Some food for thought in the Series aftermath:
Yesterday I commented on Chase Utley's outstanding play in Game 5 when he threw out Jason Bartlett at the plate. It should be added that Utley played outstanding defense throughout the post-season. This is especially noteworthy because Utley's defense throughout the regular season was only average. His throwing was spotty, particularly when turning double plays, and his range has never been exceptional. In the playoffs, he elevated this part of his game. Utley's hitting in the post-season was inconsistent, as it had been been throughout the second half of the season. But with his solid defense, a few timely hits, knack for getting on base, and intelligent base running, his contribution was enormous.
The World Series victory must be somewhat bittersweet for Greg Dobbs. He seems to be a solid team guy, but to have played in only part of one Series game has to be frustrating. Charlie Manuel seems to have made a decision to go with Pedro Feliz on a near everyday basis. Dobbs, the Phillies' best contact hitter, is all dressed up with no place to go. Of course, it is no secret that Dobbs has been mentioned as a replacement for Pat Burrell next year. But Manuel has shown no inclination to use Dobbs against left-handed pitching. Burrell was an everyday player. It's going to be interesting to see how this evolves in the off season.
Carlos Ruiz had an excellent post-season. He always gets high marks for handling pitchers and blocking pitches, but it should be noted that he made a number of bad throws, including a number that he should have not made at all. However, most surprising to all of us was his hitting. This .219 regular season batter was one of club's best playoff hitters. If this new found prowess proves not to be an aberration, it has major implications for next season.
You have to love the Philly fans for advancing booing to an art form. They even delivered the Bronx cheer to the Chevy Impala given to Cole Hamels for winning the MVP. But don't the marketing honchos think it's just a little bit tacky to give a car to a rich ballplayer in an economy where many are struggling. Talk about bad timing.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Post-Series Comments: Utley, Jenkins, Burrell, Lidge
The Phillies' World Series win is very emotionally satisfying: for all of us fans who have ridden the ups and downs; for the home-grown players like Utley, Howard, Rollins, Myers, Hamels, Burrell, etc; for Charlie Manuel and Brad Lidge, etc. Some notes on last night's game:
It was poetic justice for Burrell and Jenkins to have key hits last night. Jenkins has been odd man out for months, but he never seemed to lose his enthusiasm, and was ready on the rare occasions when he was called upon. Burrell in likely his last Phillie at bat redeemed himself for the umpteenth time. An aside: It was curious that Manuel didn't pinch run for Jenkins although Geoff was able to score easily on Werth's bloop hit.
Utley made a remarkable play in the 7th inning to throw out Bartlett at the plate. The play didn't require anything exceptional physically but for Utley to recognize in an instant that he couldn't get the runner at first and to throw home instead showed remarkable presence of mind. The importance of the play cannot be overemphasized. It was another reminder of how significant a role the Phillies' defense played in their championship season.
It was fitting that Brad Lidge closed it out. Lidge was the one constant for the Phils all season. With the offense sputtering for a good part of the year, he enabled his team to win a lot of close games that they would not have won otherwise. You can talk about Hamels, Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino - Lidge was the Phils' MVP.
The Phillies were 11-3 in the post-season. That sounds dominating but the fact is that most of their victories were nailbiters, a pattern we saw throughout the 2008 campaign.
It was poetic justice for Burrell and Jenkins to have key hits last night. Jenkins has been odd man out for months, but he never seemed to lose his enthusiasm, and was ready on the rare occasions when he was called upon. Burrell in likely his last Phillie at bat redeemed himself for the umpteenth time. An aside: It was curious that Manuel didn't pinch run for Jenkins although Geoff was able to score easily on Werth's bloop hit.
Utley made a remarkable play in the 7th inning to throw out Bartlett at the plate. The play didn't require anything exceptional physically but for Utley to recognize in an instant that he couldn't get the runner at first and to throw home instead showed remarkable presence of mind. The importance of the play cannot be overemphasized. It was another reminder of how significant a role the Phillies' defense played in their championship season.
It was fitting that Brad Lidge closed it out. Lidge was the one constant for the Phils all season. With the offense sputtering for a good part of the year, he enabled his team to win a lot of close games that they would not have won otherwise. You can talk about Hamels, Howard, Utley, Rollins, Victorino - Lidge was the Phils' MVP.
The Phillies were 11-3 in the post-season. That sounds dominating but the fact is that most of their victories were nailbiters, a pattern we saw throughout the 2008 campaign.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
World Series TV Review
With live baseball action on hold, here are some comments on the Fox TV coverage:
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have been doing this for a long time and there was a time they were first rate. But no longer. The nicest adjective I can think of to describe their performance is soporofic. Buck's enthusiam for the game used to come through loud and clear, now he seems to be going through the motions. McCarver used to be interesting. Now he seems to struggle to stay awake and offers the same banal observations over and over again. They also have shown themselves to be true blue company men. When the game continued the other night despite the British Open conditions, they were critical, but not of Fox TV which pays their considerable salaries and which surely had a major role in the cynical decision to play the game.
There has been justifiable criticism of the umpiring. One of the more controversial plays involved Evan Longoria seeming to tag out Jimmy Rollins at third base but Rollins was called safe. Fox showed a replay that seemed to show Longoria touching Rollins. Joe Buck proclaimed that Rollins was clearly out based on this and there seems to be a consensus now that Jimmy was tagged. But the replay was not definitive. Yes it appeared there was a tag but the replay angle could have been deceiving. I'm not saying that Rollins was safe, only that the replay was not decisive, yet Buck acted as if it was.
The practice of interviewing managers and coaches in the dugout during the games, not exclusive to Fox, is contrived and pointless, even insipid. Meatball questions are served up and the answers are as predictable as night following day. Why not have the on field reporter walk to the mound and interview the pitcher between batters? The practice of wiring a player with a microphone during the game is another contrivance. The broadcast should stick to what it does best - showing great video and letting the action speak for itself.
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have been doing this for a long time and there was a time they were first rate. But no longer. The nicest adjective I can think of to describe their performance is soporofic. Buck's enthusiam for the game used to come through loud and clear, now he seems to be going through the motions. McCarver used to be interesting. Now he seems to struggle to stay awake and offers the same banal observations over and over again. They also have shown themselves to be true blue company men. When the game continued the other night despite the British Open conditions, they were critical, but not of Fox TV which pays their considerable salaries and which surely had a major role in the cynical decision to play the game.
There has been justifiable criticism of the umpiring. One of the more controversial plays involved Evan Longoria seeming to tag out Jimmy Rollins at third base but Rollins was called safe. Fox showed a replay that seemed to show Longoria touching Rollins. Joe Buck proclaimed that Rollins was clearly out based on this and there seems to be a consensus now that Jimmy was tagged. But the replay was not definitive. Yes it appeared there was a tag but the replay angle could have been deceiving. I'm not saying that Rollins was safe, only that the replay was not decisive, yet Buck acted as if it was.
