. Capuano and Wolf play like gangbusters this weekend.
Order up!
Brad Lidge: The Pitching Walenda
September 2: PHILLIES 12, Colorado 11
Brad Lidge enjoys working without a net. If he continues toying with ninth-inning leads like he has been for the last two seasons, many Phillies fans are going to need to be gathered up with a net and taken to Byberry.
In a pennant race, every win is precious, and with the Phillies' recent records in September, Mr. Lidge's highwire act is eventually going to wear thin. I know I've grown weary of it, and have been since last August.
All things considered, Phillies fans have to be pleased by the 6-1 road trip out West, always a dangerous proposition. And since the Mets decided to actually play baseball tonight, the Phils enter their weekend series with Milwaukee just two games back of the Braves, and two games up on the Giants for the wild card (pending, of course, the outcome of the Giants' game out West later).
It was a great comeback by the fellas, Howard jacking one, followed by Werth's bomb to tie the game. Chase's five RBI in the seventh were welcome relief to fans tired of seeing ducks left on the pond time and time again. Given the team's recent history in September, there is much optimism to be had in the Quaker City (and anywhere Phillies fans can be found). Let's take a look at the team's record in September in the Charlie Manuel Era:
2005 15-12 .556
2006 18-10 .643
2007 17-11 .607
2008 17- 8 .680
2009 17-13 .567
2010 2- 0 1.000
TOTAL 86-54 .614
Folks, it's one thing to have a September such as 2008. It's another, completely, to have winning September records on as consistent a basis as the Phils have had under Charlie. The streak actually started with a 17-8 September in 2004 under then-skipper Larry Bowa. If you include that, the Phils have, since moving to The Bank in '04, gone a collective 103-62 (.624) in the month of September. If that doesn't make you go "hmmmmmmm", nothing will.
As a matter of fact, let's take a look at the September records of every Phillies team to qualify for the post-season prior to 2004:
1915 21-10 .677
1950 12-16 .429
1976 15-14 .517
1977 19-10 .655
1978 19-12 .613
1980 19-10 .655
1981 16-12 .571
1983 22- 7 .759
1993 14-13 .519
TOTAL 157-104 .602
One would guess that most of you reading this would have assumed great Septembers by Phillies teams making the post-season. 1950 stands out because a .500 month means no need for Dick Sisler's homer against the Dodgers as the Phils would have taken the division by three games. 1993's lackluster September could have been disastrous, as the Expos (if you recall) went on a 20-2 run in late August and early September that made a real race out of the NL East.
And so, dear Phillie fans, we start September on a positive note, and can make it even more positive by knocking the Brewers around this weekend. I hope everyone will have a happy, safe, and baseball-filled Labor Day weekend ... enjoy the food, friends, family, and Phillies!!!
Order up!
Brad Lidge enjoys working without a net. If he continues toying with ninth-inning leads like he has been for the last two seasons, many Phillies fans are going to need to be gathered up with a net and taken to Byberry.
In a pennant race, every win is precious, and with the Phillies' recent records in September, Mr. Lidge's highwire act is eventually going to wear thin. I know I've grown weary of it, and have been since last August.
All things considered, Phillies fans have to be pleased by the 6-1 road trip out West, always a dangerous proposition. And since the Mets decided to actually play baseball tonight, the Phils enter their weekend series with Milwaukee just two games back of the Braves, and two games up on the Giants for the wild card (pending, of course, the outcome of the Giants' game out West later).
It was a great comeback by the fellas, Howard jacking one, followed by Werth's bomb to tie the game. Chase's five RBI in the seventh were welcome relief to fans tired of seeing ducks left on the pond time and time again. Given the team's recent history in September, there is much optimism to be had in the Quaker City (and anywhere Phillies fans can be found). Let's take a look at the team's record in September in the Charlie Manuel Era:
2005 15-12 .556
2006 18-10 .643
2007 17-11 .607
2008 17- 8 .680
2009 17-13 .567
2010 2- 0 1.000
TOTAL 86-54 .614
Folks, it's one thing to have a September such as 2008. It's another, completely, to have winning September records on as consistent a basis as the Phils have had under Charlie. The streak actually started with a 17-8 September in 2004 under then-skipper Larry Bowa. If you include that, the Phils have, since moving to The Bank in '04, gone a collective 103-62 (.624) in the month of September. If that doesn't make you go "hmmmmmmm", nothing will.
As a matter of fact, let's take a look at the September records of every Phillies team to qualify for the post-season prior to 2004:
1915 21-10 .677
1950 12-16 .429
1976 15-14 .517
1977 19-10 .655
1978 19-12 .613
1980 19-10 .655
1981 16-12 .571
1983 22- 7 .759
1993 14-13 .519
TOTAL 157-104 .602
One would guess that most of you reading this would have assumed great Septembers by Phillies teams making the post-season. 1950 stands out because a .500 month means no need for Dick Sisler's homer against the Dodgers as the Phils would have taken the division by three games. 1993's lackluster September could have been disastrous, as the Expos (if you recall) went on a 20-2 run in late August and early September that made a real race out of the NL East.
