I’m beside myself. The Phillies are the Baseball Champions of the World! After 25 years, it’s the Phightin Phillies who end the city of brotherly love’s title drought. It’s only the 2nd World Series that the Phillies have ever won, but this one is the most memorable, at least to me. And that’s really all that matters since it’s my blog. This is more than a Championship. This is a total mindset change.
I used to wear the losing mantra as a badge of honor. We’re losers and that’s the way it is, or that’s the way it was. It was accepted, ingrained in my psyche and a part of who I was. I expected my teams to lose. Something would always happen that would crush my dreams. When they lost, I felt like a loser. That’s an awful way to go through life and most certainly is unhealthy for countless reasons. Now that The Phillies are finally winners, I don’t know what to do with myself.
One thing’s for sure, no longer will I wear my tortured Philly Fan T-shirt (No Cup, No Trophy, No Title, No Ring since 1983). My brother Scott wants to burn the shirt, but I can’t do that. That shirt represents a lifetime of heartache and despair. History cannot be forgotten. I have to remember the pain and suffering to fully appreciate the joy and elation.
Now I can compare that shirt to my all new apparel. I went to Modell’s this morning and waited in line for a few hours to buy a new shirt, the authentic 2008 World Series Champions T-Shirt. Of course, that’s not all I bought. I will be a merchandise hound for everything related to this victory. Anything that says Phillies and World Series Champions, I’m buying. The World Series pennant, fitted New Era cap, beer stein, baby bibb, team bobble heads, little bear with the World Series hoodie.
You name it, I’m getting it, within reason. I’m not shelling out $250 for the official jacket like the one manager Charlie Manuel wore. Suffice to say, my basement and closet may look like it’s officially licensed by 2008 World Series Champions Philadelphia Phillies. Hey, you never know when this may happen again. This is Philly after all.
Since this moment must be etched in my memory for any future failures, here I will be detailing exactly what this means. I understand that I make sports way too important in my life. Sports are supposed to be entertainment, a means of forgetting about the doldrums of work life, an outlet of sorts. For me, it’s just the opposite. I try to go to work to forget about what happened in the most recent game. Yet, I’m glued to the sports page on Philly.com all day. I DVR the games so I can relive the agony over and over again. This time, when I replay the DVR, or when I pop in the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies DVD coming to your local retailer not fast enough, I’ll get to relive the glory and remind myself what this means to me.
Given that Kate and I are expecting our first child in March, Chase Luther Wilson, this title will means so much more to me. I will look to this team to aid in teaching my son life lessons in how to be a champion.
It begins with the Phillie bearing my future child’s name, Chase Utley. Simply put, he plays the game the right way. I know that this cliché gets thrown around a lot, but it really carries weight when it comes to #26. He’s a hard nose ballplayer that hustles, doesn’t complain, sticks up for his teammates and has an extremely high baseball IQ. Knowing what to do in any situation is so crucial considering that split second decisions can decide the outcome of any game. The 7th inning of Game 5 of the Series is a perfect example of Utley’s mental acumen. The score was tied up at 3-3 there were 2 outs and a Jason Bartlett was at 2nd base. The batter, Akinora Iwamura, hit a seeing eye single up the middle. Chase went hard to his right and gloved the ball. Knowing he didn’t have time to turn and fire to 1st base to catch the speedy Iwamura, Chase faked the throw to first and went home instead to go after Bartlett who was running on contact from 2nd base. Ruiz applied a great tag and the threat was over. By the way, if this had been Derek Jeter, this would go down as the second greatest defensive play in postseason history, right next to Jeter’s flip play against the Oakland A’s in 2001.
The point is that no matter what the situation may be, before the pitch every player needs to know what the situation is – how many runners are on base, what the number of outs is, what’s the count, etc. – and what to do when the ball is hit to you. Chase is a gifted player, but he also is an extremely smart player. To get to that level not only do you need tremendous god given ability, but you have to work hard and be willing to learn.
Lesson to Chase: Play the game the right way, respect it, and you could be a champion.