The practice of interviewing managers and coaches in the dugout during the games, not exclusive to Fox, is contrived and pointless, even insipid. Meatball questions are served up and the answers are as predictable as night following day. Why not have the on field reporter walk to the mound and interview the pitcher between batters? The practice of wiring a player with a microphone during the game is another contrivance. The broadcast should stick to what it does best - showing great video and letting the action speak for itself.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Phils-Rays Game 5
The excitement of being on the doorstep of a world championship season is in danger of being overshadowed by a comedy of errors by baseball's hierarchy:
Last night's game should not have been played. The conditions were appalling such that the quality of play was severely compromised and there was significantly heightened risk of player injuries. Early in the game, Joe Buck described a heavy mist while one could clearly see on the TV screen a driving rain. Obviously he has a different conception of "mist" than most.
Baseball is quite unique in that starting pitchers are very fragile. Once they warm up and start pitching, they are pretty much at a point of no return, particularly in cold weather. They cannot survive long delays or suspensions. Now the Phillies' ace and a top starter for the Rays are lost for the series, except for a possible relief role if the series is extended. This alone could taint the outcome of this World Series.
Although it is old news, it is worth mentioning that the use of the DH in some games and not others is absurd. Having two sets of rules in a championship series devalues the competition.
The regular starting time of the games is too late and the Saturday night start at 10 PM was worse. MLB seems to be making every effort to make its showcase event inaccessible to children.
The poor caliber of umpiring has been much discussed. There have been blown calls in virtually every game. However, last night's balls-and-strikes calls by home plate umpire Jeff Kellogg were off the charts. And truth be told, this time around, the Phillies were the prime beneficiaries. Kellogg's bizarre calls, more than Phils' bats, drove Matt Kazmir from the game.
Getting back to actual baseball for a moment. Carlos Pena's single drove in B.J. Upton from second base in the top of the 6th inning to tie last night's game. Upton is one of the few players in baseball who could have scored on the play. The base paths were muddy and slick but Upton runs with such an effortless, loping style, he was able to navigate his way around third without sacrificing much speed and thus was able to beat Pat Burrell's excellent throw.
Last night's game should not have been played. The conditions were appalling such that the quality of play was severely compromised and there was significantly heightened risk of player injuries. Early in the game, Joe Buck described a heavy mist while one could clearly see on the TV screen a driving rain. Obviously he has a different conception of "mist" than most.
Baseball is quite unique in that starting pitchers are very fragile. Once they warm up and start pitching, they are pretty much at a point of no return, particularly in cold weather. They cannot survive long delays or suspensions. Now the Phillies' ace and a top starter for the Rays are lost for the series, except for a possible relief role if the series is extended. This alone could taint the outcome of this World Series.
Although it is old news, it is worth mentioning that the use of the DH in some games and not others is absurd. Having two sets of rules in a championship series devalues the competition.
The regular starting time of the games is too late and the Saturday night start at 10 PM was worse. MLB seems to be making every effort to make its showcase event inaccessible to children.
The poor caliber of umpiring has been much discussed. There have been blown calls in virtually every game. However, last night's balls-and-strikes calls by home plate umpire Jeff Kellogg were off the charts. And truth be told, this time around, the Phillies were the prime beneficiaries. Kellogg's bizarre calls, more than Phils' bats, drove Matt Kazmir from the game.
Getting back to actual baseball for a moment. Carlos Pena's single drove in B.J. Upton from second base in the top of the 6th inning to tie last night's game. Upton is one of the few players in baseball who could have scored on the play. The base paths were muddy and slick but Upton runs with such an effortless, loping style, he was able to navigate his way around third without sacrificing much speed and thus was able to beat Pat Burrell's excellent throw.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Phils-Rays Games 3 and 4
Notes on Game 3:
A couple of points about Ruiz's winning swinging bunt. Although Carlos Ruiz has been swinging a good bat, he has been a double play machine all year and letting him swing away with the base loaded was a roll of the dice. A safety squeeze would have been the prudent play. The swinging bunt was successful because it replicated a safety squeeze, but it was very fortuitous. On the other side of the play, Evan Longorian has been second-guessed by some for not giving the ball a chance to roll foul. But I think this is unreasonable. Given the circumstances and the bang-bang nature of the play, the third baseman reacted the way most everyone else would have in a similar situation.
Notes on Game 4:
Pat Burrell was up with two men on in the 7th inning. Burrell is hitless in the Series and has shown no signs of breaking out of it. Dobbs, Stairs, and Jenkins were available to pinch hit. Burrell was soon to be taken out of the game for defensive purposes. Manuel should have pinch hit for Burrell. At that point, the Rays were still in the game and the Phils had an opportunity to blow it open. Manuel's loyalty to Burrell and a few other players can be admirable at times. But at other times it is downright foolish.
The Phillies struck out 4 times last night, an atypically low number. Half of those strike outs were by Chase Utley who was hitless. Utley has come up with key hits throughout the playoffs and has played solid defensively. But he is still not hitting the way we have come to expect. And he is not the type of hitter who should be striking out as frequently as he is. The Rays struck out 12 times last night. You would have to search far and wide to find another game this year where the opposition struck 3 times as many as the Phils.
Chad Durbin continues to struggle but fortunately he has not been needed in critical situations. J.C. Romero, on the other hand, has been rock solid; his sometimes wayward control has not been in evidence.
The Rays offense has been a study in futility. The ineptitude of Longorian and Pena, in particular, has been well documented. It would be satisfying to conclude that this is all due to dominant Phillie pitching or, as been reported, brilliant scouting reports. But it is likely that a large part of it is slumpingTampa Bay bats. This may continue but it would be wise for the home team to fight complacency.
A couple of points about Ruiz's winning swinging bunt. Although Carlos Ruiz has been swinging a good bat, he has been a double play machine all year and letting him swing away with the base loaded was a roll of the dice. A safety squeeze would have been the prudent play. The swinging bunt was successful because it replicated a safety squeeze, but it was very fortuitous. On the other side of the play, Evan Longorian has been second-guessed by some for not giving the ball a chance to roll foul. But I think this is unreasonable. Given the circumstances and the bang-bang nature of the play, the third baseman reacted the way most everyone else would have in a similar situation.
Notes on Game 4:
Pat Burrell was up with two men on in the 7th inning. Burrell is hitless in the Series and has shown no signs of breaking out of it. Dobbs, Stairs, and Jenkins were available to pinch hit. Burrell was soon to be taken out of the game for defensive purposes. Manuel should have pinch hit for Burrell. At that point, the Rays were still in the game and the Phils had an opportunity to blow it open. Manuel's loyalty to Burrell and a few other players can be admirable at times. But at other times it is downright foolish.
The Phillies struck out 4 times last night, an atypically low number. Half of those strike outs were by Chase Utley who was hitless. Utley has come up with key hits throughout the playoffs and has played solid defensively. But he is still not hitting the way we have come to expect. And he is not the type of hitter who should be striking out as frequently as he is. The Rays struck out 12 times last night. You would have to search far and wide to find another game this year where the opposition struck 3 times as many as the Phils.
