Sunday, November 08, 2009
Golden Opportunity for the Eagles Tonight
The Chargers stunned the Giants in the Meadowlands, giving the Giants their fourth straight loss. The Eagles are coming off a big win over the Giants last week, and now they host the Cowboys tonight. For the Cowboys, this is a revenge game -- the Eagles crushed them, 44-6, on the last day of the season, helping pave the way for the Eagles to make the playoffs (two other teams who were between the Eagles and a playoff berth lost, one inexplicably). Both teams see that a victory tonight will show the rest of the NFC that the winner is the top dog in the conference.
Stanford Beats #7 Oregon
This a week after Mike Greenberg of ESPN Radio offered that he thought that the Ducks were one of the best teams in the country. The truth of the matter is that Stanford's head coach Jim Harbaugh (whose brother, John, coaches the Baltimore Ravens) is one of the best college coaches in the country. The Sporting News predicted at the outset of the season that he's the Pac-10 coach most likely not to return -- because an NFL team might scoop him up.
For all those teams intersted in Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden, remember this -- there are almost no second acts in the NFL (with the exception of Don Shula). Even the much-lauded Bill Parcells couldn't win the Super Bowl anywhere else after leaving the New York Giants. George Seifert bombed in Carolina. Joe Gibbs couldn't re-kindle the magic after his return to the Redskins. Jimmy Johnson didn't win the Super Bowl in Miami. And so forth.
Look, Duke didn't know it was hiring one of the best college coaches of all time when it hired Coach K in 1980. After all, in 7 seasons at Army he had won only one more game than he had lost. If an NFL team were to apply similar logic, it might look to the next great one before hiring for someone looking to win a Super Bowl with a second team. It just hasn't happened much, and I think that a team with an opening would be wise to look at Jim Harbaugh.
For all those teams intersted in Mike Holmgren, Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden, remember this -- there are almost no second acts in the NFL (with the exception of Don Shula). Even the much-lauded Bill Parcells couldn't win the Super Bowl anywhere else after leaving the New York Giants. George Seifert bombed in Carolina. Joe Gibbs couldn't re-kindle the magic after his return to the Redskins. Jimmy Johnson didn't win the Super Bowl in Miami. And so forth.
Look, Duke didn't know it was hiring one of the best college coaches of all time when it hired Coach K in 1980. After all, in 7 seasons at Army he had won only one more game than he had lost. If an NFL team were to apply similar logic, it might look to the next great one before hiring for someone looking to win a Super Bowl with a second team. It just hasn't happened much, and I think that a team with an opening would be wise to look at Jim Harbaugh.
Watch Navy Football!
Great game yesterday against Notre Dame in South Bend, with the Middies wining 23-21 and becoming bowl eligible in the process. Navy plays great football -- watch them.
Is Allen Iverson's Career Over?
It looks like it is in the NBA.
The guy who disdained practice and doesn't like the bench has left the Memphis Grizzlies.
Could Olympiakos come calling?
Because it sounds like no NBA team is interested in him.
The guy who disdained practice and doesn't like the bench has left the Memphis Grizzlies.
Could Olympiakos come calling?
Because it sounds like no NBA team is interested in him.
Questions Regarding Social Networking Websites
What am I missing?
I hear colleagues at work talking about their Facebook pages (no one "Tweets" yet), and my wife has mentioned that friends in our community are on Facebook. Last night I was at a function and ran into a friend from high school who told me that there are facebook groups both for my high school and my junior high school.
"Really?" was all I could muster in response. "Why?"
He responded with the typical, "well, it's always good to see how people are doing." I thought at the moment that too many people use the words "always" and "never" too frequently. He saw that I looked skeptical.
"Look," I said, "I lived with those people for years in school. I keep up with a few. I figure that if anyone really wanted to find me, they could Google me and figure out where I am." (I also figure that having gone to school 12 years straight with some of those people, I had plenty of time way back when to determine for how long I'd stay in touch). Besides, I wanted to add, I like living in the present, interacting with colleagues, friends and neighbors. I try not to look back too much except to draw fondly on positive experiences and recall not-so-positive ones so as not to repeat them. Spencer Johnson would be proud of me.
He shrugged. "It's fun," was all he could muster.
I'll allow for that. Perhaps his high school and junior high school days were the best times of his life. I doubt that; he has a lovely wife and two nice sons and a nice life.
"Okay," I responded.
"Besides," he offered, "you can check out your old girlfriends."
The conversation left me curious -- what compels people to spend a lot of time on these sites?
I don't need to know with whom Joe had dinner, with whom Morris went to the Eagles' game and where Jamie had her mani/pedi and with whom. I don't necessarily want to hear one-dimensional opinions on sensitive subjects in my community; somehow, discussions are the best way to vette problems. At least that's what I've learned.
Please advise me what I'm missing. Does online social networking fill a meaningful void in people's lives, or is it another form of distraction (okay, like blogging) that keeps people away from reading a good book, exercising, planning for retirement, planning a party or great meal, visiting with a friend, etc.?
The friend I saw last night seemed to appreciate Facebook for its ability to enable him to connect with people he hasn't seen for decades. Other friends seem to appreciate Facebook for their ability to keep up with friends in real time. As for the former, we call can differ on how necessary, desirable or interesting that activity is. As for the latter, how meaningful are the interactions? Or, do they have to be?
At any rate, call me a Luddite (or worse) for challenging the utility and desirability of social networking. Let my friends think I'm boring (which they might already) because I refuse to engage in one of the newest trends (then again, has social networking been around for long enough that it's no longer a trend?). But register your opinions and convince me that social networking websites are not a waste of time.
Thank you.
I hear colleagues at work talking about their Facebook pages (no one "Tweets" yet), and my wife has mentioned that friends in our community are on Facebook. Last night I was at a function and ran into a friend from high school who told me that there are facebook groups both for my high school and my junior high school.
"Really?" was all I could muster in response. "Why?"
He responded with the typical, "well, it's always good to see how people are doing." I thought at the moment that too many people use the words "always" and "never" too frequently. He saw that I looked skeptical.
"Look," I said, "I lived with those people for years in school. I keep up with a few. I figure that if anyone really wanted to find me, they could Google me and figure out where I am." (I also figure that having gone to school 12 years straight with some of those people, I had plenty of time way back when to determine for how long I'd stay in touch). Besides, I wanted to add, I like living in the present, interacting with colleagues, friends and neighbors. I try not to look back too much except to draw fondly on positive experiences and recall not-so-positive ones so as not to repeat them. Spencer Johnson would be proud of me.