Speaking of being coachable, let’s turn to the much maligned Charlie Manuel. Pop Pop has had his share of criticism mostly due to the fact that he gets nervous speaking in front of a microphone, but that should not detract at all from his ability to teach. Players listen to Charlie and respect what he has to say. Andy Reid talks a lot about “putting guys in position to make plays.” At any post game press conference the Eagles coach spews that crap ad nauseam. Charlie, on the other hand, actually does this. He knows exactly what his players can and can’t do.
I’ll use game 5 again as an example. After the 46 hour rain delay, Charlie decided to use Geoff Jenkins in the bottom of the 6th to pinch hit for Cole Hamels. Jenkins struggled for most of the year and was largely considered a disappointment. After spending 10 very productive years with the Brew crew in Milwaukee, he came to Philly and hit only .246 with 9 lonely homers and 29 RBI’s. Charlie stayed with him though and Geoff came through with a scorching lead off double. Easily the biggest knock of his career. Manuel knew that the seasoned veteran was due for a big hit and he delivered. Jenkins accepted his diminished role and waited patiently for his chance. Given that chance, he came up big. It’s a great team dynamic of mutual reverence and trust between coaches and players. GM Pat Gillick and Charlie need to be commended for putting together this team of character guys focused on one team goal.
Lesson to Chase: Listen to your coaches. Even if you sit on the bench, you never know when your number will be called. Be prepared for that moment. Be an awesome teammate.
Another difference between Charlie and Andy, you can tell Charlie cares. He was genuinely happy for the fans and proud that he helped to deliver the city a champion. It’s well known that Pop Pop lost his biggest advocate in his mother and surely was difficult for him. Deep down I’m sure he’s hurting and this title is bittersweet since she wasn’t on Earth to celebrate with him.
Lesson to Chase: Love and respect your mother, no one cares about you more than her. Have faith that through the hard times you can overcome any obstacle.
Age can be conquered too. Ask Jamie Moyer. The 45 year old hometown kid came up big in Game 3 of the World Series. See my earlier post (Phils Win the Pennant…) for my spot on prognostication into Jamie’s performance. He truly did pitch the game of his life. In his post game interview he said it was easily the best moment of his lengthy career. For a guy from Sellersville, had his number 10 retired at St. Joseph’s (the Hawk will never die) and is finishing up his career with the team he loved as a kid this has to be a dream come true. He skipped school to see Phillies 1980 parade and he pitched the biggest game of his life for his favorite childhood team and will be a part of the 2008 parade.
A lot can be said about how he’s recreated himself to be an effective pitcher without great stuff. Even more should be said about all the charitable work he and his wife do in Seattle. Jamie and Karen (the daughter of Digger Phelps) founded the Moyer Foundation to help children in severe distress – such as life threatening illnesses or physical limitations, coping with the loss of a loved one, or are victims of abuse or neglect. The Moyer’s are a bona fide down to earth family with a great value system. You have to feel good about a guy like him having success at the highest level.
Lesson to Chase: Root for the home team. If you don’t, Dad will disown you. Dream about playing in the big game for your favorite team. Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Be generous.
I just realized that the tone of this post is similar to the Michael Keaton movie, My Life and the book I just read The Last Lecture, only I’m not terminally ill. I didn’t mean to get all Niagara Falls on you, but this is an emotional moment. There will be plenty more to come on this topic, lessons may or not be included. I just wanted to get some initial thoughts down. We’re going to the parade tomorrow, so I’m sure that there’s going to be tons to write about.
The Philadelphia Phillies are the 2008 World Series Champions! Holla!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Things I'm Tired Of
Note that this could be a continuing theme for the Grow Up page:
1. Hearing about how our guys are "pressing" or their "tight" and the Rays are so carefree and relaxed. Why do all Philly teams suffer from this epidemic when everyone else in the sports world is as loose as Paris Hilton?
