No, this is not another Jimmy Rollins vs. Matt Holliday MVP debate. Been there, and done that. And, in case anyone doesn't know, I'm firmly in J-Roll's corner. No disrespect to the season Holliday had, especially considering the systematic dismantling of Rollins' Phillies that he led, but Rollins literally did it all for the Phillies this season; and he did it every day, and he did it all very good. J-Roll captured the hearts of fans all over the Philadelphia area with his bat, glove, and personality. But there was another Phillie who did the same thing. That Phillie was Lenny Dykstra, and it is no coincidence that the last time the Phillies made the playoffs in 1993, Dykstra had a career year. Both were spectacular all year, but if I had to pick one for MVP between the two, I'd have to go with the Dude, Lenny Dykstra.
Jimmy Rollins led a Phillies offense that scored more runs than any other team in the league. They even scored more runs than all but one team in the DH rich American League. He led off most of the year, set the table, scored runs, and more than occasionally knocked in runs. The numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 139
Hits: 212
2B: 38
3B: 20
HR: 30
RBI: 94
SB: 41
BB: 49
SO: 85
BA: .296
OBP: .344
SLG: .531
Lenny Dykstra was always a very good leadoff man, but in 1993 he put his whole game together, finishing second behind Barry Bonds in MVP voting. He played center field with reckless abandon, earning the nickname Nails, in addition to the Dude, because he was tough as nails. Again, the numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 143
Hits: 194
2B: 44
3B: 6
HR: 19
RBI: 66
SB: 37
BB: 129
SO: 64
BA: .305
OBP: .420
SLG: .482
So those are the numbers. What Rollins lacked in on-base percentage and batting average, he made up for in power. What Dykstra lacked in power, he made up for by getting on base a lot more than Rollins. So which is more valuable to a team; getting on base or knocking in runs? That debate will go on forever, but this one has to end.
I think it's fair to say that this 2007 rendition of the Phillies team has more talent than that 1993 team. Aside from Dykstra, the only other offensive weapons on that team were Darren Daulton and John Kruk, and to a lesser extent, Dave Hollins. But this current team has Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and to a lesser extent, Shane Victorino. If you take Rollins away from this team, they fall well short of where they finished this season. But, if you take Dykstra off of that 1993 team, not only are they not as good, but that offense would have been embarrassing inept.
It really is splitting hairs trying to put one of these guys above the other. To be honest, I don't even know why I tried. I guess the similarities between these two guys who played 14 years apart, are just too intriguing to ignore. Two playoff teams with one common theme: a leadoff man with an all-around game to match anyone in the league, and a persona that captured the admiration of an entire city. Guys like that are near impossible to find, and for that reason, they both are MVPs.
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLB. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Magical season comes to Rockie end
They say that all good things must come to an end. Phillies' fans found out over the past week that that is all too true; unless of course your a Colorado Rockies' fan. Late Saturday night, the Rockies finished off their sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, bringing the Phils' season to a screeching halt. One week ago, we were all celebrating the first division championship, and playoff appearance, in 14 years. Now, we're wondering what, if anything, the Phillies will do to improve this offseason. But, despite the complete 180 in the past week, the Phillies, and their fans, should really be proud of the season they had.
First off, it is quite clear now, that the Phillies simply ran into a buzzsaw, in the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies finished the regular season, and tie breaker game, winning 14 of their last 15 games. They have now won 17 of their last 18, and storm into Arizona, playing perhaps the best baseball in the Majors right now. The Phils finished their regular season on fire, but they ran into the one team that was playing better. The Rockies were simply not going to be stopped, and they deserve all the credit in the world.
No matter how you view the playoff series against Colorado, the Phillies had a historic season. Coming back from 7 games behind the Mets with 17 to go will go down as one of, if not the biggest, comebacks/collapses in baseball history. But it was how they did it, more than what they did.
The Phillies overcame poor pitching and injuries, in addition to the large deficits, all season. With a team ERA over five, and an explosive offensive, the Phillies came from behind to win 48 times this season. That means that in more than half of their wins, they were trailing and one, or more, points. You never wanted to turn off a Phillies game this season; no matter what the score was. That alone is enough to make this season one of the most memorable in the history of this team.
The city of Philadelphia hadn't experienced October baseball in 14 years, and this year was just the second time in 24 years that the Phillies were in the postseason. So it's natural to want to the team to go far, and to get there fast, because in this city, you never know when you will get there again. But the core of this team is young and talented, so there is no reason to expect that this team won't be in the running for more division titles in the years to come. So, I can honestly say that I am not that upset at the quick exit of my team from October. In my opinion, we got beat by the best, and perhaps more importantly, there is plenty of hope for the future.
