Like Last Year, Not Like Last Year
The Phillies are 3 1/2 games behind the Mets and four games behind the Brewers with 16 games to play. It feels like last year, except it doesn't.
Like Last Year, Not Like Last Year
Todd Zolecki
Brett Myers gave a gritty performance on the mound, leaving in the eighth with one out and the score tied at 3-3. (YONG KIM / Philadelphia Daily News)
The Phillies are 3 1/2 games behind the New York Mets in the National League East and four games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL wild-card race with just 16 games to play.
They've been in this spot before.
I mean, they were 6 1/2 games behind the Mets with 16 to play last year and won, right?
But that doesn't mean it is easy. In fact, the Phillies are slowly moving into long shot territory. Baseball Prospectus figures the Phillies have just a 16.5 percent chance to make the playoffs at this point, while the Mets have a 92 percent chance and the Brewers have an 80.7 percent chance. If the Mets go 9-8 the rest of the way, the Phillies would have to finish 12-4 just to tie them. If the Brewers, who are wound about as tight as a drum right now, go 8-8 the rest of the way, the Phillies again would have to finish 12-4 just to tie them.
It would be a lot to ask the Mets to blow two big leads two years in a row.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Brewers blow it. They have a history of playing poorly in the second half under Ned Yost.
"Last year, we were hot," Charlie Manuel said. "We could score runs, and it seemed like we had enough pitching to get through. We were playing good. . . . We really got after it. Our team this year, when you're struggling to pitch and score runs, that's tough. But at the same time, I've seen us bounce back. We always have."
It must start tonight. The Phillies must take at least 3 of 4 from the Brewers this weekend. A split would mean the Phillies would have to go 10-2 the rest of the way to tie the Brewers, if they went just 6-6. Win the first two at Citizens Bank Park, and I'd bet the panic spreads in the Brewers clubhouse and they start worrying about being swept. They don't have CC Sabathia available to bail them out this weekend, either.
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Manuel said the team hasn't had that energy or life recently. Phil Sheridan has a few theories why that is happening.
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In the Phillies Notebook: the Phillies need a starter for Sunday, and I think it could be Brett Myers on short rest. Hey, why not? The Phillies are in a hole. Might as well roll the dice. Also, Carlos Carrasco is in Venezuela (should he be here?) and Tom Gordon is throwing again.
Comments (76)
Dear Todd, Please inform the Phillies that if Kyle Kendrick starts on Sunday September 14, CyHamels and his closest associates will no longer be providing ticket revenue to said team for 2009 and beyond. Regards, CyHamels— CyHamels- A few observations: 1 - In light of Charlie Manuel's comments that the fans have been flat since the Mets series, I would like to thank the fans for holding out that long, considering the team has been flat since the Red Sox series in June ... 2 - I wonder if Cole Hamels noticed what I noticed yesterday: that a 45 yr. old is willing to pitch on short rest (3 days) tonight because the team needs him to, that an oft-vilified head-case barely 6 weeks removed from a minor league, ego bruising, mental rehab assignment is volunteering to pitch on short rest (3 days), or even shorter rest (2 days), if the team needs him to, while the 24-yr. old "Ace" of the staff has to have a 48 hour political roundtable over whether or not to pitch on regular rest (4 days) when the team needs him. Perhaps *I* was wrong... perhaps the criticism of Cole last week wasn't as out of line as I suspected. My apologies to everyone who was upset with him.— RollinsWasRight
- Down with Claire Betts, the Buck brothers, Bill Giles, John Middleton and David Montgomery!— RollinsWasRight
- What genius lined things up so that all the Phillies right handers pitched against the Marlins (who like to hit righties) and all the left handers will pitch against the Brewers (who like to hit lefties).— JayW
- RWR - I second your observations. Moyer once again proves whata pro he is and a team player. Myers also followed his lead. I also thought Myers comments about the team being a bit tense and needing to play a bit looser was a good observation. They played that way last year because they were further back and probably thought there was only a very slim chance of them winning the division and/wild-card. Maybe now that things seem much direr--they'll play ala the Marlins with a "nothing to loss" attitude and they'll get better results.— KarenA