2. Joe Buck pulling for any team not from Philly. Fox's omnipresent smug announcer is my Neuman. Everytime I see that he has been assigned to broadcast my favorite team's game, I feel like Seinfled when he sees Neuman. "Good evening everyone and welcome to game one of 2008 Fall Classic, I'm Joe Buck.'" Buck!
3. Leaving double digit men on base.
4. Strike outs with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs - put the damn ball in play.
5. Our lead off hitter going 0-5 - 2 games in a row. Hey, JRoll don't back away from that inside pitch, step into one. Come on Dorn, take one for the team. Even Kerwin Danley, that stupid ump from game 2, wouldn't have missed Jimmy getting hit in the arm or ribs.
6. Strike outs getting overruled by the 1st base ump. It was clear as day that Baldelli was rung up, there was absoluely no need to ask a coworker his opinion. Adding insult to injury was Joe Buck's lack of commentary about the blown call. The night before he was all over the ump for not calling a balk on Cole Hamels, but the blowhard was as silent as a mime about this terrible display of so-called officiating. Buck!
7. Jim Thome hits - getting an extra base hit when it doesn't count - meaning no run producing with RISP by so-called big guns.
8. B.J. Upton's arrogance. Granted, he has a ton of talent, no doubt about it, but he's a career .270 hitter that doesn't hustle.
9. Joe Maddon, the Renaissance man. He's such an intelligent manager. He has quotes of great leaders and dignitaries in the locker room to inspire his team. I haven't seen so much gushing over a coach since Zen master Phil Jackson took over as the Lakers head coach. Maddon is reaching Phil Jackson status, minus the yoga.
10. Joe Buck - Just to make it clear I hate that guy!
11. David Price - the rookie from Vanderbilt had one good game in the ALCS and all of a sudden he's the greatest pitcher since Cy Young.
12. Hearing that Philly fans booed Santa Claus. Get the story right - they were not booing Santa, he was a symbol of a terrible ownership team that produced an awful product.
13. Fair weather Tampa Bay Rays fans. During the regular season there are about 20 people that went to the Trop for a Rays game. The new Backstreet Boys could get more people to see them in concert, even after that rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
14. Bud Light commercials - the difference is suckability. There's only one Dave Chappelle. And there's only one beer that is authorized by the Commish of the More Taste League - Miller Lite.
15. Most of all, I'm tired of not winning a Championship. And I'm bitter about it.
1. Hearing about how our guys are "pressing" or their "tight" and the Rays are so carefree and relaxed. Why do all Philly teams suffer from this epidemic when everyone else in the sports world is as loose as Paris Hilton?
2. Joe Buck pulling for any team not from Philly. Fox's omnipresent smug announcer is my Neuman. Everytime I see that he has been assigned to broadcast my favorite team's game, I feel like Seinfled when he sees Neuman. "Good evening everyone and welcome to game one of 2008 Fall Classic, I'm Joe Buck.'" Buck!
3. Leaving double digit men on base.
4. Strike outs with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs - put the damn ball in play.
5. Our lead off hitter going 0-5 - 2 games in a row. Hey, JRoll don't back away from that inside pitch, step into one. Come on Dorn, take one for the team. Even Kerwin Danley, that stupid ump from game 2, wouldn't have missed Jimmy getting hit in the arm or ribs.
6. Strike outs getting overruled by the 1st base ump. It was clear as day that Baldelli was rung up, there was absoluely no need to ask a coworker his opinion. Adding insult to injury was Joe Buck's lack of commentary about the blown call. The night before he was all over the ump for not calling a balk on Cole Hamels, but the blowhard was as silent as a mime about this terrible display of so-called officiating. Buck!
7. Jim Thome hits - getting an extra base hit when it doesn't count - meaning no run producing with RISP by so-called big guns.
8. B.J. Upton's arrogance. Granted, he has a ton of talent, no doubt about it, but he's a career .270 hitter that doesn't hustle.
