The Sixers may be on the verge of, dare I say it, respectability. Almost immediately upon his return, Marreese Speights has had a major impact. Jrue Holiday is making impressive strides as a playmaker. For the first time, Elton Brand is showing signs of life. Willie Green is making solid contributions. Thad Young and Andre Iguodala are not living up to expectations, perhaps they never will, but they are talented athletes who can be counted on for at least 35 ppg. Lou Williams is about to return. And as for Sam Dalembert, well every team needs at least one French existential philosopher king.
But where does Allen Iverson fit in all of this? Unless, he is willing to reduce his minutes and his field goal attempts, all of the positives noted above could be transitory. He wasn't willing or able to make these concessions when he was with the Pistons. Will he be more conciliatory in the twilight of his career in Philadelphia?
When the Sixers signed Iverson, it seemed innocuous enough. The franchise was dead in the water and at least the Georgetown great could put some fans in the seats of the Wachovia Center. Unfortunately, the ever complicated Mr. Iverson has the potential to disturb the makings of some good chemistry within the young Philly squad.
Perhaps Iverson's current injuries will serve to limit his playing time and render the above discussion moot. Otherwise, he may have to display a degree of maturity and selflessness which have not been his hallmark.
One thing that hasn't changed, however, amid all the personnel turmoil is a very porous defense. Until that is addressed, this will never be a good team. Is there a Princeton defense?
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sixer Notes - The Ghost of Andre Miller
The Sixers are fading fast with a 4-6 record in an anemic division. When you consider that three of those wins were at the expense of the winless Nets and 1-9 Knicks, there is little to be encouraged about.
Any day now, we might expect Ed Stefanski to announce he is replacing Eddie Jordan with non-interim coach Tony DiLeo so the team can move in a "new direction". So far, the Princeton offense has been about as effective as the Maginot Line was in keeping the German army out of France in World War II.
Andre Miller was recently moved into Portland's starting lineup and coach Nate McMillan is pleased with the results. The Trailblazers are 8-4 and in second place in their division. This serves as an unpleasant reminder for Philadelphia fans of how important Miller was to the offense of the South Philly squad - and how ill-equipped Lou Williams is to replace him.
Any day now, we might expect Ed Stefanski to announce he is replacing Eddie Jordan with non-interim coach Tony DiLeo so the team can move in a "new direction". So far, the Princeton offense has been about as effective as the Maginot Line was in keeping the German army out of France in World War II.
Andre Miller was recently moved into Portland's starting lineup and coach Nate McMillan is pleased with the results. The Trailblazers are 8-4 and in second place in their division. This serves as an unpleasant reminder for Philadelphia fans of how important Miller was to the offense of the South Philly squad - and how ill-equipped Lou Williams is to replace him.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Who Is the Real Raul Ibanez?
While pitching would seem to be the most pressing issue for the Phillies, the offense is by no means without issues of its own. Ruben Amaro deserves credit for hitting the ground running in search of a new third baseman with a more potent bat than Pedro Feliz. One problem with the hitting has been its inconsistency and strengthening the bottom of the lineup would surely alleviate this.
But there is another potential soft spot in the starting lineup which, at least to date, has not been much discussed - Raul Ibanez. Ibanez' 2009 season was a tale of extremes. In the first half of the season, he looked like the re-incarnation of Ted Williams. He was among the league leaders in batting average, home runs, and rbi's - a triple crown threat. He was talked about - no, he was probably the prohibitive favorite in the MVP race. And he was playing solid, if not spectacular, defense in left field. Never was a popular player like Pat Burrell forgotten so quickly.
But after the All-Star break, Ibanez' numbers went into a nose dive. He hit .232 with 67 strikeouts, 12 homers and 33 rbi's vs. .309, 51 k's, 22 hr and 60 rbi's before the break. Initially, the fall-off was attributed to missing several weeks with a leg injury and never regaining stride. This is certainly plausible although he actually hit quite well immediately upon his return.
Then late in the season, it was reported that Ibanez was hampered by a stomach injury which was subsequently treated with post-season surgery. So it may well be that the left fielder's production was seriously impacted by these physical ailments and that next year a fit Ibanez will return to his early 2009 form.
But will he? His pre-Phillie career gave no hint of what he delivered last April, May and June. He had been a career .290 hitter with moderate power numbers. To what extent was he just playing over his head, or perhaps National League pitchers just hadn't figured him out. Moreover, he will be 38 next year. Will he play like his age, or will his age make him more susceptible to injury?
Ibanez deserves the opportunity to show what he can do in 2010, but he should not be an untouchable either, despite his 10 million dollar-a-year salary. At the very least, after, say, the first two months, if he is not producing consistently in the 5 or 6 spot, Charlie Manuel should consider platooning him in left field, even if it means using another lefty swinger such as Greg Dobbs on occasion. In any case, Manuel needs to find a way to get Dobbs more at-bats.
But there is another potential soft spot in the starting lineup which, at least to date, has not been much discussed - Raul Ibanez. Ibanez' 2009 season was a tale of extremes. In the first half of the season, he looked like the re-incarnation of Ted Williams. He was among the league leaders in batting average, home runs, and rbi's - a triple crown threat. He was talked about - no, he was probably the prohibitive favorite in the MVP race. And he was playing solid, if not spectacular, defense in left field. Never was a popular player like Pat Burrell forgotten so quickly.
But after the All-Star break, Ibanez' numbers went into a nose dive. He hit .232 with 67 strikeouts, 12 homers and 33 rbi's vs. .309, 51 k's, 22 hr and 60 rbi's before the break. Initially, the fall-off was attributed to missing several weeks with a leg injury and never regaining stride. This is certainly plausible although he actually hit quite well immediately upon his return.
Then late in the season, it was reported that Ibanez was hampered by a stomach injury which was subsequently treated with post-season surgery. So it may well be that the left fielder's production was seriously impacted by these physical ailments and that next year a fit Ibanez will return to his early 2009 form.
But will he? His pre-Phillie career gave no hint of what he delivered last April, May and June. He had been a career .290 hitter with moderate power numbers. To what extent was he just playing over his head, or perhaps National League pitchers just hadn't figured him out. Moreover, he will be 38 next year. Will he play like his age, or will his age make him more susceptible to injury?
Ibanez deserves the opportunity to show what he can do in 2010, but he should not be an untouchable either, despite his 10 million dollar-a-year salary. At the very least, after, say, the first two months, if he is not producing consistently in the 5 or 6 spot, Charlie Manuel should consider platooning him in left field, even if it means using another lefty swinger such as Greg Dobbs on occasion. In any case, Manuel needs to find a way to get Dobbs more at-bats.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Drop Howard in the Batting Order
With Ryan Howard mired in a hitting drought, Charlie Manuel has a dilemma. Howard was outstanding in the latter stages of the season and in the first two rounds of the playoffs. And he is a superstar, perhaps the premier power hitter in the game.
But when he does goes into slumps, they can be long and excruciating, like now, when he is on the verge of smashing a World Series strikeout record. But given Howard's resume, and Manuel's well-known loyalty to his players, the first baseman is not about to be shown the bench, or even pinch-hit for.
However, the Phils' manager should consider dropping Howard a few places in the batting order. Let Jayson Werth bat cleanup and move Ryan to five, six or even seven. It might take a little pressure off Howard and Werth has certainly earned it with his post-season work. Morever, the Yankees will be starting southpaws in game 6 and a potential game 7 and against lefties Howard has been AWOL all season. Werth, on the other hand, has feasted on lefties.
But when he does goes into slumps, they can be long and excruciating, like now, when he is on the verge of smashing a World Series strikeout record. But given Howard's resume, and Manuel's well-known loyalty to his players, the first baseman is not about to be shown the bench, or even pinch-hit for.
However, the Phils' manager should consider dropping Howard a few places in the batting order. Let Jayson Werth bat cleanup and move Ryan to five, six or even seven. It might take a little pressure off Howard and Werth has certainly earned it with his post-season work. Morever, the Yankees will be starting southpaws in game 6 and a potential game 7 and against lefties Howard has been AWOL all season. Werth, on the other hand, has feasted on lefties.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Phillie Notes - Failure to Capitalize on DH
The Phillies were unable to get much mileage out of the DH in the first two games. Francisco and Stairs combined for one single, a marginal one at that. Greg Dobbs has become odd man out. Manuel should have used Dobbs as DH and held Stairs for pinch-hitting. The Phillies have a dearth of contact hitters and could use Dobbs in the lineup.
Ryan Howard has had an exceptionally productive stretch at the plate going back to August. Since he started crouching more in his stance, he seems to be seeing the ball better and swinging at fewer bad pitches. However, he is long overdue for a slump and in Game 2 last night he struck out four times and looked badly out of synch. If this is the beginning of a trend, it couldn't come at a worse time.
Pedro Feliz currently seems lost at sea at the plate. He seemed to fade a bit late in the regular season after a hitting well for most of the season. Right now he is a liability on offense, prone to the double play or strikeout. At what point does Manuel consider starting Dobbs in his place?
Ryan Howard has had an exceptionally productive stretch at the plate going back to August. Since he started crouching more in his stance, he seems to be seeing the ball better and swinging at fewer bad pitches. However, he is long overdue for a slump and in Game 2 last night he struck out four times and looked badly out of synch. If this is the beginning of a trend, it couldn't come at a worse time.
Pedro Feliz currently seems lost at sea at the plate. He seemed to fade a bit late in the regular season after a hitting well for most of the season. Right now he is a liability on offense, prone to the double play or strikeout. At what point does Manuel consider starting Dobbs in his place?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Should Manuel Hold Lee Until Game 2?
With the Phillies' starting rotation leaking oil in the last couple of months, there is added pressure on Cliff Lee, the only consistent starter of late, to succeed. Game 1 against the Yankees therefore becomes particularly significant. If the Phils were to go down with their ace on the mound, the prospects for the rest of the Series would be dire.
Perhaps Pedro Martinez can replicate his gem against the Dodgers. Perhaps Hamels can regain his form. Perhaps Blanton and/or Happ, or even a short-rested Lee, can go deep in a Game 4. But given recent history, and the intimidating Yankee lineup, none of these scenarios are in the high probability category.
The problem is that even if Lee performs well in the opener, it could be wasted against the venerable C.C. Sabathia. No one is unbeatable, as the Phillies proved Sabathia not to be in his previous incarnation as a Milwaukee Brewer. But he is one of the great pitchers in the game, coming off a solid season, and certainly capable of dominating the Phillies' lineup. And memories of his loss to the Fightin's last year can only serve to incentivize him even more this time around.
Should Charlie Manuel go outside the box and start Martinez in Game 1, and give Lee a better matchup in Game 2? It depends on what you consider more important. Do you want Cliff Lee to have the opportunity to start in 3 games, or do you want to increase your chances of winning at least one of the first two games in New York?
Perhaps Pedro Martinez can replicate his gem against the Dodgers. Perhaps Hamels can regain his form. Perhaps Blanton and/or Happ, or even a short-rested Lee, can go deep in a Game 4. But given recent history, and the intimidating Yankee lineup, none of these scenarios are in the high probability category.
The problem is that even if Lee performs well in the opener, it could be wasted against the venerable C.C. Sabathia. No one is unbeatable, as the Phillies proved Sabathia not to be in his previous incarnation as a Milwaukee Brewer. But he is one of the great pitchers in the game, coming off a solid season, and certainly capable of dominating the Phillies' lineup. And memories of his loss to the Fightin's last year can only serve to incentivize him even more this time around.
Should Charlie Manuel go outside the box and start Martinez in Game 1, and give Lee a better matchup in Game 2? It depends on what you consider more important. Do you want Cliff Lee to have the opportunity to start in 3 games, or do you want to increase your chances of winning at least one of the first two games in New York?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Umpiring in Major League Baseball is a Major Issue
The Phillies pulled off an exhilarating win in Game 4. Jimmy Rollins was able to turn around a 99 mph fastball from one of the game's best relievers to drive in the tying and winning runs. And Jonathan Broxton has nobody but himself to blame for walking Matt Stairs on 4 straight pitches.
However, the game was somewhat diminished by the surreal home plate umpiring. Ball-and-strike calls were as unpredictable as El Nino. Randy Wolf has to be still talking to himself after having three consecutive called balls clearly shown on replay to be three consecutive strikes, in some cases by a wide margin.
No two umpires have precisely the same strike zone. This has been understood from time immemorial. But what we saw Monday night, an egregious but by no means isolated example, is undermining the credibility of the game and asking the players to perform with one hand tied behind their backs. Major league baseball's powers-that-be need to put this issue at the top of their to-do list.
However, the game was somewhat diminished by the surreal home plate umpiring. Ball-and-strike calls were as unpredictable as El Nino. Randy Wolf has to be still talking to himself after having three consecutive called balls clearly shown on replay to be three consecutive strikes, in some cases by a wide margin.
No two umpires have precisely the same strike zone. This has been understood from time immemorial. But what we saw Monday night, an egregious but by no means isolated example, is undermining the credibility of the game and asking the players to perform with one hand tied behind their backs. Major league baseball's powers-that-be need to put this issue at the top of their to-do list.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Phils-Dodgers Game 2 - Manuel and Utley
Phillie Notes:
In his tenure as Phillies' manager, Charlie Manuel has had an annoyingly predictable penchant for pulling starting pitchers too early and insisting on lefty-lefty, righty-righty matchups with his bullpen. This was on full display in game 2 against the Dodgers. Pedro Martinez looked strong and unhittable after 7 innings but Manuel stuck to his playbook and brought in Chan Ho Park. He then removed Park, who was the victim of some bad luck, so Scott Eyre could pitch to lefty Jim Thome. A few minutes later Ryan Madson exited in favor of J. Happ with the bases loaded so Happ could pitch to a lefty. Of course, all these moves backfired although it may seem easy to second guess with the benefit of hindsight. We will never know if Martinez would have been effective in the 8th, or if Park or Madson could have gotten the next batter. But when in doubt, why not stick with someone who is in the flow the game? And in case you haven't noticed, Eyre and Happ in no way resemble Mariano Rivera.
In a regular season game in late September, Chase Utley made a throwing error. In the radio broadcast, announcer Larry Anderson remarked that Utley had been throwing "horribly" for the last month. It looks like Anderson was on to something.
In his tenure as Phillies' manager, Charlie Manuel has had an annoyingly predictable penchant for pulling starting pitchers too early and insisting on lefty-lefty, righty-righty matchups with his bullpen. This was on full display in game 2 against the Dodgers. Pedro Martinez looked strong and unhittable after 7 innings but Manuel stuck to his playbook and brought in Chan Ho Park. He then removed Park, who was the victim of some bad luck, so Scott Eyre could pitch to lefty Jim Thome. A few minutes later Ryan Madson exited in favor of J. Happ with the bases loaded so Happ could pitch to a lefty. Of course, all these moves backfired although it may seem easy to second guess with the benefit of hindsight. We will never know if Martinez would have been effective in the 8th, or if Park or Madson could have gotten the next batter. But when in doubt, why not stick with someone who is in the flow the game? And in case you haven't noticed, Eyre and Happ in no way resemble Mariano Rivera.
In a regular season game in late September, Chase Utley made a throwing error. In the radio broadcast, announcer Larry Anderson remarked that Utley had been throwing "horribly" for the last month. It looks like Anderson was on to something.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Bring On the Yankees
It may be the equivalent of a death wish, but the Phillies' dream scenario would be to meet the Yankees in the World Series.
In winning last year's World Series, the home team generated euphoria throughout the Delaware Valley, but the rest of the country yawned collectively, as evidenced by the Series' TV ratings. By some measures, those ratings were the lowest ever. And for many of those outsiders who watched, the Phils' victory was a fluke accomplished in the snow and cold. It often seemed that Rays' manager Joe Madden got more camera time than Utley, Rollins and Howard.
What the South Philly squad has now is the opportunity to cement their credibility as the best baseball franchise of the latter part of this decade and hopefully beyond.
A second world championship would go a long way towards accomplishing this. But pulling this off against the Bronx Bombers - the most storied franchise in sports history, a roster with a bushel of future hall-of-famers, in their new Taj Mahal of a ballpark - would render the cynics defenseless.
Unfortunately, there is that small matter of the Rockies and Dodgers/Cardinals.
In winning last year's World Series, the home team generated euphoria throughout the Delaware Valley, but the rest of the country yawned collectively, as evidenced by the Series' TV ratings. By some measures, those ratings were the lowest ever. And for many of those outsiders who watched, the Phils' victory was a fluke accomplished in the snow and cold. It often seemed that Rays' manager Joe Madden got more camera time than Utley, Rollins and Howard.
What the South Philly squad has now is the opportunity to cement their credibility as the best baseball franchise of the latter part of this decade and hopefully beyond.
A second world championship would go a long way towards accomplishing this. But pulling this off against the Bronx Bombers - the most storied franchise in sports history, a roster with a bushel of future hall-of-famers, in their new Taj Mahal of a ballpark - would render the cynics defenseless.
Unfortunately, there is that small matter of the Rockies and Dodgers/Cardinals.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Phillie Notes - The Secret to Their Success
Phillie Notes:
With their third successive division championship, the Phils have established themselves as one of the top franchises in the majors. The primary reason for this is not the brilliance of Charlie Manuel, or the loyal fan base, or the friendly confines of Citizens Park. It is the solid nucleus of everyday players - Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino, and Werth - which matches up with any in baseball. They are all in their prime, in their late 20's or early 30's, and most are under long-term contracts. The professionalism of Rollins and Utley in particular really sets the tone for this squad. There are many other factors of course, but this is the key.
Charlie Manuel/Rich Dubee are being universally praised for bringing in Brad Lidge to get the last out against his old team on the night of the division clinching. Lidge himself seemed to revel in it. It was certainly harmless but what was the big deal? Manuel had already proved his loyalty to Lidge over and over again, and it's hard to see how pitching to one batter with a seven run lead, with the division already won (the Braves having lost) is much of a confidence-builder. It's a little too much like a college basketball coach putting in his seniors in the last minute of a blow-out game.