Chad Durbin continues to struggle but fortunately he has not been needed in critical situations. J.C. Romero, on the other hand, has been rock solid; his sometimes wayward control has not been in evidence.
The Rays offense has been a study in futility. The ineptitude of Longorian and Pena, in particular, has been well documented. It would be satisfying to conclude that this is all due to dominant Phillie pitching or, as been reported, brilliant scouting reports. But it is likely that a large part of it is slumpingTampa Bay bats. This may continue but it would be wise for the home team to fight complacency.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Phils-Rays Game 2
Notes on Game 2:
The wish was expressed here a few days ago that Jimmy Rollins would get on base consistently in this series. Well Jimmy produced his second consecutive 0-5 game last night. When a leadoff hitter goes 0-5, you are automatically behind the 8 ball. Now World Series history is replete with good hitters who slumped in the Fall Classic. The Rays have a few of their own. It happens. But in Rollins' case this has happened all too frequently throughout the regular season and playoffs. The usual explanations - overanxious, swinging at bad pitches, bad mechanics - are tiresome. He is not getting the job done. Period.
Of course Rollins is not alone. Last night, Rollins, Utley, Burrell and Werth combined for 1-17. You have to wonder what's going on when your most consistent hitters are Carlos Ruiz and Brett Myers.
Speaking of Myers, he was hardly lights out last night, but he pitched well enough to win. The one silver lining from last night was that Myers showed he can contain the Rays.
Greg Dobbs looked like a deer in the headlights when he struck out in his first two at bats, each time with men in scoring position. He is the team's best contact hitter and you would have wanted no one else to be hitting in those situations. But in fairness, it has to be difficult for Dobbs to find a comfort zone, particularly in his first World Series appearance, when he is getting so few at bats.
In the 4th inning, the Rays had runners at 1st and 3rd with one out and 9th hitter Jason Bartlett at the plate. Manager Joe Maddon called for a suicide squeeze but Bartlett fouled it off. But on the next pitch, the squeeze was on again, this time the safety squeeze. The Phils were caught flat-footed and a very important fourth run scored. This was a very clever managerial move and something I don't think Charlie Manuel would do. A more general criticism I have of Manuel is that he too often plays for a big inning rather than a run or two.
The wish was expressed here a few days ago that Jimmy Rollins would get on base consistently in this series. Well Jimmy produced his second consecutive 0-5 game last night. When a leadoff hitter goes 0-5, you are automatically behind the 8 ball. Now World Series history is replete with good hitters who slumped in the Fall Classic. The Rays have a few of their own. It happens. But in Rollins' case this has happened all too frequently throughout the regular season and playoffs. The usual explanations - overanxious, swinging at bad pitches, bad mechanics - are tiresome. He is not getting the job done. Period.
Of course Rollins is not alone. Last night, Rollins, Utley, Burrell and Werth combined for 1-17. You have to wonder what's going on when your most consistent hitters are Carlos Ruiz and Brett Myers.
Speaking of Myers, he was hardly lights out last night, but he pitched well enough to win. The one silver lining from last night was that Myers showed he can contain the Rays.
Greg Dobbs looked like a deer in the headlights when he struck out in his first two at bats, each time with men in scoring position. He is the team's best contact hitter and you would have wanted no one else to be hitting in those situations. But in fairness, it has to be difficult for Dobbs to find a comfort zone, particularly in his first World Series appearance, when he is getting so few at bats.
In the 4th inning, the Rays had runners at 1st and 3rd with one out and 9th hitter Jason Bartlett at the plate. Manager Joe Maddon called for a suicide squeeze but Bartlett fouled it off. But on the next pitch, the squeeze was on again, this time the safety squeeze. The Phils were caught flat-footed and a very important fourth run scored. This was a very clever managerial move and something I don't think Charlie Manuel would do. A more general criticism I have of Manuel is that he too often plays for a big inning rather than a run or two.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Phils-Rays Game 1
Notes on Game 1:
Last night's game was a microcosm of the Phillies' season. The announcers expressed amazement over the 11 men left on base after 6 innings. But this was standard procedure throughout the year. It was very common for the Phils to score early and subsequently squander numerous opportunities to blow a game open. Then it became a question of whether the pitching could hold on, or more specifically. if they could hold on for Brad Lidge. The one difference now, and it is a major one, is that Ryan Madson makes holding on a lot easier.
Likewise, there is no reason to be shocked at the futility of Rollins, Howard and Burrell. This futility has been on display off and on throughout the season, in some cases for months at a time. That the Phillies were able to be win the National League championship with the inconsistent offensive output of this threesome is what is remarkable.
Right now Ryan Howard is reprising his performance of the first part of the regular season. He is combining anemic hitting and sloppy fielding. To put it bluntly, he is a liability. You play him of course with the expection that one day he will explode, kind of like what many of us are doing with the stock market these days, and so far that hasn't exactly been a winning strategy. Would Manuel at least consider DHing Howard? Not likely.
Pedro Feliz was a quiet star last night. Impeccable defense and a couple of intelligent at bats.
The Phillies' defense has been a key to their success and it is probably underappreciated. Outside of Ryan Howard, and with Feliz and Ruize in the lineup, it is rock solid. Yes, Pat Burrell has limitations, but he doesn't make a lot of mistakes. And to Jimmy Rollins' credit, he hasn't let his hitting struggles influence his glove work.
Last night's game was a microcosm of the Phillies' season. The announcers expressed amazement over the 11 men left on base after 6 innings. But this was standard procedure throughout the year. It was very common for the Phils to score early and subsequently squander numerous opportunities to blow a game open. Then it became a question of whether the pitching could hold on, or more specifically. if they could hold on for Brad Lidge. The one difference now, and it is a major one, is that Ryan Madson makes holding on a lot easier.
Likewise, there is no reason to be shocked at the futility of Rollins, Howard and Burrell. This futility has been on display off and on throughout the season, in some cases for months at a time. That the Phillies were able to be win the National League championship with the inconsistent offensive output of this threesome is what is remarkable.
Right now Ryan Howard is reprising his performance of the first part of the regular season. He is combining anemic hitting and sloppy fielding. To put it bluntly, he is a liability. You play him of course with the expection that one day he will explode, kind of like what many of us are doing with the stock market these days, and so far that hasn't exactly been a winning strategy. Would Manuel at least consider DHing Howard? Not likely.
Pedro Feliz was a quiet star last night. Impeccable defense and a couple of intelligent at bats.