9. Joe Maddon, the Renaissance man. He's such an intelligent manager. He has quotes of great leaders and dignitaries in the locker room to inspire his team. I haven't seen so much gushing over a coach since Zen master Phil Jackson took over as the Lakers head coach. Maddon is reaching Phil Jackson status, minus the yoga.
10. Joe Buck - Just to make it clear I hate that guy!
11. David Price - the rookie from Vanderbilt had one good game in the ALCS and all of a sudden he's the greatest pitcher since Cy Young.
12. Hearing that Philly fans booed Santa Claus. Get the story right - they were not booing Santa, he was a symbol of a terrible ownership team that produced an awful product.
13. Fair weather Tampa Bay Rays fans. During the regular season there are about 20 people that went to the Trop for a Rays game. The new Backstreet Boys could get more people to see them in concert, even after that rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
14. Bud Light commercials - the difference is suckability. There's only one Dave Chappelle. And there's only one beer that is authorized by the Commish of the More Taste League - Miller Lite.
15. Most of all, I'm tired of not winning a Championship. And I'm bitter about it.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Phils Win the Pennant - Just Like I Didn't Predict
This is truly a surprise. I’ll be the first to admit that at the outset of the season I did not think the Phillies were going to the World Series, let alone even make the playoffs. Who could blame me for my less than positive outlook for the season? After all, the Phillies are the franchise with the most losses ever, in any sport. They break our hearts every year. Suffice to say, I had several questions about this team. In their quest to their first World Series appearance in 15 years they answered almost all of them. I still can't believe that they're in the World Series. I have to say it again, the World Friggin' Series!
1. I thought the departure of the de facto team leader Aaron Rowand would have a huge impact on the direction and focus of the team. He policed the clubhouse and kept guys in line. Who would fill this leadership void and who would make up for his production at the plate?
Answer: This was joint effort, led primarily by the guys that have came up in the Phillies farm system – JRoll, Chase, Burrell, Howard. Veteran leaders like Jamie Moyer taught the younger guys what it means to be a professional. Author and future Disney movie star Chris Coste was a constant reminder of perseverance.
The guy who would fill Rowand’s everyday position in centerfield, Shane Victorino, played the outfield brilliantly. Offensively, Shane had a decent year. He led the everyday players in batting average at a .293 clip, drove in 58 runs and stole 36 bases. But he saved his best for the postseason. The grand slam he hit in the NLDS off of CC Sabathia propelled the Phillies out of the first round and raised his national profile. (I remember watching this game at Scrimmages with my buddy Mike. We could not believe that Shane smoked a grand salami. Perhaps even more unlikely was that two batters earlier Brett Myers drew a walk on an amazing 10 pitch at bat where he kept battling off pitches over and over again. CC was clearly frustrated by walking the opposing pitcher that he never recovered and eventually gave up the game changing four run shot to Victorino.)
The spotlight focused on Shane even closer in the NLC versus the Dodgers. Every time he took the field or dug into the batters box, LA fans booed him. Marginal players do not get booed, only stars get booed. The thousands of Dodger fans that showed their distaste for Shane sang a coronation chorus, an introduction into the league’s elite that only a select few can qualify. He instantly became the newest Hollywood villain.
2. How would Brett Myers respond to a return to the starting rotation?
Answer: Not very well, initially. Case in point, this quote from Brett earlier in the season: “I’m a rock star as a closer and a regular player as a starter.” Was Brett trying to talk his way out of town a la Scott Rolen and Curt Schilling? Thankfully, no deal was made as a trip to the minors probably devalued his trade value. That demotion not only saved his career with the Phillies, but it also motivated him to improve as a baseball player. I say player and not just pitcher because Brett’s 3 hit, 3 RBI performance in Game 2 of the NLCS was a great example of how much he grew over the course of the season. After his stint with the Reading Phillies, Myers’s record was 9-4, including 2 playoff wins. He’s regained the form that made him the Phillies number one starter pre Cole Hamels. His game two start in the World Series will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.