- Is anyone else tired of reading all of these articles everyday, taking the time to thoughtfully respond only to have your comment never show up or show up an hour later? If I'm correct, THIS comment will show up rather than my baseball-related comments.— MrPhillie
- Can't you just picture Gillick and Amaro siting around counting on Gordon being back up next week to help? Or putting Adam "I swallowed a big pill to accept the (minors) option" Eaton back in the rotation? Amaro sees no reason for Carrasco to be here. Charlie and Dubee are gonna pull a Gene Mauch and pitch everyone on short rest...man, I am starting to feel the goosebumps again.— jimmymack
- This season feels the exact opposite of last season - because last season we were slowly making a run and this season we are slowly giving it away. Going in totally opposite directions - and it feels that way.— Gary Varsho
- I am sick to my stomach right now. We can't get out of the 8th inning. And we are flat? Maybe if your team gave us something to cheer about we would not be so flat.— Beef69
- Yes, that happens to me once in a while, MrPhillie. At the beginning, it happened more often. That’s why you see the same come multiple times. They rout the comments for any improprieties and then decide to post it or not. But, I like the idea they let us express our opinions. Some writers, I think, use it as a feedback. Have you noticed they have write stuff mentioned by some of us. Like the Carrasco thing today (Zo), and the Phillies management the other day (Bob Ford), about promising to do something meaningful before the TD and did virtually nothing. We have been talking about that for the last couple of weeks. You got to like that.— EL Zorro
- Gary Varsho: "This season feels the exact opposite of last season" ... ... Exactly. 2008 Phillies = 2007 Mets. The Mets last year were ahead big in June, and relaxed, and got complacent, and couldn't find it at the end when they needed it. The Phillies this year... same thing. The only difference is the Mets made their big run in July, rather than September, so to the rest of the baseball world, it looks less dramatic. Same movie, but the actors have been cast in different roles this time.— RollinsWasRight
Comment removed.- Don't blame the fans. These are supposed to be professional players. They are being payed big bucks. Perhaps they aren't good enough. Perhaps they were just lucky last year. You can't expect good teams like the the Mets (who have a larger payroll) to collapse again. This is what it means to be a Phillies fan: Frustration at only having a chance every 15 years or so of making the playoffs, watching other teams sign big name free agents while the Phillies play it cheap, signing lesser talent players, realizing that the Phillies farm system is never good enough. This is the fault of the management of this team. Get used to it--- the window of opportunity is rapidly closing. The Phils will soon be at the bottom of the division again while the owners count their money. Sorry, it's impossible to be optimistic with this team after 45 years.— James TL
- James TL: Like I said earlier, "Down with Claire Betts, the Buck brothers, Bill Giles, John Middleton and David Montgomery!"— RollinsWasRight
- Can we start a protest rally? "This ownership has got to go, Hey hey, Ho ho" is starting to sound like a catchy tune to me.— RollinsWasRight
- The only way you'll get this ownership to sell the team is by leaving the stands. If they are as concerned only with making money as many people say they are, the way to hit them where it hurts is not to show up, regardless of how the Phillies play. Chances of that working are almost zero....the owners have a saftey net because corporate ticket sales are higher than ever. Too many people will continue to go to games and they will make money.— GHOSTPHAYCE
- I wonder what it takes to make a post to this column?— Wally 24
- GHOSTPHAYCE: I don't necessarily agree. I mean, basically, I agree. But they can be hurt by a drop in attendance, even if it doesn't get to the level of the Florida Marlins. They signed Jim Thome to seel tickets in the new ballpark, and thought it worked. They sold plenty of tickets its first year. But when the season ended in failure, and they did nothing in the off-season, they saw a dramatic drop in attendance the next year, and had to fire Ed Wade, which we knew they didn't want to, just to win back a few fans. And that helped, but not enough, so they upped the budget a bit. This new ballpark was VERY expensive, and is likely very costly to operate. They need all these sellouts. If people stay away, it will make a difference. The problem is they still have to option of moving the team rather than selling it, but I don't know if they would be allowed now that they have taken over $200M of city and state money to build that place. Plus, they hide because they don't want to be known, to be ripped, to receive negative press, so let them have it as best you can as often as you can. It's a long shot, but they just might get tired of it.— RollinsWasRight