It's difficult to overstate the importance of Pedro Feliz this season. Even though his batting average is only in the .260's, that's 20 points higher than last season, and he's been one of the team's more consistent hitters in 2009 with few prolonged dry spells. He has also added 20 or so RBI's from 2008 to go along with his impeccable fielding. And with the marked improvement in Ryan Howard's glove work, the team's infield defense is as good as there is.
Last year, Chase Utley's offense faded late in the season. The media, almost unanimously, attributed this to Utley's injured hip, even though Utley himself repeatedly denied it and there was no visible evidence that the second baseman was favoring it. This year, Utley's bat has once again been weak in September. It seems more likely that something else was and is going on - the best guess here is old-fashioned fatigue.
With their third successive division championship, the Phils have established themselves as one of the top franchises in the majors. The primary reason for this is not the brilliance of Charlie Manuel, or the loyal fan base, or the friendly confines of Citizens Park. It is the solid nucleus of everyday players - Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino, and Werth - which matches up with any in baseball. They are all in their prime, in their late 20's or early 30's, and most are under long-term contracts. The professionalism of Rollins and Utley in particular really sets the tone for this squad. There are many other factors of course, but this is the key.
Charlie Manuel/Rich Dubee are being universally praised for bringing in Brad Lidge to get the last out against his old team on the night of the division clinching. Lidge himself seemed to revel in it. It was certainly harmless but what was the big deal? Manuel had already proved his loyalty to Lidge over and over again, and it's hard to see how pitching to one batter with a seven run lead, with the division already won (the Braves having lost) is much of a confidence-builder. It's a little too much like a college basketball coach putting in his seniors in the last minute of a blow-out game.
It's difficult to overstate the importance of Pedro Feliz this season. Even though his batting average is only in the .260's, that's 20 points higher than last season, and he's been one of the team's more consistent hitters in 2009 with few prolonged dry spells. He has also added 20 or so RBI's from 2008 to go along with his impeccable fielding. And with the marked improvement in Ryan Howard's glove work, the team's infield defense is as good as there is.
Last year, Chase Utley's offense faded late in the season. The media, almost unanimously, attributed this to Utley's injured hip, even though Utley himself repeatedly denied it and there was no visible evidence that the second baseman was favoring it. This year, Utley's bat has once again been weak in September. It seems more likely that something else was and is going on - the best guess here is old-fashioned fatigue.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Another Look at Michael Bourn
Phillie watchers had their first opportunity to see the new, improved Michael Bourn last week and contemplate what might have been.
We've looked at the Bourn-Brad Lidge deal on a couple of occasions this year. In the immediate aftermath of last season's world championship, it appeared to be one of the best in Philadelphia baseball history - the reliever was the single player most responsible for the team's success.
Then earlier this season we took a second look. At that point, Lidge was struggling and Bourn was hitting .300 and his Astros were serious playoff contenders. Now as the season winds down, we take a third look.
Lidge is no longer just struggling - he has melted down in one of the most dramatic falls from grace since Adam and Eve. Charlie Manuel gets edgy just talking about it.
Meanwhile, while Houston has become a footnote in the National League race, Bourn continues to hit over .290 with 50 plus stolen bases. So at least based on this year's production, Bourn has outshown Lidge by several light years. Bourn has been the Astros' MVP, Lidge a Phillies' Pandora's box and migraine headache for Manuel.
But a little perspective. After watching the former Phillie up close last week, it is clear that he has not remade himself into a potent batsman; he is still a work in progress. Of his 150-odd hits, more than a third of them are either the result of bunts or are of the infield variety. He is on pace to strike out close to 140 times, a whopping total for a leadoff man with three home runs. And if Bourn were still a Phillie, where would he play?
But let your imagination run wild. Michael Bourn's game begins and ends with speed - it was decisive in a couple of the Astros' wins over the Phils in Houston. If Bourn was the regular left fielder in Philadelphia in tandem with Victorino and Werth, it would constitute one of the fastest outfields in major league history. Add Jimmy Rollins, and Davey Lopes would have a world class 400m relay team to wreak havoc on the bases. The home team would have a remarkable combination of speed and power.
Would Bourn's speed offset the loss of Ibanez' power? Probably not. Would it be easy to design a lineup to incorporate Rollins, Victorino and Bourn effectively? Heck no. Could Michael Bourn ever be as valuable as Lidge was in 2008? Almost inconceivable.
But the Phillies sure would be fun to watch.
(Note: This blog will be changing its name to "fannotes@blogspot.com")
We've looked at the Bourn-Brad Lidge deal on a couple of occasions this year. In the immediate aftermath of last season's world championship, it appeared to be one of the best in Philadelphia baseball history - the reliever was the single player most responsible for the team's success.
Then earlier this season we took a second look. At that point, Lidge was struggling and Bourn was hitting .300 and his Astros were serious playoff contenders. Now as the season winds down, we take a third look.
Lidge is no longer just struggling - he has melted down in one of the most dramatic falls from grace since Adam and Eve. Charlie Manuel gets edgy just talking about it.
Meanwhile, while Houston has become a footnote in the National League race, Bourn continues to hit over .290 with 50 plus stolen bases. So at least based on this year's production, Bourn has outshown Lidge by several light years. Bourn has been the Astros' MVP, Lidge a Phillies' Pandora's box and migraine headache for Manuel.
But a little perspective. After watching the former Phillie up close last week, it is clear that he has not remade himself into a potent batsman; he is still a work in progress. Of his 150-odd hits, more than a third of them are either the result of bunts or are of the infield variety. He is on pace to strike out close to 140 times, a whopping total for a leadoff man with three home runs. And if Bourn were still a Phillie, where would he play?
But let your imagination run wild. Michael Bourn's game begins and ends with speed - it was decisive in a couple of the Astros' wins over the Phils in Houston. If Bourn was the regular left fielder in Philadelphia in tandem with Victorino and Werth, it would constitute one of the fastest outfields in major league history. Add Jimmy Rollins, and Davey Lopes would have a world class 400m relay team to wreak havoc on the bases. The home team would have a remarkable combination of speed and power.
Would Bourn's speed offset the loss of Ibanez' power? Probably not. Would it be easy to design a lineup to incorporate Rollins, Victorino and Bourn effectively? Heck no. Could Michael Bourn ever be as valuable as Lidge was in 2008? Almost inconceivable.
But the Phillies sure would be fun to watch.
(Note: This blog will be changing its name to "fannotes@blogspot.com")
Friday, September 4, 2009
Lidge Not There Yet
Brad Lidge picked up his third consecutive save in last night's exciting win over the Giants at the ballpark. But to say it was not an artistic performance would be kind.
Lidge threw 22 pitches and officially 10 were strikes and 12 were balls. Unofficially, there were probably no more than 3 or 4 actual strikes. The rest were the product of wild swings at balls well out of the strike zone by the undisciplined Giant hitters. There were probably at least 6 balls in the dirt and Carlos Ruiz must have felt like a pinata trying to keep the baseball in front of him.
The Phillie closer's two previous appearances were solid but this was a step backward. It was all smiles after the game but deep down Brad Lidge and Charlie Manuel know that many questions remain as the playoffs loom.
Lidge threw 22 pitches and officially 10 were strikes and 12 were balls. Unofficially, there were probably no more than 3 or 4 actual strikes. The rest were the product of wild swings at balls well out of the strike zone by the undisciplined Giant hitters. There were probably at least 6 balls in the dirt and Carlos Ruiz must have felt like a pinata trying to keep the baseball in front of him.
The Phillie closer's two previous appearances were solid but this was a step backward. It was all smiles after the game but deep down Brad Lidge and Charlie Manuel know that many questions remain as the playoffs loom.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Rick Pitino - From Slick to Sleazy
They say that sausage and legislation are similar in that while they both can have their good points, you don't want to see how they're made. The same might be said of NCAA Division I major sports, namely football and basketball. The era of the innocent scholar jock, if it ever existed, was long ago replaced by a big business, money rules philosophy, with only lip service paid to sportsmanship, amateurism, the primacy of academics and the holistic nurturing of the student athletes. One of the more insidious trends has been the introduction of Saudi oil sheik-level salaries for Division I coaches. And along with the money, come the scandals.
The latest, with a particularly salacious twist, is Pitino-gate. How much immunity does Rick Pitino's superstar status provide him from the fallout of his highly publicized, er, "indiscretion"?
Coach Pitino has always seemed a bit too slick by half. You didn't have to be an expert in reading body language to figure out that this guy was full of himself. He may have been the first big-time coach to employ the annoying practice of pacing the sidelines for virtually the entire game, all the time with a studied look on his face. It was as if he were a mathematician using all of his cognitive power to solve a complicated problem in advanced calculus instead of just trying to figure out if his opponent was playing zone or man-to-man.
He could be ingenuous. In 1997, rumors were circulating that Pitino was a candidate for the Celtics' head coaching job. On the Charlie Rose Show, he was asked if was going to take the job and Pitino offered an unqualified "no". A week or two later, Pitino announced he was taking the job, it was an opportunity he couldn't turn down, historic franchise, etc., etc. He then proceeded to antagonize most everyone in Beantown with his arrogance while compiling a won-lost record 40 games under .500 during his tenure.
He went immediately to the University of Louisville from Boston, was hailed like MacArthur returning to the Philippines, and given the keys to Fort Knox. In the meantime, he found time to write books like "Success Is A Choice" where, according to the blurbs, he instructed the reader on how to subordinate his ego and how to feel better about himself. Very prophetic.
Still, Pitino's success in the college ranks is undeniable. His records at Providence, Kentucky and Louisville are impressive. The Dick Vitale's of the world would have you believe that this was a product of Coach Pitino's keen basketball mind. Vitale calls Pitino a "brilliant strategist". Of course, in offering this praise, Dickie V. is attempting to elevate his own importance as an evaluator of this brilliance. In the incestuous NCAA-ESPN connection, it's all about self promotion.
Probably closer to the truth is that Coach Pitino acquired fame and fortune largely on the backs of talented inner city kids. The smooth talker would visit the families of the prospects, who often lived in difficult circumstances, and emphasize that this was not just about basketball. He would be their boy's mentor off the court as well, their life coach, big brother, father figure. It turns out that it's the coach who needed the mentoring, or at least a chaperone.
When Pitino was coaching the Celtics, and they were struggling, he famously excused their ineptitude by saying that Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish were not about to walk through the door. So even he was admitting that it's all about the players, not the strategizing.
When Elizabeth Edwards was asked if it was appropriate that her husband run for President while she was battling cancer, she replied that she did not want to deprive the country of John's services. The country needed him and only him. We now know she would have been doing the country a great service if she had deprived us of his services. Rick Pitino, who seems to operate from the same playbook as John Edwards, is likewise not indispensable - to the University of Louisville or any other basketball program. There are dozens of well-qualified candidates capable of running solid programs without the extracurricular activities.
Coach Pitino's Louisville contract has a morality clause which allows firing for "acts of moral depravity or misconduct that damages the university's reputation". It would seem that threshold has been met.
This is not about forgiveness which is done at the personal level by family and friends. And it's not about second chances. By all accounts, this is a very wealthy individual, hardly a hardship case. He has had numerous coaching opportunities over a long career, and others may present themselves down the road, perhaps better for him and us if he looked outside the big-time intercollege level. But he violated a trust and a written contract, and should not be paid millions by a public university after such a sordid episode.
This is not the same as a company CEO whose personal peccadillos have no bearing on his job performance. For someone in Pitino's position, with so much influence over young impressionable minds, it is impossible to separate moral propriety from job performance. Yes, other coaches have engaged in non-choir boy behavior. And yes, Pitino's high profile draws money, or at least has until now, into university coffers. But at some point, a line in the campus quadrangle needs to be drawn.
If Louisville feels compelled to retain Coach Pitino, they should offer him a $1 salary, with the remainder of his usual compensation package going into a scholarship fund. Otherwise, they should send him packing with their best wishes. Anything more will signal business as usual and sausage-making will look elegant by comparison.
The latest, with a particularly salacious twist, is Pitino-gate. How much immunity does Rick Pitino's superstar status provide him from the fallout of his highly publicized, er, "indiscretion"?
Coach Pitino has always seemed a bit too slick by half. You didn't have to be an expert in reading body language to figure out that this guy was full of himself. He may have been the first big-time coach to employ the annoying practice of pacing the sidelines for virtually the entire game, all the time with a studied look on his face. It was as if he were a mathematician using all of his cognitive power to solve a complicated problem in advanced calculus instead of just trying to figure out if his opponent was playing zone or man-to-man.
He could be ingenuous. In 1997, rumors were circulating that Pitino was a candidate for the Celtics' head coaching job. On the Charlie Rose Show, he was asked if was going to take the job and Pitino offered an unqualified "no". A week or two later, Pitino announced he was taking the job, it was an opportunity he couldn't turn down, historic franchise, etc., etc. He then proceeded to antagonize most everyone in Beantown with his arrogance while compiling a won-lost record 40 games under .500 during his tenure.
He went immediately to the University of Louisville from Boston, was hailed like MacArthur returning to the Philippines, and given the keys to Fort Knox. In the meantime, he found time to write books like "Success Is A Choice" where, according to the blurbs, he instructed the reader on how to subordinate his ego and how to feel better about himself. Very prophetic.
Still, Pitino's success in the college ranks is undeniable. His records at Providence, Kentucky and Louisville are impressive. The Dick Vitale's of the world would have you believe that this was a product of Coach Pitino's keen basketball mind. Vitale calls Pitino a "brilliant strategist". Of course, in offering this praise, Dickie V. is attempting to elevate his own importance as an evaluator of this brilliance. In the incestuous NCAA-ESPN connection, it's all about self promotion.
Probably closer to the truth is that Coach Pitino acquired fame and fortune largely on the backs of talented inner city kids. The smooth talker would visit the families of the prospects, who often lived in difficult circumstances, and emphasize that this was not just about basketball. He would be their boy's mentor off the court as well, their life coach, big brother, father figure. It turns out that it's the coach who needed the mentoring, or at least a chaperone.
When Pitino was coaching the Celtics, and they were struggling, he famously excused their ineptitude by saying that Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish were not about to walk through the door. So even he was admitting that it's all about the players, not the strategizing.
When Elizabeth Edwards was asked if it was appropriate that her husband run for President while she was battling cancer, she replied that she did not want to deprive the country of John's services. The country needed him and only him. We now know she would have been doing the country a great service if she had deprived us of his services. Rick Pitino, who seems to operate from the same playbook as John Edwards, is likewise not indispensable - to the University of Louisville or any other basketball program. There are dozens of well-qualified candidates capable of running solid programs without the extracurricular activities.
Coach Pitino's Louisville contract has a morality clause which allows firing for "acts of moral depravity or misconduct that damages the university's reputation". It would seem that threshold has been met.
This is not about forgiveness which is done at the personal level by family and friends. And it's not about second chances. By all accounts, this is a very wealthy individual, hardly a hardship case. He has had numerous coaching opportunities over a long career, and others may present themselves down the road, perhaps better for him and us if he looked outside the big-time intercollege level. But he violated a trust and a written contract, and should not be paid millions by a public university after such a sordid episode.
This is not the same as a company CEO whose personal peccadillos have no bearing on his job performance. For someone in Pitino's position, with so much influence over young impressionable minds, it is impossible to separate moral propriety from job performance. Yes, other coaches have engaged in non-choir boy behavior. And yes, Pitino's high profile draws money, or at least has until now, into university coffers. But at some point, a line in the campus quadrangle needs to be drawn.
If Louisville feels compelled to retain Coach Pitino, they should offer him a $1 salary, with the remainder of his usual compensation package going into a scholarship fund. Otherwise, they should send him packing with their best wishes. Anything more will signal business as usual and sausage-making will look elegant by comparison.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Phillies' 800 Pound Gorilla In the Room
Most of the attention in recent weeks has been on the Phillies' pitching staff. And not without reason. The additions of Lee and Martinez. Multiple injuries among the the relief core. The emergence of J. Happ. The travails of Cole Hamels. The future of Jamie Moyer. And watching Brad Lidge enter a game has become like observing the pilot of your airplane getting on board carrying a copy of "How To Overcome Your Fear of Flying". Not exactly a confidence-builder.
But the underlying assumption seems to be that if the pitching can be sorted out, the Phillies can start printing World Series tickets. Not so fast. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is the Philadelphia hitters.
Most everyone seems to be in awe of the Fightin's offensive juggernaut which leads the league in runs scored, averaging over 5 runs per game, and home runs. But if you've watched this team for the past three seasons, you know it's not that simple.
First of all, that runs/game stat is misleading. The team has had 51 games scoring 4 runs or less, and 40 games with three or less. On the other hand, they have had 13 games scoring 10 or more runs and 9 games with 8 or more runs. So many of those runs were of little consequence.
The Phils have become very dependent on the long ball, but are not so good at small ball. Even their running game, which played a major role in '07 and '08, seems to be less effective. When they find themselves in a home run drought, as they are right now, runs can be hard to come by. Jimmy Rollins has been their most reliable power hitter in recent weeks, not a good sign. Too many runners are being left on base, but again this has been a characteristic of this squad for several years.
Jason Werth and Ryan Howard are major talents but they are excrutiatingly inconsistent with a tendency to strike out. Werth rarely has more than one good week in a row and Howard's inability to hit southpaws this year (under .200) has been a major liability. Utley, Victorino, and Rollins are all susceptible to frequent dry spells. Rollins of course is coming out of a three-month drought with a vengeance but he's still at a point, in mid-August, where a 1 for 4 day raises his average.