3. Besides Cole Hamels, whom could the Phillies depend on in the starting rotation?
Answer: Before I address this question, I have to say that Hamels truly emerged as one of the top pitchers in the game this year. Thanks to the Phillies on staff chiropractor, Cole stayed healthy all year and was second in the NL in innings pitched (227.1). If only he had gotten some more run support he would have won 20 games, instead he finished the regular season with a respectable 14-10 record and a 3.09 ERA. So far he has been money in the playoffs and I fully expect him to pitch a strong game one of the World Series.
Now back to the question at hand. Unfortunately, Kyle Kendrick’s 10 - 4 rookie season didn’t transfer over to his second season. Even though he won 11 games this year, his ERA skyrocketed from 3.87 in 2007 to 5.49. This is what happens when a sinkerball pitcher doesn’t keep the ball down in the strike zone. Long term, I think Kyle will recover. Too bad it’s not happening this year.
The ageless hometown kid from Sellersville, Jamie Moyer won 16 games. Despite the occasional blow up game he took the ball every fifth day and would give Charlie at least five innings. It’s still amazing that he can get guys out with so much junk. He’s like Eddie Harris in Major League, only older. Philly is pretty nervous about what will happen when he starts game four and with good reason. He got lit up in his previous two postseason starts lasting a combine 5.1 innings and giving up eight earned runs. I, on the other hand, will take a positive look on his next start. Jamie has been a big game pitcher for us. After all, it was the old man who led us to two NL East titles with clutch performances in the last game of each season. Furthermore, over his 22-year career he’s never made it to the World Series. He’s going to want to throw the best game of his life. Who knows, maybe he’ll blow up the radar gun with 84 mph fastballs.
Mid season acquisition Joe Blanton didn’t arrive in town with as much fanfare and attention as CC Sabathia in Milwaukee and Rich Harden in Chicago, but he’s the only one still playing baseball this far into October. He’s not flashy by any means and sure doesn’t rack up the strikeouts. He is, however, an effective inning eater that lets his defense make plays. By limiting walks he reduces the number of base runners. He’s almost like a quarterback that is in there to manage the game by controlling the clock and not turning the ball over. Kerry Collins for the Tennessee Titans right now is a good example of a game manager. There’s no arguing that GM Pat Gillick made a good deal in acquiring Blanton, even though it was not a sexy move.
Adam Eaton is still stealing money. There’s nothing else I have to say about that.
4. How will Pop Pop Manuel perform as manager?
Answer: Charlie has had his share of criticism in Philly, notably for his questionable game time decision-making and inarticulate post game press conferences. But there is no doubt about his baseball IQ and ability to teach. More importantly, he gets professional baseball players to trust and listen to him. Ask Jimmy Rollins. I thought that Charlie handled Jimmy’s display of “I’m too good to run out a ground ball” was perfect. Pop Pop understands that no player is bigger than the team. No special treatment. Everyone follows the rules…Hustle and Be on Time. To Jimmy’s credit, he admitted he was wrong and fully supported his manager’s decision to bench him. Charlie may be a “player’s manager” but the team knows he will enforce the rules. At the same time, the players know he’s got their back. As it turns out, Charlie was the right man for the Phillies managerial job.
Most of my questions have been answered. I asked and the team hath spoken. There remains, however, one more crucial question. And it weighs on the hearts and minds of all he phaithful phans in the Delaware Valley; can the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series? Of course they can. If the stupid Red Sox can break the fabricated “curse” then why can’t the Phillies win the World Series? Why Not Us? We sure deserve it; Philly fans have suffered a combined 100 seasons since the last parade down Broad Street.
I feel confident in their chances, especially, because of the focus of the team. When they clinched the NL East the celebration was a bit more tempered than last year. I felt the same way after they beat the Brewers and the Dodgers. No doubt they still popped some bottles, but they all know that there remains work to be done. I don't want to get all involved in predictions so I won't. But I will say that I like our chances to win this thing.
