Phillies vs. Cardinals

Game 1: The return of Joe Blanton. It was going so well for 6 2/3 innings. He had given up only one run up to that point. The Phils tied it up at 1 on a sac fly from Juan Castro. In the 7th inning, after allowing the Cardinals to score on a solo homerun, Charlie pulled him out of the game. I was following the game on my sister's phone (had to work, yuck!) and honestly felt Charlie should have given him one more batter but instead put in Nelson Figueroa to get out of a 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. After a wild pitch and an intentional walk, he gave up a bases-clearing double, followed up by an RBI single. It sort of put the game out of reach. Jayson Werth hit a solo HR in the bottom of the 7th and Chase Utley hit a HR in the bottom of the 9th but it was not enough as the Phils dropped the first game of this 4-game series. There was also a fan that ran on the field and got tased-more on this later. Cardinals 6-3

Game 2: Cole Hamels got the start and was sensational. He went 8 innings without giving up a run. He held a 1-run lead due to an Ibanez triple (!) and a Chooch sac fly. Wainwright started the game for the Cardinals so the Phils' offense could only muster that one run, although they did have a few opportunities. Well to begin the top of the 9th, another fucking douchebag fan ran onto the field. After all was settled, Cole gave up back-to-back doubles and was pulled from the game in favor of Brad Lidge. Whether or not Hamels was thrown off by the fan is pointless. He's a professional and should be focused. He had thrown over a 110 pitches so that was likely the reason. Well Brad Lidge was also fabulous. The first batter grounded out to Howard and moved the runner over to third. The second batter was walked intentionally (to either set up a dp or have Lidge face a more inexperienced, right-handed batter) and he proceeded to strike him out on 3 pitches. The four batter of the inning flied out to center to preserve the tie. As the Phils went scoreless in the bottom of the 9th, Contreras pitched a scoreless 10th (2 Ks and 1 hit). Ruiz led of the 10th and smoked the first ball just foul. He got another opportunity 3 pitches later as he homered to left field. It was a great win for the Phillies and one with plenty of positives. Cole Hamels gave a strong performance (we need more of this, consistency please!), they got a scoreless inning out of Brad Lidge in a tough situation, and Jose Contreras has been one of the few bright spots out of the bullpen so far this year. Lastly, Chooch to the All-star game? That needs to happen. Phils 2-1

Game 3: With Kyle Kendrick starting, it's doesn't exactly inspire confidence. He was actually good! His walk to strike ratio wasn't great but he pitched out of all the little trouble he got himself into. He went 7 innings, 6 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Placido Polanco led the way with a 2-run homerun off of Brad Penny, and in the following inning Shane hit a solo homerun. The scoring ended with a pinch-hit RBI double off the bat of Greg Dobbs. Dannys Baez and Jose Contreras pitched hitless, scoreless innings to finish the game. It was such a clean, solid win. It's nice to see them come back after last night's thriller and continue playing winning baseball. I guess Kyle Kendrick has earned himself another start. Also, KK's career ERA against the Cardinals dropped to 1.67 because of his 7-hit shutout. It's the lowest ERA he has against any team. Phils 4-0

I love you Charlie. Please never take your hands out of your pants.

Game 4: Before the game, the Phils got awful news that Whiz kid legend, Robin Roberts died in his sleep last night. The Phillies announced they would hang his jersey in the dugout for all home and away games. They'll also wear a #36 patch. Reading more about him, he pitched 305 complete games! That is so insane and my mind is officially blown. Good baseball player, and by all accounts, an even better person.

Back to baseball. The Phillies looking for a series win, who better to be on the mound then Roy Halladay. Jayson Werth started the scoring with a 3-run shot in the first. In the top of the second, the leadoff hitter flied out to Werth but the wind and sun caused it to bounce off his glove. It was originally scored a triple (bullshit) and later it was rightfully changed to an error. It's important because it lowered Roy's ERA to 1.45. Won't bother describing all the offense other than to say they scored early and often, which was more than plenty for Halladay; Raul also hit his second homer of the season, which was smoked. He didn't look like he had his best stuff but pitched out of trouble and seemed like he was squeezed a little bit by the homeplate umpire. His final line was 7IP, 7 hits, 1 ER, 3 BB (unacceptable-kidding!), and 9 ks. It only took 119 pitches. It's saying something when everyone's talking about Roy Halladay not having his best stuff and he still goes 7 innings while allowing only one earned run. He is perfection. I'm glad we have him. He is a perfect fit for this team. Phils 7-2

Albert Pujols, stop standing like that. It makes me uncomfortable.

Golden Girls quote of the day:
Mr. Allen: "Goodbye Mrs. Petrillo. Sorry you didn't have the opportunity to experience our museum. I'd love for you to see my most prized aquisition, a magnificent pair of Gauguins."
Sophia: "What are you a pervert?! I was married for 45 years and never even saw my husband's Gauguins!"