The addition of the rock-solid Ibanez has helped to even out the extreme peaks and valleys of the offense. But even Raul, who at one point was a Triple Crown threat, has been slowly reverting to his excellent, but more earthly, lifetime .290 batting average.
Last summer, the Phillie bats were struggling until the stretch run when Howard and Rollins went on tears and carried the team to the playoffs. A similar scenario may unfold in 2009. But last year, all that was required was a one-run lead for Lidge in the 9th. This time around, they may have to find a new recipe for success.
But the underlying assumption seems to be that if the pitching can be sorted out, the Phillies can start printing World Series tickets. Not so fast. The 800 pound gorilla in the room is the Philadelphia hitters.
Most everyone seems to be in awe of the Fightin's offensive juggernaut which leads the league in runs scored, averaging over 5 runs per game, and home runs. But if you've watched this team for the past three seasons, you know it's not that simple.
First of all, that runs/game stat is misleading. The team has had 51 games scoring 4 runs or less, and 40 games with three or less. On the other hand, they have had 13 games scoring 10 or more runs and 9 games with 8 or more runs. So many of those runs were of little consequence.
The Phils have become very dependent on the long ball, but are not so good at small ball. Even their running game, which played a major role in '07 and '08, seems to be less effective. When they find themselves in a home run drought, as they are right now, runs can be hard to come by. Jimmy Rollins has been their most reliable power hitter in recent weeks, not a good sign. Too many runners are being left on base, but again this has been a characteristic of this squad for several years.
Jason Werth and Ryan Howard are major talents but they are excrutiatingly inconsistent with a tendency to strike out. Werth rarely has more than one good week in a row and Howard's inability to hit southpaws this year (under .200) has been a major liability. Utley, Victorino, and Rollins are all susceptible to frequent dry spells. Rollins of course is coming out of a three-month drought with a vengeance but he's still at a point, in mid-August, where a 1 for 4 day raises his average.
The addition of the rock-solid Ibanez has helped to even out the extreme peaks and valleys of the offense. But even Raul, who at one point was a Triple Crown threat, has been slowly reverting to his excellent, but more earthly, lifetime .290 batting average.
Last summer, the Phillie bats were struggling until the stretch run when Howard and Rollins went on tears and carried the team to the playoffs. A similar scenario may unfold in 2009. But last year, all that was required was a one-run lead for Lidge in the 9th. This time around, they may have to find a new recipe for success.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Another Blockbuster Move by the Sixers
Shaq traded to Cleveland.
Vince Carter traded to Orlando.
Hedo Turkoglue goes to the Raptors.
Roy Jefferson signs with the Spurs.
Rasheed Wallace signs with the Celtics.
Ben Gordon signs with the Pistons.
The Mavericks acquire Shawn Marion.
Ron Artest signs with the Lakers.
Andre Miller signs with the Trailblazers.
And not to be outdone, the Sixers are in talks to re-sign Royal Ivey. The excitement in South Philly is palpable.
Vince Carter traded to Orlando.
Hedo Turkoglue goes to the Raptors.
Roy Jefferson signs with the Spurs.
Rasheed Wallace signs with the Celtics.
Ben Gordon signs with the Pistons.
The Mavericks acquire Shawn Marion.
Ron Artest signs with the Lakers.
Andre Miller signs with the Trailblazers.
And not to be outdone, the Sixers are in talks to re-sign Royal Ivey. The excitement in South Philly is palpable.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Phillies vs. Sixers
It's ironic that the Phillies, the current world champions and on the verge of running away with their division this year, have been the ones making national headlines in the trade and free agent markets whereas their neighbors in South Philly, the going-no-place-fast Sixers, have been in hibernation for the summer - the best they could come up with so far was signing a shooting specialist with a lifetime 7.5 ppg average, hiring a journeyman coach with a sub-.500 winning percentage, and a failure to re-sign their point guard.
Of course, the structures of major league baseball and pro basketball are very different and the Phillies have far more options. And last year, it was the Sixers who made the blockbuster deal. The deal to acquire Elton Brand may have been defensible at the time but unfortunately it ended up blowing up in the team's face and the fallout from that explosion could last for years to come.
Even in the worst case scenario, it is hard to foresee the acquisitions of Pedro Martinez and now Cliff Lee undermining the baseball franchise. In fact, it's hard to see how Lee in particular does not make the Phillies a better team. But enthusiasm should be tempered. A National League pennant is not a slam dunk. More on that in the next post.
Of course, the structures of major league baseball and pro basketball are very different and the Phillies have far more options. And last year, it was the Sixers who made the blockbuster deal. The deal to acquire Elton Brand may have been defensible at the time but unfortunately it ended up blowing up in the team's face and the fallout from that explosion could last for years to come.
Even in the worst case scenario, it is hard to foresee the acquisitions of Pedro Martinez and now Cliff Lee undermining the baseball franchise. In fact, it's hard to see how Lee in particular does not make the Phillies a better team. But enthusiasm should be tempered. A National League pennant is not a slam dunk. More on that in the next post.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hamels and Lidge for Halladay?
Even as the Phillies have accumulated their longest winning streak in nearly 20 years, much of the news flow has dealt with the team's efforts to acquire a prime time pitcher or two before the trading deadline.
And all the while, the current much-maligned staff has been nothing short of stellar, and deep. Happ, Blanton, Moyer and Lopez have been solid starters; Condrey, Durbin and Park have been exceptional as middle and long relievers; Madson seems to find an extra mile/hour in his fastball in each outing. And waiting in the wings, there are some very exciting minor league prospects.
But how's this for irony? The Phillies' two most unreliable pitchers may be their most celebrated hurlers - Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Hamels, while the victim of some bad luck and lack of offensive support, has been inconsistent since day 1, unable to hold leads and unable to get to the late innings.
Lidge has been doing a pretty good Mitch Williams/Flash Gordon imitation, digging a hole for himself with walks or hit batsmen as we close our eyes while he tries to climb out. It's becoming evident that his early season struggles were not injury-related as management tried to make out.
How about Lidge and Hamels for Roy Halladay? OK, just kidding.
And all the while, the current much-maligned staff has been nothing short of stellar, and deep. Happ, Blanton, Moyer and Lopez have been solid starters; Condrey, Durbin and Park have been exceptional as middle and long relievers; Madson seems to find an extra mile/hour in his fastball in each outing. And waiting in the wings, there are some very exciting minor league prospects.
But how's this for irony? The Phillies' two most unreliable pitchers may be their most celebrated hurlers - Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge. Hamels, while the victim of some bad luck and lack of offensive support, has been inconsistent since day 1, unable to hold leads and unable to get to the late innings.
Lidge has been doing a pretty good Mitch Williams/Flash Gordon imitation, digging a hole for himself with walks or hit batsmen as we close our eyes while he tries to climb out. It's becoming evident that his early season struggles were not injury-related as management tried to make out.
How about Lidge and Hamels for Roy Halladay? OK, just kidding.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sixers Running In Place in the Off-Season
In the aftermath of the disappointing 08-09 season, the Sixers were faced with three major issues - the respective futures of Sam Dalembert, Elton Brand and Andre Miller.
The team reportedly tried to shop Brand and Dalembert, to no avail. The former's market value is severely diminished because of contract size, age and injuries. And even the Yao Ming-less Rockets were not sufficiently tempted to make a play for the seven-footer from Haiti.
As for Miller, if you believe the press reports, the Sixers have not even made a serious offer. It may be that what we've been hearing from both sides is negotiating posturing. And perhaps a significant sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.
But the fact remains that while numerous teams around the league have already made significant improvements, Eddie Jordan's squad is excrutiatingly similar to that of Tony DiLeo.
The personnel moves made in the last few months have been marginal at best. Jason Kapono is a fine long-range shooter and that was a Sixer shortcoming. But Kapono is still a limited minutes role player. In the right situation, he could be a difference-maker the way John Paxson and Steve Kerr were on the great Bulls' teams but this Philadelphia ensemble will never be confused with those Jordan-led Chicago teams.
And despite the glowing scouting reports of draft pick Jrue Holiday, his resume is just too limited to plan your future around him. He could turn out to be the Wachovia Center's version of Paul Pierce - or he could be the reincarnation of Rodney Carney.
In the meantime, Ed Stefanski says the team needs a guard, a swingman, and two bigs. Oh is that all? A wish list like that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the immediate future.
Right now we're looking at last year's team but with Lou Williams replacing Miller at point which is certainly not an upgrade. No doubt some new role players will be added up front and in the backcourt but the Sixers don't have a lot of bargaining chips with which to deal from a position of strength.
What we're left with is the audacity of hope, and Eddie Jordan's motion offense.
The team reportedly tried to shop Brand and Dalembert, to no avail. The former's market value is severely diminished because of contract size, age and injuries. And even the Yao Ming-less Rockets were not sufficiently tempted to make a play for the seven-footer from Haiti.
As for Miller, if you believe the press reports, the Sixers have not even made a serious offer. It may be that what we've been hearing from both sides is negotiating posturing. And perhaps a significant sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.
But the fact remains that while numerous teams around the league have already made significant improvements, Eddie Jordan's squad is excrutiatingly similar to that of Tony DiLeo.
The personnel moves made in the last few months have been marginal at best. Jason Kapono is a fine long-range shooter and that was a Sixer shortcoming. But Kapono is still a limited minutes role player. In the right situation, he could be a difference-maker the way John Paxson and Steve Kerr were on the great Bulls' teams but this Philadelphia ensemble will never be confused with those Jordan-led Chicago teams.
And despite the glowing scouting reports of draft pick Jrue Holiday, his resume is just too limited to plan your future around him. He could turn out to be the Wachovia Center's version of Paul Pierce - or he could be the reincarnation of Rodney Carney.
In the meantime, Ed Stefanski says the team needs a guard, a swingman, and two bigs. Oh is that all? A wish list like that doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the immediate future.
Right now we're looking at last year's team but with Lou Williams replacing Miller at point which is certainly not an upgrade. No doubt some new role players will be added up front and in the backcourt but the Sixers don't have a lot of bargaining chips with which to deal from a position of strength.
What we're left with is the audacity of hope, and Eddie Jordan's motion offense.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Phillie Notes: Howard's Malaise, Rollins' Sabbatical
Howard's Malaise:
In the last month and a half, Ryan Howard's strikeouts have been increasing, and his batting average, slugging and on-base percentages have been declining. Last night was his first home run since June 20 and he has hit only three since June 11. It was also his first four-bagger to the opposite field since June 7. This last factoid may be most telling.
Howard was reported to have worked intensely on going the other way at the plate in spring training and the fruits of this were seen in April and May with a higher batting average and fewer K's. When the homers started to come in bunches, a high percentage was to left and left-center. But that has not been the case in recent weeks.
We have seen this movie before, usually several times each season. Howard is productive and consistent when going with the pitch; far less so when he doesn't. Perhaps the absence of Ibanez is allowing opposing pitchers to give the first baseman less to hit but it's time for Howard to make some adjustments. Maybe last night was a sign that he is.
Rollins' Sabbatical:
Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins down for 4 games last week as a form of therapy for the shortstop's extended hitting slump. Upon his return, Rollins had 2 hitless games, but then followed up with a solid series against the Mets. So did Manuel's treatment work? Maybe, but
it was probably just coincidental. Did anyone think that Rollins was going to go 0 for 300 in the next three months?
After his sabbatical, J-Roll was probably the focus of even more attention with everyone examining his every move to detect signs of change - different batting stance, more relaxed, less relaxed, smiling, not smiling, etc. Better to sit him for one game, then return him to the lineup toward the bottom of the order where there's a little less attention than in the leadoff spot.
In the last month and a half, Ryan Howard's strikeouts have been increasing, and his batting average, slugging and on-base percentages have been declining. Last night was his first home run since June 20 and he has hit only three since June 11. It was also his first four-bagger to the opposite field since June 7. This last factoid may be most telling.
Howard was reported to have worked intensely on going the other way at the plate in spring training and the fruits of this were seen in April and May with a higher batting average and fewer K's. When the homers started to come in bunches, a high percentage was to left and left-center. But that has not been the case in recent weeks.
We have seen this movie before, usually several times each season. Howard is productive and consistent when going with the pitch; far less so when he doesn't. Perhaps the absence of Ibanez is allowing opposing pitchers to give the first baseman less to hit but it's time for Howard to make some adjustments. Maybe last night was a sign that he is.
Rollins' Sabbatical:
Charlie Manuel sat Jimmy Rollins down for 4 games last week as a form of therapy for the shortstop's extended hitting slump. Upon his return, Rollins had 2 hitless games, but then followed up with a solid series against the Mets. So did Manuel's treatment work? Maybe, but
it was probably just coincidental. Did anyone think that Rollins was going to go 0 for 300 in the next three months?
After his sabbatical, J-Roll was probably the focus of even more attention with everyone examining his every move to detect signs of change - different batting stance, more relaxed, less relaxed, smiling, not smiling, etc. Better to sit him for one game, then return him to the lineup toward the bottom of the order where there's a little less attention than in the leadoff spot.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Aaron Rowand and Jayson Werth
Last year must have been a bittersweet one for Aaron Rowand. On the one hand, he had hit the jackpot when he signed a $60 million, five-year deal with the Giants after finishing 2007 in Philadelphia - a deal that probably would not have been possible when the national economy went south the following year. On the other hand, although the San Francisco center fielder does have a World Series ring from the '05 White Sox, he did have to watch from the outside as his former National League team won the 2008 world championship.
While Rowand was extremely popular in Philly, the Phils' front office certainly had no regrets. Rowand's replacement, Jayson Werth, had an excellent season hitting .273 with 24 home runs in just over 400 at-bats. Rowand hit just .271 last year with 13 home runs. And Werth came much cheaper. Even after his solid '08, Werth signed a two-year deal for only $10 million.
This year, Werth and Rowand, are having solid years. The latter is hitting around .300 in the leadoff spot. Werth has been maddeningly inconsistent at the plate but with his recent spurt is batting about .270 and is on pace to surpass 30 home runs. They both strike out too much but are excellent in the field. So again, they are equally productive, but the Phillies are getting Werth at a fraction of the cost.
But irony is lurking. If the Fightin's don't win their division, they are going to be in a real dog fight for the wild card. And if the Giants don't overtake the Dodgers in the Western Division, San Francisco is shaping up to be one of the primary wild card contenders. Either way, Rowand could end up playing a key role in preventing his old teammates from repeating.
While Rowand was extremely popular in Philly, the Phils' front office certainly had no regrets. Rowand's replacement, Jayson Werth, had an excellent season hitting .273 with 24 home runs in just over 400 at-bats. Rowand hit just .271 last year with 13 home runs. And Werth came much cheaper. Even after his solid '08, Werth signed a two-year deal for only $10 million.
This year, Werth and Rowand, are having solid years. The latter is hitting around .300 in the leadoff spot. Werth has been maddeningly inconsistent at the plate but with his recent spurt is batting about .270 and is on pace to surpass 30 home runs. They both strike out too much but are excellent in the field. So again, they are equally productive, but the Phillies are getting Werth at a fraction of the cost.
But irony is lurking. If the Fightin's don't win their division, they are going to be in a real dog fight for the wild card. And if the Giants don't overtake the Dodgers in the Western Division, San Francisco is shaping up to be one of the primary wild card contenders. Either way, Rowand could end up playing a key role in preventing his old teammates from repeating.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Brad Lidge vs Michael Bourn
The acquisition of Brad Lidge from the Astros has, to date, been one of the best trades in Phillies history, as no other player was more responsible for last year's championship season. And the cost appeared minimal - Mike Costanzo, Geoff Geary and Michael Bourn. Costanzo, a career minor leaguer, is now in the Orioles' system. Geary had a so-so 2008. This year he had an ERA of more than 8 when he went on the DL with tendinitis. Recently he came off the DL and was immediately optioned to the minors.
That leaves Bourn and this is where it gets a little more interesting. Bourn never got many swings with Philadelphia, serving primarily as a utility player and pinch-runner. In his one full year with the Phils, in 2007, he batted .277 in just over 100 at bats. Last year, in 467 at bats with his new team, the Houston center fielder hit only .229 and he didn't give the coaching staff much reason to believe that he was a long-range solution to the their needs in the outfield.
But in 2009, through June 21, he is hitting .300 with 15 doubles, 5 triples and 24 stolen bases. The Astros started the season miserably and were 8 games under .500 at the end of May. But currently they are only 3 games under .500 and are only 5 games out of first place in the rugged National League Central Division.
And Michael Bourn has played a key role in this revival. According to Houston manager Cecil Cooper, quoted in the Houston Chronicle, Bourn is the team's MVP: "... he's played terrific baseball really from opening day. He's been very consistent, and he's played great defense. He's done what we've needed him to do from the top of the lineup. He's been huge all year."
In the meantime of course, Lidge has been a shadow of last year's self, whether due to knee problems, mechanics, post-World Series syndrome, or all of the above. He is expected to return to form and for now he still has to be considered part of one of the most successful transactions in Philly baseball history, perhaps second only to obtaining Steve Carlton in the notorious Carlton-Rick Wise trade. But for the first three months of the '09 campaign at least, Bourn is out-producing Lidge. It should be added that Eric Bruntlett, the other half of the Lidge package, who was so valuable last year in a utility role, has made a much smaller contribution this year, although this is mainly because Raul Ibanez doesn't need defensive help the way Pat Burrell did.
Is Bourn an emerging star? Is he capable of being an impact player in Texas the way Lidge was in Philadelphia? It's way too early to tell. But the career of Michael Bourn bears watching.
That leaves Bourn and this is where it gets a little more interesting. Bourn never got many swings with Philadelphia, serving primarily as a utility player and pinch-runner. In his one full year with the Phils, in 2007, he batted .277 in just over 100 at bats. Last year, in 467 at bats with his new team, the Houston center fielder hit only .229 and he didn't give the coaching staff much reason to believe that he was a long-range solution to the their needs in the outfield.