And so, dear Phillie fans, we start September on a positive note, and can make it even more positive by knocking the Brewers around this weekend. I hope everyone will have a happy, safe, and baseball-filled Labor Day weekend ... enjoy the food, friends, family, and Phillies!!!
Order up!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The La-La Shuffle: Two More For The Road
August 31: PHILLIES 8, Los Angeles 3
September 1: PHILLIES 5, Los Angeles 1
The world is good for baseball fans when the hitters are hitting, and the pitchers are stifling the opposition, and both are happening at the same time. The recent hitting funk the Phils encountered masked some very fine pitching performances, and hopefully, with the Opening Day Eight starting to play together with more regularity (and health), the hitting can continue and improve.
Kyle Kendrick pitched very well on Tuesday night, and it's indicative of the way he can pitch when he's focused and, more importantly, when he's not pitching from behind. It's been said by others, and bears repeating, that once a pitcher gets behind in a game, he's more likely to continue to deteriorate. Not because he's behind, but because his options become limited. If they're hitting his best pitch, he's going with something else. And something else he may have a lack of command over. Or, he's afraid to nibble at the corners because he feels he can't afford more baserunners. Or, he tries to do to much by himself, and gets gassed, and becomes completely ineffective.
So it was good to see the Phils give Kyle the lead, and that allowed him, I think, to relax, focus, stay with the game plan, work the corners, spot pitches, and give himself the best chance to succeed. I haven't done the statistical analysis to back up my theory, but I honestly believe that a pitcher's success on the mound is more closely tied to how his offense performs than most people mugh be willing to give credit for. Perhaps I will take a look at that in the off-season and make that the focus of a series of posts.
Back to reality, it was great to see Roy Oswalt once again pitching as advertised. One thing I have thought since the Cliff Lee deal last year is that it's rather rare for the Phillies to land a quality pitcher while he is still a quality pitcher. The last guy I think we had gotten in that way was Lefty. Far too many of the Phils "name" acquisitions in the rotation seemed to come at the tail end of their careers. Guys like Jim Lonborg, Jim Kaat, and Jerry Koosman come immediately to mind, and I'm sure I could come up with a few others you all will recall.
And so, the Phils say goodbye to Hollywood at 5-1 on their current road trip. A quick stopover in Denver to face Carlos Gonzalez and the Rockies tomorrow, and then home to face the Brew Crew for the weekend. After the weekend, it's goodbye to the rest of the league, and hello to the NL East for the remainder of the regular season.
As I like to say ... unfold a deck chair and break out the popcorn ... this is gonna be fun ...
Order up!
September 1: PHILLIES 5, Los Angeles 1
The world is good for baseball fans when the hitters are hitting, and the pitchers are stifling the opposition, and both are happening at the same time. The recent hitting funk the Phils encountered masked some very fine pitching performances, and hopefully, with the Opening Day Eight starting to play together with more regularity (and health), the hitting can continue and improve.
Kyle Kendrick pitched very well on Tuesday night, and it's indicative of the way he can pitch when he's focused and, more importantly, when he's not pitching from behind. It's been said by others, and bears repeating, that once a pitcher gets behind in a game, he's more likely to continue to deteriorate. Not because he's behind, but because his options become limited. If they're hitting his best pitch, he's going with something else. And something else he may have a lack of command over. Or, he's afraid to nibble at the corners because he feels he can't afford more baserunners. Or, he tries to do to much by himself, and gets gassed, and becomes completely ineffective.
So it was good to see the Phils give Kyle the lead, and that allowed him, I think, to relax, focus, stay with the game plan, work the corners, spot pitches, and give himself the best chance to succeed. I haven't done the statistical analysis to back up my theory, but I honestly believe that a pitcher's success on the mound is more closely tied to how his offense performs than most people mugh be willing to give credit for. Perhaps I will take a look at that in the off-season and make that the focus of a series of posts.
Back to reality, it was great to see Roy Oswalt once again pitching as advertised. One thing I have thought since the Cliff Lee deal last year is that it's rather rare for the Phillies to land a quality pitcher while he is still a quality pitcher. The last guy I think we had gotten in that way was Lefty. Far too many of the Phils "name" acquisitions in the rotation seemed to come at the tail end of their careers. Guys like Jim Lonborg, Jim Kaat, and Jerry Koosman come immediately to mind, and I'm sure I could come up with a few others you all will recall.
And so, the Phils say goodbye to Hollywood at 5-1 on their current road trip. A quick stopover in Denver to face Carlos Gonzalez and the Rockies tomorrow, and then home to face the Brew Crew for the weekend. After the weekend, it's goodbye to the rest of the league, and hello to the NL East for the remainder of the regular season.
As I like to say ... unfold a deck chair and break out the popcorn ... this is gonna be fun ...
Order up!
Happy Birthday To ...
"The Secretary Of Defense", Garry Maddox, who is 61
Rico Carty is 71
HOF Jim O'Rourke was born on this day in 1850
And, finally, my grandfather, Edgar, who was born on this date in 1909.
Rico Carty is 71
HOF Jim O'Rourke was born on this day in 1850
And, finally, my grandfather, Edgar, who was born on this date in 1909.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)