MVP BASEBALL
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Here's Hoping Omar Has Deep Pockets This Offseason
Now that the 2009 baseball season is officially over, Mets fans everywhere have their fingers crossed that Omar Minaya is able to fill the many holes present on the team's roster. So with the GM meetings now underway in Chicago, I leave you with the official list of free agents available. So unless (or should I say, until?) there is some big news for the Mets on the free agent or trade front, I'm signing off for now. Here's to Omar and the Wilpons having deep pockets!
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Saturday, November 7, 2009
Always Next Year
It all happened right before our eyes, and we couldn’t do a thing about it. It only took one at-bat. It only took one at-bat for the Yankees to change Philadelphia’s mindset that they would never lose again. With two outs and no one on base for the Yankees in the top of the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Game 4 of the World Series, “closer” Brad Lidge gave up a single to leftfield off the bat of Johnny Damon. With power hitting switch-hitter Mark Teixeira up at the plate against Lidge, Damon stole second, and then proceeded to steal third in the same play when he realized that no one was covering third base because of the shift the infield was playing for Teixeira. After Teixeria was hit, the Yankees followed up with a total of three runs in the inning to put them ahead 7-4.
How quickly moods can change. One second the Phillies felt like they were at the top of the world, and the next they felt like they were at the bottom of a hole, trying to dig themselves out before time ran out. Just the half inning before in the bottom of the eighth, Pedro Feliz surprisingly smashed a fastball right down the middle off reliever Joba Chamberlain for a home run to tie the game at 4. Lidge needed just one more out to put the game in the Phillies bats, but everyone knew it wasn’t going to be easy, especially since Lidge’s track record hadn’t been the greatest during the regular season. From that point on, everyone knew that it was over. Even though there was plenty of baseball to be played, everyone realized that it just wasn’t meant to be.
Two games later, the Yankees easily defeated the Phillies 7-3, clinching their sports record 27th championship title. The lack of offense and clutch pitching for the Phillies cost them their second championship in as many years, and made Phillies fans revisit their pre-2008 motto, “there’s always next year”. Maybe the Yankees were a better team, but I am sure that Philadelphia expected much more out of their ballclub. Every game, no matter what the Phillies were able to put onto the scoreboard, it seemed as if the Yankees had the momentum, and wouldn’t lose it.
Through all of the World Series struggles for the Phillies, Philadelphia must tip their caps to the champs. The Yankees deserved the title. With over 100 wins during the regular season, and skyrocketing their way through the playoffs, the Yankees were probably the best team in baseball. Oh, and did I mention they had four or five possible hall of famers? With one of the most professional players in the game Derek Jeter, the all-time post season wins leader Andy Pettite, and the all-time post-season saves leader Marino Rivera, the Yankees were destined to win before the series even started. With those types of caliber players on their roster, and the addition of players such as Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Jorge Posada, it was obvious that the Phillies were just overmatched.
It will take a few weeks to overcome the disappointment and disgust Phillies fans are feeling right now. Losing is something that seems foreign to Philadelphia since it hasn’t happened since 2007. With some work over the offseason, and hopefully some free agent signees and the addition of a few new players, the Phillies will enter the 2010 season even stronger.
Yes, the season is over, and I must admit that it hasn’t even hit me yet, but one phrase will keep me going strong through the offseason; “there’s always next year”.
- Brennan Weiss (Look for a Phillies Offseason Keys to Success article coming out soon!)
Read more!
How quickly moods can change. One second the Phillies felt like they were at the top of the world, and the next they felt like they were at the bottom of a hole, trying to dig themselves out before time ran out. Just the half inning before in the bottom of the eighth, Pedro Feliz surprisingly smashed a fastball right down the middle off reliever Joba Chamberlain for a home run to tie the game at 4. Lidge needed just one more out to put the game in the Phillies bats, but everyone knew it wasn’t going to be easy, especially since Lidge’s track record hadn’t been the greatest during the regular season. From that point on, everyone knew that it was over. Even though there was plenty of baseball to be played, everyone realized that it just wasn’t meant to be.