He shrugged. "It's fun," was all he could muster.
I'll allow for that. Perhaps his high school and junior high school days were the best times of his life. I doubt that; he has a lovely wife and two nice sons and a nice life.
"Okay," I responded.
"Besides," he offered, "you can check out your old girlfriends."
The conversation left me curious -- what compels people to spend a lot of time on these sites?
I don't need to know with whom Joe had dinner, with whom Morris went to the Eagles' game and where Jamie had her mani/pedi and with whom. I don't necessarily want to hear one-dimensional opinions on sensitive subjects in my community; somehow, discussions are the best way to vette problems. At least that's what I've learned.
Please advise me what I'm missing. Does online social networking fill a meaningful void in people's lives, or is it another form of distraction (okay, like blogging) that keeps people away from reading a good book, exercising, planning for retirement, planning a party or great meal, visiting with a friend, etc.?
The friend I saw last night seemed to appreciate Facebook for its ability to enable him to connect with people he hasn't seen for decades. Other friends seem to appreciate Facebook for their ability to keep up with friends in real time. As for the former, we call can differ on how necessary, desirable or interesting that activity is. As for the latter, how meaningful are the interactions? Or, do they have to be?
At any rate, call me a Luddite (or worse) for challenging the utility and desirability of social networking. Let my friends think I'm boring (which they might already) because I refuse to engage in one of the newest trends (then again, has social networking been around for long enough that it's no longer a trend?). But register your opinions and convince me that social networking websites are not a waste of time.
Thank you.
More on the Phillies
Two excellent writers from the Bucks County Courier Times offer their take on what the Phillies need to do to stay on top. You should read the columns of Mike Sielski and Randy Miller to get a sense of how the Phillies may struggle to remain a dominant team after the 2011 season. Sielski's prescriptions seem more within the realm of the possible; Miller calls for significant increased spending for the Phillies to ensure an era of predominance. It's a novel thought, and one which, if the Phillies embark upon it, could have them keep their relatively young nucleus (especially when compared to the Yankees) intact well into when players like Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino are in their mid-30's. (I tried to find links to the columns, but, alas, they're not posted on the paper's website today).
Also, for what it's worth, The Sporting News' power poll for the 2010 season has the Yankees first and the Phillies second. The worst team? Cleveland.
Also, for what it's worth, The Sporting News' power poll for the 2010 season has the Yankees first and the Phillies second. The worst team? Cleveland.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Former Trail Blazer and Yale Bulldog Chris Dudley to Run for Governor of Oregon
Here's the AP story.
While the incumbent Democrat is favored to win reelection and with Oregon having trended blue more recently, the Republican frontrunner faces an uphill battle. But local observers say that the 44 year-old investment manager would put a new face on Republican politics in Oregon and give the Republicans a good chance.
Given what happened Tuesday in the bluest of the blue states, New Jersey, and, also, in Virginia, where independents returned in large numbers to the GOP, I don't think that many Democrats will now think their seats are as safe as they were in November of 2008. As a result, Dudley probably will have more than a puncher's chance.
On a different note, former UNLV point guard Danny Tarkanian is priming for a challenge to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. As a lightning rod for national politics, Reid is seen as vulnerable to a challenge. Tarkanian is the son of former Fresno State, UNLV and Long Beach State coach Jerry Tarkanian.
While the incumbent Democrat is favored to win reelection and with Oregon having trended blue more recently, the Republican frontrunner faces an uphill battle. But local observers say that the 44 year-old investment manager would put a new face on Republican politics in Oregon and give the Republicans a good chance.
Given what happened Tuesday in the bluest of the blue states, New Jersey, and, also, in Virginia, where independents returned in large numbers to the GOP, I don't think that many Democrats will now think their seats are as safe as they were in November of 2008. As a result, Dudley probably will have more than a puncher's chance.
On a different note, former UNLV point guard Danny Tarkanian is priming for a challenge to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. As a lightning rod for national politics, Reid is seen as vulnerable to a challenge. Tarkanian is the son of former Fresno State, UNLV and Long Beach State coach Jerry Tarkanian.
Update on Princeton Alums Playing Professional Baseball
Pretty impressive list for a school that doesn't give athletic scholarships and doesn't have the weather that schools in Texas, Florida and California have.
Phillies Update -- New Developments
Here goes:
1. Brett Myers will not be back with the team. According to this report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the never-dull righty will not be offered a contract. There could be many reasons for this -- that the Phillies have doubts about his health, his maturity, clubhouse chemistry, or his ability to pitch consistently. This would have been more of a surprise had Myers not had a dust up with Cole Hamels after Game 3.
2. The Daily News' Rich Hoffman Wants the Phillies to Trade for Roy Halladay. It's not as far-fetched as it seems, but Hoffman seems to think that the Phillies could do so and end up with a rotation of Lee, Halladay, Hamels, Blanton and Happ. A friend ran by a scenario the other day where the Phillies would peddle the somewhat damaged (at least in the clubhouse) Hamels to Toronto in a trade for Halladay. The odds of this happening would appear to be small.
3. The Phillies Might Have Trouble Signing the "Super-Sub" Back-Up. According to this report in the Daily News, GM Ruben Amaro ran into a problem trying to upgrade his bench after last season because that type of free agent wants more playing time. So, the Jays' Mario Scutaro might want to go where he can play more, as would the Cards' Mark DeRosa. DeRosa poses something of a risk because he just underwent wrist surgery.
4. It's Unclear How Much the Phillies Will Spend for the 2010 Roster. According to the prior linked article, they already have about $94 million allocated to 11 players. The 2009 payroll was about $130 million, with $20 million allocated to players who weren't on the team -- Adam Eaton, Geoff Jenkins and, yes, Jim Thome. They also free up $10 million, because that's what Brett Myers made in 2009. They'll end up giving raises to Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino, both of whom are arbitration eligible. Where it gets interesting is that Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Jack Taschner and Tyler Walker all are arbitration eligible. Given how many clubs might not offer arbitration to middle-of-the-roster players, it would stand to reason that the Phillies might decline to arbitrate with this five-some and upgrade at each position through a glut of good free agents. While Condrey pitched well two years ago, Durbin has been solid if not spectacular and Walker filled in well this year, the Phillies might be better off by getting better and younger arms to supplement the top four of Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and now Chan Ho Park.
