I really do not enjoy doing this but being that I am writing a blog regarding Philadelphia Sports I feel it is necessary to give what I observed of Michael Vick's debut in Philadelphia--before I talk about more serious matters at the moment such as the 1st place Philadelphia Phillies.
Vick showed up to a standing ovation. Some sports journalists in the city thought the fans would booo incisively, not sure why they predicted such a reaction, but regardless custom Vick jerseys and t-shirts are all over the city. Outside of Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday there were a hand full of protesters and anti-Vick signage---again more was wrongfully and illogically predicted (but there were a few protesters at Broad and Pattison).
Let's just say that if Donovan McNabb or the Eagles offense struggles, this signing will be more interesting and dramatic than ANYTHING that happened with Terrell Owens (including the sit ups in his driveway and the locker room fight).
Three preseason games down, one more to go and the Birds do not look very sharp but that could be part of the proven coaching staffs master plan. I might be wrong here but I don't think the Patriots that went 16-0 did not have a winning record in the preseason.
Vick Press Conference from PhiladelphiaEagles.com:
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/index.asp?mm_file_id=7550&play_clip=y
Vick Highlights from PhiladelphiaEagles.com:
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/index.asp?mm_file_id=7544&play_clip=y
PHILLIES
On to what really matters at the end of August...baseball. If the rain would stop in Philadelphia we might be able to see a very important series play out for the NL East Pennet. Pedro Martinez's last 2 starts were interrupted by rain and ironically the guy Martinez was brought in to replace, Jamie Moyer, has pitched the lions share of the innings. Not only that, but Moyer has pitched very well since Martinez's arrival.
Tonight, Cliff Lee showed that he was human but knowing that pitchers are creatures of habit and do not like to have their routines alternate in any way--I might give Lee a free pass tonight since the game was delayed 30-45 minutes (I despise excuses but I love Cliff Lee).
Jayson Werth was honored before the game for being the MLB Player of the Week last week. It is August 30th, the Phillies lead the Braves by 7 games which is the second largest division lead in all of baseball, and the final game of the series is tonight at 8pm on ESPN (Joe Blanton vs. Jair Jurrjens). Tune in for that. Weather forecasts are optimistic in Philadelphia so it should be a great finale.
The Giants come into Philly on Tuesday-Thursday to try and gain ground on the NL Wild card leading Rockies, they have a 1 game lead.
Looking ahead, dare I say the Phillies schedule does not look too difficult--prepare yourself for third straight playoff appearance.
Correction:
Correction regarding "Happ for ROY" post: Pablo Sandoval had 15 at-bats more than the alloted 130 last season to allow him to retain his rookie status. With that said, J.A. Happ in my opinion should definitely win the NL Rookie of the Year.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Phillies Closer Experiment #1: Fail
Who's next?
Ryan Madson has blown more saves (5) than he has successfully converted (4).
I've heard everything from bringing back Mitch Williams to calling up Scott Mathieson who is just coming back from Tommy John surgery in 2006 and another elbow injury in 2007.
I'm tired, I want to move on...Brad Lidge is the closer--win or lose.
Thank you Ryan Howard for being awesome and saving the Phillies the humiliation of blowing two consecutive games to the Pirates.
Howard: 35 hr's, 107 RBI's..
Eagles
With the high probability that Michael Vick will play tomorrow, the city is buzzing. Will Andy Reid show a wildcat formation (unlikely)? Will Vick play so well that it begins a huge controversy over who is the Eagles starting QB (even more unlikely but interesting)?
This is the most anticipated preseason game in the NFL and my interest is more on how will Joe Mays play at middle linebacker. I want to see Quintin Demps inflict some pain from free safety. LeSean McCoy has had a lot of carriers this preseason and I really would like him to escape the preseason free from injury.
Oh and of course I'd love to see Michael Vick take off down the field but my point is he is not the most important piece of the puzzle in tomorrow's game.
My early prediction for this team...9-7...wild card.
I reserve the right to make my final prediction before week one.
Ryan Madson has blown more saves (5) than he has successfully converted (4).
I've heard everything from bringing back Mitch Williams to calling up Scott Mathieson who is just coming back from Tommy John surgery in 2006 and another elbow injury in 2007.