Two games later, the Yankees easily defeated the Phillies 7-3, clinching their sports record 27th championship title. The lack of offense and clutch pitching for the Phillies cost them their second championship in as many years, and made Phillies fans revisit their pre-2008 motto, “there’s always next year”. Maybe the Yankees were a better team, but I am sure that Philadelphia expected much more out of their ballclub. Every game, no matter what the Phillies were able to put onto the scoreboard, it seemed as if the Yankees had the momentum, and wouldn’t lose it.
Through all of the World Series struggles for the Phillies, Philadelphia must tip their caps to the champs. The Yankees deserved the title. With over 100 wins during the regular season, and skyrocketing their way through the playoffs, the Yankees were probably the best team in baseball. Oh, and did I mention they had four or five possible hall of famers? With one of the most professional players in the game Derek Jeter, the all-time post season wins leader Andy Pettite, and the all-time post-season saves leader Marino Rivera, the Yankees were destined to win before the series even started. With those types of caliber players on their roster, and the addition of players such as Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Jorge Posada, it was obvious that the Phillies were just overmatched.
It will take a few weeks to overcome the disappointment and disgust Phillies fans are feeling right now. Losing is something that seems foreign to Philadelphia since it hasn’t happened since 2007. With some work over the offseason, and hopefully some free agent signees and the addition of a few new players, the Phillies will enter the 2010 season even stronger.
Yes, the season is over, and I must admit that it hasn’t even hit me yet, but one phrase will keep me going strong through the offseason; “there’s always next year”.
- Brennan Weiss (Look for a Phillies Offseason Keys to Success article coming out soon!)
Read more!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
This could be the last day of the season. So I need to get this off of my chest. Just wanted to put this short message out there. LET'S GO PHILLIES! The Yanks and their cocky fans have had their heads up their... well, let me stop there. The Phillies deserve to give these Yanks a spankin' and teach their fans that the world does not revolve around the Yankees. Let's do it for Harry. Even you Mets fan must agree with me. I can only imagine how must disgust you must have for having to watch a Yankees-Phillies world series, but are you actually rooting for the Yankees? THE YANKEES? It just doesn't make sense. With the help of Howard (who will somehow return to form tonight...hopefully)and the dominance of the great Pedro Martinez (you guys have to love this guy, Phillies fan or not), the Phillies will pull it out. Ya gotta believe. Ya gotta believe.
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Words to die by
Words often come back to haunt you, just like this series will come back to haunt the Phillies.The Phillies have now justified every Yankee fan that felt last year was a fluke, and that they are the rightful holders of the decade's throne.
From a Mets fan's perspective, as hard as it is to see cross-town rivals win, it doesn't hurt to see division rivals lose. Up in the Phillies Executive Suites, someone right now should be writing the rule: "If you ever utter the words "team to beat" or "choke artists," your waived."
How many days till pitchers and catchers report? Read more!
From a Mets fan's perspective, as hard as it is to see cross-town rivals win, it doesn't hurt to see division rivals lose. Up in the Phillies Executive Suites, someone right now should be writing the rule: "If you ever utter the words "team to beat" or "choke artists," your waived."
How many days till pitchers and catchers report? Read more!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Hoping for a Game 7
For the first time since 2004 I can honestly say that is has been a very entertaining World Series thus far. With the exception of the Phillies’ game 1 win, every game has been close and it is pretty clear that the two best teams from both leagues are rightfully facing off.
As a Mets fan, I can’t really be thrilled with the prospect of either team being crowned champion. However, I am hoping the Phils can pull out a miracle in the Bronx so that I don’t have to deal with the media hoopla of a 27th Yankees championship. It would also put a wry smile on my face to listen to frustrated Yankee fans calling in to sports radio crying about the loss.
In reality, though, odds are that the Yankees will manage to win one more game as the series returns to their home field. This Yankee team has that special something that champions are made of. Sure, they have the highest payroll in baseball, but they also play good fundamental baseball. They get clutch hits and key outs. They play solid defense and pay attention to the game so that when opponents make mistakes, they take advantage of them. Even down by a few runs, you always get the feeling that this team can come back to win it and they have proven that they can.