Looking forward to 2010

The last time I wrote, Harry Kalas had passed away and the Phillies were in the early stage of the 2009 season. So much has happened since then. Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels' struggles have been well documented but the most notable player of the 2009 season was Cliff Lee. The Phillies acquired him in August instead of Roy Halladay (who had a ridiculous price tag). All he did was pitch a complete game shutout in his debut and start his Phillies career 5-0 with a minuscule era. Of course the Phils won the division again and began the playoffs at home against the Rockies.It was time for revenge for 2007. Cliff Lee pitched game 1 and was again dominate with a CG. A lot of great moments in this series but the best probably came off the bat of Ryan Howard. His now famous line, "Get me to the plate boys" was uttered in Game 4 in Colorado. With the Phillies down two in the top of the ninth and two guys on, Ryan Howard hit a game-tying double. Jayson Werth would proceed to get the go-ahead RBI and Brad Lidge nailed down the save.

The NLCS was a repeat matchup. Of course the Phillies won the first game but it wasn't easy and it took a lot of offense. Game 2 saw a wasted effort by Pedro Martinez because the bullpen could not get three outs in the 8th. The most dramatic moment of this series came courtesy of Jimmy Rollins. In game 4, the Phillies were down one with Jonathon Broxton on the mound. Two on and two out. Jimmy Rollins ripped a fastball into right center field to win the game for the Phils and give them a 3-1 series lead. They would go on to win easily in game 5...again. The World Series was set between the Phillies and the Yankees. It started well with a CG, 1-run effort from Cliff Lee. He made it look easy. Dropped game 2 and 3 but had every opportunity to tie the series up. With a tied game in the top of the 9th and two outs, Brad Lidge was unable to get out of the inning without giving up 3 runs. Cliff Lee won game 5 but the Phillies would f.all in game 6 and lose the series to the Evil Empire. It was almost a perfect ending but surprisingly successful considering they were working with a depleted bullpen and a thin starting rotation.

The biggest news of the offseason is the acquisition of Roy Halladay. Not so much Doc himself but what they gave up in order to acquire him. It cost them Cliff Lee, who would be shipped to Seattle. Right now it's hard to argue that this wasn't the right move. If it's true that Cliff wanted a larger contract than what Ruben and co. were willing to offer, it became a deal they had to make. Roy wanted to be here, he took a discount to come here, and the Phillies got one of the best if not the best pitcher in all of baseball. GOD, HE WANTS TO BE HERE, it doesn't get better than that. The only thing that makes it sad is Cliff Lee's reaction and disbelief to the trade. He sounded heartbroken and while it is a business, we're still dealing with human emotions. Cliff Lee was incredible for the three months he was here. He made it easy to get attached. I want him to be mad not sad and disappointed. He's breaking my heart.

My initial reaction was shock and disbelief. Initially, I was disappointed because making it to the World Series was a lot of fun, and I was looking forward to making a third run at it.

At first I didn't believe it, because I thought that we were working out an extension with the Phillies and I thought that I was going to spend the rest of my career there. This goes to show this is a business, and you never know what's going to happen until you have a no-trade clause.

Those guys are the real deal and I can't say enough about them.

It's hard to deny Roy Halladay and how good he looks in Phillies red. I just cannot wait until the season starts. Cliff, looky here. Next year Jamie Moyer will be off the books and Joe Blanton. You want to be a Phillie and I want you to be one. Take a discount and join Roy and the gang. Do it if you want to win, because I know you do.

Lastly, and I don't know if more importantly, Allen Iverson returned to the Sixers. That's really all that can be said about them. Other then their awful 12-game losing streak. It's good to have AI back where he belongs. He's a breath of fresh air.



Look how cute he looks!

Almost forgot the Eagles. At 9-4 they'll face the 49ers next. DeSean Jackson proving he's a star, the Eagles making their annual late season push, and of course the Cowboys with their annual chock job. I swear they're predictable and I love it.

Quick story about DeSean--my brother said he saw him at Bahama Breeze in Cherry Hill. Supposedly, he didn't tip the waiter, which led my brother to calling him a "cheap motherfucker." I have a million times more respect for DeSean and just want to tell him (if he's listening, which of course he is) to keep fighting the power and the man. Tipping is overrated. Really it is. I will also try and blog more regularly. Once or twice a year is not enough.

Bloop

I haven't posted since November 11th but a lot's happened. Chase Utley's had hip surgery, Pat the Bat is a Tampa Bay Ray, Jamie Moyer resigned, JC was unfairly suspended, the freakin' Eagles are some how in the playoffs, and the Sixers are streaking [well does 4 in a row qualify as streaking?]! I really still can't get over the fact that the Phillies won the World Series. It's truly mind blowing. I watch the Perfect Season once every night and I'm reading Phillies Confidential [thanks meech.one and my somewhat useless knowledge of Sarge]. It's Phillies all the time except on Sundays. I really think I need more World Series stuff before it all goes away.