- Rollins, I like that slogan. If you can persuade a radio personality, Angelo Cataldi comes to mind, with your idea it can work. Ownership cannont hide forever. It will get their attention. In the meantime, this forum can keep the pressure on.— EL Zorro
- Down with Claire Betts, the Buck brothers, Bill Giles, John Middleton and David Montgomery!! This ownership has got to go; hey hey, ho ho!— RollinsWasRight
- Let's print some t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, flyers, posters and buttons with the slogan, Rolls. Make sure you get the rights to it, though.— EL Zorro
- Wally, maybe Charlie Manuel is in charge of this forum and he is saving your comment for tomorrow!— EL Zorro
- Without runs no pitcher wins. There are a few things obvious about this line up. First, last month Utley was moved from #3 to #2 in the order. For 2 weeks he hit at a .365 clip and during that time Rollins came back to life and his average started to climb. Since the 1st game of the NY series Utley has been moved back to #3 and is hitting a lusty .166. They had Burrell at #3 when Utley was at #2 but Pat is in a horrible slump and they couldn't afford to keep him there. Werth was an interim fix but he is too undisciplined to leave there day to day. So I'm going to add my two cents worth here. Move Utley back to #2 and platoon Dobbs & Werth at #3. All that is neededis to swap them from 3rd to 7th in the order. An all righty order will be Rollins, Utley, Werth, Howard, Burrell, Victorino, Feliz, Coste/Ruiz,& Pitcher. The all lefty would be Rollins, Utley, Dobbs, Howard, Stairs/Jenkins, Victorino, Werth, Ruiz/Coste, Pitcher. Since Aug 29th Howard is hitting.375 with 6 HRs 6 doubles, 14 RBIs and a .914 Slug %. Anyone hitting on front of him will get pitches to hit so moving runners should not be a problem. Then let Ryan do what he does best drive in runs.— Wally 24
- Zorro: That is actually an intriguing idea. Especially since I used to work for a Patent, Copyright & Trademark Law Firm. I know how to trademark a slogan. Set up a nice website to sell them nice and cheap. Hrmm...— RollinsWasRight
- Actually, now that I think about it, I don't think you can trademark a slogan if it is used, for example, as a saying on a T-shirt. I think it has to clearly identify the source of goods/services, if I recall the wording correctly.— RollinsWasRight
- RWR, I agree about Hamels. I know I have defended Hamels. I know that this is the first time in his career he will have made it through an entire season without an injury. I know he is leading the league in innings pitched. That said, if he truly wants to achieve his goals of winning 20 games, Cy Young awards, being considered the staff ace, etc....he has got to step up. If a head case like Myers and a 45 year old are stepping up, you have to be there as well. If you really want to be considered an ace you should be the first one to step up but, as long as he does, I’ll take it. This is where your identity is forged, where your reputation is made (both on your team and around the league), and where you show that you not only have what it takes but that you will also not hesitate to bring it when your team needs it.— bski
- Wally I saw that post, and I respond it to it. I don't remember where. Good stuff. I read somewhere that the Phillies had way too many line-up changes. It seems, that every time a player is hot, Charlie changes the line-up and that player somehow cools down. I would prefer a much steady line-up, more consistency. Baseball is hard, and is even harder when a player comes to the park and don’t know where he is going to hit, let along if he is going to play.— EL Zorro