Like most Phillies fans I want the guys to bring home a Championship, I want to a part of it even more. I've been kicking myself for the past few weeks for not buying season tickets. I mean I love going out to the ballpark to catch a game. There’s nothing like having a $7 beer and a Tony Luke’s cheese steak at Citizen’s Bank Park with family and friends. It truly is part of the American dream. The catch, however, is that you never can predict what will happen. Will the home team send the fans home happy or will the hated visiting team triumph? At the same time the anticipation of not knowing what will happen on any given night is exciting. Maybe Cole Hamels will pitch a no-hitter, J-Roll could hit for the cycle, Ryan Howard could hit 4 home runs, and Matt Stairs could hit a massive pinch-hit homer to win game four of the NLCS.
These competing emotions slugged it out with my frugal, conservative and economical brain in the pre season. The question at hand, do I purchase season tickets? A six game package sounded perfect. But, you don’t get playoff ticket rights for a six-pack of games. You have to buy a 16 game package. Those can run up over $1200. Now that’s a serious commitment. And in this environment can I justify dropping 12 hundo on Phillies tickets? Then you have to add up the cost of parking, beers, food, merchandise, programs, and inflation and all of a sudden I’m looking at dropping at least $2 large!
There would have been a slight chance to earn some of that money back, if the Phils made the playoffs. I was just not that confident of that happening. This is like gambling when you don’t know how to play the game. Or to use my profession as a reference, it’s like playing the stock market. Put in the time to research a company, study its balance sheet, review the executive committee's history and click the button on your mouse to buy shares in a firm that you think is well positioned for growth and will fatten your pockets. Even the E Trade baby can buy a stock. I have a graduate degree and am fully licensed in the securities industry; of course I can buy a stock. Next thing you know, the balance sheet that you thought was sound was propped up by some shady mortgage broker who sold a massive adjusted rate mortgage with verifying that the buyer has any income at all. Now the mortgage broker bundled that mortgage with other sub prime loans and sold them to an investment bank. The bankers collateralize the debt obligations and use fancy schmancy math and accounting practices to make everything look legit. Now the financial services industry is in crisis mode and you can’t trust anyone.
OK, I’ll end my diatribe on what’s going on in the global financial markets. My point is I'm a terrible gambler. I need full information in order to make educated decisions. Given their history of falling short and the aforementioned questions I had before the season began, it was a pretty good bet that the Phillies would not qualify for the postseason.
But now I want in when the stock is sky high. I’m seriously considering blowing some serious cashish on playoff tickets. Yesterday, I saw standing room only tickets for only $300 a piece. I can make that work; at least that’s what I tell myself. This is a lifetime opportunity. It would be a dream come true to be at the ballpark when the Phillies win the World Series. Most assuredly I will be watching every inning at home where the beer is cheaper and the seats are more comfortable. So long as they win and I can go to the Championship parade, I’ll be just fine.
1. I thought the departure of the de facto team leader Aaron Rowand would have a huge impact on the direction and focus of the team. He policed the clubhouse and kept guys in line. Who would fill this leadership void and who would make up for his production at the plate?
Answer: This was joint effort, led primarily by the guys that have came up in the Phillies farm system – JRoll, Chase, Burrell, Howard. Veteran leaders like Jamie Moyer taught the younger guys what it means to be a professional. Author and future Disney movie star Chris Coste was a constant reminder of perseverance.
The guy who would fill Rowand’s everyday position in centerfield, Shane Victorino, played the outfield brilliantly. Offensively, Shane had a decent year. He led the everyday players in batting average at a .293 clip, drove in 58 runs and stole 36 bases. But he saved his best for the postseason. The grand slam he hit in the NLDS off of CC Sabathia propelled the Phillies out of the first round and raised his national profile. (I remember watching this game at Scrimmages with my buddy Mike. We could not believe that Shane smoked a grand salami. Perhaps even more unlikely was that two batters earlier Brett Myers drew a walk on an amazing 10 pitch at bat where he kept battling off pitches over and over again. CC was clearly frustrated by walking the opposing pitcher that he never recovered and eventually gave up the game changing four run shot to Victorino.)