The Phillies' defense has been a key to their success and it is probably underappreciated. Outside of Ryan Howard, and with Feliz and Ruize in the lineup, it is rock solid. Yes, Pat Burrell has limitations, but he doesn't make a lot of mistakes. And to Jimmy Rollins' credit, he hasn't let his hitting struggles influence his glove work.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Series: A Phillies Wish List
The cold hard truth is that the American League is stronger than the National League and Tampa Bay showed themselves to be their league's best, so the Phils have their work cut out for them. On paper, the Rays probably are even or have the edge in every facet of the game, with the possible exception of the bullpen. The concern about the long layoff hurting the Phils is silly. The hitters can't cool off any more than they already have - Rollins and Howard combined for 5 for 33 against the Dodgers. For the National League Champions to have a fighting chance, they're going to have to elevate their game, and keep it there:
Jimmy Rollins needs to get on base (home runs are acceptable) at least twice a game, preferably when he's leading off which makes his first at bat particularly important. If and when he gets on, he needs to run the base paths aggressively.
Rollins, Howard, Burrell and Werth must try to go the other way at the plate. We all know the drill. When these guys try to pull everything, and you can throw in a few other names as well, they hit miserably. They know it, the coaches and fans know it, and it is constantly talked about, and yet they still don't execute it for more than a few games at a time. They got away with it against weaker competition. Against the mighty American League, I don't think they can.
It goes without saying that the Phillies will be looking for at least 5-6 quality innings from their starters. What team doesn't? Since it's not likely they will achieve this in every game, the effectiveness of Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and even J.A. Happ could loom large. Durbin, whose role was critical throughout most of the year, has struggled in recent weeks and this would be a good time for him to get his second wind.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is not going to be easy.
Jimmy Rollins needs to get on base (home runs are acceptable) at least twice a game, preferably when he's leading off which makes his first at bat particularly important. If and when he gets on, he needs to run the base paths aggressively.
Rollins, Howard, Burrell and Werth must try to go the other way at the plate. We all know the drill. When these guys try to pull everything, and you can throw in a few other names as well, they hit miserably. They know it, the coaches and fans know it, and it is constantly talked about, and yet they still don't execute it for more than a few games at a time. They got away with it against weaker competition. Against the mighty American League, I don't think they can.
It goes without saying that the Phillies will be looking for at least 5-6 quality innings from their starters. What team doesn't? Since it's not likely they will achieve this in every game, the effectiveness of Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, and even J.A. Happ could loom large. Durbin, whose role was critical throughout most of the year, has struggled in recent weeks and this would be a good time for him to get his second wind.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is not going to be easy.
Monday, October 20, 2008
What's Not To Like About These Phillies?
This year's addition of the Phillies will not go down in baseball history with the various Yankee dynasties or the Big Red Machine. And that's part of their appeal. With the exception of Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels, even their highest profile players - Rollins, Utley and Howard - had spotty seasons. But they were able to mix and match from enough ingredients to manufacture a successful year. Some good defense here, some good base running there, a little starting pitching here, a little power hitting there, and a heaping of solid relief pitching. Perhaps most important of all is an undeniable chemistry. Yes the Phils have stars, but they're not the overbearing hired guns like Ramirez or Clemens. They are home grown players who have checked their egos at the door and kept their eye on the prize. They're probably not as talented as Tampa Bay but that's only a minor impediment for this team. So let's enjoy the ride while we can because unfortunately good chemistry in professional sports is an increasingly ephemeral commodity.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pre-Series Notes
Phillies Notes:
One interesting subject of speculation is how the brain trust will work the DH in the American League park. Against right-handed pitching, one strategy would be to start Gregg Dobbs at third and use Matt Stairs as the DH. Of course, if Charlie Manuel decides to start Pedro Feliz, which he tends to do, Dobbs would surely be the DH. Another option is to put Dobbs in left field, with Burrell as DH. A real long shot would be to use Ryan Howard as DH with Dobbs playing first. But against left-handed pitching, things really get interesting, and not for the better. The Phils have a dearth of right-handed hitting threats on the bench. Chris Coste doesn't add much punch as a DH plus you would sacrifice room for maneuver at the catching position late in the game. Do you start So Taguchi in left and DH Pat Burrell? You could go on and on but the bottom line is that there is no dream ticket here. The Stairs/Dobbs option against right-handers is certainly the most potent offensively.
The potential role of Jamie Moyer in the Series is a sensitive one. Manuel implied a few days ago that if the Dodger series had gone 7 games, there was no guarantee that Moyer, due up in the rotation but coming off a bad outing, would start. The coaching staff is indicating now that Moyer will pitch in the third game of the Series but one wonders if that's a lock, especially if the Phils were two games down. This is an emotional time for Moyer, his first time in a World Series after more than 20 years in the big leagues. He was a major contributor in the regular season but legitimate questions have been raised about his reliability at this stage of the long season. It would be heartbreaking if he were taken out of the rotation now.
One interesting subject of speculation is how the brain trust will work the DH in the American League park. Against right-handed pitching, one strategy would be to start Gregg Dobbs at third and use Matt Stairs as the DH. Of course, if Charlie Manuel decides to start Pedro Feliz, which he tends to do, Dobbs would surely be the DH. Another option is to put Dobbs in left field, with Burrell as DH. A real long shot would be to use Ryan Howard as DH with Dobbs playing first. But against left-handed pitching, things really get interesting, and not for the better. The Phils have a dearth of right-handed hitting threats on the bench. Chris Coste doesn't add much punch as a DH plus you would sacrifice room for maneuver at the catching position late in the game. Do you start So Taguchi in left and DH Pat Burrell? You could go on and on but the bottom line is that there is no dream ticket here. The Stairs/Dobbs option against right-handers is certainly the most potent offensively.
The potential role of Jamie Moyer in the Series is a sensitive one. Manuel implied a few days ago that if the Dodger series had gone 7 games, there was no guarantee that Moyer, due up in the rotation but coming off a bad outing, would start. The coaching staff is indicating now that Moyer will pitch in the third game of the Series but one wonders if that's a lock, especially if the Phils were two games down. This is an emotional time for Moyer, his first time in a World Series after more than 20 years in the big leagues. He was a major contributor in the regular season but legitimate questions have been raised about his reliability at this stage of the long season. It would be heartbreaking if he were taken out of the rotation now.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Phils-Dodgers Game 5
Notes on Game 5:
Charlie Manuel again opted to start Pedro Feliz instead of Gregg Dobbs against a right-handed pitcher. Feliz played his usual excellent defense but at the plate he left 8 men on base. Yes the Phils won thanks to excellent pitching but at same point those lost runs will come back to haunt you.
Even if Tampa Bay wins tonight the World Series won't start until next Wednesday. That's too long a wait even if does mean Cole Hamels will be well rested and ready to start the Series. It's all about television of course and that's what pays the bills.
In the 7th inning, Hamels walked two men on and was facing Jeff Kent. Charlie Manuel came out to the mound but surprisingly let Hamels keeping pitching. Hamels got Kent looking at a pitch called strike 3 by umpire Mike Winters. But on TV the pitch appeared clearly to be low. The game could have changed dramatically if the call went the other way but human error is still part of the game and that's OK.
