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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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.
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