I'm tired, I want to move on...Brad Lidge is the closer--win or lose.
Thank you Ryan Howard for being awesome and saving the Phillies the humiliation of blowing two consecutive games to the Pirates.
Howard: 35 hr's, 107 RBI's..
Eagles
With the high probability that Michael Vick will play tomorrow, the city is buzzing. Will Andy Reid show a wildcat formation (unlikely)? Will Vick play so well that it begins a huge controversy over who is the Eagles starting QB (even more unlikely but interesting)?
This is the most anticipated preseason game in the NFL and my interest is more on how will Joe Mays play at middle linebacker. I want to see Quintin Demps inflict some pain from free safety. LeSean McCoy has had a lot of carriers this preseason and I really would like him to escape the preseason free from injury.
Oh and of course I'd love to see Michael Vick take off down the field but my point is he is not the most important piece of the puzzle in tomorrow's game.
My early prediction for this team...9-7...wild card.
I reserve the right to make my final prediction before week one.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Closer, close to being out???
In my bio, I said that I am generally a positive and enthusiastic analyst and observer of Philadelphia sports. However, if I failed to mention it in the bio, I would also like to say that even though I am from Philadelphia and work in the Philadelphia sports market, I will try to be unbiased and present a verdict based on the facts rather than personal emotion.
So let's talk about tonight's lose to the Pirates:
Emotionally, I desperately want to be loyal to Brad Lidge. The same man who feel to his knees after striking out Eric Hinske to win the World Series. He had a completely, utterly, flawlessly, perfect season and I will always remember that.
I will also remember that was in 2008.
This is 2009.
Lidge just blew his 9th save, is 0-6, and has a 7.33 ERA. All of my posts thus far have raved about how the Phillies are "clicking on all cylinders," but there is one major cylinder that I was hoping we wouldn't have to discuss and that is Lidge's inability to get the job done on a consistent basis.
I thought the unassisted triple play would be a message from God that Lidge's (A very religious man by the way) fortunes would be changing. But after Andrew McCutchen hits a 2 run home run in the 9th for a Pirates walk off win...Charlie Manuel has to honestly evaluate the closers role on the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies team...leaving 2008 in the past.
Here are some thoughts:
Brett Myers? Possibly, but he is coming off of injury and has a black eye from falling out of a car or something along those lines...I don't read the tabloids. He obviously loves the closers role but do you trust him more than Lidge?
Pedro Martinez? He winked when asked about being a possible closer for the ball club once he was signed and there are incentives in his contract for success as a reliever. Isn't he more valuable as a starter than a reliever?
Ryan Madson or another arm out of the bullpen? They did not have particular success when Lidge was on the DL earlier this season and they all have well defined roles already so do you want to make guys readjust in late August...I would not think so but I wouldn't mind guys getting a shot.
Whatever the decision is, even if it is living and dieing with Brad Lidge as the closer, the Phillies have to figure it out now. The post season is not for experimentation and you don't want any player on the playoff roster to have a question to what is their role on this team.
Personally, I say sit Lidge for a few games and let Madson and Durbin have a shot at it to see how that works. If they really want Martinez to have a shot, then bring Moyer back into the rotation, especially after he only gave up 2 hits in 6 innings his last outing for his team leading 11th win. After some experimentation though, I ultimately would not be surprised to hear "This is for the Soldiers" and watch number 54 run out of the bullpen in the 9th.
Lidge is with this team for 2 more years I think, and I just hope he can bounce back from this season and be productive in the future. He does have a history of alternating good and bad seasons...look it up. I'm trying not be emotionally involved and I think the fans need a little time to cool off and before you know it, they'll all be screaming "Lights out Lidge" once again (although calling him a dimmer is pretty funny).
So let's talk about tonight's lose to the Pirates:
Emotionally, I desperately want to be loyal to Brad Lidge. The same man who feel to his knees after striking out Eric Hinske to win the World Series. He had a completely, utterly, flawlessly, perfect season and I will always remember that.
I will also remember that was in 2008.
This is 2009.