The Fox announcers speculated that Manny Ramirez might elicit some interest from the Phillies to replace Pat Burrell. When Manny steps in the batter's box he becomes the 8th Wonder of the World but the Phils would be foolish to even consider it. Ramirez just carries too much baggage. The Phillies have excellent team chemistry which will be severely tested in the post-season as it is with many players on the last year of their contracts. Manny is just too much of a destabilizing agent to risk adding him to the Phils' clubhouse.
Charlie Manuel again opted to start Pedro Feliz instead of Gregg Dobbs against a right-handed pitcher. Feliz played his usual excellent defense but at the plate he left 8 men on base. Yes the Phils won thanks to excellent pitching but at same point those lost runs will come back to haunt you.
Even if Tampa Bay wins tonight the World Series won't start until next Wednesday. That's too long a wait even if does mean Cole Hamels will be well rested and ready to start the Series. It's all about television of course and that's what pays the bills.
In the 7th inning, Hamels walked two men on and was facing Jeff Kent. Charlie Manuel came out to the mound but surprisingly let Hamels keeping pitching. Hamels got Kent looking at a pitch called strike 3 by umpire Mike Winters. But on TV the pitch appeared clearly to be low. The game could have changed dramatically if the call went the other way but human error is still part of the game and that's OK.
The Fox announcers speculated that Manny Ramirez might elicit some interest from the Phillies to replace Pat Burrell. When Manny steps in the batter's box he becomes the 8th Wonder of the World but the Phils would be foolish to even consider it. Ramirez just carries too much baggage. The Phillies have excellent team chemistry which will be severely tested in the post-season as it is with many players on the last year of their contracts. Manny is just too much of a destabilizing agent to risk adding him to the Phils' clubhouse.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Great Strikeout Debate - Conclusion
Early this season, Ryan Howard was arguably a liability to the Phillies. He was striking out in bunches, topping out at .200 with his batting average, and making too many mistakes in the field. 6-8 weeks into the season, his power production began to improve, and his BA had moved into the low .200's, but the strikeouts were still very much in evidence. He was winning some games with his bat but he was also killing rallies. Then came late August and September and it was 2006 all over again. Now the home runs and RBI's were coming in bunches. Strikeouts were down modestly but there were more quality at bats and Howard was hitting for average.
Unfortunately, in the playoffs Ryan is reprising his spring performance. So which is the real Ryan Howard? In September, when the Phils were playing their best ball of the season, Howard was hitting for average even with numerous strikeouts. He was winning many games with his bat. 200 strikeouts with a .260-.270 average are one thing. With a .220 average, they're something else. Howard will never be a Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols, or Manny Ramirez - power hitters who make consistent contact. But for those strikeout numbers to be acceptable, he needs to get that BA up. Maybe not as high as in his surreal MVP season, but up just the same.
Unfortunately, in the playoffs Ryan is reprising his spring performance. So which is the real Ryan Howard? In September, when the Phils were playing their best ball of the season, Howard was hitting for average even with numerous strikeouts. He was winning many games with his bat. 200 strikeouts with a .260-.270 average are one thing. With a .220 average, they're something else. Howard will never be a Chipper Jones, Albert Pujols, or Manny Ramirez - power hitters who make consistent contact. But for those strikeout numbers to be acceptable, he needs to get that BA up. Maybe not as high as in his surreal MVP season, but up just the same.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Phils-Dodgers Game 4
Notes on Game 4:
The swing Matt Stairs put on his home run was so picture perfect it should be used in hitting instructional videos. It was as smooth as Babe Ruth's swing in the old newsreels.
Carlos Ruiz has been one of the unsung heros of the playoffs. His defense is a given but he has had a number of timely hits including two last night. This doesn't mean he's suddenly become good hitter but short series sure do produce plenty of surprises.
Jimmy Rollins is struggling mightily again at the plate. I say again because he has endured numerous dry patches this year. He is obviously pressing but his fielding hasn't suffered. He anchors the infield and continues to make all the plays he should and most of the plays he shouldn't.
Charlie Manuel made a bizarre decision in the top of the 6th inning. With first and second and no out, he had Shane Victorino bunt the runners over. Not letting Shane hit was somewhat questionable but the bizarre part came next. With Gregg Dobbs up next, and a lefty throwing, Manuel pinch hit with Pedro Felice. Of course, Joe Torre countered with a right-hander. It's a contact situation and your best contact hitter (Dobbs) is due up and you pinch hit with someone prone to the strike out. It turned out not to be pivotal but very hard to figure just the same.
Victorino's home run was the best kind of payback for his displeasure over being targeted by Dodger pitchers the night before - far better than any form of retaliation or fisticuffs.
The swing Matt Stairs put on his home run was so picture perfect it should be used in hitting instructional videos. It was as smooth as Babe Ruth's swing in the old newsreels.
Carlos Ruiz has been one of the unsung heros of the playoffs. His defense is a given but he has had a number of timely hits including two last night. This doesn't mean he's suddenly become good hitter but short series sure do produce plenty of surprises.
Jimmy Rollins is struggling mightily again at the plate. I say again because he has endured numerous dry patches this year. He is obviously pressing but his fielding hasn't suffered. He anchors the infield and continues to make all the plays he should and most of the plays he shouldn't.
Charlie Manuel made a bizarre decision in the top of the 6th inning. With first and second and no out, he had Shane Victorino bunt the runners over. Not letting Shane hit was somewhat questionable but the bizarre part came next. With Gregg Dobbs up next, and a lefty throwing, Manuel pinch hit with Pedro Felice. Of course, Joe Torre countered with a right-hander. It's a contact situation and your best contact hitter (Dobbs) is due up and you pinch hit with someone prone to the strike out. It turned out not to be pivotal but very hard to figure just the same.
Victorino's home run was the best kind of payback for his displeasure over being targeted by Dodger pitchers the night before - far better than any form of retaliation or fisticuffs.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Phils-Dodgers Game 3
Notes on Game 3:
The Phillies' hitting woes continue. When their starting pitcher implodes, as Moyer did last night, the chances of coming back from a big deficit are slim. They had a few opportunities to rally, but failed to produce clutch hits, something we have seen over and over this year. In the regular season, the Phils had a team batting average of .255, one of the lowest in the majors. In the current series, their team batting average is ------- .255. In 2007, the team batting average was .274. Quite a drop off. Statistics can be very telling. They didn't hit well in the Milwaukee playoff series either. It's remarkable they have been as successful as they have. If you take away Brett Myers' post-season hitting prowess, the Phillies could have their backs to the wall. At this point, would Charlie Manuel consider benching Jason Werth for a left-handed batter? It's hard to overestimate the importance of base running to the Phils' offense this year but when Rollins and Werth don't get in base, that advantage disappears.