In short, as much as it pains me to admit it, these Yankees have that intangible quality that winners are made of. This is the quality that psyches their opponents out to the point where they almost forget how to play the game. We’ve seen this throughout the playoffs with the various mental mistakes made by the Twins and Angels. Now, the Phils have made a few as well; most notably in allowing Johnny Damon’s double steal in the 9th inning of Game 4. Credit goes to Damon and the Yankees for seeing an open window of opportunity, but the onus is on the Phils for letting something like this happen in the first place.
If the Phils hope to make it to a seventh game in the Bronx Zoo they are going to have to play as solid a fundamental game as they have ever played in their lives. This means a solid start from Pedro, good defense and no mental mistakes on the field. Andy Pettitte is hittable, but if the Phils get him on the ropes like they had him in Game 3, they need to knock him out before he gets up and figures out what he’s been doing wrong. And most importantly, if the Phils have a lead, they need to protect it. They cannot leave the door open even a crack for these Yanks because as they have proven repeatedly, they can and will rally for a come back. So on that note, good luck Phillies. You have your work cut out for you, but as every Mets fan knows, collapses are possible. Now get out there and get me to a Game 7!!
Read more!
As a Mets fan, I can’t really be thrilled with the prospect of either team being crowned champion. However, I am hoping the Phils can pull out a miracle in the Bronx so that I don’t have to deal with the media hoopla of a 27th Yankees championship. It would also put a wry smile on my face to listen to frustrated Yankee fans calling in to sports radio crying about the loss.
In reality, though, odds are that the Yankees will manage to win one more game as the series returns to their home field. This Yankee team has that special something that champions are made of. Sure, they have the highest payroll in baseball, but they also play good fundamental baseball. They get clutch hits and key outs. They play solid defense and pay attention to the game so that when opponents make mistakes, they take advantage of them. Even down by a few runs, you always get the feeling that this team can come back to win it and they have proven that they can.
In short, as much as it pains me to admit it, these Yankees have that intangible quality that winners are made of. This is the quality that psyches their opponents out to the point where they almost forget how to play the game. We’ve seen this throughout the playoffs with the various mental mistakes made by the Twins and Angels. Now, the Phils have made a few as well; most notably in allowing Johnny Damon’s double steal in the 9th inning of Game 4. Credit goes to Damon and the Yankees for seeing an open window of opportunity, but the onus is on the Phils for letting something like this happen in the first place.
If the Phils hope to make it to a seventh game in the Bronx Zoo they are going to have to play as solid a fundamental game as they have ever played in their lives. This means a solid start from Pedro, good defense and no mental mistakes on the field. Andy Pettitte is hittable, but if the Phils get him on the ropes like they had him in Game 3, they need to knock him out before he gets up and figures out what he’s been doing wrong. And most importantly, if the Phils have a lead, they need to protect it. They cannot leave the door open even a crack for these Yanks because as they have proven repeatedly, they can and will rally for a come back. So on that note, good luck Phillies. You have your work cut out for you, but as every Mets fan knows, collapses are possible. Now get out there and get me to a Game 7!!
Read more!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Big Ifs and Whiffs
By Chris Pollay
Well, a lot can change in a week.
Last Monday I was charged with optimism, expecting a seven-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. Now, I'm just hoping to see a Game Six. The good news is that the Phillies have the right man on the mound tonight. Cliff Lee is the best pitcher in the 2009 postseason and IF the Yankees can find a way to beat him tonight, then all you can do is tip your hat to them. They will certainly earn their rings.
But, I have a feeling they won't do it tonight. Lee has been so dominant that he should stop the bleeding tonight. Even IF he does, however, then the Phillies have to win Game Six in the Bronx. Then, IF Pedro can defy his age once again and get the better of Andy Pettitte, there could be a classic Game Seven.
That's a lot of big IFs, and the prospect remains more daunting if you consider Game Seven would likely feature C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees' best pitcher, against Cole Hamels, the Phillies' struggling southpaw who has not looked good at all for most of the 2009 postseason.
Honestly, I can't envision all of that happening right now, but I also have seen enough sports to know that one game can turn things around. Today is that time for the Phillies.