- Also, these comments from Manuel: “I think the difference is that last year we were hot,” Charlie Manuel, the Phillies manager, said after yesterday’s loss. “And we were consistent. We could score more runs. And we had enough pitching to get through. But we were hot and playing good and very energetic and full of life and really got after it. Our team this year . . . “ Manuel paused. “If you remember, we were very resilient,” he said. “We could come right back at you. We still could do those things but at the same time not as much as last year.” ......and from Myers: “We have to stop pressing so much,” said yesterday’s hard-luck starter, Brett Myers. “If we have fun, the wins will come.” “It’s like we’re trying to make up ground in one game instead of having fun in the game,” Myers said. “We have to have fun, not put pressure on ourselves, and win some ball games.”.......Both of these guys are in the clubhouse every day and should have a pretty good read on the collective psyche of the team. To hear them say things like that tells me that we won’t be seeing any magic this year. While they might not be a defeated club yet, it seems as though they are at least deflated.— bski
- Zorro -- What a waste of a season this has been. First the Victorino get your mind right thing, then the series of Rollins unprofessionalism, then the Myers thing, plus the never ending diversions put up by the organization to keep focused in areas that really don't matter. The Dr.Jekel/Mr.Hyde performance of the team through the last 4 months of the season. In all my years I've seen a lot of really bad teams but you knew they were bad. This team acts like there is dissention among the troops which would explain everything. I guess we'll find out about it in the off season.— Wally 24
- One of the reasons this year is different is because we are the Division champions, and there is extra pressure to defend. There are other reasons. For example, too many distractions before and during the season. Howard and Hamels's arbitration negotiations, the Charlie saga with Rollins and to some extent with Myers, Victorino and Burrell, the struggles of Eaton and Myers, Utley and Rollins. It's hard to play loose with all that in your mind. Also, I am a strong believer in a set line-up. Charlie is being playing musical chairs with the line-up all season, and is not because of injuries.— EL Zorro
- I agree Wally.— EL Zorro
- Wally, how is Werth "undisciplined" when he leads MLB in pitches seen per at bat? ...or maybe he's second behind Swisher, but either way, you're wrong about Werth. However, I do agree with your basic idea...Rollins-Utley-Werth-Howard. Werth's not the ideal 3-hole hitter, but right now, with Burrell struggling the way he is, this is the only option.— Billy The Kid
- Guys I think any sort of protest is justified but be sure to do the stuff that gets the most mileage for the money. I also believe Charlie and company have to go. We need to persue that ACE pitcher in the off season and a right hand bat that hits above .300. Send Shane out to Gwynn for lessons and make decisions on fringe players. Its also time to pay some of these guys who play every day big league salaries.— Wally 24
- Billy -- He does a lot of guess hitting based on scouting reports and pitch count. If he just stood in there and hit what he saw he'd be hitting close to .300 at season end. I think Jason will be even better next year but right now he is vulnerable at times.— Wally 24
- just got back from buying a coffin for the phils. THey are definately dead!! Please notice teh difference between Cole, Moyer and Myers. Cole, when asked about pitching, says he'll think on it and decide, Moyer says nothing and just does, and Myers says, "i'll pitch tomorrow if they ask me. Anything to get into the playoffs" Darte I say that Myers is the ace of the team and Cole the number 3 pitcher?— jeff gross
- RWR -- A few observations: -- good stuff. One other thought. Phils organization should wait till these players are actually stars before they start attaching that label to them. Sometime I think the added pressure to be something you haven't achieved yet is more than they can handle.— Wally 24
- Jeff -- I'm enjoying the comedy routine you should take it on the road. I agree Hamels has a lot to learn as do a lot of other young players. Brett and Jamie are setting the kind of example we need I just hope this team has enough heart to step up.— Wally 24
- anyone notice this quote in today's paper? "The fans are very passionate about their sports here and they recognize guys that enjoy playing the game hard. Obviously, football is a little different than baseball, but fans like to see that you care" This was Utely giving advise to DeSean Jackson. Utley gets it. We like our players, who make millions, to show they care. Unfortunately, this is the Phillies problem, very few of the players actually do care— jeff gross