The spotlight focused on Shane even closer in the NLC versus the Dodgers. Every time he took the field or dug into the batters box, LA fans booed him. Marginal players do not get booed, only stars get booed. The thousands of Dodger fans that showed their distaste for Shane sang a coronation chorus, an introduction into the league’s elite that only a select few can qualify. He instantly became the newest Hollywood villain.
2. How would Brett Myers respond to a return to the starting rotation?
Answer: Not very well, initially. Case in point, this quote from Brett earlier in the season: “I’m a rock star as a closer and a regular player as a starter.” Was Brett trying to talk his way out of town a la Scott Rolen and Curt Schilling? Thankfully, no deal was made as a trip to the minors probably devalued his trade value. That demotion not only saved his career with the Phillies, but it also motivated him to improve as a baseball player. I say player and not just pitcher because Brett’s 3 hit, 3 RBI performance in Game 2 of the NLCS was a great example of how much he grew over the course of the season. After his stint with the Reading Phillies, Myers’s record was 9-4, including 2 playoff wins. He’s regained the form that made him the Phillies number one starter pre Cole Hamels. His game two start in the World Series will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the series.
3. Besides Cole Hamels, whom could the Phillies depend on in the starting rotation?
Answer: Before I address this question, I have to say that Hamels truly emerged as one of the top pitchers in the game this year. Thanks to the Phillies on staff chiropractor, Cole stayed healthy all year and was second in the NL in innings pitched (227.1). If only he had gotten some more run support he would have won 20 games, instead he finished the regular season with a respectable 14-10 record and a 3.09 ERA. So far he has been money in the playoffs and I fully expect him to pitch a strong game one of the World Series.
Now back to the question at hand. Unfortunately, Kyle Kendrick’s 10 - 4 rookie season didn’t transfer over to his second season. Even though he won 11 games this year, his ERA skyrocketed from 3.87 in 2007 to 5.49. This is what happens when a sinkerball pitcher doesn’t keep the ball down in the strike zone. Long term, I think Kyle will recover. Too bad it’s not happening this year.
The ageless hometown kid from Sellersville, Jamie Moyer won 16 games. Despite the occasional blow up game he took the ball every fifth day and would give Charlie at least five innings. It’s still amazing that he can get guys out with so much junk. He’s like Eddie Harris in Major League, only older. Philly is pretty nervous about what will happen when he starts game four and with good reason. He got lit up in his previous two postseason starts lasting a combine 5.1 innings and giving up eight earned runs. I, on the other hand, will take a positive look on his next start. Jamie has been a big game pitcher for us. After all, it was the old man who led us to two NL East titles with clutch performances in the last game of each season. Furthermore, over his 22-year career he’s never made it to the World Series. He’s going to want to throw the best game of his life. Who knows, maybe he’ll blow up the radar gun with 84 mph fastballs.
Mid season acquisition Joe Blanton didn’t arrive in town with as much fanfare and attention as CC Sabathia in Milwaukee and Rich Harden in Chicago, but he’s the only one still playing baseball this far into October. He’s not flashy by any means and sure doesn’t rack up the strikeouts. He is, however, an effective inning eater that lets his defense make plays. By limiting walks he reduces the number of base runners. He’s almost like a quarterback that is in there to manage the game by controlling the clock and not turning the ball over. Kerry Collins for the Tennessee Titans right now is a good example of a game manager. There’s no arguing that GM Pat Gillick made a good deal in acquiring Blanton, even though it was not a sexy move.
Adam Eaton is still stealing money. There’s nothing else I have to say about that.
4. How will Pop Pop Manuel perform as manager?
Answer: Charlie has had his share of criticism in Philly, notably for his questionable game time decision-making and inarticulate post game press conferences. But there is no doubt about his baseball IQ and ability to teach. More importantly, he gets professional baseball players to trust and listen to him. Ask Jimmy Rollins. I thought that Charlie handled Jimmy’s display of “I’m too good to run out a ground ball” was perfect. Pop Pop understands that no player is bigger than the team. No special treatment. Everyone follows the rules…Hustle and Be on Time. To Jimmy’s credit, he admitted he was wrong and fully supported his manager’s decision to bench him. Charlie may be a “player’s manager” but the team knows he will enforce the rules. At the same time, the players know he’s got their back. As it turns out, Charlie was the right man for the Phillies managerial job.