5. The Phillies' Hot Stove. Great stuff from the High Cheese Blog of the Daily News about all things Phillies. Yes, the Phillies exercised their $9 million option for Cliff Lee for 2010. Could Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa be the next third baseman of the Phillies? Will the Phillies offer arbitration to Joe Blanton, who might get an award of as high as $7 million? What was the actual 2009 payroll? And much more.
1. Brett Myers will not be back with the team. According to this report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the never-dull righty will not be offered a contract. There could be many reasons for this -- that the Phillies have doubts about his health, his maturity, clubhouse chemistry, or his ability to pitch consistently. This would have been more of a surprise had Myers not had a dust up with Cole Hamels after Game 3.
2. The Daily News' Rich Hoffman Wants the Phillies to Trade for Roy Halladay. It's not as far-fetched as it seems, but Hoffman seems to think that the Phillies could do so and end up with a rotation of Lee, Halladay, Hamels, Blanton and Happ. A friend ran by a scenario the other day where the Phillies would peddle the somewhat damaged (at least in the clubhouse) Hamels to Toronto in a trade for Halladay. The odds of this happening would appear to be small.
3. The Phillies Might Have Trouble Signing the "Super-Sub" Back-Up. According to this report in the Daily News, GM Ruben Amaro ran into a problem trying to upgrade his bench after last season because that type of free agent wants more playing time. So, the Jays' Mario Scutaro might want to go where he can play more, as would the Cards' Mark DeRosa. DeRosa poses something of a risk because he just underwent wrist surgery.
4. It's Unclear How Much the Phillies Will Spend for the 2010 Roster. According to the prior linked article, they already have about $94 million allocated to 11 players. The 2009 payroll was about $130 million, with $20 million allocated to players who weren't on the team -- Adam Eaton, Geoff Jenkins and, yes, Jim Thome. They also free up $10 million, because that's what Brett Myers made in 2009. They'll end up giving raises to Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino, both of whom are arbitration eligible. Where it gets interesting is that Eric Bruntlett, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Jack Taschner and Tyler Walker all are arbitration eligible. Given how many clubs might not offer arbitration to middle-of-the-roster players, it would stand to reason that the Phillies might decline to arbitrate with this five-some and upgrade at each position through a glut of good free agents. While Condrey pitched well two years ago, Durbin has been solid if not spectacular and Walker filled in well this year, the Phillies might be better off by getting better and younger arms to supplement the top four of Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson and now Chan Ho Park.
5. The Phillies' Hot Stove. Great stuff from the High Cheese Blog of the Daily News about all things Phillies. Yes, the Phillies exercised their $9 million option for Cliff Lee for 2010. Could Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa be the next third baseman of the Phillies? Will the Phillies offer arbitration to Joe Blanton, who might get an award of as high as $7 million? What was the actual 2009 payroll? And much more.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Should Michael Jordan's Son Be Bigger Than the University of Central Florida Athletic Program?
Apparently he thinks so.
But adidas has the last word.
I get the fact that Marcus Jordan has an affinity for Nike sneakers because of his father's affiliation with the shoe company. But, by the same token, Marcus opted to join a college basketball program that had adidas as a sponsor. The last time I (perhaps naively) checked, no player should be bigger than a school or its contractual commitment. It's a shame that young Jordan couldn't see fit to honor his school's commitment and wear adidas, which has cancelled its sponsorship.
Who does he think he is, his father? Sure, he's a DI player, but UCF isn't Carolina and he isn't an all-American. So why should he get to act differently?
UCF should have stopped this before it became a national story. And while it would appear that Marcus Jordan thinks he took a stand, he looks to the outside world as an entitled young man who doesn't think that the rules apply to him.
And let's see if they do -- when he takes off from the foul line in a game, will the officials call traveling?
But adidas has the last word.
I get the fact that Marcus Jordan has an affinity for Nike sneakers because of his father's affiliation with the shoe company. But, by the same token, Marcus opted to join a college basketball program that had adidas as a sponsor. The last time I (perhaps naively) checked, no player should be bigger than a school or its contractual commitment. It's a shame that young Jordan couldn't see fit to honor his school's commitment and wear adidas, which has cancelled its sponsorship.
Who does he think he is, his father? Sure, he's a DI player, but UCF isn't Carolina and he isn't an all-American. So why should he get to act differently?
UCF should have stopped this before it became a national story. And while it would appear that Marcus Jordan thinks he took a stand, he looks to the outside world as an entitled young man who doesn't think that the rules apply to him.
And let's see if they do -- when he takes off from the foul line in a game, will the officials call traveling?
Doesn't Allen Iverson Realize He's Now Living Off the Fat of the League?
Poor Lionel Hollins. He has a well past his prime short shooting guard who doesn't really understand the purpose of passing or practice, and the guy is complaining about not starting.
His name: Allen Iverson.
If I were the Grizzlies, I'd trade him to the Iranian League.
Yes, AI plays hard, plays with passion, gives his all, but. . . and we all know the buts. He doesn't make his teammates better, his shooting percentage is low, he's not a good defender, and now he's in the twilight of his NBA career. He should be happy he's on a team where he can contribute, and while docile people don't make good soldiers, he should realize that he's more of a role player now than ever before. In other words, he should embrace his role and relish it.
But that's not AI. What made him great at times is that he didn't listen to naysayers. But the same thing makes him frustrating to coaches -- that he doesn't listen, because it would appear that he knows better and that coaches who don't see his brilliance have prevented and will prevent his teams from winning.
Enough already. The Grizzlies will either rectify this situation or let Allen Iverson go. And then AI might be left wondering when no team expresses an interest in his services any more.
I can hear the protests now. "Sixth man. There aren't any good players who play the role of sixth man."
His name: Allen Iverson.
If I were the Grizzlies, I'd trade him to the Iranian League.
Yes, AI plays hard, plays with passion, gives his all, but. . . and we all know the buts. He doesn't make his teammates better, his shooting percentage is low, he's not a good defender, and now he's in the twilight of his NBA career. He should be happy he's on a team where he can contribute, and while docile people don't make good soldiers, he should realize that he's more of a role player now than ever before. In other words, he should embrace his role and relish it.
But that's not AI. What made him great at times is that he didn't listen to naysayers. But the same thing makes him frustrating to coaches -- that he doesn't listen, because it would appear that he knows better and that coaches who don't see his brilliance have prevented and will prevent his teams from winning.