First off, it is quite clear now, that the Phillies simply ran into a buzzsaw, in the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies finished the regular season, and tie breaker game, winning 14 of their last 15 games. They have now won 17 of their last 18, and storm into Arizona, playing perhaps the best baseball in the Majors right now. The Phils finished their regular season on fire, but they ran into the one team that was playing better. The Rockies were simply not going to be stopped, and they deserve all the credit in the world.
No matter how you view the playoff series against Colorado, the Phillies had a historic season. Coming back from 7 games behind the Mets with 17 to go will go down as one of, if not the biggest, comebacks/collapses in baseball history. But it was how they did it, more than what they did.
The Phillies overcame poor pitching and injuries, in addition to the large deficits, all season. With a team ERA over five, and an explosive offensive, the Phillies came from behind to win 48 times this season. That means that in more than half of their wins, they were trailing and one, or more, points. You never wanted to turn off a Phillies game this season; no matter what the score was. That alone is enough to make this season one of the most memorable in the history of this team.
The city of Philadelphia hadn't experienced October baseball in 14 years, and this year was just the second time in 24 years that the Phillies were in the postseason. So it's natural to want to the team to go far, and to get there fast, because in this city, you never know when you will get there again. But the core of this team is young and talented, so there is no reason to expect that this team won't be in the running for more division titles in the years to come. So, I can honestly say that I am not that upset at the quick exit of my team from October. In my opinion, we got beat by the best, and perhaps more importantly, there is plenty of hope for the future.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Why Jimmy Rollins is the MVP
The National League seems to be having one of its best seasons ever. The playoffs races were incredible, and the MVP debate is one of the more interesting topics in baseball in a while. Prince Fielder, David Wright, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Matt Holliday, and Jimmy Rollins have all been thrown into the conversation. But it really comes down to those last two players. Both Holliday and Rollins have had seasons for the ages, but only one can win. Before each of their respective teams made their final pushes toward the playoffs, it was thought that whoever was most successful in leading their team there, would win MVP. But both players will be facing each other in the opening round of the postseason. With all respect to Matt Holliday, no one has helped their team in more ways than Jimmy Rollins.
Matt Holliday's numbers speak for them self. He led the league with a .340 batting average while driving in a league best 137 RBI. He hit 36 homeruns, and scored 120 runs. Of his 216 hits, 92 were for extra bases (including the 36 homers plus 50 doubles). And to top it off, his slugging percentage of .618 also led the league. It was a great season, and probably an MVP season if it wasn't for Jimmy Rollins' season.
Jimmy Rollins had a record breaking year. He was just the fourth person in the history of the Majors to hit at least 20 homeruns, doubles, triples, and steal 20 bases in the same season. He also set the MLB record for at bats with 716. Overall Rollins hit .296 with 30 HR and 94 RBI. Now obviously a shortstop is not going to have the power numbers of a left fielder, but Rollins more than made up for it. He led the league in runs scored with 139, which after all, is the main job of a leadoff man. And he had 38 doubles, 20 triples, and 41 steals.
If it was just a numbers game, then Holliday would probably take the award. But Rollins does so much more than swing the bat. I already mentioned the steals, but that not the only aspect of the game in which his legs helped his team. Rollins is one of, if the best shortstops in all of baseball. He saved countless hits with his amazing range at the game's most important position (outside of pitcher and catcher). He has a rocket for an arm, and he rarely is off target with it. And Rollins did all of this - the hitting, stealing, and fielding - every single game of the year. Besides Jeff Fancouer of the Braves, Rollins was the only player in the league to start all 162 games.
Day in and day out, Rollins was there for his team. Whether the team needed him to set the table by getting on base and stealing bags, or knock in runs when the bottom of the order got on base, or save a run by turning a hit into an out or infield single, Rollins was there. Throughout a season when every other high profile player spent significant time injured, Rollins was the only constant. And, perhaps most importantly, Rollins gave this team an attitude. Before Spring training, he declared the Phillies the team to beat in the East. He backed it up all year, and the rest of his team followed suit until they eventually proved him right on the final day of the season. Not to take anything away from what Matt Holiday has done, but Jimmy Rollins was more valuable to his team this season than any other player in the league.
Matt Holliday's numbers speak for them self. He led the league with a .340 batting average while driving in a league best 137 RBI. He hit 36 homeruns, and scored 120 runs. Of his 216 hits, 92 were for extra bases (including the 36 homers plus 50 doubles). And to top it off, his slugging percentage of .618 also led the league. It was a great season, and probably an MVP season if it wasn't for Jimmy Rollins' season.