But in 2009, through June 21, he is hitting .300 with 15 doubles, 5 triples and 24 stolen bases. The Astros started the season miserably and were 8 games under .500 at the end of May. But currently they are only 3 games under .500 and are only 5 games out of first place in the rugged National League Central Division.
And Michael Bourn has played a key role in this revival. According to Houston manager Cecil Cooper, quoted in the Houston Chronicle, Bourn is the team's MVP: "... he's played terrific baseball really from opening day. He's been very consistent, and he's played great defense. He's done what we've needed him to do from the top of the lineup. He's been huge all year."
In the meantime of course, Lidge has been a shadow of last year's self, whether due to knee problems, mechanics, post-World Series syndrome, or all of the above. He is expected to return to form and for now he still has to be considered part of one of the most successful transactions in Philly baseball history, perhaps second only to obtaining Steve Carlton in the notorious Carlton-Rick Wise trade. But for the first three months of the '09 campaign at least, Bourn is out-producing Lidge. It should be added that Eric Bruntlett, the other half of the Lidge package, who was so valuable last year in a utility role, has made a much smaller contribution this year, although this is mainly because Raul Ibanez doesn't need defensive help the way Pat Burrell did.
Is Bourn an emerging star? Is he capable of being an impact player in Texas the way Lidge was in Philadelphia? It's way too early to tell. But the career of Michael Bourn bears watching.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What Would Ted Williams Tell Jimmy Rollins?
Ted Williams famously said that "hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports". Hitting barely above the Mendoza line heading into the midpoint of the season, Jimmy Rollins would no doubt agree. Rollins has been struggling pretty much since opening day, but whenever he shows any sign of life, we are more than ready to pronounce the slump over - but it isn't.
J-Roll recently detected a flaw in his swing which he thought might explain his offensive drought. It seems he had been dropping his bat through the hitting zone causing him to come under the ball producing weak pop-ups. Unfortunately, since the discovery, Jimmy's batting average has dropped another 10 or 15 points.
Rollins and Charlie Manuel are undaunted, convinced the shortstop is making better, more consistent contact. Perhaps. But even with both hands tied behind his back, Jimmy Rollins should not be hitting .220 in late June.
There is another, even more fundamental flaw that J-Roll has exhibited, even in good years, which probably should be addressed first. This is his occasional tendency to move his back foot during his swing. Striding with the front foot, even lifting it, are of course acceptable. It is the picking up of the back foot (as opposed to rotating it), causing the entire body to spin around, which is the real enemy - kind of like trying to hit a baseball while riding a skateboard. It robs the hitter of power and makes it impossible to wait on a ball. And as for hitting an outside pitch, well - don't ask.
When Rollins is going well, maybe he can get away with it. Right now, there is just no margin for error. Again to quote the great Ted Williams: "A good hitter has slow feet and quick hands".
J-Roll recently detected a flaw in his swing which he thought might explain his offensive drought. It seems he had been dropping his bat through the hitting zone causing him to come under the ball producing weak pop-ups. Unfortunately, since the discovery, Jimmy's batting average has dropped another 10 or 15 points.
Rollins and Charlie Manuel are undaunted, convinced the shortstop is making better, more consistent contact. Perhaps. But even with both hands tied behind his back, Jimmy Rollins should not be hitting .220 in late June.
There is another, even more fundamental flaw that J-Roll has exhibited, even in good years, which probably should be addressed first. This is his occasional tendency to move his back foot during his swing. Striding with the front foot, even lifting it, are of course acceptable. It is the picking up of the back foot (as opposed to rotating it), causing the entire body to spin around, which is the real enemy - kind of like trying to hit a baseball while riding a skateboard. It robs the hitter of power and makes it impossible to wait on a ball. And as for hitting an outside pitch, well - don't ask.
When Rollins is going well, maybe he can get away with it. Right now, there is just no margin for error. Again to quote the great Ted Williams: "A good hitter has slow feet and quick hands".
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Prognosis for Brad Lidge
First it was Brett Myers saying he was getting stronger and stronger, and then a week later saying his hip had made it unpitchable. Now we have Brad Lidge, who has been insisting for weeks that his knee is fine, being forced on to the DL by management. Is everyone in denial?
But even if Lidge is judged physically sound, whether he can regain the aura of invincibility he established last season remains to be seen. It is difficult to duplicate perfection. But there's no reason why he can't be a very effective closer this season in spite of a very slow start and the two excruciating failed saves against the Dodgers over the weekend. He had in fact been pitching much better in the weeks prior to the setbacks on the West Coast.
However, Lidge may have to make an adjustment. As a number of observers, including the right-hander himself, have acknowledged, batters are taking a more patient approach with him, knowing the majority of his strike-out pitches are out of the strike zone. And not just marginally out of the strike zone but miles out of the strike zone. Last year, it was not uncommon for hitters to swing out Lidge sliders that bounced in front of home plate. By contrast, closers like Mariano Rivera, perhaps the greatest of them all, also depend on off-the-plate sliders, but ones that are much closer to the strike zone, so a hitter cannot be so discerning.
It dawned on hitters that the percentages were with them to take the pitch if it looked anything like a hard slider. Then if they worked the count in their favor, they could sit on a fast ball or work a base on balls. Although Lidge throws 94-95 mph heat, it's still hittable, particularly if it's not on the corners.
So Lidge has to be able to pinpoint his fastball consistently and he has to throw his slider closer to the plate more frequently. He may also have to experiment with a different mix of pitches so as to become less predictable. And most importantly, he has to beat back the demons of self doubt which is why Charlie Manuel knows he has to stick with him as long as he possibly can.
Yes a healthy knee should play a part in all of this, but just a part.
The hitters need to do their part as well. In the two losses in Los Angeles, the Phillies had numerous opportunities to tack on additional runs but came up empty. In spite of their potent offense, this was a common occurrence last year as well - squandering opportunities with men in scoring position. A few insurance runs are a reliever's best friend.
But even if Lidge is judged physically sound, whether he can regain the aura of invincibility he established last season remains to be seen. It is difficult to duplicate perfection. But there's no reason why he can't be a very effective closer this season in spite of a very slow start and the two excruciating failed saves against the Dodgers over the weekend. He had in fact been pitching much better in the weeks prior to the setbacks on the West Coast.
However, Lidge may have to make an adjustment. As a number of observers, including the right-hander himself, have acknowledged, batters are taking a more patient approach with him, knowing the majority of his strike-out pitches are out of the strike zone. And not just marginally out of the strike zone but miles out of the strike zone. Last year, it was not uncommon for hitters to swing out Lidge sliders that bounced in front of home plate. By contrast, closers like Mariano Rivera, perhaps the greatest of them all, also depend on off-the-plate sliders, but ones that are much closer to the strike zone, so a hitter cannot be so discerning.
It dawned on hitters that the percentages were with them to take the pitch if it looked anything like a hard slider. Then if they worked the count in their favor, they could sit on a fast ball or work a base on balls. Although Lidge throws 94-95 mph heat, it's still hittable, particularly if it's not on the corners.
So Lidge has to be able to pinpoint his fastball consistently and he has to throw his slider closer to the plate more frequently. He may also have to experiment with a different mix of pitches so as to become less predictable. And most importantly, he has to beat back the demons of self doubt which is why Charlie Manuel knows he has to stick with him as long as he possibly can.
Yes a healthy knee should play a part in all of this, but just a part.
The hitters need to do their part as well. In the two losses in Los Angeles, the Phillies had numerous opportunities to tack on additional runs but came up empty. In spite of their potent offense, this was a common occurrence last year as well - squandering opportunities with men in scoring position. A few insurance runs are a reliever's best friend.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Brett Myers Injury Mystery
The loss of Brett Myers for the remainder of the season is irreversible and was probably unavoidable. But isn't it at least curious that two months into the season, nobody in the Phillies' organization, perhaps including Myers himself, had any idea that the right-hander was dealing with a significant physical problem?
When Myers started the season so poorly, it might have been reasonable to speculate that something was going on. But there was no such speculation forthcoming. After all, the other starters were struggling as well and Myers didn't seem overly concerned.
Then the pitcher proceeded to throw quite effectively, home run balls not withstanding, in five successive starts in May, so surely there was no reason to suspect anything. But after his last game, against the Marlins on May 27, Myers said: "This (the hip) has been bothering me as long as I can remember. I never knew what it was. It just became unpitchable this season."
But after his outing against Atlanta on May 10, Myers said he "felt more in control than ... in the past.... a little stronger. Everything went well for the most part".
Against Washington on May 16, Myers gave up 2 earned runs and struck out 8 in 7 innings. The Phils gave him the lead and he "just threw fastballs for strike one and (went) from there".
And then came his best game of the year against the Yankees in New York on May 22 when he went 8 innings with no walks in a 7-3 win. After the game, he was enthusiastic: "I'm getting better and better with each start."
So in just one week, Myers goes from "getting better and better" to "it just became unpitchable this season". This is not to suggest there is something sinister going on, but there is a rather strange inconsistency here.
When Myers started the season so poorly, it might have been reasonable to speculate that something was going on. But there was no such speculation forthcoming. After all, the other starters were struggling as well and Myers didn't seem overly concerned.
Then the pitcher proceeded to throw quite effectively, home run balls not withstanding, in five successive starts in May, so surely there was no reason to suspect anything. But after his last game, against the Marlins on May 27, Myers said: "This (the hip) has been bothering me as long as I can remember. I never knew what it was. It just became unpitchable this season."
But after his outing against Atlanta on May 10, Myers said he "felt more in control than ... in the past.... a little stronger. Everything went well for the most part".
Against Washington on May 16, Myers gave up 2 earned runs and struck out 8 in 7 innings. The Phils gave him the lead and he "just threw fastballs for strike one and (went) from there".
And then came his best game of the year against the Yankees in New York on May 22 when he went 8 innings with no walks in a 7-3 win. After the game, he was enthusiastic: "I'm getting better and better with each start."
So in just one week, Myers goes from "getting better and better" to "it just became unpitchable this season". This is not to suggest there is something sinister going on, but there is a rather strange inconsistency here.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sixers Search For the Elusive Mr. Right
Now that Jay Wright has reassured us of his sanity by removing himself as a candidate to succeed Tony DiLeo, the Sixers' search for a more generic "Mr. Right" continues, perhaps with the help of eharmony.com. While from a PR standpoint, the Villanova coach would be a dream choice, there is no reason to believe it would have made much difference in the won-lost column. College coaching has little more in common with the NBA than with the Iditarod.
For nearly a decade, the Sixers have gone through coaches the way Elizabeth Taylor went through husbands but the team would been better served if they had stayed with one low-profile professional. I would not presume to speak for Ms. Taylor.
The importance of NBA coaches tends to be exaggerated. In most cases, they make only a marginal difference. Look at the surviving coaches in the playoffs right now - Karl, Van Gundy, Brown and Jackson. Have they been indispensable to their teams' success? Hardly. Denver became a contender the day they unloaded Iverson for Billups. The tipping point for Orlando and Cleveland was adding solid role players for their franchise players, Dwight Howard and LeBron. There was no brilliant strategizing by George Karl, Stan Van Gundy or Mike Brown.
The Lakers attained championship caliber when they managed to acquire Pau Gasol at a fire sale. Even Phil Jackson concedes that his team's effort is uneven. If the Zen Master himself has trouble motivating his troops, what hope is there for mere mortals like Randy Ayers, Jim O'Brien, Mo Cheeks, Tony DiLeo, Kurt Rambis, Dwane Casey, Eddie Jordan or Tom Thibodeau?
The real issue is team personnel and the Sixers' roster right now is loaded with riddles a super computer couldn't solve. Those personnel issues would have persisted, but Cheeks' replacement with "don't call him interim coach" DiLeo and the Elton Brand imbroglio were major distractions that resulted in more questions than answers. Of course, the franchise must name a coach reasonably soon to address the player issues in conjunction with the front office. But if they think that if they sift through enough sand, they can find the one man capable of leading them to the promised land, they are on a fool's errand.
For nearly a decade, the Sixers have gone through coaches the way Elizabeth Taylor went through husbands but the team would been better served if they had stayed with one low-profile professional. I would not presume to speak for Ms. Taylor.
The importance of NBA coaches tends to be exaggerated. In most cases, they make only a marginal difference. Look at the surviving coaches in the playoffs right now - Karl, Van Gundy, Brown and Jackson. Have they been indispensable to their teams' success? Hardly. Denver became a contender the day they unloaded Iverson for Billups. The tipping point for Orlando and Cleveland was adding solid role players for their franchise players, Dwight Howard and LeBron. There was no brilliant strategizing by George Karl, Stan Van Gundy or Mike Brown.
The Lakers attained championship caliber when they managed to acquire Pau Gasol at a fire sale. Even Phil Jackson concedes that his team's effort is uneven. If the Zen Master himself has trouble motivating his troops, what hope is there for mere mortals like Randy Ayers, Jim O'Brien, Mo Cheeks, Tony DiLeo, Kurt Rambis, Dwane Casey, Eddie Jordan or Tom Thibodeau?
The real issue is team personnel and the Sixers' roster right now is loaded with riddles a super computer couldn't solve. Those personnel issues would have persisted, but Cheeks' replacement with "don't call him interim coach" DiLeo and the Elton Brand imbroglio were major distractions that resulted in more questions than answers. Of course, the franchise must name a coach reasonably soon to address the player issues in conjunction with the front office. But if they think that if they sift through enough sand, they can find the one man capable of leading them to the promised land, they are on a fool's errand.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Jimmy Rollins' Struggles
In 1968, American Bob Beamon pulled off one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in athletic history. He won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump in Mexico City with a jump of 29' 2 1/2". This was 21 3/4" more than the previous record. Beamon himself had never jumped even 27' and he never would again. The new record was to last for 23 years. Even allowing for the benefit of Mexico City's altitude, it was astonishing. Which naturally leads us to Jimmy Rollins.
Rollins' early-season struggles at the plate are well documented and much discussed. But has J-Roll fallen victim to his own Beamon-like moments? In 2006, Jimmy batted .277, just about his career average, but he broke out with 25 hr. Then came his epic MVP 2007 season when his numbers approached the surreal: .296 average, 41 stolen bases, 94 rbi, 139 runs, 20 triples, AND 30 hr. Out of the leadoff spot! But then came last year's fairly pedestrian output and this year's nightmarish beginning.
Aside from 2006-07, Rollins has never hit more than 14 hr and one can't help but think that those 25-30 long ball seasons were an aberration that Jimmy should not try to replicate. Without even trying to go long, Jimmy would probably hit 15-20 hr a year, and that should more than enough for the team if he got on base more often with the opportunity to put his legs to use, particularly given the abundance of power in the current Phillies' lineup.
Ricky Henderson, Rollins' boyhood idol, routinely did things as a leadoff man bordering on the supernatural with an unprecented combination of speed, power and average. It is understandable that Jimmy would want to pattern his game after his hero. But even the legendary Henderson, who hit almost 300 career home runs, only broke the 20 hr mark three times in his 26 year career. Rollins has already done it twice in 8 full seasons. There is no need to do it again.
Rollins' early-season struggles at the plate are well documented and much discussed. But has J-Roll fallen victim to his own Beamon-like moments? In 2006, Jimmy batted .277, just about his career average, but he broke out with 25 hr. Then came his epic MVP 2007 season when his numbers approached the surreal: .296 average, 41 stolen bases, 94 rbi, 139 runs, 20 triples, AND 30 hr. Out of the leadoff spot! But then came last year's fairly pedestrian output and this year's nightmarish beginning.
Aside from 2006-07, Rollins has never hit more than 14 hr and one can't help but think that those 25-30 long ball seasons were an aberration that Jimmy should not try to replicate. Without even trying to go long, Jimmy would probably hit 15-20 hr a year, and that should more than enough for the team if he got on base more often with the opportunity to put his legs to use, particularly given the abundance of power in the current Phillies' lineup.
Ricky Henderson, Rollins' boyhood idol, routinely did things as a leadoff man bordering on the supernatural with an unprecented combination of speed, power and average. It is understandable that Jimmy would want to pattern his game after his hero. But even the legendary Henderson, who hit almost 300 career home runs, only broke the 20 hr mark three times in his 26 year career. Rollins has already done it twice in 8 full seasons. There is no need to do it again.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sixers' Post-Mortem - A Lost Season
The Sixers' 2008-09 season has mercifully concluded - RIP. But the ignominious manner in which it ended - getting blown out at home by a decimated Orlando team - exceeded the norms of human decency. All women and children should have been evacuated from the Wachovia Center by half time. Anyone who paid for their tickets that night now knows how former Wachovia Bank stockholders must feel.
Even though Philadelphia matched their record from the previous year, including the six-game first round playoff loss, the campaign must be considered a major step backward. When Mo Cheeks was replaced by Tony DiLeo in what seems like decades ago, the mantra echoing from the front office was that the team needed a new direction. Unfortunately, what we are left with in the spring of 2009 is NO DIRECTION. The promise, momentum and excitement generated in the latter part of the 07-08 season are nowhere to be seen.
If Andre Miller does not return, the Sixer offense requires major reconstruction. Even if he does return, there are numerous personnel issues - the proper roles for Brand and Iguodala, the enigma that is Dalembert, how to use Speese. The list is endless.
The Sixers have boxed themselves into a corner and in the short term, it's hard to see a way out. They rolled the dice with the Elton Brand signing and now they have to make it work, even if it kills them - which it might. They gave Iguodala the kind of the money to do things which he is not capable of, like take over the offense. And they replaced Mo Cheeks in mid-stream with a front office exec with minimal, and not necessarily relevant, coaching experience.