More importantly though, I'm so angry after reading all the stuff on Romero. It just sounds like MLB is using him as a scapegoat and trying to tell all the fans that their drug testing really does work. Losing Romero for 50 games really SUCKS. I do love that the Players Association said they thought the suspension was unfair but they understand their decision is final; 1/3 of the season is a big deal and this can't stay like this. Major League Baseball is getting away with taking our best left handed reliever out of our bullpen for 1/3 of the season. I might just have to get the FREE JC shirts from the 700level.

And the more I think about it, we were so lucky to get Brad Lidge. We gave up 2 minor league guys, Geoff Geary, and a glorified pinch runner. He was the difference. Oh and Chase looked good at this press conference [like a month ago]. And when I say good, I mean realllllyyy hot; he also walked without any noticeable limp.

Stay classy Bud Selig.

And now for a little Eagles. It's really amazing to see where they are now. After the week 16 loss to the Redskins, everyone had given up. So many things had to go right for them to even make the playoffs. Now here they are; they are ONE win away from the Superbowl. It's the year of Philadelphia I suppose. And if there's 3 people that I really want [ed] a championship for it's be Jamie Moyer, Brad Lidge, and Brian Dawkins. That last guy really deserves it. The town will just have to be painted red and green...equally.

Sayonara

Ryan Howard was named MVP of the NBP-MLB series as the MLB team completed the sweep of the Japanese team for the first time in over 70 years.

Game 1: 2-3 with a BB. And one run scored. 3 total bases.
Game 2: 2-3 with a BB. 2 runs scored and 3 RBI’s. 2 home runs and 8 Total bases.
Game 3: 3-4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI's. 3-run home run and 7 total bases.
Game 4: 1-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Solo home run with game tied in the top of the 8^th. 4 total bases.
Game 5: 2-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. 3 total bases.
In total: 10-18 (.556); 8 RBI's; 2 BB's; 8 runs scored; 4 home runs; 25 total bases.





























"The Most Valuable Player of the Japan All-Star Series walked into his press conference cradling a victory Big Mac. A man's got to eat, right? Especially one who had done as much heavy lifting as Ryan Howard these past few days."

Could there be another MVP in Howard's near future? The National League MVP will be handed out on Nov. 20, and Howard (58 homers) is a leading candidate.

"Had to go there, didn't you?" quipped Howard.

The humble man is not one to talk about his chances against the likes of Albert Pujols, Carlos Beltran and the like. But he was more than happy to talk about the show he put on in Japan.
"It was great to win the MVP with the talent we had on this team," said Howard. "To do something like that is special. I just wanted to come out here and have fun and try to put on a good show and help the team win. To be able to win the MVP here is great." Howard was a show on to himself in Japan. His smile lit up the cameras and his bat never stopped tormenting pitchers he'd never faced before." -MLB.com
__________________________________________________________

In the game 5 finale, Jose Reyes hit a walk-off 2-run home run in the 10th inning to give the MLB the sweep.

"FUKUOKA, Japan -- In the United States, it has become universally
known as the walk-off homer. Here in Japan, the adjective they use
for a game-ending blast is "sayonara". We came all the way over
from the States to come here and play, and to win," said Ryan Howard,
the MVP of the All-Star Series. "The Japanese team was great, they
never stopped fighting. They were in every game. They gave us a good
run for our money. Reyes was fortunate to have a little bit of motivation
from myself and David Wright and some of our other teammates to be
able to go up there and hit one."

What did that motivation entail?

"We were just messing around with him," said Howard. "We were
telling him, 'Don't be afraid to do something.' He rose to the occasion."

So much so that the Fukuoka Dome suddenly sounded like Shea Stadium,
with chants of "Jose, Jose, Jose" cascading around the home-run hero.
"It feels good to have some fans on the other side of the country," said
Reyes. "It was exciting for me when I heard my name, Jose, Jose. I felt
like I was playing in Shea Stadium. It was kind of exciting for me."

-MLB.com

Gentle Giant

Two more Homeruns for Ryan Howard as Team MLB beat Japan 8-6.

He's still doing it.

Ryan Howard in Japan...Chase too.

"The five-game MLB All-Star series against the stars of Japanese baseball starts on Friday. After the first three games at Tokyo Dome the series shifts to Osaka and Fukuoka.
Ryan Howard and Jones hit back-to-back solo homers in the top of the sixth inning to pull the MLB stars to within two runs after the Giants had jumped out to a 6-2 lead.
Howard, who hit 58 homers for the Philadelphia Phillies during the regular season, connected off Yomiuri starter Chiang Chien-ming to cut the Giants lead to 6-3."

-MLB.com

Mammoth Beast. ^^^^^

& pictures of Jose Reyes too because he's a hottie.

















P.S.
and if anyone could find out if they're airing the games on TV, I'd greatly appreciate it.