Lidge just blew his 9th save, is 0-6, and has a 7.33 ERA. All of my posts thus far have raved about how the Phillies are "clicking on all cylinders," but there is one major cylinder that I was hoping we wouldn't have to discuss and that is Lidge's inability to get the job done on a consistent basis.
I thought the unassisted triple play would be a message from God that Lidge's (A very religious man by the way) fortunes would be changing. But after Andrew McCutchen hits a 2 run home run in the 9th for a Pirates walk off win...Charlie Manuel has to honestly evaluate the closers role on the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies team...leaving 2008 in the past.
Here are some thoughts:
Brett Myers? Possibly, but he is coming off of injury and has a black eye from falling out of a car or something along those lines...I don't read the tabloids. He obviously loves the closers role but do you trust him more than Lidge?
Pedro Martinez? He winked when asked about being a possible closer for the ball club once he was signed and there are incentives in his contract for success as a reliever. Isn't he more valuable as a starter than a reliever?
Ryan Madson or another arm out of the bullpen? They did not have particular success when Lidge was on the DL earlier this season and they all have well defined roles already so do you want to make guys readjust in late August...I would not think so but I wouldn't mind guys getting a shot.
Whatever the decision is, even if it is living and dieing with Brad Lidge as the closer, the Phillies have to figure it out now. The post season is not for experimentation and you don't want any player on the playoff roster to have a question to what is their role on this team.
Personally, I say sit Lidge for a few games and let Madson and Durbin have a shot at it to see how that works. If they really want Martinez to have a shot, then bring Moyer back into the rotation, especially after he only gave up 2 hits in 6 innings his last outing for his team leading 11th win. After some experimentation though, I ultimately would not be surprised to hear "This is for the Soldiers" and watch number 54 run out of the bullpen in the 9th.
Lidge is with this team for 2 more years I think, and I just hope he can bounce back from this season and be productive in the future. He does have a history of alternating good and bad seasons...look it up. I'm trying not be emotionally involved and I think the fans need a little time to cool off and before you know it, they'll all be screaming "Lights out Lidge" once again (although calling him a dimmer is pretty funny).
Monday, August 24, 2009
Phil--LEE
C.C. Sabathia went to the Milwaukee Brewers in the second half of last season and carried that team to the playoffs (where they were promptly defeated by the Phillies).
Sabathia went 11-2 in 17 starts, 1.65 ERA, 128 K's in 130 innings, and a 1.00 WHIP.
Cliff Lee is putting on a similar display of masterful pitching. WHAT WERE THE INDIANS THINKING LETTING BOTH OF THESE GUYS WALK AWAY!!! But thank you Cleveland for giving us the best pitcher in baseball over the last month.
In his 5 starts with Philadelphia, Lee is 5-0, has thrown 40 innings giving up just 3 earned runs (0.68 ERA) , has 39 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.75 (only 6 walks and 24 hits)!
All due respect to Marson, Knapp, Carasco, and Donald, the prospects traded to the Indians for Cliff Lee, but there is no way the four of you will ever give Cleveland the type of production that the Phillies have received from the reigning AL Cy Young award winner.
On top of the stats, Lee has helped the bullpen rest...throwing 113 (83 strikes) pitches in today's 6-2 win over the Mets. Brad Lidge and Chan Ho Park provided 2 scoreless innings of relief pitching which means Citizens Bank will donated $300 to the Philabundance community food kitchen. At 30 cents a meal that adds up to 1000 meals for people in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Back to baseball, Ryan Howard hit 2 home runs (34 total)--one was in the third deck--and 5 RBI's (104). Howard is now third in the NL in RBI's and HR's...surprise, surprise.
To sum up: the Phillies are rolling on all cylinders--pitching, fielding, hitting--and they are clicking at the right time to ensure a spot in the Post Season.
REPEAT!!!!
Sabathia went 11-2 in 17 starts, 1.65 ERA, 128 K's in 130 innings, and a 1.00 WHIP.
Cliff Lee is putting on a similar display of masterful pitching. WHAT WERE THE INDIANS THINKING LETTING BOTH OF THESE GUYS WALK AWAY!!! But thank you Cleveland for giving us the best pitcher in baseball over the last month.