Now, IF they can just make contact with the ball, or at least, show a little more plate patience. In the 2009 World Series, Philadelphia has whiffed 36 times in four games (compared to only 29 hits and 15 base on balls). In particular, Ryan Howard has 10 whiffs and Raul Ibañez has nine. If that doesn't change, then the offseason will start tomorrow for the defending champs.
A lot of those whiffs have come at painful times, too.
It seemed like all season the Phillies relied heavily on a "three-run homer" offense but in this series, it's been another story entirely. How many times have they had runners on first and second with no outs, then proceeded to follow with a "fly out, strikeout, groundout" offense that is much less effective?
Despite it all, I still want to believe the Phillies can do it. Admittedly, I wasn't too surprised when Brad Lidge struggled and imploded last night. I wasn't shocked to see A-Rod come through in the clutch with a key ninth inning hit last night. What baffles me, however, is that the Phillies haven't found a way to win after Game One. This team is a resilient bunch that always seems to find a way to come back when they absolutely need to.
Unfortunately, this time the hole they have to dig themselves out of may be just a little too deep. They have to win three straight against the Yankees including two in the Bronx. With A.J., C.C. and Mo on the mound, that is a tall order indeed.
I'm a Phillies fan, so I will foster a lot of doubts that this can actually happen, but I also know that IF by some miracle it does, it would be something quite special indeed. Read more!
Well, a lot can change in a week.
Last Monday I was charged with optimism, expecting a seven-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. Now, I'm just hoping to see a Game Six. The good news is that the Phillies have the right man on the mound tonight. Cliff Lee is the best pitcher in the 2009 postseason and IF the Yankees can find a way to beat him tonight, then all you can do is tip your hat to them. They will certainly earn their rings.
But, I have a feeling they won't do it tonight. Lee has been so dominant that he should stop the bleeding tonight. Even IF he does, however, then the Phillies have to win Game Six in the Bronx. Then, IF Pedro can defy his age once again and get the better of Andy Pettitte, there could be a classic Game Seven.
That's a lot of big IFs, and the prospect remains more daunting if you consider Game Seven would likely feature C.C. Sabathia, the Yankees' best pitcher, against Cole Hamels, the Phillies' struggling southpaw who has not looked good at all for most of the 2009 postseason.
Honestly, I can't envision all of that happening right now, but I also have seen enough sports to know that one game can turn things around. Today is that time for the Phillies.
Now, IF they can just make contact with the ball, or at least, show a little more plate patience. In the 2009 World Series, Philadelphia has whiffed 36 times in four games (compared to only 29 hits and 15 base on balls). In particular, Ryan Howard has 10 whiffs and Raul Ibañez has nine. If that doesn't change, then the offseason will start tomorrow for the defending champs.
A lot of those whiffs have come at painful times, too.
It seemed like all season the Phillies relied heavily on a "three-run homer" offense but in this series, it's been another story entirely. How many times have they had runners on first and second with no outs, then proceeded to follow with a "fly out, strikeout, groundout" offense that is much less effective?
Despite it all, I still want to believe the Phillies can do it. Admittedly, I wasn't too surprised when Brad Lidge struggled and imploded last night. I wasn't shocked to see A-Rod come through in the clutch with a key ninth inning hit last night. What baffles me, however, is that the Phillies haven't found a way to win after Game One. This team is a resilient bunch that always seems to find a way to come back when they absolutely need to.
Unfortunately, this time the hole they have to dig themselves out of may be just a little too deep. They have to win three straight against the Yankees including two in the Bronx. With A.J., C.C. and Mo on the mound, that is a tall order indeed.
I'm a Phillies fan, so I will foster a lot of doubts that this can actually happen, but I also know that IF by some miracle it does, it would be something quite special indeed. Read more!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
At least for tonight...
...I'm rooting for the Phillies.Or is it that I'm rooting against the Yankees?This might be a sign of the Apocalypse. Or merely the disdain of an envious Mets fan. Let's go with the former. Although a good Apocalypse right now would mean no one wins.
I have no more words. Well, at least not until next time. Read more!
I have no more words. Well, at least not until next time. Read more!
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