Jimmy Rollins had a record breaking year. He was just the fourth person in the history of the Majors to hit at least 20 homeruns, doubles, triples, and steal 20 bases in the same season. He also set the MLB record for at bats with 716. Overall Rollins hit .296 with 30 HR and 94 RBI. Now obviously a shortstop is not going to have the power numbers of a left fielder, but Rollins more than made up for it. He led the league in runs scored with 139, which after all, is the main job of a leadoff man. And he had 38 doubles, 20 triples, and 41 steals.
If it was just a numbers game, then Holliday would probably take the award. But Rollins does so much more than swing the bat. I already mentioned the steals, but that not the only aspect of the game in which his legs helped his team. Rollins is one of, if the best shortstops in all of baseball. He saved countless hits with his amazing range at the game's most important position (outside of pitcher and catcher). He has a rocket for an arm, and he rarely is off target with it. And Rollins did all of this - the hitting, stealing, and fielding - every single game of the year. Besides Jeff Fancouer of the Braves, Rollins was the only player in the league to start all 162 games.
Day in and day out, Rollins was there for his team. Whether the team needed him to set the table by getting on base and stealing bags, or knock in runs when the bottom of the order got on base, or save a run by turning a hit into an out or infield single, Rollins was there. Throughout a season when every other high profile player spent significant time injured, Rollins was the only constant. And, perhaps most importantly, Rollins gave this team an attitude. Before Spring training, he declared the Phillies the team to beat in the East. He backed it up all year, and the rest of his team followed suit until they eventually proved him right on the final day of the season. Not to take anything away from what Matt Holiday has done, but Jimmy Rollins was more valuable to his team this season than any other player in the league.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
How sweep it is
Five days ago the Philadelphia Phillies were seven games behind the New York Mets for first place in the N.L. East. They were coming off of their fourth straight loss, and had lost three series in a row. If they were getting by with smoke and mirrors, as has been suggested, the jig was evidently up. My oh my, how things can change in that span. Thanks to a five game winning streak, including a four game sweep of the Mets, the Phillies are now just two games back. And smoke and mirrors has given way to a view of a legitimate contender for the division title.
Thursday afternoon, the Phillies completed the rare sweep with a simply exhilirating 11-10 walk-off victory. After staking the Phillies a 5-0 lead, the Mets were able to battle back and tie the game in the fourth and fifth inning. Then, the Phils answered right back, making the game 8-5 in the bottom of the inning. The Mets battled back again and took the lead with a five run inning of their own in the eighth. Philadelphia cut the lead to one in the bottom of the inning, shut down New York in the top of the ninth, then scored two off Billy Wagner in the last frame to take the league, win, and sweep.
Ten games ago, the Phils were entering a hugely important ten game homestand. And as mentioned above, things did not start out two nice, going 2-4 in the first six. Now with this sweep, they finish the homestand with a 6-4 mark; nothing to sneeze at, but certainly not what they could have been looking for (except maybe for GM Pat Gillick) at the start. But considering four of those wins came against the Mets - their ultimate competition - they have to happy with where they stand now.
Even more important than the quantity of the wins, was the quality of them. The Phillies beat the Mets in just about every way possible in a four game series. A convincing 9-2 victory; a 4-2 come from behind victory in 10 innings; a 3-2 nail biter that ended on a fielder interference call for the last out in the ninth; and now a wild come from behind win today. They have shrunk the distance between them and New York by five games in five days, and they now lead the season series 9-6 with just three more to play.
The Mets still have the lead in the division, but you have to wonder if the Phillies now have the psychological edge. There is practically nothing that the Mets can take positive out of this series. And now they have to face the Atlanta Braves, who are also trying to make up ground on the Mets. So, it is conceivable that the Phillies could pick up even more ground over the weekend. Of course, that is if the Phillies take care of business against the Florida Marlins; which can prove to be more difficult than the numbers would suggest.
The upcoming series against the Fish is perhaps as important as the previous series was. It will be very difficult to bring the same kind of emotion that they brought to this past psuedo-playoff series. But if they don't they could lose all the momentum they have gained this week. And if that gets combined with the Mets turning it around against the Braves, then this amazing sweep will go all for not. Only time will tell if this series was a sign of things to come, or just another crest in a wavy season.
Thursday afternoon, the Phillies completed the rare sweep with a simply exhilirating 11-10 walk-off victory. After staking the Phillies a 5-0 lead, the Mets were able to battle back and tie the game in the fourth and fifth inning. Then, the Phils answered right back, making the game 8-5 in the bottom of the inning. The Mets battled back again and took the lead with a five run inning of their own in the eighth. Philadelphia cut the lead to one in the bottom of the inning, shut down New York in the top of the ninth, then scored two off Billy Wagner in the last frame to take the league, win, and sweep.