Coach DiLeo seems like a good man who did an adequate job. But there is no reason to believe that Cheeks, who was saddled with the Brand experiment early on, would not have done at least as well. Neither DiLeo nor Cheeks will ever be confused with Red Auerbach, but for the most part, NBA coaching is overrated - continuity is more important. Coaches should be changed intra-season in only the most extreme circumstances. This instance did not qualify.
Throughout the year, the party line from announcers, coaching staff, and front office was that no matter what the won-loss record was, these players always gave maximum effort. Well in a do-or-die game six, the Sixers could have phoned in their performance. Opponents' shots went uncontested and the best we could get was finger-pointing after the game. Truly a lost season.
Even though Philadelphia matched their record from the previous year, including the six-game first round playoff loss, the campaign must be considered a major step backward. When Mo Cheeks was replaced by Tony DiLeo in what seems like decades ago, the mantra echoing from the front office was that the team needed a new direction. Unfortunately, what we are left with in the spring of 2009 is NO DIRECTION. The promise, momentum and excitement generated in the latter part of the 07-08 season are nowhere to be seen.
If Andre Miller does not return, the Sixer offense requires major reconstruction. Even if he does return, there are numerous personnel issues - the proper roles for Brand and Iguodala, the enigma that is Dalembert, how to use Speese. The list is endless.
The Sixers have boxed themselves into a corner and in the short term, it's hard to see a way out. They rolled the dice with the Elton Brand signing and now they have to make it work, even if it kills them - which it might. They gave Iguodala the kind of the money to do things which he is not capable of, like take over the offense. And they replaced Mo Cheeks in mid-stream with a front office exec with minimal, and not necessarily relevant, coaching experience.
Coach DiLeo seems like a good man who did an adequate job. But there is no reason to believe that Cheeks, who was saddled with the Brand experiment early on, would not have done at least as well. Neither DiLeo nor Cheeks will ever be confused with Red Auerbach, but for the most part, NBA coaching is overrated - continuity is more important. Coaches should be changed intra-season in only the most extreme circumstances. This instance did not qualify.
Throughout the year, the party line from announcers, coaching staff, and front office was that no matter what the won-loss record was, these players always gave maximum effort. Well in a do-or-die game six, the Sixers could have phoned in their performance. Opponents' shots went uncontested and the best we could get was finger-pointing after the game. Truly a lost season.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia - A Whole Lot of Buyer's Remorse For Phils' Front Office
Last week, it was noted here that after two miserable starts with the Orioles, Adam Eaton had a strong outing against the White Sox, perhaps a harbinger of better days. But on Tuesday night against the Angels, Eaton reverted to type. In 6 innings, he gave up 5 earned runs, 4 walks and 6 hits and took the loss. The right-hander had a similar pattern when he was in Philadelphia. Every 4 or 5 weeks, like clockwork, he would pitch reasonably well, raising hopes that he had "regained" his form, only to stumble badly the next time out. Unfortunately, this is and was Adam Eaton's form - 24 million dollars' worth.
The same day that Eaton lost to the Angels, the career of his partner in crime, Freddy Garcia, presumably came to its inevitable conclusion. After a couple of rocky outings with the Mets' Triple A Buffalo Bisons, Garcia was released. Recall that the Phils traded two prospects for Garcia in late 2006. For the miserly sum of 10 million dollars, Garcia started 11 games for 58 innings in 2007. He went 1-5 with an ERA of 5.90 before his arm went lame, apparently from a shoulder injury which he hid from the Phillies.
24 million for Adam Eaton and 10 million for Freddy Garcia. That's buyer's remorse you can believe in.
The same day that Eaton lost to the Angels, the career of his partner in crime, Freddy Garcia, presumably came to its inevitable conclusion. After a couple of rocky outings with the Mets' Triple A Buffalo Bisons, Garcia was released. Recall that the Phils traded two prospects for Garcia in late 2006. For the miserly sum of 10 million dollars, Garcia started 11 games for 58 innings in 2007. He went 1-5 with an ERA of 5.90 before his arm went lame, apparently from a shoulder injury which he hid from the Phillies.
24 million for Adam Eaton and 10 million for Freddy Garcia. That's buyer's remorse you can believe in.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Are the Phillies Going to Miss Adam Eaton?
In the first few weeks of the season, the Phillies' pitching core has been decidedly underwhelming. The numbers are downright horrifying. Going into Thursday's matinee, opposing batters were hitting .294 against the home team, next to last in the National League. The staff ERA was 6.34, highest in the league. 29 home runs had been allowed, the most in the majors. And they can't blame Adam Eaton for any of this.
After two dismal seasons with the locals, Eaton is now plying his wares with Baltimore. His first two starts with the American League team gave no indication that the change of scene was helpful. In those outings, Eaton pitched a total of 8 innings, yielding 17 hits and 10 earned runs for a tidy ERA of 11.25. The Phillies are still signing the pay checks of Eaton, now in the final year of a three-year 24.5 million dollar contract. That contract had been looking like the only investment worse than General Motors stock.
However, in a start last night, the tall right-hander went 7.1 innings, giving up only 6 hits and 2 runs in a win over the White Sox. He struck out 9. Wouldn't it be ironic, with the Phils' rotation in shambles, if the much maligned Adam Eaton were to regain his form in Baltimore while still on the Philadelphia payroll?
After two dismal seasons with the locals, Eaton is now plying his wares with Baltimore. His first two starts with the American League team gave no indication that the change of scene was helpful. In those outings, Eaton pitched a total of 8 innings, yielding 17 hits and 10 earned runs for a tidy ERA of 11.25. The Phillies are still signing the pay checks of Eaton, now in the final year of a three-year 24.5 million dollar contract. That contract had been looking like the only investment worse than General Motors stock.
However, in a start last night, the tall right-hander went 7.1 innings, giving up only 6 hits and 2 runs in a win over the White Sox. He struck out 9. Wouldn't it be ironic, with the Phils' rotation in shambles, if the much maligned Adam Eaton were to regain his form in Baltimore while still on the Philadelphia payroll?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Before There Was Iverson, Lindros, Barkley and T.O., There Was Johnny Mac
Jason Whitlock, the provocative sportswriter for Foxsports.com, recently labeled Allen Iverson as a "fraud" because Whitlock feels AI has never been concerned about winning, with the possible exception of his 2001, Larry Brown-induced, run with the Sixers. Phil Sheridan picked up the subject and noted that pathologic attention-getters like Iverson, Terrell Owens, and Eric Lindros have extremely loyal fan bases no matter how bad their behavior on and/or off the court. This phenomenon is not without historical precedent as illustrated a generation ago in New York when John McEnroe ruled men's tennis.
The Swede Bjorn Borg had dominated the game until McEnroe broke through in the early 80's. Borg was a stoic player who rarely displayed emotion and who was perhaps the most popular and recognizable international athlete of his time. If scientists went into a lab to design Borg's polar opposite, surely they would have come up with McEnroe, a brash native of Queens, New York. More problematic for Borg, the New Yorker's game posed a problem for the Swedish star. Borg was the ultimate baseliner while McEnroe was a net-charger and volleyer. Against most players, the Swede's top spin ground strokes and foot speed eventually prevailed. And in their early matches, the more experienced Borg had the upper hand, but soon the American was intercepting those ground strokes and producing sharply angled volleys for which Borg had no answer. McEnroe prevented Borg from winning the U.S. Open, the one Grand Slam event that was to elude Bjorn. So frustrated was the Swede that he retired while still in his 20's.
McEnroe had already developed a reputation for volatility and tempestuousness, but curiously, when Borg was on the scene, McEnroe kept his temper "somewhat" in check. With the stage to himself, the American seemed to lose all self control. In every match it seemed just a matter of time before he exploded over a line call or some other perceived injustice. He would verbally abuse linesmen, who were usually volunteers, and often delay play for 15 minutes or more.
These episodes reached high theater at the U.S. Open in New York. The National Tennis Center was a short distance from McEnroe's home and at night matches, spectators - not your grandfather's tennis fans - would turn out with the hope of witnessing some fireworks - they were rarely disappointed. When McEnroe acted out, the patrons would roar their approval, and encourage him to go further. It was a bizarre scene, especially since this is the gentlemenly game of tennis we're talking about, not hockey or pro wrestling.
McEnroe was allowed to practice his shtick with impunity, even at international competitions like the Davis Cup - as a superstar he had become untouchable by the Bud Selig-like tennis hierarchy. And all the while, like Iverson and Owens and Lindros and Barkley and others, McEnroe had his ardent defenders. Even today, Johnny Mac continues to cash in on his Peck's bad boy image in commercials and the broadcast booth, while at the same time being treated as an elder statesman of the game. Perhaps in 10 or 15 years, Allen Iverson will be doing American Express commercials.
The Swede Bjorn Borg had dominated the game until McEnroe broke through in the early 80's. Borg was a stoic player who rarely displayed emotion and who was perhaps the most popular and recognizable international athlete of his time. If scientists went into a lab to design Borg's polar opposite, surely they would have come up with McEnroe, a brash native of Queens, New York. More problematic for Borg, the New Yorker's game posed a problem for the Swedish star. Borg was the ultimate baseliner while McEnroe was a net-charger and volleyer. Against most players, the Swede's top spin ground strokes and foot speed eventually prevailed. And in their early matches, the more experienced Borg had the upper hand, but soon the American was intercepting those ground strokes and producing sharply angled volleys for which Borg had no answer. McEnroe prevented Borg from winning the U.S. Open, the one Grand Slam event that was to elude Bjorn. So frustrated was the Swede that he retired while still in his 20's.
McEnroe had already developed a reputation for volatility and tempestuousness, but curiously, when Borg was on the scene, McEnroe kept his temper "somewhat" in check. With the stage to himself, the American seemed to lose all self control. In every match it seemed just a matter of time before he exploded over a line call or some other perceived injustice. He would verbally abuse linesmen, who were usually volunteers, and often delay play for 15 minutes or more.
These episodes reached high theater at the U.S. Open in New York. The National Tennis Center was a short distance from McEnroe's home and at night matches, spectators - not your grandfather's tennis fans - would turn out with the hope of witnessing some fireworks - they were rarely disappointed. When McEnroe acted out, the patrons would roar their approval, and encourage him to go further. It was a bizarre scene, especially since this is the gentlemenly game of tennis we're talking about, not hockey or pro wrestling.
McEnroe was allowed to practice his shtick with impunity, even at international competitions like the Davis Cup - as a superstar he had become untouchable by the Bud Selig-like tennis hierarchy. And all the while, like Iverson and Owens and Lindros and Barkley and others, McEnroe had his ardent defenders. Even today, Johnny Mac continues to cash in on his Peck's bad boy image in commercials and the broadcast booth, while at the same time being treated as an elder statesman of the game. Perhaps in 10 or 15 years, Allen Iverson will be doing American Express commercials.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Eric Bruntlett and the Best Trade in Franchise History
In November 2007, the Phillies made the trade that, when all is said and done, will probably turn out to be the most significant in franchise history. Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and Michael Costanza were sent to the Houston Astros in return for Brad Lidge - and Eric Bruntlett. The value of Lidge needs no elaboration but it's easy to overlook Bruntlett even though his addition has already payed big dividends.
Bruntlett played five seasons with the Astros as a utility player averaging about .250 at the plate over that time. With the Phils, he was in effect replacing Michael Bourn who had served as Pat Burrell's legs in 2007. That is not to minimize the contribution of Bourn who provided excellent late-inning defense and in just over 100 at-bats, stole 18 bases and scored 29 runs. His speed - he probably could have anchored the Olympic 400m relay - was a huge factor in late game rallies. Losing Bourn was not trivial.
But Bruntlett, minus the explosive speed, is also an excellent athlete with the additional dimension of being able to play the infield. He filled in when Jimmy Rollins went down early last season and after a shaky start performed admirably. For the remainder of 2008, Eric reprised Bourn's role as Burrell's alter ego. Bruntlett hit only .217 for the season but came up with some key hits late in the campaign. He had a very strong spring and provided a pinch-hit double on opening night. With the Phillies' shortage of right-handed hitters on the bench, Eric Bruntlett has the opportunity to elevate his role on the club from pinch-runner and defensive replacement to offensive weapon.
You never know in baseball. Michael Bourn could win the Triple Crown. Geoff Geary might win the Cy Young Award. Michael Costanza might be named Rookie of the Year. But right now, Lidge and Bruntlett for Bourn, Geary and Costanza ranks right up there with the Louisiana Purchase.
Bruntlett played five seasons with the Astros as a utility player averaging about .250 at the plate over that time. With the Phils, he was in effect replacing Michael Bourn who had served as Pat Burrell's legs in 2007. That is not to minimize the contribution of Bourn who provided excellent late-inning defense and in just over 100 at-bats, stole 18 bases and scored 29 runs. His speed - he probably could have anchored the Olympic 400m relay - was a huge factor in late game rallies. Losing Bourn was not trivial.
But Bruntlett, minus the explosive speed, is also an excellent athlete with the additional dimension of being able to play the infield. He filled in when Jimmy Rollins went down early last season and after a shaky start performed admirably. For the remainder of 2008, Eric reprised Bourn's role as Burrell's alter ego. Bruntlett hit only .217 for the season but came up with some key hits late in the campaign. He had a very strong spring and provided a pinch-hit double on opening night. With the Phillies' shortage of right-handed hitters on the bench, Eric Bruntlett has the opportunity to elevate his role on the club from pinch-runner and defensive replacement to offensive weapon.
You never know in baseball. Michael Bourn could win the Triple Crown. Geoff Geary might win the Cy Young Award. Michael Costanza might be named Rookie of the Year. But right now, Lidge and Bruntlett for Bourn, Geary and Costanza ranks right up there with the Louisiana Purchase.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Villanova Should Not Be A Heavy Underdog Against Carolina
In March 2005, Villanova played North Carolina in the Sweet 16. Nova was without star forward Curtis Sumpter who had injured his knee in the 2nd round against Florida. Without Sumpter, the Cats were heavy, heavy underdogs against a loaded Tarheel team - a squad including Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, Sean May, and Marvin Williams that was even more talented than the current group. But Nova played the Heels to a standstill, losing 67-66 to the eventual champions with the help of a terrible traveling call against Allan Ray with 9 seconds to play.
So the Wildcats have a chance at a reversal of fortune when they play NC next Saturday and while Carolina will be favored, Nova will not be the long shot it was in '05 or for that matter in 1985 against Georgetown. North Carolina has balance and depth - but so does Villanova who can get scoring from at least as many sources as the Chapel Hill bunch. For the past two months, the Cats have been playing as well as anyone in the country when you consider their competition. In particular, their defense has been otherworldly. What that "D" did to 30-win Duke and Gerald Henderson was nothing short of humiliation- if it were a boxing match, the ref would have had to declare a TKO. Nova actually should have beaten a fine Pitt team by a wider margin. That they didn't is a tribute to the collective heart of Blair, Young, and Fields (Fields' two free throws to tie the game were a profile in moxie).
But to beat Carolina, there is little margin for error. Their size poses match-up problems but no more than Connecticut to whom the Cats lost a tight game in the regular season. Ty Lawson, of course, poses match-up problems for everybody, but the Nova guards should be able to attack the 5' 11" Lawson as well. If the team can hold its own on the boards, avoid foul trouble (the downside of playing their aggressive brand of defense), and survive some early-game nerves, Villanova basketball could be on the verge of something very big.
So the Wildcats have a chance at a reversal of fortune when they play NC next Saturday and while Carolina will be favored, Nova will not be the long shot it was in '05 or for that matter in 1985 against Georgetown. North Carolina has balance and depth - but so does Villanova who can get scoring from at least as many sources as the Chapel Hill bunch. For the past two months, the Cats have been playing as well as anyone in the country when you consider their competition. In particular, their defense has been otherworldly. What that "D" did to 30-win Duke and Gerald Henderson was nothing short of humiliation- if it were a boxing match, the ref would have had to declare a TKO. Nova actually should have beaten a fine Pitt team by a wider margin. That they didn't is a tribute to the collective heart of Blair, Young, and Fields (Fields' two free throws to tie the game were a profile in moxie).
But to beat Carolina, there is little margin for error. Their size poses match-up problems but no more than Connecticut to whom the Cats lost a tight game in the regular season. Ty Lawson, of course, poses match-up problems for everybody, but the Nova guards should be able to attack the 5' 11" Lawson as well. If the team can hold its own on the boards, avoid foul trouble (the downside of playing their aggressive brand of defense), and survive some early-game nerves, Villanova basketball could be on the verge of something very big.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Re-Emergence of Thaddeus Young
Going into this season, there was probably no player on the Sixers with greater upside than Thaddeus Young. As a rookie in 2007-08, he struggled early in the season and saw limited playing time. But in the second half of the year, Young thrived in the team's new up-tempo system where his athleticism was on full display. In the off-season, he worked on his outside shot and this paid dividends as the 08-09 campaign kicked off. However, this was short-lived as the team in general, and Young in particular, went into a deep funk, probably at least partly due to difficulty in adapting to the presence of Elton Brand. The Georgia Tech star averaged only in the low double figures for the first couple of months and then picked it up only to the 14-15 ppg level with a poor shooting percentage. He seemed confused, indecisive and was settling for too many three-point attempts.
But in the last 4-6 weeks Young seems to have regained his confidence. He is going to the hoop with authority, taking advantage of his speed and elevation, and his left-handedness. In March, he has been averaging 20 ppg and scored 29 last night in the win over the Timberwolves. The Sixers now have a very solid threesome of Young, Miller and Iguodala who are capable of scoring 60 or more points in a game and this triple threat presents a challenge to opposing defenses.
In order to make a run in the playoffs, these three need to keep their foot on the gas pedal, but they will need help. This is where the coaching staff needs to think outside the box. Lou Williams and Marreese Speights are excellent offensive players who need more minutes. Yes, you sacrifice some defense and rebounding but it's worth the risk. They don't necessarily have to start but it should be possible to up their playing time. Williams is only averaging 23 mpg and Speights 15 mpg. Williams in particular is such an explosive scorer that if he saw 30-33 minutes, he could well score 17-20 ppg. The rest of the roster - Dalembert, Green, Ivey, Marshall, Evans - is just too inconsistent.