- Yes, Billy. Werth sees a lot of pitches. But there is a different depending on where you hit in the line-up. You need to see a lot of pitches if you're leading off or batting second, or leading off an inning. But when you are in a power spot, you have to take advantage of those first pitch fastballs, especially with men on base. The other day he got good pitches to hit with men on third and first. He got the count to 3-2 and tried to hit the ball to rightfield and hit a lazy flyball. In that situation he has to drive the ball hard somewhere to the outfield. Right now, I like him a lot more as a 2 hitter that can use his patience and speed a little more, than as a power guy thinking too much out there. He’ll get there though.— EL Zorro
- RollinsWasRight, I agree with that. I definitely hate how the current ownership does business. I think they have an obligation to do better. If you take $200M of state and local money, I think you should be subject to a referendum on the ballot that could overturn your right to own the franchise. I would love to see it put to a vote, it would be great if they were forced to sell the team in shame. I realize that is far-fetched, but I think if you take public funds, you should have to answer to the public.— GHOSTPHAYCE
- Another thought on GHOSTPHAYCE's point about a drop in attendance not hurting the team, what if there was an organized group of fans boycotting not only the team, but their sponsors as well? It would be difficult, you would need a large contingent of people to make a dent, but if W.B. Mason and Comcast and the like knew they were losing business from people who are boycotting Phillies sponsorship, the Phillies would in turn losing advertising dollars.— RollinsWasRight
- RollinsWasRight makes a great point about Moyer asking for the ball versus Hamels ("show me the money") having to be asked to pitch against the Mets recently. Also, Uncle Charlie should shut it about the fans who put up with the team turning a 7.5 game lead to a 3.5 game deficit, all while waiting 45 minutes for overprice crab fries. The problem is that the "star" players are batting well below last season's norm, management got cheap in the off-season and the mid-season pickup of Blanton was a disaster. Now, the pen is taking on water after giving 110% effort all season.— Steve Jeltz
- I think when the Tampa Bay Rays move here we should call them the Philly Blues, short for Blue Collars.— Wally 24
Well, as cynical as I can sometimes get, I am not one to throw in the towel just yet. I'll hang in until it's over. And who knows, maybe something magical happens? But I'm also not out of touch. This team obviously has a different feel from last year's at this time. Funny how they're in better shape in the standings technically, but from a morale standpoint you'd have to say they are worse off than last year. I know this: I've been a lifelong Phils fan, probably making it to an average of 4-5 games a year along the way. Based on last year's performance I went to more games this season (by far) than I ever had before. At this point can anyone guess the direction of that trend next year? Oh, I'll always follow the team, but there comes a point where you start to feel like you're being played by management. I can assure you that if they don't appear to be committed to winning, I will be quite happy to save my money and stay home. Oh, um... Let's Go Phils!!!!— bobby- Bobby you just need a sit down with Dave Montgomery and you'll feel lots better about your fleecing.— Wally 24
- Wally....Why not on offbeat hybrid that acknowledges their history and ours....the Philly rAys— bski
- bski -- What ever it is I think the fans get to decide not some bank.— Wally 24
- bski -- What ever it is I think the fans get to decide not some bank.— Wally 24
- Is Franklin field still standing? If so knock it down ad build a park there!— Wally 24
- Call them what you want, just get them pitching and hitting so they can win, unlike the current team we have. Also, hire a manager who knows something about the game, PLEASE— jeff gross
- So how are they doing it?— Wally 24
- Well before that last I meant to say: The Marlins go through players and managers like its nothing. Yet they stay competitive most years. Its not for the money. So how are they doing it?— Wally 24
- Wally: They invest what money they have in the farm system, top prospects, good scouts, excellent instructors, etc. They develop quality young players, then, when they are close, they spend big money for one year to bring in a hired gun or two to put them over the top, then sell off the parts before the young talent reaches arbitration and gets too expensive, or before they reach FA.— RollinsWasRight
- Rollins -- My cousin lives in Miami and he says there is never a crowd at the games. What we have witnessed on TV is fact. So one additional question is without the gate receipts is their money coming from revenue sharing?— Wally 24