In his 5 starts with Philadelphia, Lee is 5-0, has thrown 40 innings giving up just 3 earned runs (0.68 ERA) , has 39 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.75 (only 6 walks and 24 hits)!
All due respect to Marson, Knapp, Carasco, and Donald, the prospects traded to the Indians for Cliff Lee, but there is no way the four of you will ever give Cleveland the type of production that the Phillies have received from the reigning AL Cy Young award winner.
On top of the stats, Lee has helped the bullpen rest...throwing 113 (83 strikes) pitches in today's 6-2 win over the Mets. Brad Lidge and Chan Ho Park provided 2 scoreless innings of relief pitching which means Citizens Bank will donated $300 to the Philabundance community food kitchen. At 30 cents a meal that adds up to 1000 meals for people in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Back to baseball, Ryan Howard hit 2 home runs (34 total)--one was in the third deck--and 5 RBI's (104). Howard is now third in the NL in RBI's and HR's...surprise, surprise.
To sum up: the Phillies are rolling on all cylinders--pitching, fielding, hitting--and they are clicking at the right time to ensure a spot in the Post Season.
REPEAT!!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Happ for ROY
Phillies 8-23-09
The Phillies are now 21 games over .500, a season-high for the team now 6.5 games ahead of the Braves in the NL East. In case you haven't seen the highlight yet (I promise you will), Eric Bruntlett became the second player in MLB histroy to end a game by completing an unassisted triple play (the other one was in 1927). The Mets were making a comeback in the 9th after Ryan Howard and Bruntlett made back to back errors and BOOM...triple play--amazing. Brad Lidge converted his second straight save (25th overall), another good sign. J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Brett Myers are all making their way back as they are ready to come off the DL any day...more positives.
Pedro Martinez gave up 4 runs in 6 innings, 1 walk, and 5 K's, although the lead off inside the park home run was really a double. His velocity dropped down to 87 in the 6th but he located his pitches very well, earning him his second win with the Phils.
Yesterday, J.A. Happ continued his campaign for NL Rookie of the Year, maybe he will even make the top 5 in CY Young voting (Top Competition: Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, Matt Cain, Adam Wainwright, and Dan Haren).
Happ is 10-2, 2.59 ERA, and has a 1.17 WHIP on a first place team. His 2 complete game shutouts are tied for first place in the National League (Bronson Arroyo, Joel Pineiro, and Tim Lincecum).
The only player that I think could take the ROY award away from Happ is Pablo Sandoval of the Giants. The switch hitting third baseman is hitting .333, 19 home runs, 72 RBI, 37 doubles, and .939 OPS.
Regardless of whether Happ gets the personal awards, he has set himself up as an important part of the Phillies run at another title. I can't help but think how fortunate a Rookie pitcher like Happ is to have mentors like Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. Hopefully that translates into long term success with this organization from the soon to be 27 year old lefty.
The Phillies are now 21 games over .500, a season-high for the team now 6.5 games ahead of the Braves in the NL East. In case you haven't seen the highlight yet (I promise you will), Eric Bruntlett became the second player in MLB histroy to end a game by completing an unassisted triple play (the other one was in 1927). The Mets were making a comeback in the 9th after Ryan Howard and Bruntlett made back to back errors and BOOM...triple play--amazing. Brad Lidge converted his second straight save (25th overall), another good sign. J.C. Romero, Clay Condrey, and Brett Myers are all making their way back as they are ready to come off the DL any day...more positives.
Pedro Martinez gave up 4 runs in 6 innings, 1 walk, and 5 K's, although the lead off inside the park home run was really a double. His velocity dropped down to 87 in the 6th but he located his pitches very well, earning him his second win with the Phils.
Yesterday, J.A. Happ continued his campaign for NL Rookie of the Year, maybe he will even make the top 5 in CY Young voting (Top Competition: Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, Matt Cain, Adam Wainwright, and Dan Haren).
Happ is 10-2, 2.59 ERA, and has a 1.17 WHIP on a first place team. His 2 complete game shutouts are tied for first place in the National League (Bronson Arroyo, Joel Pineiro, and Tim Lincecum).