Enough already. The Grizzlies will either rectify this situation or let Allen Iverson go. And then AI might be left wondering when no team expresses an interest in his services any more.
I can hear the protests now. "Sixth man. There aren't any good players who play the role of sixth man."
Questions for the Phillies Next Year
Here goes:
1. Did Cole Hamels Lose The Clubhouse with His Remarks in the World Series? Don't know how big an issue this is. Despite Charlie Manuel's closing of the ranks, I'm sure that Hamels did damage with his "I can't wait for this to be over" line. Baseball players are among the most competitive people on the planet, and I can't believe that guys who push themselves hard for a long haul can be happy with Hamels diva-like behavior. Then again, he's only a young kid, kids make mistakes, and most 25 year-olds can't hold up to that type of pressure. Prediction: things will be okay by the middle of spring training.
2. Who Will Be the Phillies' Starting Pitchers Next Year? Tougher question. Cliff Lee, for starters. He's the ace. Hamels, presumably, although a friend suggested that they package him and his attitudes to Toronto for a year of Roy Halladay (and then try to sign either Lee or Halladay to a long-term deal). That's intriguing, but unlikely. After Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ, although I think that Charlie Manuel has some patching up to do. Blanton got relegated to also-ran status at the expense of Pedro Martinez, who fizzled out like outdated fireworks on the Fourth of July. Happ pitched poorly in relief in the post-season, and despite a probable win for N.L. Rookie of the Year, his confidence may be a little down and he may be a little miffed at his manager. Both of these perceived slights are small beer -- it happens when you make a deep post-season run, but Manuel will be sensitive to the feelings of these players. So that leaves one spot for, among others, Jamie Moyer and Pedro Martinez, with Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers long shots. I'd have the first two retire, have Kendrick in long relief and try to rehab Myers as a starting pitcher. Presumably, phenom Kyle Drabek needs half a season at AAA before being ready for the big leagues.
3. Who Will be in the Bullpen? I think that you'd need a PhD dissertation for this one. Brad Lidge is on a precipice, J.C. Romero was a non-factor, Ryan Madson was gassed, Scott Eyre will retire and iffy-winged Clay Condrey will be 34. Jack Taschner will vanish, and Antonio Bastardo and Sergio Escalona are question marks. Chan Ho Park should be back, Tyler Walker could be back, and you would think that Chad Durbin will be back. The lefty side needs fortification; look for the Phils to go after a premiere lefty reliever this off-season.
4. Who Will be on the Phillies' Bench? Matt Stairs is probably gone. So is Eric Bruntlett. So is Paul Bako. Greg Dobbs has a year left on his contract, and Ben Francisco probably is back as the fourth or fifth outfielder. The Phillies can use a better utility infielder who can spell Rollins and Utley on occasion (it's not Miguel Cairo; the Cards' Mark DeRosa has been mentioned, but he can't play SS). Because of the earlier post about non-tendered players, I would bet that the Phillies can upgrade their bench significantly for next season.
5. How Many Phillies Won't Be Back Next Season? Eyre (retiring), Stairs (probably retiring), Bruntlett (didn't hit), Bako (no compelling reason to keep him). I would bet that the pitching staff will have one or two other new faces. The big question is 3B, where Pedro Feliz fields like Brooks Robinson but has bad plate discipline and has one of the worst on-base percentages of starting players in the Majors. It's hard to see who's available right now, but Feliz will be 35, and if the Phillies can upgrade and get slighly younger, they'll do so.
6. How Much Money Will the Phillies Spend on Payroll for 2010? They have a unique nucleus that they won't be able to keep together for more than a few more seasons. They won't be contributing to Jim Thome's salary anymore, and they won't be paying either Geoff Jenkins' or Adam Eaton's salary in 2010. That's a total of about $20 million. They also won't be paying Brett Myers $10 million, but I believe that Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton are arbitration eligible. Also, Jayson Werth, Cliff Lee and (I think) Jimmy Rollins only have a year left on their deals. So, the front office will be busy again, but they should strongly consider stretching their budgets given how popular the team is and given that Ryan Howard, Rollins, Utley and Lee won't be around together forever (read: when Howard is a free agent in two years, the Phillies will have a big decision to make).
None of these are particularly troubling or awful decisions. The front office appears to be in good shape, and with the right tweaking and trading, the Phillies should be primed to win the NL East again and make a deep playoff run. But they won't win the World Series unless a) they get more pitching or b) the Yankees' suffer serious injuries to their pitching staff. So, fortifying their pitching is a must.
Can't wait for next year.
1. Did Cole Hamels Lose The Clubhouse with His Remarks in the World Series? Don't know how big an issue this is. Despite Charlie Manuel's closing of the ranks, I'm sure that Hamels did damage with his "I can't wait for this to be over" line. Baseball players are among the most competitive people on the planet, and I can't believe that guys who push themselves hard for a long haul can be happy with Hamels diva-like behavior. Then again, he's only a young kid, kids make mistakes, and most 25 year-olds can't hold up to that type of pressure. Prediction: things will be okay by the middle of spring training.
2. Who Will Be the Phillies' Starting Pitchers Next Year? Tougher question. Cliff Lee, for starters. He's the ace. Hamels, presumably, although a friend suggested that they package him and his attitudes to Toronto for a year of Roy Halladay (and then try to sign either Lee or Halladay to a long-term deal). That's intriguing, but unlikely. After Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ, although I think that Charlie Manuel has some patching up to do. Blanton got relegated to also-ran status at the expense of Pedro Martinez, who fizzled out like outdated fireworks on the Fourth of July. Happ pitched poorly in relief in the post-season, and despite a probable win for N.L. Rookie of the Year, his confidence may be a little down and he may be a little miffed at his manager. Both of these perceived slights are small beer -- it happens when you make a deep post-season run, but Manuel will be sensitive to the feelings of these players. So that leaves one spot for, among others, Jamie Moyer and Pedro Martinez, with Kyle Kendrick and Brett Myers long shots. I'd have the first two retire, have Kendrick in long relief and try to rehab Myers as a starting pitcher. Presumably, phenom Kyle Drabek needs half a season at AAA before being ready for the big leagues.