- Phils should sign that "hammer weilding psycho" from septa for pinch hit situations.— Johnny Lawrence
- Any protest has to start small, people won't give up tickets already bought to prove a point. Banners won't be allowed, even the T-shirts may fall under the "not acceptable" ruling. But if they get another national home game on TV, a between inning walkout might be effective. A friend suggested a total boycott of concessions for fan appreciation day. Gotta publicize it ahead of time (finally a use for WIP) and then go for it. Small steps. But truthfully, these owners won't change and next year the Mets will be able to spend Yankee type money, so we are so screwed.— jimmymack
- Any news on who the starting pitcher will be on Sunday? I hope maybe, Happ. I thought that's why they beought him up. Couldn't stand the little, "I swallowed a big pill" comment from Eaton! Would he have rather sat out the rest of the season and watched someone else vie for his job? Let him sit NOW and boo hoo!— Norma
- The past two or three weeks the Phils have blown 5 or 6 games in the 7th or 8th inning. This at the end of the season will be the reason the Phils don't make the playoffs. Who do we pick upneeding relief help....Eyres how much did he cost? minimum salary right? TOO CHEAP TO SPEND, TOO CHEAP TO WIN THEN. 2009 SLOGAN suggestion..MEDIOCRE CAN WIN !!!!!!!— Trot
- Wally.....Definitely agree about moving Chase back to the 2 hole! For whatever reason, it worked. My thought is, it took a little pressure off of him to knock in a run if Jimmy or Vic was on base. He's had the pressure on him, for so long, to *carry the team*. Gotta get in his head after a while. As for *Aces*.....I've been saying for a while that it was a split between Myers/Moyer. Again, Hamels is a DIVA! Wonder if his jersey sales have dropped lately?— Norma
- When it comes to fan protests, no symbolic boycott, walkout, picket march will do. First off, very few people will actually participate, and second, the ownership knows it's only symbolic. Those very same people will be buying food, tickets, parking, etc. the very next day. Only one form of protest really works, and it's the kind that isn't really protest. It's a lack of interest that translates into lower ticket sales across a season or more. It's like those e-mails urging a gas boycott on a certain day. Ridiculous. That would have no effect at all, just as a 'concessions boycott' would have none. The sad truth is that the formula the Phillies follow is working. Stay just competitive enough, without spending the really big bucks, to keep the massses coming to the ballpark. That's smart business. It's just lousy sports.— bobby
- Trot, it's tough to single out a few bullpen failures at the end of the season and say that's why we won't make it. The bullpen has been phenomenal all year. They are just showing the normal signs of cumulative wear and tear. They have been called on a lot. If we don't make it, these last several games that they coughed up will be only one part of the reason. Another part will be all the ineffective starts by Eaton and Myers during the first half of the season. Still another part will be the offensive swoon that has lasted for over 2 months. Moyer had what, 10-11 consecutive starts where he gave up 3 runs or less and his record was something like 3-3 with a handful of no decisions. Hamels has pitched well and gotten very little run support. Plus the offense hasn't really given the bullpen a whole lot of margin for error all year. Anyway, it's a long season and there is plenty of blame to go around for coming up short.— bski
- jimmymack: the most important parts of a protest are organization and commitment. Get enough people who are protesting in the same manner, and sticking to the plan over an extended period of time, and you will get noticed. Also, there are multiple ways to put pressure on the owners - you can not buy tickets - if you have already bought tickets, you can skip the game and at least not give them parking or concession revenue - you can go to the game, and pay for parking, but not buy any concessions - you can boycott their advertisers/sponsor - you can put public pressure on them with a "smear" campaign (these owners HATE bad press, especially if you use their actual names... the biggest thing, no matter how you do it, is that you have enough people all doing the same thing over an extended period of time. And all that takes is some organizing.— RollinsWasRight
- Trying to be optimistic here......This is EXACTLY the time last year that we went something like 14-3! Loosen up team! Have fun! And get the job done!— Norma
