PhillyTalk: Ask the Writers and Experts

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Ask Andy Martino

Inquirer Sports Writer

Email Andy at amartino@phillynews.com

Most Recent Questions & Answers

Questions: 11 - 10 of 500

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Todd- the Brewer fan and brewer?

QTodd, can you really produce a malt liquor or were you being sarcastic in your statement in the Phillies Zone? It does seem like a stereotype: everyone from Milwaukee knows how to make beer and have their own microbrewery in the basement.

Erich H, El A, CA 03/13/08

AI wish I could make some malt liquor. It'd help me get through he season.

Andy Martino

Lidge's closer's entranse song

QTodd, do you happen to know what song will be playing when Brad Lidge comes from the bullpen to the mound to close a home game? Also, if Lidge is not ready to go, what song will be playing for Tom Gordan?

Erich H, Loss Angelless, CA 03/13/08

ATom Gordon has Queen's Flash Gordon theme song. Lidge? He's looking for a song from Drowning Pool.

Andy Martino

Holdzkom

QYo Todd: I understand that the Phillies released pitcher Lincoln Holdzkom and he made it through waivers. The Red Sox put Schilling on the 60-day DL today and then signed Holdzkom off waivers. Why wouldn't the Phils keep this kid if he was good enough to be signed by the World Champion Sox? Wouldn't he have a better shot at sticking with the Phils than the Sox? Just curious.

Michael C, Chadds Ford, PA 03/13/08

AHoldzkom was a free agent, so he could sign with anybody he wants. Holdzkom wasn't going to make the Phils' 25-man roster, and as a Rule 5 pick had to go through waivers before he could potentially resign with the team. That obviously never happened. I don't think the Sox signed him to be on their 25-man roster, but I could be wrong. It's more likely he opens in triple-A.

Andy Martino

Hamels?

QIts so weird when players like Hamels complain about money, I get the feeling it isn't really about money. I think he looking to get out of Philly already. Maybe he doesn't want to pitch in Citizens Park where he gives up so many homers. Just an observation, but maybe he figures in a bigger park his career numbers will be better and thus he would be more valuable. Maybe we are seeing the last of Hamels.

When can Hamels become a free agent?, I think he flies the cope then.

Will Mac, Philly, PA 03/07/08

AHamels can't become a free agent until after the 2012 season. But he said yesterday he would like to remain in Philadelphia. That said, Philadelphia doesn't have the best reputation amongst players in baseball. But you know what? Money talks. Always does. Always will. That's why the Rockies got a pitcher like Mike Hampton to play there. They paid them a lot of money. The Phillies might have to do the same to get a stud pitcher -- or keep Hamels -- but if the money is there, players follow. I know I would.

Andy Martino

Lidge, the set-up man; Gordan, the closer?

QTodd, Even if Lidge says he's ready to go on the first game of the season, wouldn't it be a good idea to use him as a set-up guy until we "know" he's back in form? Especially if Tom Gordan is pitching like he did at the end of last year.

Erich H., Lost Angelless, CA 03/05/08

AI don't think the Phillies are going to put Lidge on the mound unless they feel he's ready. The last thing they need is another slow start to the season. That said, Gordin will close at times this season, but only when Lidge is unavailable. You won't see Lidge setting up for Gordon. Unless, of course, things go drastically wrong.

Andy Martino

Ignorant Hockey Fans

QI was watching the Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers game on Versus. The Sabres player,Tallinder was checked into the boards and fell hard to the ice. He was obviously hurt,his trainer came out to attend to him. After several minutes on the ice he shakily got up and began to make his way to the locker room. As he skated to his locker room the Flyers fans booed him. I have been a hockey fan for over 30 years and the Flyers fans haven't changed. Their booing of a hurt player are the fans showing the TRUE COLORS of the Flyers fans. Why do the Philadelphia fans feel the need to be so ignorant? They always have been and I guess they always will be.

Carole , Charlotte , NC 03/04/08

AUh, thanks. But this is a Phillies Q&A. That said, Talinder (no idea who that is, by the way) should be a little tougher.

Andy Martino

Model of Bridge spanning the Deleware

QIn the 1940's I visited a house in which the owner had carefully constructed a model of the Deleware river bridge. It covered several rooms and was probably 75 feet or more long. In detail, it was very accurate. What happened to this model?

Mike, Kerrville,, TX 03/03/08

AIt's been destroyed. Or not.

Andy Martino

extra cash

Qthe phillies are one hundred thousand tickets ahead of last year so what is howard got three million extra they can still spend more they have it they should sell now so we can keep the team together we have a good neculas of players with the right owner committed to winning

rocky, philadelphia, PA 03/02/08

APlease, try mixing in a period or a comman every once in a while.

Andy Martino

Victorino's contract

QYou've written that Shane Victorino has agreed to a split contract. Does this mean there's a chance the team could their everyday centerfielder to the minors? If not what's the purpose of the split contract?

Shawn, Conshohocken, PA 03/02/08

AThe Phillies award every player no eligible for salary arbitration -- Victorino, Hamels, etc. -- split contracts. It's a formality. It means nothing.

Andy Martino

Phils pitching

QTodd, I'm from Philly but I live outside NYC now. I've bet all my Mets fans friends that Hamels/Myers will have more wins this season than Martinez/Santana. Was that stupid?

John, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 02/29/08

AI'm not going to say it's stupid, but I'm not sure I'd make that bet. Martinez obviously has to show he can stay healthy, but I think Santana is going to win a ton of games in the National League. Can Hamels stay healthy? Can Myers win more than 14 games, his previous high as a starter? I hope you bet a cheesesteak and not a Benjamin. Me? I bet Washingtons only, but I'm a high roller.

Andy Martino

Questions: 11 - 10 of 500

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