3. Who Will be in the Bullpen? I think that you'd need a PhD dissertation for this one. Brad Lidge is on a precipice, J.C. Romero was a non-factor, Ryan Madson was gassed, Scott Eyre will retire and iffy-winged Clay Condrey will be 34. Jack Taschner will vanish, and Antonio Bastardo and Sergio Escalona are question marks. Chan Ho Park should be back, Tyler Walker could be back, and you would think that Chad Durbin will be back. The lefty side needs fortification; look for the Phils to go after a premiere lefty reliever this off-season.
4. Who Will be on the Phillies' Bench? Matt Stairs is probably gone. So is Eric Bruntlett. So is Paul Bako. Greg Dobbs has a year left on his contract, and Ben Francisco probably is back as the fourth or fifth outfielder. The Phillies can use a better utility infielder who can spell Rollins and Utley on occasion (it's not Miguel Cairo; the Cards' Mark DeRosa has been mentioned, but he can't play SS). Because of the earlier post about non-tendered players, I would bet that the Phillies can upgrade their bench significantly for next season.
5. How Many Phillies Won't Be Back Next Season? Eyre (retiring), Stairs (probably retiring), Bruntlett (didn't hit), Bako (no compelling reason to keep him). I would bet that the pitching staff will have one or two other new faces. The big question is 3B, where Pedro Feliz fields like Brooks Robinson but has bad plate discipline and has one of the worst on-base percentages of starting players in the Majors. It's hard to see who's available right now, but Feliz will be 35, and if the Phillies can upgrade and get slighly younger, they'll do so.
6. How Much Money Will the Phillies Spend on Payroll for 2010? They have a unique nucleus that they won't be able to keep together for more than a few more seasons. They won't be contributing to Jim Thome's salary anymore, and they won't be paying either Geoff Jenkins' or Adam Eaton's salary in 2010. That's a total of about $20 million. They also won't be paying Brett Myers $10 million, but I believe that Shane Victorino and Joe Blanton are arbitration eligible. Also, Jayson Werth, Cliff Lee and (I think) Jimmy Rollins only have a year left on their deals. So, the front office will be busy again, but they should strongly consider stretching their budgets given how popular the team is and given that Ryan Howard, Rollins, Utley and Lee won't be around together forever (read: when Howard is a free agent in two years, the Phillies will have a big decision to make).
None of these are particularly troubling or awful decisions. The front office appears to be in good shape, and with the right tweaking and trading, the Phillies should be primed to win the NL East again and make a deep playoff run. But they won't win the World Series unless a) they get more pitching or b) the Yankees' suffer serious injuries to their pitching staff. So, fortifying their pitching is a must.
Can't wait for next year.
So Baseball Prospectus Isn't Always Right
Read the 2009 edition and see what they had to say about the Yankees and Phillies. It wasn't exactly death by a thousand cuts, but it wasn't an elegy as to what they were doing right. The overall summaries suggested that neither would win the World Series -- that the Phillies somewhat were in the right place at the right time last season and that the Yankees wouldn't have enough offense and defense to win it all. Read the incremental player blurbs, and you would have sworn that Derek Jeter is a glue horse who is almost through.
I know I'm being a bit critical, as I am a big fan of the stats and the writing generally (even though it can be kind of snarky and harsh at times). Still, it just goes to show you that despite all of the statistical analyses and data available, it's still hard to measure what a player has left in him or what a team can do collectively.
I know I'm being a bit critical, as I am a big fan of the stats and the writing generally (even though it can be kind of snarky and harsh at times). Still, it just goes to show you that despite all of the statistical analyses and data available, it's still hard to measure what a player has left in him or what a team can do collectively.
Buster Olney on Future Separation of Baseball Teams
Apparently the haves are going to have some more bounty to plunder -- and soon.
According to Buster Olney this morning on ESPN Radio, many big-league clubs are going to non-tender players who are arbitration eligible and let them become free agents. The reason -- the economy and their own economics. Smaller market teams probably won't be patient for a potential star to emerge and might cut him loose rather than take risks that through escalating salaries through arbitration the player might not turn out to be that good and then they're stuck with him for a season. Apparently, the Rockies might not tender 3B Garrett Atkins (who could reunite with his college buddy Chase Utley in Philadelphia if the Phillies were to let Pedro Feliz go), and the Marlins might not tender Jeremy Hermida. According to Olney, this means that the gap between the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Phillies -- on the one hand -- and possibly most other teams -- could widen (the Dodgers might be included in the former group, but the potential divorce of the McCourts suggests that they won't be that active in adding players or salaries).
An acquaintance who belongs to an ownership group in the NHL suggested to me a month ago that MLB needs a salary cap, that it's worked for the NHL and the NFL, and that to maximize fan interest all fans need to know that their team has a reasonable chance to win a title. In Major League Baseball, is it realistic to think that Pittsburgh or Cincinnati or Washington or Baltimore can win a title any time soon?
At any rate, look out for the non-tendering of arbitration eligible players -- and a swooping in of the big-market teams to further fortify their rosters. All of this should take place, according to Buster Olney, in the next 37 days.
According to Buster Olney this morning on ESPN Radio, many big-league clubs are going to non-tender players who are arbitration eligible and let them become free agents. The reason -- the economy and their own economics. Smaller market teams probably won't be patient for a potential star to emerge and might cut him loose rather than take risks that through escalating salaries through arbitration the player might not turn out to be that good and then they're stuck with him for a season. Apparently, the Rockies might not tender 3B Garrett Atkins (who could reunite with his college buddy Chase Utley in Philadelphia if the Phillies were to let Pedro Feliz go), and the Marlins might not tender Jeremy Hermida. According to Olney, this means that the gap between the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Phillies -- on the one hand -- and possibly most other teams -- could widen (the Dodgers might be included in the former group, but the potential divorce of the McCourts suggests that they won't be that active in adding players or salaries).
An acquaintance who belongs to an ownership group in the NHL suggested to me a month ago that MLB needs a salary cap, that it's worked for the NHL and the NFL, and that to maximize fan interest all fans need to know that their team has a reasonable chance to win a title. In Major League Baseball, is it realistic to think that Pittsburgh or Cincinnati or Washington or Baltimore can win a title any time soon?
At any rate, look out for the non-tendering of arbitration eligible players -- and a swooping in of the big-market teams to further fortify their rosters. All of this should take place, according to Buster Olney, in the next 37 days.