Ten games ago, the Phils were entering a hugely important ten game homestand. And as mentioned above, things did not start out two nice, going 2-4 in the first six. Now with this sweep, they finish the homestand with a 6-4 mark; nothing to sneeze at, but certainly not what they could have been looking for (except maybe for GM Pat Gillick) at the start. But considering four of those wins came against the Mets - their ultimate competition - they have to happy with where they stand now.
Even more important than the quantity of the wins, was the quality of them. The Phillies beat the Mets in just about every way possible in a four game series. A convincing 9-2 victory; a 4-2 come from behind victory in 10 innings; a 3-2 nail biter that ended on a fielder interference call for the last out in the ninth; and now a wild come from behind win today. They have shrunk the distance between them and New York by five games in five days, and they now lead the season series 9-6 with just three more to play.
The Mets still have the lead in the division, but you have to wonder if the Phillies now have the psychological edge. There is practically nothing that the Mets can take positive out of this series. And now they have to face the Atlanta Braves, who are also trying to make up ground on the Mets. So, it is conceivable that the Phillies could pick up even more ground over the weekend. Of course, that is if the Phillies take care of business against the Florida Marlins; which can prove to be more difficult than the numbers would suggest.
The upcoming series against the Fish is perhaps as important as the previous series was. It will be very difficult to bring the same kind of emotion that they brought to this past psuedo-playoff series. But if they don't they could lose all the momentum they have gained this week. And if that gets combined with the Mets turning it around against the Braves, then this amazing sweep will go all for not. Only time will tell if this series was a sign of things to come, or just another crest in a wavy season.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Straw that Broke the Hamels Back?
It's never a good idea when you analyze a team's injury problems by stating who has not been on the disabled list. And the number of Phillies on that ever decreasing list is down to nine with the addition of Cole Hamels to the 15 day D.L. And so far, the Phillies have shown more resilience than a Brawny paper towel commercial. But now they have lost two straight series to the N.L. worst Pirates and the rapidly slumping - or I should say, previously rapidly slumping - Dodgers. They are now 5 1/2 games behind the Mets and 1 1/2 behind the Padres for the Wild Card, and without their best remaining player, Hamels, for the next week and a half, it looks entirely possible that the Phils will not be able to fight off this latest injury.
Take a look at the Phils current rotation: Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, J.D. Durbin, Fabio Castro. What do you notice? Well, besides the fact that they currently only have four starting pitchers, it's blindingly clear that a team with this group of arms should be no where near a playoff birth. Jimmy Rollins stated during spring training that the Phillies were the team to beat in the N.L. East. Bold words, yes. But if J-Roll made that statement knowing who would be pitching in mid-August, the Phillies would need a new shortstop because Rollins would have been checked into Belleview.
But Rollins was looking at a much different rotation. One that actually had six arms. Only Moyer remains. Forget the injuries that the Phillies offense has endured this season. Going from a staff of Brett Meyers, Freddy Garcia, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Adam Eaton, and Jon Leiber to what we see now, really is incredible. But through it all, the Phillies remained in contention.
While they are still very much in it, the loss of Cole Hamels during the most important stretch of the year, the odds are becoming very long against the Phils. There is only so much a team can take. And over the last two series, we might have seen this team cross that line. This is not a "Stick a fork in them" article (even though maybe it should be) because the Phillies have already gotten through so much, maybe they can keep it together for two more weeks. Why two weeks? Because Cole Hamels, Chase Utely, and even Michael Bourn should all be back to help the Phillies make one final push toward their first playoff appearance since 1993.
Take a look at the Phils current rotation: Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick, J.D. Durbin, Fabio Castro. What do you notice? Well, besides the fact that they currently only have four starting pitchers, it's blindingly clear that a team with this group of arms should be no where near a playoff birth. Jimmy Rollins stated during spring training that the Phillies were the team to beat in the N.L. East. Bold words, yes. But if J-Roll made that statement knowing who would be pitching in mid-August, the Phillies would need a new shortstop because Rollins would have been checked into Belleview.
But Rollins was looking at a much different rotation. One that actually had six arms. Only Moyer remains. Forget the injuries that the Phillies offense has endured this season. Going from a staff of Brett Meyers, Freddy Garcia, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Adam Eaton, and Jon Leiber to what we see now, really is incredible. But through it all, the Phillies remained in contention.