The only player that I think could take the ROY award away from Happ is Pablo Sandoval of the Giants. The switch hitting third baseman is hitting .333, 19 home runs, 72 RBI, 37 doubles, and .939 OPS.
Regardless of whether Happ gets the personal awards, he has set himself up as an important part of the Phillies run at another title. I can't help but think how fortunate a Rookie pitcher like Happ is to have mentors like Jamie Moyer, Pedro Martinez, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. Hopefully that translates into long term success with this organization from the soon to be 27 year old lefty.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It is still baseball season in Philadelphia
Phillies 8-21-09
The Phillies just defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-3, Jayson Werth has hit 5 home runs in his last 5 games, Shane Victorino hit his 10th triple, the team is tied with the Pirates for top fielding percentage and only the Blue Jays have committed fewer errors, only the Yankees, LA Dodgers and Angels have a better winning percentage, and the pitching (starting and relief--minus Brad Lidge) has been great.
Now, the Eagles had their second preseason game tonight, and thankfully people were more interested in the NL East pennant race involving the defending world champions than if Michael Vick took any snaps in a Wildcat formation (more to come on that nonsense in a later post). The Eagles did lose 23-15 to the Colts though but don't panic. The preseason is all about avoiding injury.
Donovan McNabb did go 5-7, 77 yards, and a TD. DeSean Jackson had 2 catches, scored a TD, and finished with 46 yards. Look out for Bradon Gibson. The 6th round pick has a shot to be the 6th receiver kept with this group.
Back to the Phillies though, Citizens Bank Park witnessed it's 7th largest crowd last night and tonight's attendance was over 45,000...another sellout.
The culture in the this "town" (6th largest in the U.S.) may slowly be changing in a positive direction. (Not to mention we even have a MLS team coming..the Philadelphia Union but they actually play in Chester...close enough). But for many years all the average Philadelphia sports fan cared about was the Eagles, something Jimmy Rollins spoke about a few seasons ago. How quickly a team can become popular after they bring a title to a city that has been yearning for one for 25 years.
Quick, everyone jump on the Sixers bandwagon now while their stock price is low, then when they have big success in a few years you can say that you liked them when they were fighting to make the playoffs.
Little sports side note...Chad Ochocinco (Johnson) successfully kicked an extra point and had a kickoff go to the 10 yard line. That was one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time...or maybe the pure shock rendered me unable to speak for a few minutes.
The Phillies just defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-3, Jayson Werth has hit 5 home runs in his last 5 games, Shane Victorino hit his 10th triple, the team is tied with the Pirates for top fielding percentage and only the Blue Jays have committed fewer errors, only the Yankees, LA Dodgers and Angels have a better winning percentage, and the pitching (starting and relief--minus Brad Lidge) has been great.
Now, the Eagles had their second preseason game tonight, and thankfully people were more interested in the NL East pennant race involving the defending world champions than if Michael Vick took any snaps in a Wildcat formation (more to come on that nonsense in a later post). The Eagles did lose 23-15 to the Colts though but don't panic. The preseason is all about avoiding injury.
Donovan McNabb did go 5-7, 77 yards, and a TD. DeSean Jackson had 2 catches, scored a TD, and finished with 46 yards. Look out for Bradon Gibson. The 6th round pick has a shot to be the 6th receiver kept with this group.
Back to the Phillies though, Citizens Bank Park witnessed it's 7th largest crowd last night and tonight's attendance was over 45,000...another sellout.
The culture in the this "town" (6th largest in the U.S.) may slowly be changing in a positive direction. (Not to mention we even have a MLS team coming..the Philadelphia Union but they actually play in Chester...close enough). But for many years all the average Philadelphia sports fan cared about was the Eagles, something Jimmy Rollins spoke about a few seasons ago. How quickly a team can become popular after they bring a title to a city that has been yearning for one for 25 years.
Quick, everyone jump on the Sixers bandwagon now while their stock price is low, then when they have big success in a few years you can say that you liked them when they were fighting to make the playoffs.
Little sports side note...Chad Ochocinco (Johnson) successfully kicked an extra point and had a kickoff go to the 10 yard line. That was one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time...or maybe the pure shock rendered me unable to speak for a few minutes.
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