- Thanks Norma. When you take away the stratagy part of it that was also in my mind for the move. Were all human beings right? As for Hamels and others they sure have babied some of these guys. Time for management to bring them back to earth, set goals and demand results. Oh wait I forgot were talking about the Phils. Lost my head.— Wally 24
- It's become a broken record how every year we are close, and we just that one player to put us over the top, yet ownership/management is not willing to take the extra necessary step. This year we obviously needed a bat (ManRam) or a top of the line starter (Sabathia, Harden), but instead we get an "innings eater" (Blanton) and a "professional hitter" (Stairs). I know we may have not had the prospects to land a Ramirez, Sabathia or Harden (although Chicago gave up nothing for him), but ownership should realize by now that making the financial sacrifice today could mean much more money in the long future. Just look at what's happened with Boston.— toccheyhockey
- Rollins *** Why not start a website with Tees for sale stating your opinions. Sell them at an affordable price and just let people walk around in them. Why do they need to show them in the park? For that matter you could sell stickers on a street corner and have an effect.— Wally 24
- Well that's one down....14/15 to go? Howard is smokin'hot right now and whata ya know Ruiz suicide squeezes for the insurance run!!! Also nice to see Feliz have a good game after being on the bench for awhile. Once again the Maestro, Jamie Moyer gets it done (was kinda sorry they pulled him when they did but understand the reason).— KarenA
- Definately the best played game for the Phils in a long time. Had all the elements even a suicide squeeze. Whats not to like about that. Feliz and Ruiz were so cool about getting the bunts down I was having flash backs to the 70s when everyone knew it was coming but they still got it done anyway. It was good to hear Ryan Howard repeat some of Schmidty's message during the post game like some of them are taking this seriously.— Wally 24
- Great win! Maybe the boys heeded my advice to loosen up and have fun! LOL! Again.....Moyer = Ace! Or maybe better.....Moyer = MVP! Can't remember the last time I saw a *suicide squeeze*. Brilliant! Way to play baseball, guys!— Norma
- Wally....Guess Charlie didn't like our suggestion of having Chase hit 2nd. Too bad. Maybe it would have been a rout. LOL!— Norma
- It looks like R. Howard is on pace for another 50 HR and 145RBI season to go along with a .255 avg--If chooses to lead this team into the playoffs we will be calling him MVP and be paying him 15-16 mil next yr to boot!!!— Truth
- Well, I don't know about the 15-16 mil! But if he keeps up these number and gets us to the post-season, I'll be chanting "MVP"!— Norma
- This season has been the most dissappointing season I've been through in my (50)+ yrs as a Phillies fan. And now the part thats irking me the most are you so called faithful Phillies fans. Put the blame where it belongs, at the players feet. Management didn't change Chase Utley into Denny Doyle. They were not responsible for the huge slumps that lasted weeks. Howard struggled most of the year, JRolls down year.etc etc etc.....Moyer,Werth,Dobbs,Victorino,Lidge are the only players on the team that earned their pay for the whole year.. So fickle fans,wake up and smell the coffee,the players not ownership srewed up this season where everyone had high expectations..— pat h
- Sorry, I left out Cole from the list of players that have earned their keep..Feel free to add to the list....— pat h
- Truth - I agree that Howard deserves credit for the way he's playing, and hor his HR and RBI totals - but I think its too little too late for the MVP. A couple of reasons - 1) Nobody who hits .250 should be considered for the MVP - especially when they were closer to .200 for most of the season. 2) He's a butcher at first base - sans his efforts lately. 3) As much as he may be responsible for lifting the Phillies in recent weeks, he is as much to blame for their struggles early in the season. You can't give a guy an MVP award for half a season. Just like Sabathia shouldn't get it, even though he is carrying the Brewers, and Manny shouldn't get it even though he turned around the Dodgers - because it would only be based on their efforts for half a season.— Gary Varsho
- Wally... I am working on it. Actually already designed a simple, to the point T-shirt... but now I need to build the site, purchase server space and a domain name, etc. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.— RollinsWasRight
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