While they are still very much in it, the loss of Cole Hamels during the most important stretch of the year, the odds are becoming very long against the Phils. There is only so much a team can take. And over the last two series, we might have seen this team cross that line. This is not a "Stick a fork in them" article (even though maybe it should be) because the Phillies have already gotten through so much, maybe they can keep it together for two more weeks. Why two weeks? Because Cole Hamels, Chase Utely, and even Michael Bourn should all be back to help the Phillies make one final push toward their first playoff appearance since 1993.
Monday, August 20, 2007
For the Phils, the Time is Now
For four and a half months, you've heard one statement coming out of Philadelphia more than any other: "The season is still young; we gotta take it one game at a time." Well, that mantra no longer applies. Granted, they still must take things one game at a time, but the season is no longer young. With 39 games remaining, and the team trailing the first place Mets by five games, the Phillies need to make a move. And what better time to start than with the upcoming 10-game homestand against 3 playoff contenders; two of which they are currently chasing (Padres and Mets).
A lot of people don't want to here it, but the Phillies have done a tremendous job just being in this position considering all of the injuries they have suffered. Whoever you want to blame for lack of quality pitching and depth in the field, it can't be denied that the players have played to their utmost potential. Unfortunately there comes a time when "close but no cigar," doesn't work anymore.
The Phillies have been in this position before. Last season, they hung around in August and September only to miss the playoff by three games. Two season ago, they missed the playoffs by just one game. If the season ended today, they'd miss the playoffs by one game again. Thankfully, it does not end today.
The next three games are against the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers are really struggling right now, but with a staff capable of shutting teams down at any moment, the Phillies need to bring their A-game. Especially considering the next two opponents: three against the Padres and four against the Mets. There is not much of a bigger opportunity than facing the team you're trailing by one game at home for a three game series. As for the Mets, if you can't get up for this series, you are not a fan of baseball. The only way this four game series could be any more important (short of the playoffs) is if it took place in mid-September. So what is "acceptable," to put it in the words of Phil's GM Pat Gillick, for this homestand? Normally, I think you'd be happy with a 6-4 record against these three teams. But considering the ground the Phils have to make up, and the amount of time they have to do it, 7-3 needs to be the minimum goal. And those three losses can't come at the hands of the Mets or the Phils can pretty much kiss the division goodbye.
7-3 will be difficult without Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and Michael Bourn, to name three D.L. residents. But, it is time to put those injuries aside if the Phillies want to make the playoffs. It is time to stop patting their backs for hanging in there despite the adversity they've faced. If you're looking for the perfect time to make a move, the time is now.
A lot of people don't want to here it, but the Phillies have done a tremendous job just being in this position considering all of the injuries they have suffered. Whoever you want to blame for lack of quality pitching and depth in the field, it can't be denied that the players have played to their utmost potential. Unfortunately there comes a time when "close but no cigar," doesn't work anymore.
The Phillies have been in this position before. Last season, they hung around in August and September only to miss the playoff by three games. Two season ago, they missed the playoffs by just one game. If the season ended today, they'd miss the playoffs by one game again. Thankfully, it does not end today.
The next three games are against the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers are really struggling right now, but with a staff capable of shutting teams down at any moment, the Phillies need to bring their A-game. Especially considering the next two opponents: three against the Padres and four against the Mets. There is not much of a bigger opportunity than facing the team you're trailing by one game at home for a three game series. As for the Mets, if you can't get up for this series, you are not a fan of baseball. The only way this four game series could be any more important (short of the playoffs) is if it took place in mid-September. So what is "acceptable," to put it in the words of Phil's GM Pat Gillick, for this homestand? Normally, I think you'd be happy with a 6-4 record against these three teams. But considering the ground the Phils have to make up, and the amount of time they have to do it, 7-3 needs to be the minimum goal. And those three losses can't come at the hands of the Mets or the Phils can pretty much kiss the division goodbye.
7-3 will be difficult without Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and Michael Bourn, to name three D.L. residents. But, it is time to put those injuries aside if the Phillies want to make the playoffs. It is time to stop patting their backs for hanging in there despite the adversity they've faced. If you're looking for the perfect time to make a move, the time is now.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Phils Find Another Way to Win
Whatever you think of the Phillies this year, there is one thing no one can deny: this team has never given up trying to find new ways to win. Tuesday night, they won for only the second time all year when scoring three or fewer runs. And a large contributer to that victory was new guy, Russell Branyan. Branyan came on to pinch-hit in the top of the eighth inning - his first at bat as a Phillie - and proceeded to drive a 1-0 pitch well over the wall in right field. The homer gave the Phils a 3-2 lead which they did not relinquish.