But in the last 4-6 weeks Young seems to have regained his confidence. He is going to the hoop with authority, taking advantage of his speed and elevation, and his left-handedness. In March, he has been averaging 20 ppg and scored 29 last night in the win over the Timberwolves. The Sixers now have a very solid threesome of Young, Miller and Iguodala who are capable of scoring 60 or more points in a game and this triple threat presents a challenge to opposing defenses.
In order to make a run in the playoffs, these three need to keep their foot on the gas pedal, but they will need help. This is where the coaching staff needs to think outside the box. Lou Williams and Marreese Speights are excellent offensive players who need more minutes. Yes, you sacrifice some defense and rebounding but it's worth the risk. They don't necessarily have to start but it should be possible to up their playing time. Williams is only averaging 23 mpg and Speights 15 mpg. Williams in particular is such an explosive scorer that if he saw 30-33 minutes, he could well score 17-20 ppg. The rest of the roster - Dalembert, Green, Ivey, Marshall, Evans - is just too inconsistent.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sixers Squander "Big Win", No Offensive Superstars in the Big Dance
SIXERS SQUANDER A "BIG WIN"
The Sixer loss to Phoenix a couple of nights ago completely negated what might have seemed to be a very significant road win over the Lakers the previous night. The fading Suns have been imploding and may not even make the playoffs but Philly could not ride any momentum from their "big" win in LA. That "big" win surely must now be considered a fluke, enabled primarily by Kobe Bryant's foul trouble. Dalembert, Speights and Ratliff combined for 4 points against Phoenix. Iguodala managed only 11 points. Unacceptable. Webster may have to add a new synonym for "mediocrity" - the 2008-09 Sixers.
SEARCHING FOR AN OFFENSIVE SUPERSTAR
With the absence of Davidson and Stephen Curry from the Big Dance, there is a notable absence of a true offensive superstar - someone who can carry his team with successive 30+ point nights through the tournament. Basketball is a team game but this is an element of March Madness that I will miss.
The Sixer loss to Phoenix a couple of nights ago completely negated what might have seemed to be a very significant road win over the Lakers the previous night. The fading Suns have been imploding and may not even make the playoffs but Philly could not ride any momentum from their "big" win in LA. That "big" win surely must now be considered a fluke, enabled primarily by Kobe Bryant's foul trouble. Dalembert, Speights and Ratliff combined for 4 points against Phoenix. Iguodala managed only 11 points. Unacceptable. Webster may have to add a new synonym for "mediocrity" - the 2008-09 Sixers.
SEARCHING FOR AN OFFENSIVE SUPERSTAR
With the absence of Davidson and Stephen Curry from the Big Dance, there is a notable absence of a true offensive superstar - someone who can carry his team with successive 30+ point nights through the tournament. Basketball is a team game but this is an element of March Madness that I will miss.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Sixer Malaise, Bobcats in Rear View Mirror, Pitt's Tourney Chances
Sixer Malaise
The Sixer win over the Raptors Wednesday night comes under the dog bites man category. But the home team needs any kind of win right now, so they can't be too fussy over the caliber of the competition. Likewise, Sam Dalembert had a monster night, for him, 18 pts and 13 rb, but against pretty much phantom opposition. But it shows how important he can be for the team, particularly when Miller and Iguodala are having sub-par nights. For reasons which are not altogether clear, this Sixer team just does not seem as dangerous as they appeared 4-6 weeks ago. They are not as energetic, perhaps because the two Andres - their two most important players - are pretty banged up. The team's defense is spotty and yes, their outside shooting deficiencies keeping resurfacing. At times, Andre Miller looks like their most reliable shooter and that's not a good sign.
It's been said over and over again but the Sixers have to run if they're going to make any noise in the next couple of months. To fully exploit Thaddeus Young and Iguodala, they should be filling the lanes. And if the break isn't there, they should push the ball up anyway. They should be doing this on every possession but it's not happening, not even close.
Bobcats in the Rear View Mirror
Charlotte is a hot team and has moved into the playoff picture. While it's very unlikely, if the Sixers collapse, the Bobcats could catch or surpass them. It would be both ironic and embarrassing if Larry Brown's crew was to upstage his old team.
Pitt's Tournament Chances
The University of Pittsburgh has had another outstanding season under Jamie Dixon. He, like Jay Wright, does a remarkable job without the benefit of the top heavy talent at the likes of North Carolina and Connecticut. Pitt hasn't gotten past the Sweet 16 in recent years but this year they are projected #1 seed and many are predicting them to be a Final 4 team. I hope they're right, but I don't think so. They just don't have a margin for error as they are small and depend so heavily on Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and Levance Fields. But Blair is prone to foul trouble and Fields is hurting. Young is their best player and a real blue chipper, but unless they get exceptional production from their role players like Wanamaker and Dixon, too much pressure will be put on Young to carry the offense. Of course, much depends on brackets and match-ups, but I think this very likeable group of overachievers will come up a little short, again. Unfortunately, last night's loss to West Virginia in the Big East Tournament only reinforces this thinking.
The Sixer win over the Raptors Wednesday night comes under the dog bites man category. But the home team needs any kind of win right now, so they can't be too fussy over the caliber of the competition. Likewise, Sam Dalembert had a monster night, for him, 18 pts and 13 rb, but against pretty much phantom opposition. But it shows how important he can be for the team, particularly when Miller and Iguodala are having sub-par nights. For reasons which are not altogether clear, this Sixer team just does not seem as dangerous as they appeared 4-6 weeks ago. They are not as energetic, perhaps because the two Andres - their two most important players - are pretty banged up. The team's defense is spotty and yes, their outside shooting deficiencies keeping resurfacing. At times, Andre Miller looks like their most reliable shooter and that's not a good sign.
It's been said over and over again but the Sixers have to run if they're going to make any noise in the next couple of months. To fully exploit Thaddeus Young and Iguodala, they should be filling the lanes. And if the break isn't there, they should push the ball up anyway. They should be doing this on every possession but it's not happening, not even close.
Bobcats in the Rear View Mirror
Charlotte is a hot team and has moved into the playoff picture. While it's very unlikely, if the Sixers collapse, the Bobcats could catch or surpass them. It would be both ironic and embarrassing if Larry Brown's crew was to upstage his old team.
Pitt's Tournament Chances
The University of Pittsburgh has had another outstanding season under Jamie Dixon. He, like Jay Wright, does a remarkable job without the benefit of the top heavy talent at the likes of North Carolina and Connecticut. Pitt hasn't gotten past the Sweet 16 in recent years but this year they are projected #1 seed and many are predicting them to be a Final 4 team. I hope they're right, but I don't think so. They just don't have a margin for error as they are small and depend so heavily on Sam Young, DeJuan Blair and Levance Fields. But Blair is prone to foul trouble and Fields is hurting. Young is their best player and a real blue chipper, but unless they get exceptional production from their role players like Wanamaker and Dixon, too much pressure will be put on Young to carry the offense. Of course, much depends on brackets and match-ups, but I think this very likeable group of overachievers will come up a little short, again. Unfortunately, last night's loss to West Virginia in the Big East Tournament only reinforces this thinking.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Best Center in the NBA?: Hint - It's Not Dalembert
The Best Center in Basketball?
Is Yao Ming the best center in basketball? That would not be the first choice here, but when Richard Justice, the respected writer for the Houston Chronicle made that claim recently, it gave pause. Justice sees Yao on a regular basis and the Chinese star certainly possesses remarkable skills for a 7' 6" man, notably a soft shooting touch. And he certainly has solid numbers, 20 ppg and 10 rpg. But he is slow and plodding, usually late getting down the court, prone to injury and he seems to tire quickly. Dwight Howard gets my vote. Young, more athletic, more of a defensive and rebounding force, with solid numbers of his own - 20 and 14. But it's noteworthy that there isn't more competition. The center position, particularly with Shaq in the twilight of his career, is just not the glamour position it once was. Most of the big men now tend to be role players, specialists, and very few are offensive minded.
Samuel Dalembert - Perpetual Work in Progress
Is Yao Ming the best center in basketball? That would not be the first choice here, but when Richard Justice, the respected writer for the Houston Chronicle made that claim recently, it gave pause. Justice sees Yao on a regular basis and the Chinese star certainly possesses remarkable skills for a 7' 6" man, notably a soft shooting touch. And he certainly has solid numbers, 20 ppg and 10 rpg. But he is slow and plodding, usually late getting down the court, prone to injury and he seems to tire quickly. Dwight Howard gets my vote. Young, more athletic, more of a defensive and rebounding force, with solid numbers of his own - 20 and 14. But it's noteworthy that there isn't more competition. The center position, particularly with Shaq in the twilight of his career, is just not the glamour position it once was. Most of the big men now tend to be role players, specialists, and very few are offensive minded.
Samuel Dalembert - Perpetual Work in Progress
Sam Dalembert is definitely not in the conversation when discussing the best centers in the NBA. In the Sixers-Hornets game last week he spent most of the time on the bench with his head in a towel. Perhaps with his French heritage, he has an existentialist bent and was contemplating the meaning of life. Or perhaps he was lamenting investing his money with Bernie Madoff. But the best guess is that he was displeased about his meager playing time. After getting lit up by David West, admittedly a tough match-up, for 14 points in the first quarter, Dalembert finished the night with only 12 minutes and 2 points.
The Seton Hall alumnus has a penchant for pouting but he now in his 7th year and he needs to get over it. He will be paid well over $30 million over the next three seasons and there aren't many professions where a mediocrity can pull in that kind of cash - investment banking does come to mind though. Kate Fagan did a nice job in the Sunday Inquirer of enumerating Dalembert's shortcomings. In all his time in the league, has he learned a single post-up move? If he has, it's the best-kept secret since the Manhattan Project. In the Hornets game, Dalembert took 4 shots. One was an off-balance baseline jump shot, a terrible percentage shot. Another was a tear-drop, a la Tony Parker, from 5 feet - this should have been an emphatic slam dunk. Last night against the intimidating Oklahoma City Thunder, things went from very bad to very, very bad as Dalembert tallied 0 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes. At times, he looked absolutely bewildered by what was going on around him.
Yes, Dalembert's primary roles are defense and rebounding. But when the Sixer offense is sputtering, as it has been lately, a no-offense center is a real liability. And when you throw in the tendency to commit silly fouls, is it any mystery the team found little interest in Dalembert as the trade deadline approached in February? Signing him to a huge long term deal was one of the biggest mistakes the previous front office regime made and it will continue to be an albatross around the neck of this team as it attempts to move to the next level.
Unfortunately for the Sixers, Dalembert is far from their only problem right now. Since the All Star break the team has been mired in mediocrity. Last night, against the dreadful Thunder, they were dreadful themselves. Right now, they are indeed looking like a one-and-done team in the playoffs.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thoughts on Barkley, Calhoun, Iverson, Vitale
Barkley for Governor?:
For some time, Charles Barkley has expressed an interest in running for public office, specifically, the governorship of Alabama. However, there may be a better opportunity in another state. Since he will be serving a jail term in a few weeks, that should give him the inside track in the next race for governor of Illinois where incarceration seems to be a right of passage for ambitious politicians. Usually the governor does time after his term in office, but why not reverse the sequence and get it out of the way?
Another Look at Iverson for Billups:
Questions were raised here and elsewhere about the wisdom of trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson at the beginning of the season. Or should we say lack of wisdom? The Pistons, with Iverson, had until recently gone under .500 and were fading fast. Meanwhile, the Nuggets were in first place in their division, a real upside surprise. To add fuel to the fire, with Iverson out with a back injury, the Motor City squad has won two in a row to get back to .500, including a win over the Celtics on Sunday. Defenders of the trade can still cite cap space considerations as the primary rationale for the deal. But is this a case of destroying the team in order to save it?
Jim Calhoun of Connecticut has never come across as Mr. Warmth or as a master of tact or diplomacy. So when he was ambushed by a journalist/activist/community organizer over his lucrative pay package, sure enough he proceeded to propel a very awkward situation into a public relations nightmare, saying, among other things, that he was getting old and would "like to be able to retire one day". Calhoun must be another one of those gloom-and-doomers who think Social Security and food stamps won't be there when he needs them.
A million dollars has practically become the minimum salary for big-time college football and basketball coaches, and many coaches like Billy Gillispie, Billy Donovan and Nick Saban make considerably more, not including outside income. Saban was reportedly given the entire state of Alabama. There are probably a dozen things Calhoun could have said to diffuse the situation, like "I don't think this is the appropriate time to discuss your legitimate question but I would be glad to meet with you at a mutually convenient time either publicly or privately". Or, "I am aware that I make a ridiculous amount of money to do something I love but I bring a great deal of revenue into the university and in our society, for better or worse, collegiate athletics is big business". Maybe the University of Connecticut should include anger management classes in Calhoun's compensation package.
For some time, Charles Barkley has expressed an interest in running for public office, specifically, the governorship of Alabama. However, there may be a better opportunity in another state. Since he will be serving a jail term in a few weeks, that should give him the inside track in the next race for governor of Illinois where incarceration seems to be a right of passage for ambitious politicians. Usually the governor does time after his term in office, but why not reverse the sequence and get it out of the way?
Another Look at Iverson for Billups:
Questions were raised here and elsewhere about the wisdom of trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson at the beginning of the season. Or should we say lack of wisdom? The Pistons, with Iverson, had until recently gone under .500 and were fading fast. Meanwhile, the Nuggets were in first place in their division, a real upside surprise. To add fuel to the fire, with Iverson out with a back injury, the Motor City squad has won two in a row to get back to .500, including a win over the Celtics on Sunday. Defenders of the trade can still cite cap space considerations as the primary rationale for the deal. But is this a case of destroying the team in order to save it?
Jim Calhoun - How to Win Friends and Influence People:
Jim Calhoun of Connecticut has never come across as Mr. Warmth or as a master of tact or diplomacy. So when he was ambushed by a journalist/activist/community organizer over his lucrative pay package, sure enough he proceeded to propel a very awkward situation into a public relations nightmare, saying, among other things, that he was getting old and would "like to be able to retire one day". Calhoun must be another one of those gloom-and-doomers who think Social Security and food stamps won't be there when he needs them.
A million dollars has practically become the minimum salary for big-time college football and basketball coaches, and many coaches like Billy Gillispie, Billy Donovan and Nick Saban make considerably more, not including outside income. Saban was reportedly given the entire state of Alabama. There are probably a dozen things Calhoun could have said to diffuse the situation, like "I don't think this is the appropriate time to discuss your legitimate question but I would be glad to meet with you at a mutually convenient time either publicly or privately". Or, "I am aware that I make a ridiculous amount of money to do something I love but I bring a great deal of revenue into the university and in our society, for better or worse, collegiate athletics is big business". Maybe the University of Connecticut should include anger management classes in Calhoun's compensation package.
Dick Vitale - Spokesman for the Downtrodden:
In commenting on the Calhoun affair, Dick Vitale, never content to put just one foot in his mouth, said that Calhoun is grossly underpaid. It's not the money you understand, but the principle.
Stephon Marbury - Worth the Risk?
There is always a risk when a team with good chemistry acquires a problem child, as the Celtics have done with Stephon Marbury. However, in this instance, Rasheed Wallace could be an appropriate case study. Wallace was a perennial poster boy for underachievement and uneven effort as a Trailblazer while being paid tens of millions - not exactly a testimony to his professionalism. But when traded to a championship caliber team, he took advantage of the opportunity and cleaned up his act enough to become an integral part of Detroit's championship run. Marbury could do the same for Boston. It's also unlikely that Kevin Garnett would put up with any nonsense from his new teammate. The one difference, and it's a major one, is that Marbury hasn't played for 18 months.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Chad Durbin's Importance to the Phillies
Last July 4th, on a rainy night in Philadelphia, the Phillies hosted their kissin cousins, the Mets. The odds makers makers had to like New York's chances as free agent sweepstakes winner Johan Santana was facing off against J.A. Happ in the latter's first big league start. Prior to the game, a simple but moving ceremony was held with members of our armed forces to mark the national holiday. Once the game got underway, the home team probably wished they could enlist the Army and Navy into their cause as Santana pitched like the superstar he is paid to be. He looked untouchable through five innings, but in the bottom of the 6th, the Phils were able maximize a few seeing eye hits and manufacture 2 runs.
Meanwhile, Happ was giving a good account of himself but he succumbed to a high pitch count and four walks after yielding two runs. Charlie Manuel pulled him with two outs in the fifth and brought in Chad Durbin. This is where things started to get interesting. Durbin proceeded to pitch 2 1/3 innings allowing no runs or hits and striking out 6 of the 7 batters he faced - one of the most scintillating performances of any Phillie hurler all year. Against a pitcher like Santana this effort might well have been wasted. But in a scenario which would be repeated more than once in '08, Durbin held the fort for Madson, who held the fort for Lidge. And Shane Victorino came through with a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 9th against the always cooperative Mets' bullpen. A most unlikely 3-2 victory.
31 year-old Chad Durbin probably carries one of the lowest profiles on the Phillies' squad and not just because of his understated personality. Prior to last season, his 10th in the big leagues, his career had been rather nondescript. In 2006, in fact, he spent a good deal of time in the minors. But in 2007, he had a very serviceable year with the Tigers. He made 36 appearances including 19 starts and compiled an 8-7 record with an ERA of 4.72, his personal best for a full season. However, the Tigers thought they had enough pitchers (remember Dontrelle Willis?) so Durbin opted for free agency and signed with the Phils.