Congratulations to the New York Yankees
The Yankees proved that they were the best team in baseball last night. They hit well enough to win a World Series, and their pitching made the difference. Last season, their starting pitching let them down, and they went out and solved their problem by signing CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett as free agents. Their middle relief was strong enough, and they have the best closer in history in Mariano Rivera. Their nucleus of players provided great leadership and timely hitting. They are to be congratulated for a job well done.
The Phillies likewise had a great season. It's hard to repeat, and they returned to the World Series despite some limitations that I discussed in the previous post and won't repeat here. Suffice it to say that to get to Game 6 of the World Series with the bullpen they had this year was a great accomplishment. Last year, the bullpen -- and the season -- were perfect. This year, the bullpen was flawed, at times significantly so -- and they overcame those flaws to push a better team to Game 6.
Only about 4 months now to spring training!
The Phillies likewise had a great season. It's hard to repeat, and they returned to the World Series despite some limitations that I discussed in the previous post and won't repeat here. Suffice it to say that to get to Game 6 of the World Series with the bullpen they had this year was a great accomplishment. Last year, the bullpen -- and the season -- were perfect. This year, the bullpen was flawed, at times significantly so -- and they overcame those flaws to push a better team to Game 6.
Only about 4 months now to spring training!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
If You Would Have Told Me Before the Season . . (Phillies Musings)
that. . .
Brad Lidge would blow about 30% of his saves and have an ERA over 7.00; and
Brett Myers would miss most of the season; and
Jamie Moyer would lose his effectiveness; and
J.C. Romero would get suspended and contribute almost nothing to the team; and
All members of the bullpen save Ryan Madson would spend time on the disabled list; and
Carlos Ruiz would only get 322 at-bats; and
Raul Ibanez would get hurt mid-year and not be nearly as effective as he was before the injury; and
the Phillies bench would produce very little; and
Eric Bruntlett would hit so far below the Mendoza Line as to require a search party of miners to look for his batting average; and
Matt Stairs would have a huge oh-fer as a pinch hitter during the season and hit for very little power; and
the Phillies would make it to (at least) Game 6 of the World Series. . .
I would have signed up for that result in a heartbeat.
So now the Phillies find themselves about 2 1/2 hours away from Game 6, in a classic match-up between Andy Pettitte, the leader in all-time post-season wins and Pedro Martinez, a future Hall of Famer. The Phillies and Yankees are both known for their comebacks. The Phillies were baseball's best road team; the Yankees baseball's best home team.
Anything can happen. Let's hope that both teams provide great theater tonight.
Brad Lidge would blow about 30% of his saves and have an ERA over 7.00; and
Brett Myers would miss most of the season; and
Jamie Moyer would lose his effectiveness; and
J.C. Romero would get suspended and contribute almost nothing to the team; and
All members of the bullpen save Ryan Madson would spend time on the disabled list; and
Carlos Ruiz would only get 322 at-bats; and
Raul Ibanez would get hurt mid-year and not be nearly as effective as he was before the injury; and
the Phillies bench would produce very little; and
Eric Bruntlett would hit so far below the Mendoza Line as to require a search party of miners to look for his batting average; and
Matt Stairs would have a huge oh-fer as a pinch hitter during the season and hit for very little power; and
the Phillies would make it to (at least) Game 6 of the World Series. . .
I would have signed up for that result in a heartbeat.
So now the Phillies find themselves about 2 1/2 hours away from Game 6, in a classic match-up between Andy Pettitte, the leader in all-time post-season wins and Pedro Martinez, a future Hall of Famer. The Phillies and Yankees are both known for their comebacks. The Phillies were baseball's best road team; the Yankees baseball's best home team.
Anything can happen. Let's hope that both teams provide great theater tonight.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Short Rest
According to Mike Golic this morning on ESPN Radio (quoting from the Elias Sports Bureau), since 1999 pitchers throwing on short rest in the post-season are 9-28. Since 2004, they are 0-7.
Joe Girardi went to Northwestern and majored in engineering. He's a better math guy than I am.
And Yankees fans are certainly hoping that he knows more than they do.
Joe Girardi went to Northwestern and majored in engineering. He's a better math guy than I am.
And Yankees fans are certainly hoping that he knows more than they do.
The Beirut Browns
You just can't make up some of this stuff.
Does this mean that the Raiders should move to Baghdad?
And the Redskins to Tikrit?
Sheesh.
When the wheels fall off the bus, they really create quite the mess.
Does this mean that the Raiders should move to Baghdad?
And the Redskins to Tikrit?
Sheesh.
When the wheels fall off the bus, they really create quite the mess.
Phillies 8 Yankees 6
Observations:
1. So now the Series goes back to New York, with the Yankees leading 8-6. Unless Joe Girardi summons Chad Gaudin to the mound, the Yankees' starters both will be working on short rest. Since the 2004 NLDS (when Roy Oswalt beat Jaret Wright), starters in the post-season working on short rest are 0 and 7. The record for starters working on short rest since 1999 is 9-28. The edge on this stat goes to the Phillies, although it's not as though they'll be trotting out Cy Young and Lefty Grove to defeat the Yankees. This is probably the big story now.
2. The Phillies' bullpen doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Ryan Madson didn't look all that steady out there, and I wondered why Charlie Manuel didn't leave Chan Ho Park in the game. He pitched well, and he, as well as Matt Stairs, could have grounded into a double play in the bottom of the eighth. Seriously, the choice to pinch-hit Stairs in that situation was almost as curious as the choice to replace Shane Victorino with Ben Francisco in the field. As to the former, well, the Phillies really don't have anyone else. As to the latter, both Raul Ibanez's frightful attempt on a fly ball and Francisco's lame throw home on a short fly to center field underscored most Phillies' fans frustration with this defensive substitution.
3. Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Paul Bako, Eric Bruntlett, Ben Francisco. Only the latter is a lock to be back on the Phillies' bench next season. Dobbs has a year left on his contract, so it's possible he'll return. The Phillies need some more mojo off their bench. Not a fatal flaw, per se, but the bench isn't helping them this year the way it did last season.
4. Okay, so if the Phillies win Game 6 behind Pedro Martinez, who gets the nod in Game 7? My vote is for J.A. Happ. Why? He won in Yankee Stadium earlier this season, he pitched well for most of the year, he's more confident than Cole Hamels (so is your average Babe Ruth League high schooler at the moment), and you don't need him to go 7 -- a good 5 gets you to Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, Tug McGraw, Al Holland, Jim Konstanty and anyone else the Phillies want to throw at the Yankees in Game 7.