In a playoff race, it's critical to beat the teams you're supposed; like the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates (their current and next opponents). But for whatever reason, the Phillies have struggled against teams with worse records this season, particulary the Nationals. So it becomes even more critical to pull out wins that you probably shouldn't have had any right winning. Again, look at the series opener against the Nats. Shawn Hill, coming off the disabled list and making his first start since May 11, held the Phillies to just one hit and no runs over 6 innings of dominating ball. Luckily for the Phillies, Hill was on an 80 pitch count. He was pulled, and the Phillies eventually pulled out the game with Branyan's blast.
Kyle Lochse was almost as good, pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings before giving up 2 runs in the bottoms of the seventh. But the Phillies bullpen (yes, that bullpen) closed the door the rest of the way; highlighted by Brett Meyers striking out the side in the final frame for the save after the Phils took the lead.
The win was important for a number of reasons: First, the Mets and Padres, whom they are chasing in the division and wild card races respectively, both won. As mentioned before, you have to beat the teams you're supposed to beat. But also, teams in a pennant race can not afford to let quality pitching performances go to waste. Especially when those performances have been few and far between for the Phils this season. Branyan may never repeat his first at bat with the Phillies, but he'll take it. And the Phillies will too.
In a playoff race, it's critical to beat the teams you're supposed; like the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates (their current and next opponents). But for whatever reason, the Phillies have struggled against teams with worse records this season, particulary the Nationals. So it becomes even more critical to pull out wins that you probably shouldn't have had any right winning. Again, look at the series opener against the Nats. Shawn Hill, coming off the disabled list and making his first start since May 11, held the Phillies to just one hit and no runs over 6 innings of dominating ball. Luckily for the Phillies, Hill was on an 80 pitch count. He was pulled, and the Phillies eventually pulled out the game with Branyan's blast.
Kyle Lochse was almost as good, pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings before giving up 2 runs in the bottoms of the seventh. But the Phillies bullpen (yes, that bullpen) closed the door the rest of the way; highlighted by Brett Meyers striking out the side in the final frame for the save after the Phils took the lead.
The win was important for a number of reasons: First, the Mets and Padres, whom they are chasing in the division and wild card races respectively, both won. As mentioned before, you have to beat the teams you're supposed to beat. But also, teams in a pennant race can not afford to let quality pitching performances go to waste. Especially when those performances have been few and far between for the Phils this season. Branyan may never repeat his first at bat with the Phillies, but he'll take it. And the Phillies will too.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Try telling the fans that 10,000 is meaningless
Well, 10,000 finally came, after all these years. Despite a very abbreviated stay of execution following the 9,999th loss, the Phillies couldn't hold off the inevitable anymore; losing badly in the process. St. Louis unleashed 6 HRs in a 10-2 thrashing to salvage one game of the three game set. I noticed one thing in this game, aside from constant reassurance that this team is in serious need of pitching help. And that is that the fans of Philadelphia has come to embrace this whole story of 10,000 losses.
Both sides of the story have been pretty fairly represented in the days and weeks leading up to this moment. While it is a symbol of futility, it has also been shown how it is a symbol of longevity as well. But it's one to accept the milestone as the diachotomy that it is, and it's something entirely different to embrace it as something to cheer and celebrate; which is what I saw Sunday night.
Citizens Bank Park was packed with fans; many of them holding signs for ESPN. And just as many, if not more, were holding signs referring to the infamous loss that was upon them. These people, while hoping to see a win and a sweep of the defending World Series champs, were hoping to see history. I don't know how many people will admit it, but Phillies fans were hoping to see the 10,000th loss. This became clear as glass in the ninth inning with two outs. The crowd rose to their feet and applauded, anticipating a final out; much like you would normally see - that is if the Phillies were on the road. The fans there wanted to be a part of history.
And it is not just the history of the team. Over the past few weeks, when all the lows that went into this all-time low were added up and discussed, I think the city and its fans began to take ownership in this milestone; along with the team. While it is mostly a negative for the team, it is a testament to the loyalty the fans have shown through the years. And if there is one thing Philly fans like more than seeing their team win (aside from New York teams losing), its being considered the best fans in sports.
It is not just the Phillies fans who have remained loyal though so many low points. All of the Philadelphia sports teams have done their fair share of disapointing fans. Whether it is three consecutive NFC championship losses, getting swept in the Stanley Cups Finals, being the worst team in the league, losing in the NBA finals, or consistently not making the playoffs, Philly fans don't just discuss these memories; they seem to, in a bizarre way, reminisce about them. I don't know when it happened, but we have become so accustomed to coming up short (or not coming up at all) that we take pride in the agony our teams go through. It's gotten to the point where I honestly don't know what we would do when one of our teams finally does break through and win it all. I won't go so far as to say we don't want it to happen, but think about for a second. If we have embraced being great fans of great losers, what will we be when they are no longer losers. I don't know, but I am willing to risk my identity as a Philly sports fan to figure it out.