In 2008, his first year in South Philly, coming out of the bullpen in middle relief for the most part, Durbin pitched 87 innings with an ERA of 2.87 with 63 strikeouts and a 5-4 record. A breakout season. He played a key role in a bullpen which was the glue for the team for most of the year when the hitting sputtered and the starters faltered. And the Fightin's were hardly loaded with long relievers so the Illinois native and Louisiana resident provided an unexpected lift, particularly in the mid-portion of the campaign when the starting rotation was being held together with scotch tape and Krazy Glue - Myers was in the minors and Kendricks was faltering.
The question before the house is can Durbin continue to be effective? There were some dark clouds forming late last year. While his ERA was 1.89 before the All Star break, it was 4.33 after the break with a lower strikeout ratio. Moreover, in September and October, the ERA rose to 5.50. The explanation most often offered for the drop-off was fatigue. Durbin was called on so often early in the season, he was running on empty in August and September, or at least that was the theory offered by the coaches and front office. Hopefully, this was the case and the coaches will be able to pace him this summer. But it's also possible that he was coming back down to earth - remember that his career numbers didn't foreshadow greatness. Or perhaps the hitters around the league just started to get on to him as he had been primarily an American League pitcher - his National League experience consisted of 9 innings with Arizona in 2004.
These questions are not trivial. While one of the big political stories last year was the "bridge to nowhere", the big story involving the Phillies was the bridge to Lidge, which culminated in the bridge to a championship. Chad Durbin was an important component of that bridge. With J.C. Romero out for a long stretch, the team is going to need the rest of the pitching staff to pick up the slack. Durbin could play a key role here if he can help the team get past the 7th inning when the starters get the early hook. The right-hander may not be irreplaceable, but the team would prefer not to have to find out. They don't want that bridge to Lidge to turn into a wide open drawbridge.
Meanwhile, Happ was giving a good account of himself but he succumbed to a high pitch count and four walks after yielding two runs. Charlie Manuel pulled him with two outs in the fifth and brought in Chad Durbin. This is where things started to get interesting. Durbin proceeded to pitch 2 1/3 innings allowing no runs or hits and striking out 6 of the 7 batters he faced - one of the most scintillating performances of any Phillie hurler all year. Against a pitcher like Santana this effort might well have been wasted. But in a scenario which would be repeated more than once in '08, Durbin held the fort for Madson, who held the fort for Lidge. And Shane Victorino came through with a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 9th against the always cooperative Mets' bullpen. A most unlikely 3-2 victory.
31 year-old Chad Durbin probably carries one of the lowest profiles on the Phillies' squad and not just because of his understated personality. Prior to last season, his 10th in the big leagues, his career had been rather nondescript. In 2006, in fact, he spent a good deal of time in the minors. But in 2007, he had a very serviceable year with the Tigers. He made 36 appearances including 19 starts and compiled an 8-7 record with an ERA of 4.72, his personal best for a full season. However, the Tigers thought they had enough pitchers (remember Dontrelle Willis?) so Durbin opted for free agency and signed with the Phils.
In 2008, his first year in South Philly, coming out of the bullpen in middle relief for the most part, Durbin pitched 87 innings with an ERA of 2.87 with 63 strikeouts and a 5-4 record. A breakout season. He played a key role in a bullpen which was the glue for the team for most of the year when the hitting sputtered and the starters faltered. And the Fightin's were hardly loaded with long relievers so the Illinois native and Louisiana resident provided an unexpected lift, particularly in the mid-portion of the campaign when the starting rotation was being held together with scotch tape and Krazy Glue - Myers was in the minors and Kendricks was faltering.
The question before the house is can Durbin continue to be effective? There were some dark clouds forming late last year. While his ERA was 1.89 before the All Star break, it was 4.33 after the break with a lower strikeout ratio. Moreover, in September and October, the ERA rose to 5.50. The explanation most often offered for the drop-off was fatigue. Durbin was called on so often early in the season, he was running on empty in August and September, or at least that was the theory offered by the coaches and front office. Hopefully, this was the case and the coaches will be able to pace him this summer. But it's also possible that he was coming back down to earth - remember that his career numbers didn't foreshadow greatness. Or perhaps the hitters around the league just started to get on to him as he had been primarily an American League pitcher - his National League experience consisted of 9 innings with Arizona in 2004.
These questions are not trivial. While one of the big political stories last year was the "bridge to nowhere", the big story involving the Phillies was the bridge to Lidge, which culminated in the bridge to a championship. Chad Durbin was an important component of that bridge. With J.C. Romero out for a long stretch, the team is going to need the rest of the pitching staff to pick up the slack. Durbin could play a key role here if he can help the team get past the 7th inning when the starters get the early hook. The right-hander may not be irreplaceable, but the team would prefer not to have to find out. They don't want that bridge to Lidge to turn into a wide open drawbridge.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Citizens Park, Homer Heaven - Fact or Fiction?
Since its official opening on April 3, 2004, Citizens Bank Park has been considered a hitter's park, particularly friendly to the long ball. In that first year, 228 home runs were hit in the stadium, the most in the NL. After the 2005 season, the fences in left and left center were moved back 5 ft. But the Bank continues to be among the leaders in homers allowed.
There have been numerous analyses, some claiming to be very sophisticated, of major league parks and their hitter-friendliness. But in fact it would require a battery of Pentagon super computers to factor in all the variables - number of at-bats, temperature and wind, sinker ballers vs. rising fastballers, day games vs night games, quality of hitting, quality of pitching, and on and on. Here are a few unsophisticated observations and we'll concentrate on the National League since the DH muddies the water in the AL:
Last year, 189 HR were hit at the Bank, 3rd in the NL, and 109 of those were by Phillies. But bleacherreport.com points out the Phils hit 105 HR on the road, implying (and only that) that the home field did not provide a particular advantage. Among the team's prime power hitters, only Chase Utley seemed to benefit significantly at home - 20 of his 33 HR were at home, and that seems about right.
Turning this around, the top three starting pitchers - Hamels, Myers, and Moyer - gave up about the same number of homers at home and on the road. Hamels and Myers, in particular, are home run prone, so this is noteworthy.
So after five years, it would seem reasonable to conclude that the Phillies' home field is receptive to the home run, but not dramatically so. Aside from special cases like the wind in Chicago and San Francisco, or the altitude of Colorado, if there is a common denominator to indicate a park's susceptibility to the long ball, it's a simplistic one - dimensions. Most home runs are hit between the lines and power alleys. In parks where that zone is in the 330-370 ft range - Philly, New York (where Shea Stadium is on the verge of being replaced), Florida, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, etc. - there tend to be more long balls than in those where the alleys approach 390 ft like Atlanta, St. Louis and San Diego. So ballparks are fine but I'll take good hitting and pitching every time.
There have been numerous analyses, some claiming to be very sophisticated, of major league parks and their hitter-friendliness. But in fact it would require a battery of Pentagon super computers to factor in all the variables - number of at-bats, temperature and wind, sinker ballers vs. rising fastballers, day games vs night games, quality of hitting, quality of pitching, and on and on. Here are a few unsophisticated observations and we'll concentrate on the National League since the DH muddies the water in the AL:
Last year, 189 HR were hit at the Bank, 3rd in the NL, and 109 of those were by Phillies. But bleacherreport.com points out the Phils hit 105 HR on the road, implying (and only that) that the home field did not provide a particular advantage. Among the team's prime power hitters, only Chase Utley seemed to benefit significantly at home - 20 of his 33 HR were at home, and that seems about right.
Turning this around, the top three starting pitchers - Hamels, Myers, and Moyer - gave up about the same number of homers at home and on the road. Hamels and Myers, in particular, are home run prone, so this is noteworthy.
So after five years, it would seem reasonable to conclude that the Phillies' home field is receptive to the home run, but not dramatically so. Aside from special cases like the wind in Chicago and San Francisco, or the altitude of Colorado, if there is a common denominator to indicate a park's susceptibility to the long ball, it's a simplistic one - dimensions. Most home runs are hit between the lines and power alleys. In parks where that zone is in the 330-370 ft range - Philly, New York (where Shea Stadium is on the verge of being replaced), Florida, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, etc. - there tend to be more long balls than in those where the alleys approach 390 ft like Atlanta, St. Louis and San Diego. So ballparks are fine but I'll take good hitting and pitching every time.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Phillies' Catching Conundrum
One of the puzzles of the 2008 season was the precipitous decline in the offensive production of the Phillies' catching core of Carlos Ruiz and Chris Coste. Ruiz, who by year end had won the everyday job, hit .219 in 320 at-bats. Coste hit .263 in 274 at-bats. This was in stark contrast to 2007, when Ruiz hit .259 in 374 a-bats and Coste .279 in 129 at-bats. And Coste hit .328 in almost 200 at-bats in '06. So last year's decline is hard to ignore and even harder to explain. Particularly painful - together, the two catchers hit into 24 double plays in '08; that's a whole lot of rally killers.
Coste's drop off was particularly striking as he hit only .239 after the All Star break last year - this from a player who had contributed many clutch hits in the previous two years and had become something of a folk hero. Now his place on the roster seems to be in jeapardy as he competes with the newly acquired Ronny Paulino. The latter's resume is not overwhelming as he spent most of last season in the minors but prior to that he did have two respectable hitting seasons with the Pirates.
Ruiz did show signs of life last year. After the All Star break, he hit .244 and he was an offensive star in the playoffs so it will be most interesting to see which version of the man from Panama emerges this year. No less an authority than Chris Coste believes the late-blooming bat of Ruiz was the real McCoy.
So why does this matter? Is a good-hitting catcher a necessity? The Phils did after all win the world championship. Yes, but to do that a lot of stars had to line up in the South Philly sky - Can Brad Lidge be perfect for the duration of the Obama administration? Can Ryan Howard hit 100 home runs every September? Can Ryan Madson find another 5 mph on his fastball? Look at some of the catchers in the rest of the division - Brian McCann of the Braves, John Baker of the Marlins, Brian Schneider of the Mets - and you find solid hitters with power. Carlos Ruiz may be an excellent defensive catcher but if the Phillies are going to make a run as perennial contenders, it would sure help if he could raise his average 30 points or so.
Coste's drop off was particularly striking as he hit only .239 after the All Star break last year - this from a player who had contributed many clutch hits in the previous two years and had become something of a folk hero. Now his place on the roster seems to be in jeapardy as he competes with the newly acquired Ronny Paulino. The latter's resume is not overwhelming as he spent most of last season in the minors but prior to that he did have two respectable hitting seasons with the Pirates.
Ruiz did show signs of life last year. After the All Star break, he hit .244 and he was an offensive star in the playoffs so it will be most interesting to see which version of the man from Panama emerges this year. No less an authority than Chris Coste believes the late-blooming bat of Ruiz was the real McCoy.
So why does this matter? Is a good-hitting catcher a necessity? The Phils did after all win the world championship. Yes, but to do that a lot of stars had to line up in the South Philly sky - Can Brad Lidge be perfect for the duration of the Obama administration? Can Ryan Howard hit 100 home runs every September? Can Ryan Madson find another 5 mph on his fastball? Look at some of the catchers in the rest of the division - Brian McCann of the Braves, John Baker of the Marlins, Brian Schneider of the Mets - and you find solid hitters with power. Carlos Ruiz may be an excellent defensive catcher but if the Phillies are going to make a run as perennial contenders, it would sure help if he could raise his average 30 points or so.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Trade Deadline Approaches But Sixers Should Stand Pat
With Elton Brand officially out of the equation for this year, the Sixers are now officially a running team again - in effect the same team that was so successful last year. And in recent weeks, they have been replicating that success. But a number of national and local commentators seem to have concluded that the home team has limited upside with its existing roster. They will make the playoffs, of course, probably in the 7th spot, but would then lose to Boston, Cleveland or Orlando, or so these pundits conclude. However, a cursory look at the standings shows this to be far from a foregone conclusion. The Sixers in fact have a very legitimate shot at finishing as high as 4th so they wouldn't even have to face one of the Big 3 in the first round.
But why not raise the bar and set more ambitious goals? A Sixer upset of the Cavs, Celtics or Magic is not unrealistic, for two reasons. First, because of the turmoil in Philly this year surrounding the Brand integration, or lack thereof, the team has not had the chance to recapture last year's momentum. They are in the process of doing that now, and as their confidence builds, there is room for significant upside over the next couple of months.
Second, and perhaps more important, the team's young players are better than they were last year. Andre Iguodala is approaching veteran status and playing his best ball. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams are showing more maturity to go with their explosive offensive games. Willie Green and even Royal Ivey are solid role players. Sam Dalembert, limiting his role to shot blocking, rebounding and alley-oop dunks is contributing again. Then there is Marreese Speights who may be the perfect counterpoint to Dalembert's offensive underachievement. Speights is the wild card for this team if he can limit his immaturity mistakes. He is already creating match-up nightmares for the opposition. The Sixers didn't have Speights last year when they lost to the Pistons in 6 games, so he brings a major new dimension to the team.
And finally there is Andre Miller. Iguodala fans make take offense but Miller is the GPS for this team - passing, scoring, rebounding, defending, making good decisions. Here's a question. Which point guard in the Eastern Conference, or the Western Conference for that matter, is outplaying Miller this year? The first one with the correct answer wins two tickets to Cher's 15th Annual Farewell Concert ................ Time's up. The correct answer? No point guard is doing more for his team than Andre Miller, All Star balloting not withstanding.
Yes, the Sixers could use additional outside shooting. Yes they could use more size at guard and forward. But not at the expense of the delicate chemistry it's taken a half of a season to regain. They should allow the trade deadline to come and go and make their playoff run with this group. Any major personnel moves should be delayed until the off season.
But why not raise the bar and set more ambitious goals? A Sixer upset of the Cavs, Celtics or Magic is not unrealistic, for two reasons. First, because of the turmoil in Philly this year surrounding the Brand integration, or lack thereof, the team has not had the chance to recapture last year's momentum. They are in the process of doing that now, and as their confidence builds, there is room for significant upside over the next couple of months.
Second, and perhaps more important, the team's young players are better than they were last year. Andre Iguodala is approaching veteran status and playing his best ball. Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams are showing more maturity to go with their explosive offensive games. Willie Green and even Royal Ivey are solid role players. Sam Dalembert, limiting his role to shot blocking, rebounding and alley-oop dunks is contributing again. Then there is Marreese Speights who may be the perfect counterpoint to Dalembert's offensive underachievement. Speights is the wild card for this team if he can limit his immaturity mistakes. He is already creating match-up nightmares for the opposition. The Sixers didn't have Speights last year when they lost to the Pistons in 6 games, so he brings a major new dimension to the team.
And finally there is Andre Miller. Iguodala fans make take offense but Miller is the GPS for this team - passing, scoring, rebounding, defending, making good decisions. Here's a question. Which point guard in the Eastern Conference, or the Western Conference for that matter, is outplaying Miller this year? The first one with the correct answer wins two tickets to Cher's 15th Annual Farewell Concert ................ Time's up. The correct answer? No point guard is doing more for his team than Andre Miller, All Star balloting not withstanding.
Yes, the Sixers could use additional outside shooting. Yes they could use more size at guard and forward. But not at the expense of the delicate chemistry it's taken a half of a season to regain. They should allow the trade deadline to come and go and make their playoff run with this group. Any major personnel moves should be delayed until the off season.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Carlos Beltran vs. Shane Victorino - Who is More Valuable?
If you were going to mass produce a major league outfielder, Carlos Beltran of the Mets would be an excellent prototype. 6 ft 1 in, 190 lbs, excellent foot speed and base stealer, solid defensively, switch hitter with tape measure power on both sides. To top it all off, it does it all effortlessly. After Beltran turned the baseball world on its ear in 2004 while with the Astros, hitting 8 home runs in the post-season, the Mets signed him to the biggest contract in franchise history to that point, 7 years for $119 million. After watching the young man from Puerto Rico play, you wonder how he does not hit .350 and 50 HR every year. It's unfair that anyone should be so talented.
But in his four years with the Mets, he has not hit .350, nor .320 or .300. His best was .282. His highest home run total, 41. He has averaged over 100 rbi and it's true his production has been limited by injuries, but it would be hard to argue that he has lived up to his potential. And there is the nagging question of his effort, which often appears sub-maximal if not downright lackadaisical. While it might be difficult to distinguish Beltran's effortless style from apparent disinterest, we have seen balls get past the center fielder where he exhibits no sense of urgency in tracking them down. While that may not hold up in court, it is pretty convincing evidence.
Contrast Beltran with his Philadelphia counterpart Shane Victorino. While the New Yorker is poetry in motion, Victorino takes the whirling dervish approach, in constant motion. Shane is 5 ft 9 in and 160 lb whose arm, speed and defense are the cornerstones of his game - as good as there is in the big leagues. Hitting is another story. Victorino will not be making any batting instructional videos; at least, they won't be best-sellers. He is a switch-hitting slap hitter who has to fight the urge to pull away from every pitch. But despite breaking every hitting fundamental - Ted Williams must roll over in his grave - Victorino somehow manages to hit .290 with double digits in home runs. That he can achieve this in such an unorthodox manner is a tribute to his own athleticism, strength, and toughness.
And there is absolutely no questioning Shane Victorino's effort. He treats every throw, every stride, every swing as if it was his last. One of his most impressive stats last year was scoring 102 runs, despite frequently hitting in front of his team's weakest hitters. He was often in the middle of late inning rallies. In the 2008 playoffs, Shane led the Phils' offense with 14 hits and 13 rbi and showed the rest of the country his high-energy style. In other words, Victorino overachieves while Beltran underachieves. And if you want to run a cost-benefit analysis, the Phillies are making out like bandits. In the last three years, Victorino was paid less than $500,000 and in '09 will make 3.1 million. Where is Ryan Howard's agent when you need him?