The Phillies' hitting woes continue. When their starting pitcher implodes, as Moyer did last night, the chances of coming back from a big deficit are slim. They had a few opportunities to rally, but failed to produce clutch hits, something we have seen over and over this year. In the regular season, the Phils had a team batting average of .255, one of the lowest in the majors. In the current series, their team batting average is ------- .255. In 2007, the team batting average was .274. Quite a drop off. Statistics can be very telling. They didn't hit well in the Milwaukee playoff series either. It's remarkable they have been as successful as they have. If you take away Brett Myers' post-season hitting prowess, the Phillies could have their backs to the wall. At this point, would Charlie Manuel consider benching Jason Werth for a left-handed batter? It's hard to overestimate the importance of base running to the Phils' offense this year but when Rollins and Werth don't get in base, that advantage disappears.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Phils-Dodgers Game 2
Notes on Game 2:
1. Brett Myers' hitting won the game although if he had pitched better, his hitting might not have been needed. Most everyone is finding it to be a delicious irony that such a historically inept hitter as Myers is causing havoc with his bat. However, in the last week or two of the regular season, Myers had a couple of hits including one long double to center. He seemed to approach each plate appearance with the intention of swinging aggressively, particularly on the first pitch, when he is most likely to see a hittable pitch. It's surprising more National League pitchers don't try this. In the meantime, the Phillies who are paid to hit continue to underperform to say the least.
2. Gregg Dobbs, who has seen little action in the playoffs, provided instant offense, but he also mishandled a ground ball at third, although it was not a routine play. Charlie Manuel has a real dilemma in dividing up playing time between Dobbs and Felice. Dobbs may be the best contact hitter the Phillies have and as important as he is as a pinch hitter, the Phils have often struggled with their offense early in many games. A way should be found to get Dobbs more at bats.
1. Brett Myers' hitting won the game although if he had pitched better, his hitting might not have been needed. Most everyone is finding it to be a delicious irony that such a historically inept hitter as Myers is causing havoc with his bat. However, in the last week or two of the regular season, Myers had a couple of hits including one long double to center. He seemed to approach each plate appearance with the intention of swinging aggressively, particularly on the first pitch, when he is most likely to see a hittable pitch. It's surprising more National League pitchers don't try this. In the meantime, the Phillies who are paid to hit continue to underperform to say the least.
2. Gregg Dobbs, who has seen little action in the playoffs, provided instant offense, but he also mishandled a ground ball at third, although it was not a routine play. Charlie Manuel has a real dilemma in dividing up playing time between Dobbs and Felice. Dobbs may be the best contact hitter the Phillies have and as important as he is as a pinch hitter, the Phils have often struggled with their offense early in many games. A way should be found to get Dobbs more at bats.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Phils-Dodgers Game I
Notes On Game One:
1. The Phils' victory last night was the result of a formula they employed all year - a strong 7 innings from their starter, excellent relief pitching, a couple of timely hits, and the speed of Shane Victorino. There was also some good fortune the Phillies were able to capitalize on: Ramirez just missing a home run in the first inning and the error allowing Victorino to reach base in front of Chase Utley. There was irony too, as Pat Burrell noted, in that the homers of Utley and Burrell probably would not have been out of the park in Dodger Stadium, whereas Manny's shot probably would have.
2. The most important development for the Phillies in recent weeks has been the emergence of Ryan Madson. Last night's performance in a pressure situation can only boost his confidence further. With Madson and Lidge, the Phils can really shorten a game for their starter.
3. Tim McCarver and Joe Buck talked about how the Phils' 1-6 hitters have carried the team. Well, only in the sense that at different times during the season, one or two of these hitters have carried the team. But certainly not in unison. For lengthy intervals, Rollins, Werth, Burrell, Utley, Howard, and Victorino have virtually disappeared. Buck added that the Phillies have been weighed down offensively by the bottom of the line up. Hardly a surprise as two of those hitters (Felice and Ruiz) are in the lineup primarily for their defense.
4. Ken Rosenthal, the Fox baseball analyst, picked the Dodgers to win the series but after last night's game he says the Phillies could win. That's like a stock market analyst, if anyone is willing to admit that these days, saying stocks could continue to go down but they could also go up.
1. The Phils' victory last night was the result of a formula they employed all year - a strong 7 innings from their starter, excellent relief pitching, a couple of timely hits, and the speed of Shane Victorino. There was also some good fortune the Phillies were able to capitalize on: Ramirez just missing a home run in the first inning and the error allowing Victorino to reach base in front of Chase Utley. There was irony too, as Pat Burrell noted, in that the homers of Utley and Burrell probably would not have been out of the park in Dodger Stadium, whereas Manny's shot probably would have.
2. The most important development for the Phillies in recent weeks has been the emergence of Ryan Madson. Last night's performance in a pressure situation can only boost his confidence further. With Madson and Lidge, the Phils can really shorten a game for their starter.
3. Tim McCarver and Joe Buck talked about how the Phils' 1-6 hitters have carried the team. Well, only in the sense that at different times during the season, one or two of these hitters have carried the team. But certainly not in unison. For lengthy intervals, Rollins, Werth, Burrell, Utley, Howard, and Victorino have virtually disappeared. Buck added that the Phillies have been weighed down offensively by the bottom of the line up. Hardly a surprise as two of those hitters (Felice and Ruiz) are in the lineup primarily for their defense.
4. Ken Rosenthal, the Fox baseball analyst, picked the Dodgers to win the series but after last night's game he says the Phillies could win. That's like a stock market analyst, if anyone is willing to admit that these days, saying stocks could continue to go down but they could also go up.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Great Strikeout Debate, Part II
So how do Ryan Howard's 199 strikeouts compare with power hitters from the past. Baseball has changed dramatically over the past century but it's still interesting to go back to the early days.
In 1923, Babe Ruth hit almost 50 home runs with 93 SO and batted, get this, .393.
In the next generation in 1949, Ted Williams struck out 48 times with 43 hr, 159 rbi's and a .343 BA. Williams never struck out more than 64 times in any season. The numbers of Ruth and Williams are really other-worldly.
In 1956, Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown with 52 HR and 126 SO.
In Roger Maris' historic 1961 season when he broke Ruth's record with 61 HR, Maris struck out only 67 times.
In 1962, Harmon Killebrew hit 48 HR with 142 SO.
In 1977, George Foster hit 52 HR with 107 SO.
In 1993, Barry Bonds, presumably pre-steroidal, hit 46 HR with 79 SO. When Bonds hit 73 HR in 2001, he struck out 93 times. Apparently steroids don't reduce strikeouts.
In Mark McGwire's second season, he hit 49 HR with 131 SO. In this 70 HR year in 1998, he struck out 155 times. Apparently performance-enhancing supplements don't reduce strikeouts either.
So while there has been an uneven upward trend in strikeouts over the decades, the numbers put up by Howard and a few others in the last few years mark a significant jump. But consider: Howard himself had three teammates exceed 100 SO - Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, and Jason Werth. For a player like Utley, a line drive hitter with a compact swing, to strike out this many times, unless the rumors of a mysterious injury are accurate, is telling. Werth struck out 119 times with about one-third less the at bats than Howard, so the right-fielder's strike out rate was in Howard territory. And the Phillies only ranked in the middle of the National League in total strikeouts. The Florida Marlins had six players with over 100 SO with Dan Uggla topping out at 171. The approach to hitting a baseball indeed has changed.