Most of my questions have been answered. I asked and the team hath spoken. There remains, however, one more crucial question. And it weighs on the hearts and minds of all he phaithful phans in the Delaware Valley; can the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series? Of course they can. If the stupid Red Sox can break the fabricated “curse” then why can’t the Phillies win the World Series? Why Not Us? We sure deserve it; Philly fans have suffered a combined 100 seasons since the last parade down Broad Street.
I feel confident in their chances, especially, because of the focus of the team. When they clinched the NL East the celebration was a bit more tempered than last year. I felt the same way after they beat the Brewers and the Dodgers. No doubt they still popped some bottles, but they all know that there remains work to be done. I don't want to get all involved in predictions so I won't. But I will say that I like our chances to win this thing.
Like most Phillies fans I want the guys to bring home a Championship, I want to a part of it even more. I've been kicking myself for the past few weeks for not buying season tickets. I mean I love going out to the ballpark to catch a game. There’s nothing like having a $7 beer and a Tony Luke’s cheese steak at Citizen’s Bank Park with family and friends. It truly is part of the American dream. The catch, however, is that you never can predict what will happen. Will the home team send the fans home happy or will the hated visiting team triumph? At the same time the anticipation of not knowing what will happen on any given night is exciting. Maybe Cole Hamels will pitch a no-hitter, J-Roll could hit for the cycle, Ryan Howard could hit 4 home runs, and Matt Stairs could hit a massive pinch-hit homer to win game four of the NLCS.
These competing emotions slugged it out with my frugal, conservative and economical brain in the pre season. The question at hand, do I purchase season tickets? A six game package sounded perfect. But, you don’t get playoff ticket rights for a six-pack of games. You have to buy a 16 game package. Those can run up over $1200. Now that’s a serious commitment. And in this environment can I justify dropping 12 hundo on Phillies tickets? Then you have to add up the cost of parking, beers, food, merchandise, programs, and inflation and all of a sudden I’m looking at dropping at least $2 large!
There would have been a slight chance to earn some of that money back, if the Phils made the playoffs. I was just not that confident of that happening. This is like gambling when you don’t know how to play the game. Or to use my profession as a reference, it’s like playing the stock market. Put in the time to research a company, study its balance sheet, review the executive committee's history and click the button on your mouse to buy shares in a firm that you think is well positioned for growth and will fatten your pockets. Even the E Trade baby can buy a stock. I have a graduate degree and am fully licensed in the securities industry; of course I can buy a stock. Next thing you know, the balance sheet that you thought was sound was propped up by some shady mortgage broker who sold a massive adjusted rate mortgage with verifying that the buyer has any income at all. Now the mortgage broker bundled that mortgage with other sub prime loans and sold them to an investment bank. The bankers collateralize the debt obligations and use fancy schmancy math and accounting practices to make everything look legit. Now the financial services industry is in crisis mode and you can’t trust anyone.
OK, I’ll end my diatribe on what’s going on in the global financial markets. My point is I'm a terrible gambler. I need full information in order to make educated decisions. Given their history of falling short and the aforementioned questions I had before the season began, it was a pretty good bet that the Phillies would not qualify for the postseason.
But now I want in when the stock is sky high. I’m seriously considering blowing some serious cashish on playoff tickets. Yesterday, I saw standing room only tickets for only $300 a piece. I can make that work; at least that’s what I tell myself. This is a lifetime opportunity. It would be a dream come true to be at the ballpark when the Phillies win the World Series. Most assuredly I will be watching every inning at home where the beer is cheaper and the seats are more comfortable. So long as they win and I can go to the Championship parade, I’ll be just fine.
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