5. The two-game Series has perhaps the best road team in baseball going against the best team at home. That should make for good theater.
6. Bobby Valentine is very blunt in his analysis, but he's right -- the Yankees shouldn't pitch to Chase Utley anymore. They should let Ryan Howard try to beat them. As a Phillies fan, you take the bad with the good with Howard. For every torrid run there can be a terrible drought. What you hope for -- as we did with Mike Schmidt decades ago -- is that other players pick the team up when he is down. Utley is doing just that, and Raul Ibanez's blast gives the Phillies' faithful hope that some other big hitter is getting hot at the right time. One of the reasons, I think, that the team let Pat Burrell go is that Burrell likewise was a streaky hitter, and the team, if it wanted to evolve, couldn't continue to endure big droughts from its four and five hitters at the same time (Burrell also was becoming injury prone).
7. Chase Utley's post-season performance belies a plum-awful September where he couldn't hit (with men on base or otherwise). Utley's average for September was below .200. Now, he's being compared to Reggie Jackson. Less electric, but much lower maintenance.
8. The Yankees continued to show grit last night and fought back hard. That bodes well for Game 6. They'll be up for the challenge and wanting to end it quickly. The big issue is how much Andy Pettitte has left in the tank. I say he could well have enough -- he's a big-game pitcher and excels on a big stage.
9. It should be a good show on Wednesday night. These are the two best teams in baseball, and they're battling hard.
1. So now the Series goes back to New York, with the Yankees leading 8-6. Unless Joe Girardi summons Chad Gaudin to the mound, the Yankees' starters both will be working on short rest. Since the 2004 NLDS (when Roy Oswalt beat Jaret Wright), starters in the post-season working on short rest are 0 and 7. The record for starters working on short rest since 1999 is 9-28. The edge on this stat goes to the Phillies, although it's not as though they'll be trotting out Cy Young and Lefty Grove to defeat the Yankees. This is probably the big story now.
2. The Phillies' bullpen doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Ryan Madson didn't look all that steady out there, and I wondered why Charlie Manuel didn't leave Chan Ho Park in the game. He pitched well, and he, as well as Matt Stairs, could have grounded into a double play in the bottom of the eighth. Seriously, the choice to pinch-hit Stairs in that situation was almost as curious as the choice to replace Shane Victorino with Ben Francisco in the field. As to the former, well, the Phillies really don't have anyone else. As to the latter, both Raul Ibanez's frightful attempt on a fly ball and Francisco's lame throw home on a short fly to center field underscored most Phillies' fans frustration with this defensive substitution.
3. Matt Stairs, Greg Dobbs, Paul Bako, Eric Bruntlett, Ben Francisco. Only the latter is a lock to be back on the Phillies' bench next season. Dobbs has a year left on his contract, so it's possible he'll return. The Phillies need some more mojo off their bench. Not a fatal flaw, per se, but the bench isn't helping them this year the way it did last season.
4. Okay, so if the Phillies win Game 6 behind Pedro Martinez, who gets the nod in Game 7? My vote is for J.A. Happ. Why? He won in Yankee Stadium earlier this season, he pitched well for most of the year, he's more confident than Cole Hamels (so is your average Babe Ruth League high schooler at the moment), and you don't need him to go 7 -- a good 5 gets you to Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee, Tug McGraw, Al Holland, Jim Konstanty and anyone else the Phillies want to throw at the Yankees in Game 7.
5. The two-game Series has perhaps the best road team in baseball going against the best team at home. That should make for good theater.
6. Bobby Valentine is very blunt in his analysis, but he's right -- the Yankees shouldn't pitch to Chase Utley anymore. They should let Ryan Howard try to beat them. As a Phillies fan, you take the bad with the good with Howard. For every torrid run there can be a terrible drought. What you hope for -- as we did with Mike Schmidt decades ago -- is that other players pick the team up when he is down. Utley is doing just that, and Raul Ibanez's blast gives the Phillies' faithful hope that some other big hitter is getting hot at the right time. One of the reasons, I think, that the team let Pat Burrell go is that Burrell likewise was a streaky hitter, and the team, if it wanted to evolve, couldn't continue to endure big droughts from its four and five hitters at the same time (Burrell also was becoming injury prone).
7. Chase Utley's post-season performance belies a plum-awful September where he couldn't hit (with men on base or otherwise). Utley's average for September was below .200. Now, he's being compared to Reggie Jackson. Less electric, but much lower maintenance.
8. The Yankees continued to show grit last night and fought back hard. That bodes well for Game 6. They'll be up for the challenge and wanting to end it quickly. The big issue is how much Andy Pettitte has left in the tank. I say he could well have enough -- he's a big-game pitcher and excels on a big stage.
9. It should be a good show on Wednesday night. These are the two best teams in baseball, and they're battling hard.
Monday, November 02, 2009
At Citizens Bank Park Last Night -- Phillies/Yankees
1. The Yankees deserve a lot of credit for what they did in the off-season. They knew that they had to upgrade their starting pitching, and by doing so they put themselves in a position to win it all. CC Sabathia did a great job on short rest -- he's a war horse.
2. Once again, a team's weakness gets magnified in the post-season. Phillies' fans would have been devastated had Brad Lidge performed last year in the World Series the way he did last night. Last night, Phillies' fans were simply resigned after the game -- after all, Lidge has pitched that way for much of the season.
3. Wily old foxes can kill you in the post-season. Johnny Damon's at-bat in the top of the ninth and his baserunning were terrific -- guys like that -- even past their prime -- are great to have in the post-season.
4. If you had told me that after four games A-Rod and Mark Teixeira were going to be hitting a combined .100 after four games, I would have told you that the Phillies would be tied at 2 or up 3-1. Instead, a good team has other players step up, and the Yankees had plenty on offense to mask overall poor performances of the guys who helped get them there all year (and, yes, A-Rod did have a huge hit in the top of the ninth).
5. I don't think that Carlos Ruiz should have made the throw on Damon's steal of second. Lidge has no pickoff move, so to speak, and there's a risk that the ball goes into center field. Instead, the Phillies' "Teixeira shift" left third base uncovered, and Damon made a heads up play.
6. For Yankees' fans who are asking "what's with Ryan Howard", the Phillies' titanic slugger goes through periods of drought. Unfortunately for the Phillies, he's in one now.