NEXT TIME: Conclusions.
In 1923, Babe Ruth hit almost 50 home runs with 93 SO and batted, get this, .393.
In the next generation in 1949, Ted Williams struck out 48 times with 43 hr, 159 rbi's and a .343 BA. Williams never struck out more than 64 times in any season. The numbers of Ruth and Williams are really other-worldly.
In 1956, Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown with 52 HR and 126 SO.
In Roger Maris' historic 1961 season when he broke Ruth's record with 61 HR, Maris struck out only 67 times.
In 1962, Harmon Killebrew hit 48 HR with 142 SO.
In 1977, George Foster hit 52 HR with 107 SO.
In 1993, Barry Bonds, presumably pre-steroidal, hit 46 HR with 79 SO. When Bonds hit 73 HR in 2001, he struck out 93 times. Apparently steroids don't reduce strikeouts.
In Mark McGwire's second season, he hit 49 HR with 131 SO. In this 70 HR year in 1998, he struck out 155 times. Apparently performance-enhancing supplements don't reduce strikeouts either.
So while there has been an uneven upward trend in strikeouts over the decades, the numbers put up by Howard and a few others in the last few years mark a significant jump. But consider: Howard himself had three teammates exceed 100 SO - Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, and Jason Werth. For a player like Utley, a line drive hitter with a compact swing, to strike out this many times, unless the rumors of a mysterious injury are accurate, is telling. Werth struck out 119 times with about one-third less the at bats than Howard, so the right-fielder's strike out rate was in Howard territory. And the Phillies only ranked in the middle of the National League in total strikeouts. The Florida Marlins had six players with over 100 SO with Dan Uggla topping out at 171. The approach to hitting a baseball indeed has changed.
NEXT TIME: Conclusions.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ryan Howard and the Great Strikeout Debate, Part I
Up until the last 4 or 5 weeks of the season, Ryan Howard was on a pace to strike out well over 210 times. But Howard found his stroke, making much more consistent contact over the last month or so, and finished with "only" 199 k's. This coincidentally was the same number he had last year when he set a major league record (last year, it should be noted, it was accomplished with considerably fewer at bats). A new record of 204 k's was set this year by Mark Reynolds of Arizona. Until Howard's late season surge, there had been intense debate over his strikeout numbers, and to what degree they undermined his value to the team. That debate seems to be a distant memory now. Without the first baseman's torrid September, the Phils would not be knocking on the World Series door, and momentum is building for another MVP award for Ryan.
Yet the strikeout issue is still a valid one and we will be discussing it over the next few days. For now, I would offer two thoughts:
1. 199 strikeouts are too many.
2. If you hit 50 home runs and drive in 150 runs every year, no one will care.
Next time, we'll try to put Howard's numbers into some context, comparing them with past and present players. Feel free to jump in.
Yet the strikeout issue is still a valid one and we will be discussing it over the next few days. For now, I would offer two thoughts:
1. 199 strikeouts are too many.
2. If you hit 50 home runs and drive in 150 runs every year, no one will care.
Next time, we'll try to put Howard's numbers into some context, comparing them with past and present players. Feel free to jump in.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Chipper Jones and the Ghost of Mickey Mantle
Chipper Jones of the Braves won the National League batting title with an average of .364 but he failed to surpass Mickey Mantle's record for switch hitters. The Yankee great hit .365 in 1957. While Mantle hit for high average in the early part of his career, including winning the Triple Crown in 1956, he is best known for his power. Mantle, Eddie Murray and Jones stand apart among switch hitters with power with the latter expected to joint the first two with 500 plus career homers. Murray accomplished this with longevity and consistency. But Mickey remains the gold standard for sheer, unadulterated power. Many of his four-baggers were the stuff of legend. In one of his most famous, in 1963, he hit the 110 foot high facade in right field on the roof of Yankee Stadium while the ball was still rising. Were it not for the facade, the ball would still be airborne.
It is hard to watch Chipper Jones and not be reminded of Mickey Mantle - the same intimidating batting stance, even a physical resemblance, along with comparable production numbers. But there is a worrisome parallel as well - injuries. Mantle's legs were almost as famous as Betty Grable's, the World War II pinup girl. Knee injuries aged him prematurely and it was painful to watch him in the twilight of his career. In his last four seasons, he batted .255, .288, .245, and .237. In Jones' last four seasons, he has suffered a variety of injuries causing him to miss about 150 games. Chipper is such a pure hitter that it seems if he can just stand up, he can put a good swing on the ball. But the nagging injuries are troubling and he is approaching an age where recovery times will only get longer.
It is hard to watch Chipper Jones and not be reminded of Mickey Mantle - the same intimidating batting stance, even a physical resemblance, along with comparable production numbers. But there is a worrisome parallel as well - injuries. Mantle's legs were almost as famous as Betty Grable's, the World War II pinup girl. Knee injuries aged him prematurely and it was painful to watch him in the twilight of his career. In his last four seasons, he batted .255, .288, .245, and .237. In Jones' last four seasons, he has suffered a variety of injuries causing him to miss about 150 games. Chipper is such a pure hitter that it seems if he can just stand up, he can put a good swing on the ball. But the nagging injuries are troubling and he is approaching an age where recovery times will only get longer.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Revisiting Aaron Rowand and Kyle Lohse
With a break in the Phillies' action, let's revisit, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, two personnel decisions the Phils made late last year, the failures to resign both Aaron Rowand and Kyle Lohse.
Rowand had a career season in 2007, batting .309 with 27 home runs. He was a popular, hard-nosed player but he wanted a big, multiyear contract which he got with the Giants. This year he batted .271 with 13 home runs. Not exactly lights out. His replacement with the Phils this year was effectively Jason Werth. Werth hit .273 with 24 home runs on a less than full-time basis. Rowand and Werth are both excellent defensive outfielders but Werth's excellent speed makes him much more dangerous on the bases. They both struck out well over 100 times. Clearly this move worked to the Phillies' advantage in 2008. The catch is that Werth will now probably be looking for the kind of contract Rowand was seeking last year.
The Phils acquired Kyle Lohse in mid-season last year. He pitched well, primarily as a starter, with a 3-0 record in 13 appearances with an ERA of 4.72. However, he did have a couple of late-game blowups which were very costly. He too sought a large contract which Philadelphia was unwilling to provide. But the Cardinals were and Lohse did not disappoint - he compiled a 15-6 record with an ERA of 3.78 in 2008 helping to keep St. Louis in the race for most of the season. Admittedly, this was accomplished in a much more pitcher-friendly ballpark; how this would translate to Citizens Bank Park is anyone's guess. Even 20/20 hindsight has its limits.