You can make the case that, for a fraction of the cost, the Flyin' Hawaiian has been at least as valuable to the Phillies as Carlos Beltran has been to the Mets. More importantly, the man from the Pacific has one more world championship than the man from the Caribbean. The lingering concern is that one of these years, Beltran is actually going to reach his potential. And with the steps the Mets have made to bolster their bullpen, that would have major implications for the Phillies and the rest of the National League.
But in his four years with the Mets, he has not hit .350, nor .320 or .300. His best was .282. His highest home run total, 41. He has averaged over 100 rbi and it's true his production has been limited by injuries, but it would be hard to argue that he has lived up to his potential. And there is the nagging question of his effort, which often appears sub-maximal if not downright lackadaisical. While it might be difficult to distinguish Beltran's effortless style from apparent disinterest, we have seen balls get past the center fielder where he exhibits no sense of urgency in tracking them down. While that may not hold up in court, it is pretty convincing evidence.
Contrast Beltran with his Philadelphia counterpart Shane Victorino. While the New Yorker is poetry in motion, Victorino takes the whirling dervish approach, in constant motion. Shane is 5 ft 9 in and 160 lb whose arm, speed and defense are the cornerstones of his game - as good as there is in the big leagues. Hitting is another story. Victorino will not be making any batting instructional videos; at least, they won't be best-sellers. He is a switch-hitting slap hitter who has to fight the urge to pull away from every pitch. But despite breaking every hitting fundamental - Ted Williams must roll over in his grave - Victorino somehow manages to hit .290 with double digits in home runs. That he can achieve this in such an unorthodox manner is a tribute to his own athleticism, strength, and toughness.
And there is absolutely no questioning Shane Victorino's effort. He treats every throw, every stride, every swing as if it was his last. One of his most impressive stats last year was scoring 102 runs, despite frequently hitting in front of his team's weakest hitters. He was often in the middle of late inning rallies. In the 2008 playoffs, Shane led the Phils' offense with 14 hits and 13 rbi and showed the rest of the country his high-energy style. In other words, Victorino overachieves while Beltran underachieves. And if you want to run a cost-benefit analysis, the Phillies are making out like bandits. In the last three years, Victorino was paid less than $500,000 and in '09 will make 3.1 million. Where is Ryan Howard's agent when you need him?
You can make the case that, for a fraction of the cost, the Flyin' Hawaiian has been at least as valuable to the Phillies as Carlos Beltran has been to the Mets. More importantly, the man from the Pacific has one more world championship than the man from the Caribbean. The lingering concern is that one of these years, Beltran is actually going to reach his potential. And with the steps the Mets have made to bolster their bullpen, that would have major implications for the Phillies and the rest of the National League.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Elton Brand and Shaquille O'Neal - Something in Common
(The following post was written before the news that Elton Brand would require season-ending surgery.)
It is a very, very imperfect comparison, but the Sixers' acquisition of Elton Brand has some interesting similarities to the Suns' trade for Shaquille O'Neal last year. The Suns had been a running team with the most potent fast break in the NBA. With Steve Nash the orchestrator and facilitator, and the likes of Boris Diaw, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion filling the lanes, why wouldn't they run? But in consecutive seasons, Phoenix came up short in the playoffs in the powerful Western Conference, in one instance agonizingly so, and a consensus seemed to develop that the team as constructed wasn't equipped to go all the way.
So GM Steve Kerr rolled the dice big time and brought the aging Big Diesel to the Valley of the Sun for Marion and others. A couple of months ago, Kerr completed the makeover and traded off Diaw and Raja Bell, apparently deciding to emphasize a half-court offense and get more use out of Shaq. What makes the situation even more unusual is that they're actually sitting the 37 year-old Diesel every few games to accommodate his age and ailing body. Roger Clemens established the precedent of playing half a season and now we have part-time basketball players. The upshot of all this is that the Suns are still very inconsistent. They are in second place in their division but they have lost 8 of their last 12 including some very bad performances against some very bad teams.
So what does this have to do with Elton Brand and the Sixers? The Philadelphians had established themselves late last year as a premier running team as they swept into the playoffs and everyone expected they would continue in this mode in 2008-09 - they certainly had the young athletic personnel for it. But there seemed to be a lingering suspicion, in the front office and elsewhere, that they had hit a wall, that they had maxed out with their cast of characters. Enter Brand, the perceived savior of the half-court offense. And enter the struggles early in the season with the inability to restart the fast break, and the inconsistencies lately, interposed by a solid stretch when, by a strange coincidence, Brand was rehabilitating his shoulder.
Yes, the comparison with O'Neal is a stretch. Shaq is much older and is one of the most unique players the NBA has seen. Elton Brand is surely better suited to run the court than Shaq but the Duke alumnus' injuries in recent years seem to be aging him prematurely. If the Sixers and/or the Suns thought they would have to abandon the fast break, or at least significantly curtail it, would they still have made the trades?
It is a very, very imperfect comparison, but the Sixers' acquisition of Elton Brand has some interesting similarities to the Suns' trade for Shaquille O'Neal last year. The Suns had been a running team with the most potent fast break in the NBA. With Steve Nash the orchestrator and facilitator, and the likes of Boris Diaw, Amare Stoudemire, and Shawn Marion filling the lanes, why wouldn't they run? But in consecutive seasons, Phoenix came up short in the playoffs in the powerful Western Conference, in one instance agonizingly so, and a consensus seemed to develop that the team as constructed wasn't equipped to go all the way.
So GM Steve Kerr rolled the dice big time and brought the aging Big Diesel to the Valley of the Sun for Marion and others. A couple of months ago, Kerr completed the makeover and traded off Diaw and Raja Bell, apparently deciding to emphasize a half-court offense and get more use out of Shaq. What makes the situation even more unusual is that they're actually sitting the 37 year-old Diesel every few games to accommodate his age and ailing body. Roger Clemens established the precedent of playing half a season and now we have part-time basketball players. The upshot of all this is that the Suns are still very inconsistent. They are in second place in their division but they have lost 8 of their last 12 including some very bad performances against some very bad teams.
So what does this have to do with Elton Brand and the Sixers? The Philadelphians had established themselves late last year as a premier running team as they swept into the playoffs and everyone expected they would continue in this mode in 2008-09 - they certainly had the young athletic personnel for it. But there seemed to be a lingering suspicion, in the front office and elsewhere, that they had hit a wall, that they had maxed out with their cast of characters. Enter Brand, the perceived savior of the half-court offense. And enter the struggles early in the season with the inability to restart the fast break, and the inconsistencies lately, interposed by a solid stretch when, by a strange coincidence, Brand was rehabilitating his shoulder.
Yes, the comparison with O'Neal is a stretch. Shaq is much older and is one of the most unique players the NBA has seen. Elton Brand is surely better suited to run the court than Shaq but the Duke alumnus' injuries in recent years seem to be aging him prematurely. If the Sixers and/or the Suns thought they would have to abandon the fast break, or at least significantly curtail it, would they still have made the trades?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Boston's Take on Victory Over Sixers
The Celtics beat the Sixers by a point last night on Ray Allen's three-point shot in the last second. The focus of the coverage in the Philly press after the game was the failure to cover Allen, arguably the possessor of the purest jump shot in the NBA. Thaddeus Young said he and Sam Dalembert failed to communicate with each other allowing Allen to spot up. And of course there are the neverending subplots surrounding Elton Brand - Is he healthy or isn't he? Does he fit in with the team's style? Is he on the trading block? Etc, etc. Enough material for a TV miniseries. Here are some views from the other side:
Celtic coach Doc Rivers emphasized his team's knack for winning this kind of game - "Good teams find a way to win, and we did that, especially without Kevin (Garnett)".
Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe talked about the absence of Garnett (out with the flu) being "noticeable both for this defensive presence and offensive skills, and also for his inspirational qualities".
Celtic coach Doc Rivers emphasized his team's knack for winning this kind of game - "Good teams find a way to win, and we did that, especially without Kevin (Garnett)".
Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe talked about the absence of Garnett (out with the flu) being "noticeable both for this defensive presence and offensive skills, and also for his inspirational qualities".
The Boston Herald reported that Allen himself experienced flu-like symptoms earlier in the day and was questionable for the game.
As for Allen's open shot at the end, wide body forward Glen Davis took credit for screening Young just enough to prevent Young from contesting Allen's winning jumper.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Jason Werth vs. Aaron Rowand - Another Look
Now that Jason Werth has signed with the Phillies and is expected to be a regular in the outfield for at least the next two years, we can re-evaluate one of the team's significant personnel moves of a season ago - the decision not to go all out to re-sign Aaron Rowand. Even though Werth plays right field and Rowand center, Werth was in effect Rowand's replacement as Shane Victorino shifted to center.
Recall that Rowand, who is going on 32, was coming off a career year in 2007 batting .309 with 27 HR. Add in excellent defense, a spot on the All Star team, and a very popular player. Rowand sought a long-term, big dollar contract which the Phillies were unwilling to provide. But the Giants were to the tune of $60 million for five years. The Giants can't be satisfied with their investment after one year. Their new center fielder hit .271 with 13 hrs and 126 SO in 549 at-bats. Rowand's defenders blame some of the decline in production to AT&T Park which is less congenial to hitters than Citizens Park. However, the 2008 numbers were in fact more in line with Rowand's career numbers. And his high strikeout total (126), with rather meager power numbers, indicates he was overswinging quite a bit, a tendency which Phillie fans saw first hand during his tenure in the Delaware Valley.
Werth, who will turn 30 in May, just signed a 2 year, $10 million deal with the Phils. Werth started 2008 platooning but became a regular about mid-season so he only totaled 418 at-bats. But he made them count with 24 HR, a .273 average, good on-base percentage, as well as excellent base running and defense. However, his 119 SO are worrisome.
So, to date, it's a no-brainer. The front office comes out smelling like a rose. They are paying a slightly younger, athletic, more productive player significantly less money than the man he replaced. Yes, this cost-benefit analysis will need to revisited from time to time over the next two years. Werth in particular is going to have to show what he can do as an everyday player for an entire year. On the other hand, if Werth goes lights out, he could be in a position to break the bank when he becomes a free agent again, but that might be a nice problem to have.
Recall that Rowand, who is going on 32, was coming off a career year in 2007 batting .309 with 27 HR. Add in excellent defense, a spot on the All Star team, and a very popular player. Rowand sought a long-term, big dollar contract which the Phillies were unwilling to provide. But the Giants were to the tune of $60 million for five years. The Giants can't be satisfied with their investment after one year. Their new center fielder hit .271 with 13 hrs and 126 SO in 549 at-bats. Rowand's defenders blame some of the decline in production to AT&T Park which is less congenial to hitters than Citizens Park. However, the 2008 numbers were in fact more in line with Rowand's career numbers. And his high strikeout total (126), with rather meager power numbers, indicates he was overswinging quite a bit, a tendency which Phillie fans saw first hand during his tenure in the Delaware Valley.
Werth, who will turn 30 in May, just signed a 2 year, $10 million deal with the Phils. Werth started 2008 platooning but became a regular about mid-season so he only totaled 418 at-bats. But he made them count with 24 HR, a .273 average, good on-base percentage, as well as excellent base running and defense. However, his 119 SO are worrisome.
So, to date, it's a no-brainer. The front office comes out smelling like a rose. They are paying a slightly younger, athletic, more productive player significantly less money than the man he replaced. Yes, this cost-benefit analysis will need to revisited from time to time over the next two years. Werth in particular is going to have to show what he can do as an everyday player for an entire year. On the other hand, if Werth goes lights out, he could be in a position to break the bank when he becomes a free agent again, but that might be a nice problem to have.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Former Phillie Update: Randy Wolf
Randy Wolf, the now 32 year old starting left-hander, was drafted by the Phillies in 1997 and pitched for the club from 1999-2006. His best year was 2003 when he went 16-10 with 200 innings and he was selected to the All Star Team. In July 2005, Wolf had major shoulder surgery (the infamous Tommy John operation) and didn't play again until the latter half of the following season.
In 2007, he entered free agency and signed with the Dodgers for whom he went 9-6. In 2008, he pitched for both the Astros and the Padres exclusively as a starter and went a combined 12-12 in about 200 innings. His ERA was 4.30 which matched his career mark.
Wolf is again a free agent and during the off season a number of teams have indicated an interest in his services including the D-backs, Cardinals, Mets, Nationals, Astros and even the Phillies. However, most recently the Cubs and Dodgers seem to be in the forefront. It's too bad because the southpaw would be an excellent addition to the Phils' starting rotation and provide the team with significant flexibility and depth. However, apparently Wolf's asking price is too high, at least $10 million a year.
In 2007, he entered free agency and signed with the Dodgers for whom he went 9-6. In 2008, he pitched for both the Astros and the Padres exclusively as a starter and went a combined 12-12 in about 200 innings. His ERA was 4.30 which matched his career mark.
Wolf is again a free agent and during the off season a number of teams have indicated an interest in his services including the D-backs, Cardinals, Mets, Nationals, Astros and even the Phillies. However, most recently the Cubs and Dodgers seem to be in the forefront. It's too bad because the southpaw would be an excellent addition to the Phils' starting rotation and provide the team with significant flexibility and depth. However, apparently Wolf's asking price is too high, at least $10 million a year.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The $18 Million Man
When Ryan Howard was victorious in arbitration prior to last season, his new salary of $10 million marked an exponential increase from his previous contract. He then proceeded to get off to an absolutely dreadful start and it didn't get a whole lot better from there. With Howard heading into the late summer with his batting average mired in the low .200's, unspectacular power numbers by Citizens Park standards, his usual boatload of strikeouts, and the shabbiest defense since the Maginot Line, that 10 million was looking less like a bargain and more like a heist. Then Ryan went on his now famous September tear, leading the Phils to the playoffs and belatedly throwing his hat into the MVP ring. That stretch run could turn out to be one of the most lucrative since Secretariat won the Triple Crown.
If Howard had finished the season at .220 with 37 or so home runs, which is where he was headed until late August, he surely would have been in no position to seek a salary upgrade. In fact, the Phillies could have reasonably sought a reduction to maybe 8 mill, although the team would probably have been accused of being cruel and heartless. Alternatively, the team might have made a concerted effort to trade the first baseman. But history took a decidedly different turn.
Now, with their bargaining position resurrected, Ryan's negotiators are pushing the envelope, seeking $18 million for 2009. At that rate, his September binge translates to as much as an extra 10 million for this year alone, and who knows how much more down the road. Quite a windfall. Of course, all of this is very hypothetical. The arbitration process has all the predictability of a Ouija board, and it may not even reach arbitration. However, it's not unreasonable given the goings on in pro sports in general and major league baseball in particular.
But is Ryan Howard "worth" 18 million bucks a year? "Worth" is a loaded term. In a free market you're worth whatever they are willing to pay you, especially if the "they" includes somebody named Steinbrenner. You might argue that it's not really a free market when you have seemingly unlimited television dollars chasing an artificially limited number of players - MLB in fact has a notorious anti-trust exemption. But that debate is for another day. In the more intuitive sense, is he worth it?
The feeling here is that the 14 million that the Phils have offered is more than fair. The Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter-like consistency is just not there to justify more. Jeter and Pujols produce week after week, month after month. If their hitting slumps, they can help their teams in many other ways. Or take the example of a megastar in another sport. Kobe Bryant is paid about $20 million by the Lakers for his trouble but Bryant is almost certain to provide 40 minutes of virtuosity nightly, even if his shot happens to be off. Howard can go a week or two without going deep or even having a multiple hit game. And he can't fall back on defense or base running. Yes there are intangibles like getting pitched around but not $18 million worth.
Howard needs to prove that the numbers he put up in his MVP year a few years back were not a fluke if he is to move into the rarefied air of the very top salary earners in the game. Not that he needs to hit 58 hrs every year but his batting average needs to come off life support. It also wouldn't hurt if every time he fields a ground ball, it wasn't the equivalent of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
If Howard had finished the season at .220 with 37 or so home runs, which is where he was headed until late August, he surely would have been in no position to seek a salary upgrade. In fact, the Phillies could have reasonably sought a reduction to maybe 8 mill, although the team would probably have been accused of being cruel and heartless. Alternatively, the team might have made a concerted effort to trade the first baseman. But history took a decidedly different turn.
Now, with their bargaining position resurrected, Ryan's negotiators are pushing the envelope, seeking $18 million for 2009. At that rate, his September binge translates to as much as an extra 10 million for this year alone, and who knows how much more down the road. Quite a windfall. Of course, all of this is very hypothetical. The arbitration process has all the predictability of a Ouija board, and it may not even reach arbitration. However, it's not unreasonable given the goings on in pro sports in general and major league baseball in particular.
But is Ryan Howard "worth" 18 million bucks a year? "Worth" is a loaded term. In a free market you're worth whatever they are willing to pay you, especially if the "they" includes somebody named Steinbrenner. You might argue that it's not really a free market when you have seemingly unlimited television dollars chasing an artificially limited number of players - MLB in fact has a notorious anti-trust exemption. But that debate is for another day. In the more intuitive sense, is he worth it?
The feeling here is that the 14 million that the Phils have offered is more than fair. The Albert Pujols or Derek Jeter-like consistency is just not there to justify more. Jeter and Pujols produce week after week, month after month. If their hitting slumps, they can help their teams in many other ways. Or take the example of a megastar in another sport. Kobe Bryant is paid about $20 million by the Lakers for his trouble but Bryant is almost certain to provide 40 minutes of virtuosity nightly, even if his shot happens to be off. Howard can go a week or two without going deep or even having a multiple hit game. And he can't fall back on defense or base running. Yes there are intangibles like getting pitched around but not $18 million worth.
Howard needs to prove that the numbers he put up in his MVP year a few years back were not a fluke if he is to move into the rarefied air of the very top salary earners in the game. Not that he needs to hit 58 hrs every year but his batting average needs to come off life support. It also wouldn't hurt if every time he fields a ground ball, it wasn't the equivalent of going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
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