7. At one point last night Phillies' fans could feel the tide of the Series turning -- right after Pedro Feliz's home run off Joba Chamberlain. We were thinking, "Okay, if Lidge can hold in the top of the ninth, we can win in extra innings and have Cliff Lee beat A.J. Burnett on short rest to go back to New York up 3-2." I'm sure that Yankees' fans were fearing the same thing. That's how close a World Series can be.
8. The Phillies have had trouble in this Series honoring their good offensive efforts. Against the Dodgers, they followed good offensive innings with shutdown innings from their pitching and defense. They had taken away the Yankees' mojo with Feliz's home run, only to have Lidge give it back.
9. Phillies' fans aren't shocked, though. Cole Hamels has pitched in the post-season the way he's pitched all year, and Lidge pitched last night the way he did for most of the year. To beat a team like the Yankees, they need a better effort from both.
10. I look for Cliff Lee to beat Burnett today. Burnett's a righty on short rest against a lefty lineup. Lee has been on fire in the post-season. If the Phillies can come through, they'll head to New York with a crafty Pedro Martinez on full rest against Andy Pettitte on short rest. The odds for winning it all are very long, but the Phillies can make a Series out of it if these two pitchers can come through.
11. Raul Ibanez continues to look bad at the plate. He's a far cry from the guy who crushed the ball in the first two months of the season. He seems to be rising up on his toes and then trying to chop down on the ball hard, as opposed to turning more evenly through the strike zone. The result -- he's making a lot of outs.
12. Last night's crowd at CBP didn't get off to a good start, and the Yankees helped take them out of the game by getting two off Joe Blanton in the first. Blanton pitched okay if not great. It wasn't that the Yankees hit the ball hard off him (the way they did off Lidge) by any stretch, but the Yankees placed the ball well and made their own breaks. Blanton did enough to keep the Phillies in the game.
13. Parking near CBP was interesting because of the post-game hangover of the Eagles' crowd (which was giddy at the Birds' trashing of the Giants). You walked thrown garbage-strewn lots with RVs blasting loud music and people partying to get to CBP. Thankfully, after such a disappointing ending, there were so many open exit gates that you could leave the lots quickly and get home as soon as possible (which most of us needed to do). The traffic experience was fine; the post-game exit very silent.
14. Going into the post-season, I thought that with their pitching the Phillies would win one Series; they've won two, but the road could end today at CBP. The Yankees' pitching has been better, and their hitting has been good enough to prevail. For the Phillies to come back, two of Rollins, Victorino, Ibanez and Howard have to get hot -- and in a hurry. That's a tall order.
2. Once again, a team's weakness gets magnified in the post-season. Phillies' fans would have been devastated had Brad Lidge performed last year in the World Series the way he did last night. Last night, Phillies' fans were simply resigned after the game -- after all, Lidge has pitched that way for much of the season.
3. Wily old foxes can kill you in the post-season. Johnny Damon's at-bat in the top of the ninth and his baserunning were terrific -- guys like that -- even past their prime -- are great to have in the post-season.
4. If you had told me that after four games A-Rod and Mark Teixeira were going to be hitting a combined .100 after four games, I would have told you that the Phillies would be tied at 2 or up 3-1. Instead, a good team has other players step up, and the Yankees had plenty on offense to mask overall poor performances of the guys who helped get them there all year (and, yes, A-Rod did have a huge hit in the top of the ninth).
5. I don't think that Carlos Ruiz should have made the throw on Damon's steal of second. Lidge has no pickoff move, so to speak, and there's a risk that the ball goes into center field. Instead, the Phillies' "Teixeira shift" left third base uncovered, and Damon made a heads up play.
6. For Yankees' fans who are asking "what's with Ryan Howard", the Phillies' titanic slugger goes through periods of drought. Unfortunately for the Phillies, he's in one now.
7. At one point last night Phillies' fans could feel the tide of the Series turning -- right after Pedro Feliz's home run off Joba Chamberlain. We were thinking, "Okay, if Lidge can hold in the top of the ninth, we can win in extra innings and have Cliff Lee beat A.J. Burnett on short rest to go back to New York up 3-2." I'm sure that Yankees' fans were fearing the same thing. That's how close a World Series can be.
8. The Phillies have had trouble in this Series honoring their good offensive efforts. Against the Dodgers, they followed good offensive innings with shutdown innings from their pitching and defense. They had taken away the Yankees' mojo with Feliz's home run, only to have Lidge give it back.
9. Phillies' fans aren't shocked, though. Cole Hamels has pitched in the post-season the way he's pitched all year, and Lidge pitched last night the way he did for most of the year. To beat a team like the Yankees, they need a better effort from both.
10. I look for Cliff Lee to beat Burnett today. Burnett's a righty on short rest against a lefty lineup. Lee has been on fire in the post-season. If the Phillies can come through, they'll head to New York with a crafty Pedro Martinez on full rest against Andy Pettitte on short rest. The odds for winning it all are very long, but the Phillies can make a Series out of it if these two pitchers can come through.
11. Raul Ibanez continues to look bad at the plate. He's a far cry from the guy who crushed the ball in the first two months of the season. He seems to be rising up on his toes and then trying to chop down on the ball hard, as opposed to turning more evenly through the strike zone. The result -- he's making a lot of outs.
12. Last night's crowd at CBP didn't get off to a good start, and the Yankees helped take them out of the game by getting two off Joe Blanton in the first. Blanton pitched okay if not great. It wasn't that the Yankees hit the ball hard off him (the way they did off Lidge) by any stretch, but the Yankees placed the ball well and made their own breaks. Blanton did enough to keep the Phillies in the game.
13. Parking near CBP was interesting because of the post-game hangover of the Eagles' crowd (which was giddy at the Birds' trashing of the Giants). You walked thrown garbage-strewn lots with RVs blasting loud music and people partying to get to CBP. Thankfully, after such a disappointing ending, there were so many open exit gates that you could leave the lots quickly and get home as soon as possible (which most of us needed to do). The traffic experience was fine; the post-game exit very silent.
14. Going into the post-season, I thought that with their pitching the Phillies would win one Series; they've won two, but the road could end today at CBP. The Yankees' pitching has been better, and their hitting has been good enough to prevail. For the Phillies to come back, two of Rollins, Victorino, Ibanez and Howard have to get hot -- and in a hurry. That's a tall order.
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