CORRECTION: Kyle Lohse did NOT sign a large (relatively speaking) deal with the Cardinals for 2008. He RECENTLY (9/30) signed a large multiyear deal with the Cards for four years.
Rowand had a career season in 2007, batting .309 with 27 home runs. He was a popular, hard-nosed player but he wanted a big, multiyear contract which he got with the Giants. This year he batted .271 with 13 home runs. Not exactly lights out. His replacement with the Phils this year was effectively Jason Werth. Werth hit .273 with 24 home runs on a less than full-time basis. Rowand and Werth are both excellent defensive outfielders but Werth's excellent speed makes him much more dangerous on the bases. They both struck out well over 100 times. Clearly this move worked to the Phillies' advantage in 2008. The catch is that Werth will now probably be looking for the kind of contract Rowand was seeking last year.
The Phils acquired Kyle Lohse in mid-season last year. He pitched well, primarily as a starter, with a 3-0 record in 13 appearances with an ERA of 4.72. However, he did have a couple of late-game blowups which were very costly. He too sought a large contract which Philadelphia was unwilling to provide. But the Cardinals were and Lohse did not disappoint - he compiled a 15-6 record with an ERA of 3.78 in 2008 helping to keep St. Louis in the race for most of the season. Admittedly, this was accomplished in a much more pitcher-friendly ballpark; how this would translate to Citizens Bank Park is anyone's guess. Even 20/20 hindsight has its limits.
CORRECTION: Kyle Lohse did NOT sign a large (relatively speaking) deal with the Cardinals for 2008. He RECENTLY (9/30) signed a large multiyear deal with the Cards for four years.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Phillies-Brewers Game 3
Random Thoughts on Game 3:
The Phillies treated a national audience to what Delaware Valley fans have been suffering through all season - excrutiating ineptitude at the plate with men on base. This is usually followed by Charlie Manuel saying "we're better than this".
Jason Werth was credited with a triple in the 6th inning when right-fielder Corey Hart caught his drive, then hit the fence and the ball eventually fell out his glove. Hart seemed to hold the ball for an eternity; in the NFL it certainly would have been a reception. This is a rare situation in baseball and the rule should probably be revisited.
A priority for the Phillies next season should be acquiring a left-handed hitting catcher. Two weak-hitting catchers are bad enough, but when they're both right-handed swingers, a manager's options are drastically limited.
The Phillies treated a national audience to what Delaware Valley fans have been suffering through all season - excrutiating ineptitude at the plate with men on base. This is usually followed by Charlie Manuel saying "we're better than this".
Jason Werth was credited with a triple in the 6th inning when right-fielder Corey Hart caught his drive, then hit the fence and the ball eventually fell out his glove. Hart seemed to hold the ball for an eternity; in the NFL it certainly would have been a reception. This is a rare situation in baseball and the rule should probably be revisited.
A priority for the Phillies next season should be acquiring a left-handed hitting catcher. Two weak-hitting catchers are bad enough, but when they're both right-handed swingers, a manager's options are drastically limited.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Hamels/Myers Channelling Koufax/Drysdale
At the beginning of this season, the Phillies' starting rotation was riddled with questions. Adam Eaton? Well, enough said. Kyle Kendricks was a pleasant surprise as a rookie but he was still something of an unknown quantity. And how much longer could the master illusionist Jamie Moyer pull rabbitts out of a hat? But there was more confidence about their top starters, Cole Hamels and Brett Myers. Yes there were some issues concerning Hamels' durability and Myers was returning from a sabbatical to the bull pen but they were both talented young pitchers coming off solid seasons. Hamels in particular seemed ready to take it to the next level. Some optimistic types had visions of a superstar lefty-righty tandem in the mode of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale of the great Dodger teams of the sixties. Maybe this was a bit too optimistic. In 1965, Koufax/Drysdale had a combined record of 49-20. But you get the point.
For most of this regular season, these hopes never materialized. Myers struggled early in the season. And Hamels, while solid, had a number of bad patches, gave up some untimely long balls, and was given anemic support. These first two games of the playoffs remind us of what might have been and still could be. Maybe not Koufax and Drysdale, but still one of the best pitching combinations around.
For most of this regular season, these hopes never materialized. Myers struggled early in the season. And Hamels, while solid, had a number of bad patches, gave up some untimely long balls, and was given anemic support. These first two games of the playoffs remind us of what might have been and still could be. Maybe not Koufax and Drysdale, but still one of the best pitching combinations around.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Brad Lidge on a Tight Rope
Brad Lidge's 9th inning appearance yesterday in the playoff opener was uncomfortably similar to his last half dozen or so outings in the regular season - too many pitches, too many walks, falling behind in the count. On the one hand, it's a measure of his toughness, and talent, that he has been able to escape with a save in each case; for the entire year, he has been the Phillies MVP. On the other hand, living on the edge at some point is likely to be costly, particularly since the Phils have such a small margin for error. Their run production is just too unreliable - just ask Cole Hamels. After yesterday's Brewers' game, it was suggested that Milwaukee may have picked up the signs and thus were able to anticipate Lidge's slider. Lidge and Carlos Ruiz were skeptical of this.
Another explanation may be that after watching Lidge all year, hitters are trying to be more patient knowing that his bread and butter pitch is a slider out of the strike zone, virtually unhittable, particularly for a right-handed batter. If they take a few more pitches, they might work a more favorable count, putting a little more pressure on Lidge to throw strikes. How Lidge adjusts to this will be critical to the Phillies' post-season run.
Another explanation may be that after watching Lidge all year, hitters are trying to be more patient knowing that his bread and butter pitch is a slider out of the strike zone, virtually unhittable, particularly for a right-handed batter. If they take a few more pitches, they might work a more favorable count, putting a little more pressure on Lidge to throw strikes. How Lidge adjusts to this will be critical to the Phillies' post-season run.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ryder Cup Mumbo Jumbo
In the aftermath of the recent U.S. Ryder Cup victory, there has been speculation about the reasons for the Americans' success. Most of the credit seems to go to the "brilliant" management and tactics of team captain Paul Azinger: dividing the 12 members into three stylistically similar groups of four, called pods; employing a team psychologist; and trying to create an environment "where each player could succeed by being themselves". What this really sounds like is so much New Age mumbo jumbo.
Prior to this year, the European squad had won 8 out of the last 11 competitions, but as far as we know they were podless. Prior to that, the Americans dominated the Cup for more than a decade with no psychologist, or even an acupuncturist or reflexologist, in evidence. Isn't it just possible, evenly remotely possible, that the Americans won at Valhalla because they happened to outplay the Europeans for three days in September?
Prior to this year, the European squad had won 8 out of the last 11 competitions, but as far as we know they were podless. Prior to that, the Americans dominated the Cup for more than a decade with no psychologist, or even an acupuncturist or reflexologist, in evidence. Isn't it just possible, evenly remotely possible, that the Americans won at Valhalla because they happened to outplay the Europeans for three days in September?
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