Both sides of the story have been pretty fairly represented in the days and weeks leading up to this moment. While it is a symbol of futility, it has also been shown how it is a symbol of longevity as well. But it's one to accept the milestone as the diachotomy that it is, and it's something entirely different to embrace it as something to cheer and celebrate; which is what I saw Sunday night.
Citizens Bank Park was packed with fans; many of them holding signs for ESPN. And just as many, if not more, were holding signs referring to the infamous loss that was upon them. These people, while hoping to see a win and a sweep of the defending World Series champs, were hoping to see history. I don't know how many people will admit it, but Phillies fans were hoping to see the 10,000th loss. This became clear as glass in the ninth inning with two outs. The crowd rose to their feet and applauded, anticipating a final out; much like you would normally see - that is if the Phillies were on the road. The fans there wanted to be a part of history.
And it is not just the history of the team. Over the past few weeks, when all the lows that went into this all-time low were added up and discussed, I think the city and its fans began to take ownership in this milestone; along with the team. While it is mostly a negative for the team, it is a testament to the loyalty the fans have shown through the years. And if there is one thing Philly fans like more than seeing their team win (aside from New York teams losing), its being considered the best fans in sports.
It is not just the Phillies fans who have remained loyal though so many low points. All of the Philadelphia sports teams have done their fair share of disapointing fans. Whether it is three consecutive NFC championship losses, getting swept in the Stanley Cups Finals, being the worst team in the league, losing in the NBA finals, or consistently not making the playoffs, Philly fans don't just discuss these memories; they seem to, in a bizarre way, reminisce about them. I don't know when it happened, but we have become so accustomed to coming up short (or not coming up at all) that we take pride in the agony our teams go through. It's gotten to the point where I honestly don't know what we would do when one of our teams finally does break through and win it all. I won't go so far as to say we don't want it to happen, but think about for a second. If we have embraced being great fans of great losers, what will we be when they are no longer losers. I don't know, but I am willing to risk my identity as a Philly sports fan to figure it out.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Not an All Star Experience
Last night was the first All Star game that I really felt like watching in a long time. And, all that I accomplished was remembering why I never felt like watching them in the first place. It is cool to see the game's best players on the field at the same time, and the game itself looked to be a good one; going down to the last out. I say "looked to be a good one," because I fell asleep around the 7th inning. And that brings me to my first annoyance from All Star night.
Looking through the guide on my TV, I saw that pregame started at 7:30 and the game started at 8:00. Most of that pregame stuff doesn't really interest me, seeing as how everything has been covered in the days leading up to the game. So I decided to skip it, and tune in at 8:oo for the start of the game. Now, I'm no dummy; I realize that sporting events never start exactly when they say. There is always some intro, the starting lineups, national anthem (don't even get me started on the Chris Issac A Capella version last night), etc. But last night went to new extremes in my experience. 8:54. That is when the first pitch was! I sat there for nearly an hour watching pregame stuff I purposely chose to skip, constantly thinking the first pitch would be right around the corner. Hell, it took 12 minutes just to announce the rosters. New rule: A sporting event may not start later than 20 minutes past its scheduled time.
On to the game. I really thought the NL had a chance to win their first game in a decade. Add that losing streak to the fact that the All Star game is no longer just an exhibition, with the winner gaining home field advantage in the World Series, and you have a lot of pressure on the NL to win. That pressure should not exist in any All Star game. Which brings me to that joke of a rule which gives home field to the winner. This all came about after the All Star game ended in a tie a few years ago. I have one simple question to ask: What is the big deal?! Why must an exhibition game have a winner? Isn't this game for the fans to recognize the game's top performers? Why must there always be a winner in this society? Ok, so that was actually like four questions; some not so simple. But really, it doesn't make sense to me to give the winner of an exhibition match an advantage in the most important series of the season. The vast majority of the players involved in the decision won't even be able to redeem their reward in the World Series. And vice versa; many players in the World Series will have had no say in who has home field advantage. New (old) rule: The team with the best regular season record earns (and actually does earn) home field advantage in the World Series. And in the case where the two pennant winners played in interleague play, then the winner of that series should get home field.
Despite the fact that I have made it abundantly clear that it is asinine to have a meaningless game mean something, it is still important to win the game. NL skipper, Tony LaRussa, made a couple bone-headed moves in my opinion. First, he had Barry Bonds batting second in the lineup. I am by no means a Bonds fan, but I do think he deserved to be in the game because he is still a very dangerous power hitter. That being the case, there was no reason he shouldn't have been hitting cleanup. On top of that, he is about the worst person I can think of to put in that spot. While giving Bonds a few extra hundred home runs in his career, steroids appear to have taken any and all speed this guy used to have. And you don't want your 2-hole hitter who can run, clogging up the bases. Which is exactly what Bonds would have done, had he actually gotten on base. The other move by LaRussa came in the bottom of the ninth, the NL down by one run and down to their final out. Aaron Rowand steps to the plate with the bases loaded and Albert Pujols on the bench, yet to get into the game. Obviously, being a Philly guy, I would have loved to see someone from the Phils win the game for the NL, but I'm not stupid. Pujols is one of the top 5 hitters in all of baseball. AND, LaRussa is his own coach back in St. Louis. LaRussa has gone on record saying that he was saving his guy in case the game went long. My comment to that is: If you don't get a hit right there at that point, the game is over. I hate when managers/coaches, in any sport, conserve/save someone or something for "a future critical time," instead of using them/it during the critical moment they immediately face. New Rule: No player chosen to the All Star team should sit on the bench the whole game. I know this is professional sports, not intramurals, but its ridiculous. Which brings us back to why the All Star game should not count towards anything other than pleasing the fans.
Looking through the guide on my TV, I saw that pregame started at 7:30 and the game started at 8:00. Most of that pregame stuff doesn't really interest me, seeing as how everything has been covered in the days leading up to the game. So I decided to skip it, and tune in at 8:oo for the start of the game. Now, I'm no dummy; I realize that sporting events never start exactly when they say. There is always some intro, the starting lineups, national anthem (don't even get me started on the Chris Issac A Capella version last night), etc. But last night went to new extremes in my experience. 8:54. That is when the first pitch was! I sat there for nearly an hour watching pregame stuff I purposely chose to skip, constantly thinking the first pitch would be right around the corner. Hell, it took 12 minutes just to announce the rosters. New rule: A sporting event may not start later than 20 minutes past its scheduled time.
On to the game. I really thought the NL had a chance to win their first game in a decade. Add that losing streak to the fact that the All Star game is no longer just an exhibition, with the winner gaining home field advantage in the World Series, and you have a lot of pressure on the NL to win. That pressure should not exist in any All Star game. Which brings me to that joke of a rule which gives home field to the winner. This all came about after the All Star game ended in a tie a few years ago. I have one simple question to ask: What is the big deal?! Why must an exhibition game have a winner? Isn't this game for the fans to recognize the game's top performers? Why must there always be a winner in this society? Ok, so that was actually like four questions; some not so simple. But really, it doesn't make sense to me to give the winner of an exhibition match an advantage in the most important series of the season. The vast majority of the players involved in the decision won't even be able to redeem their reward in the World Series. And vice versa; many players in the World Series will have had no say in who has home field advantage. New (old) rule: The team with the best regular season record earns (and actually does earn) home field advantage in the World Series. And in the case where the two pennant winners played in interleague play, then the winner of that series should get home field.
Despite the fact that I have made it abundantly clear that it is asinine to have a meaningless game mean something, it is still important to win the game. NL skipper, Tony LaRussa, made a couple bone-headed moves in my opinion. First, he had Barry Bonds batting second in the lineup. I am by no means a Bonds fan, but I do think he deserved to be in the game because he is still a very dangerous power hitter. That being the case, there was no reason he shouldn't have been hitting cleanup. On top of that, he is about the worst person I can think of to put in that spot. While giving Bonds a few extra hundred home runs in his career, steroids appear to have taken any and all speed this guy used to have. And you don't want your 2-hole hitter who can run, clogging up the bases. Which is exactly what Bonds would have done, had he actually gotten on base. The other move by LaRussa came in the bottom of the ninth, the NL down by one run and down to their final out. Aaron Rowand steps to the plate with the bases loaded and Albert Pujols on the bench, yet to get into the game. Obviously, being a Philly guy, I would have loved to see someone from the Phils win the game for the NL, but I'm not stupid. Pujols is one of the top 5 hitters in all of baseball. AND, LaRussa is his own coach back in St. Louis. LaRussa has gone on record saying that he was saving his guy in case the game went long. My comment to that is: If you don't get a hit right there at that point, the game is over. I hate when managers/coaches, in any sport, conserve/save someone or something for "a future critical time," instead of using them/it during the critical moment they immediately face. New Rule: No player chosen to the All Star team should sit on the bench the whole game. I know this is professional sports, not intramurals, but its ridiculous. Which brings us back to why the All Star game should not count towards anything other than pleasing the fans.
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