Tag Archives: philadelphia phillies

Name Origins of all 30 Major League Baseball Teams

Posted on September 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

Cincinnati Red Stockings. 1st Professional Baseball Team

Cincinnati Red Stockings Photo Courtesy “www.todayifoundout.com” Daven Hiskey.

I “Stumbled” on this great post that lists the origins of all 30 Major League Baseball Teams. It appears the Boston Red Sox hold the oldest named team dating back to the 1860’s, popularized by the Cincinnati Red Stockings from 1867-1870 and used by Boston’s National League franchise from 1871-1876.

But the actual team name origin that’s with the same team is the San Francisco Giants, formerly the New York Giants, that dates back to 1885.

Read the original Post Stumbleupon.com, written by Scott Allen.

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Posted in A1 Baseball, A1 Baseball, General, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, General, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Tagged arizona diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, baseball name origins, Baseball origins, boston red sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, cincinnati red stockings, Cincinnati Reds, cleveland indians, Colorado Rockies, DETROIT TIGERS, florida marlins, Houston Astros, kansas city royals, los angeles angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, minnesota twins, New York Giants, new york mets, new york yankees, Oakland Athletics, philadelphia phillies, pittsburgh pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Scott Allen, seattle mariners, St Louis Cardinals, Stumble, Stumbleupon, tampa bay rays, Texas Rangers, toronto blue jays, washington nationals

2012 MLB Team and Player Salaries

Posted on September 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

2012 All Star Game Photo

Here’s the 2012 update to our 2011 listing published August 27, 2011. This comes to us compliments of USA Today. If you’ll click the individual teams, you can access the individual players salaries. It will be interesting to note the annual salaries of the teams that make the playoffs; in other words, did they get what they paid for? For example; the Washington Nationals have the best record in the Majors this year, but have the 11th Lowest Salary out of 30 Teams. Salary Chart Linked Here

2012 MLB Salaries
TEAM	TOTAL PAYROLL
New York Yankees	$ 197,962,289
Philadelphia Phillies	$ 174,538,938
Boston Red Sox	$ 173,186,617
Los Angeles Angels	$ 154,485,166
Detroit Tigers	$ 132,300,000
Texas Rangers	$ 120,510,974
Miami Marlins	$ 118,078,000
San Francisco Giants	$ 117,620,683
St. Louis Cardinals	$ 110,300,862
Milwaukee Brewers	$ 97,653,944
Chicago White Sox	$ 96,919,500
Los Angeles Dodgers	$ 95,143,575
Minnesota Twins	$ 94,085,000
New York Mets	$ 93,353,983
Chicago Cubs	$ 88,197,033
Atlanta Braves	$ 83,309,942
Cincinnati Reds	$ 82,203,616
Seattle Mariners	$ 81,978,100
Baltimore Orioles	$ 81,428,999
Washington Nationals	$ 81,336,143
Cleveland Indians	$ 78,430,300
Colorado Rockies	$ 78,069,571
Toronto Blue Jays	$ 75,489,200
Arizona Diamondbacks	$ 74,284,833
Tampa Bay Rays	$ 64,173,500
Pittsburgh Pirates	$ 63,431,999
Kansas City Royals	$ 60,916,225
Houston Astros	$ 60,651,000
Oakland Athletics	$ 55,372,500
San Diego Padres	$ 55,244,700

Updated MLB Power Rankings: Where Does Your Favorite Team Stand? (bleacherreport.com)
Low-Salary Rays Show Moneyball Still Works as Yankees Struggle – Bloomberg (bloomberg.com)
MLB’s Most Disappointing Teams of 2012 (bleacherreport.com)
MLB Pennant Races Heating Up (seatgeek.com)

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Posted in Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals

Tagged arizona diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, boston red sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, cleveland indians, Colorado Rockies, DETROIT TIGERS, florida marlins, Houston Astros, kansas city royals, los angeles angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Major League Baseball, Milwaukie Brewers, minnesota twins, new york mets, new york yankees, Oakland A's, philadelphia phillies, pittsburgh pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, seattle mariners, St Louis Cardinals, tampa bay rays, Texas Rangers, toronto blue jays, USA Today, washington nationals

Why the Washington Nationals Will Make the Playoffs in 2012

Posted on June 22, 2012 | Leave a comment

We’ve been following the Nats faithfully, especially since the return of Strasburg and with the addition of Jayson Werth and Mark DeRosa. I like the enthusiasm Bernie Olshansky has for the Nats and he just might be right!

Related articles

“What’s up with those Washington Nationals?” (garlicfriesandbaseball.wordpress.com)

Are the Washington Nationals World Series Contenders? (bleacherreport.com)

Can Nationals Still Make Deep Playoff Run with Stephen Strasburg Shut Down? (bleacherreport.com)

MLB Reports

Thursday June 21st, 2012

Bernie Olshansky: The last time the city of Washington D.C. saw a World Series trophy was in 1924. That was the work of the Washington Senators with the help of Walter “Big Train” Johnson. Although this year’s version of the team doesn’t have a veteran baseball legend, they do have a couple budding superstars. First is Stephen Strasburg. The first-overall pick of the 2009 draft, Strasburg made an enormous impact in his first career start and most of the 2010 season, but ended up on Dr. Lewis Yocum’s table towards the end, and missed most of the 2011 season. Thankfully for the Nationals, Strasburg is back and better than ever, posting an 8-1 record and a 2.45 ERA (before Wednesday’s win versus Tampa Bay: 7IP 5H 2ER 10K and got the win). Unfortunately for the Nationals, Strasburg is on an innings limit this…

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, Washington Nationals

Tagged 2012 Playoffs, Jayson Werth, Mark DeRosa, Nat, philadelphia phillies, Stephen Strasburg, Strasburg, Washington National, Wrist

Pat Burrell ….. Always a Giant in My Mind!

Posted on April 13, 2012 | 4 comments

Pat Burrell, SF Giants Parade, November, 2010

Funny how things happen. Last night around midnight I was writing this blog about Pat Burrell retiring as a Phillie. Good grief, what could possibly be worse? It was a rather edgy piece, me having such great affinity and affection for Burrell. I really believe we wouldn’t have won the 2010 World Series without him, not because he played so great in the Series, but because he helped get us there in the first place and his very presence was inspiring to all of us. And besides, he deserves better than those pesky Philadelphia fans. He’s a San Francisco Giants hero and we love him here, we appreciate him. But I digress. Suddenly a severe thunderstorm began pounding down, so much so that I immediately grabbed a flashlight, powered down my pc, and went to bed.

Leading the Phillies 2008 Parade with the Budweiser Clydesdales

So, this morning I’m back at my computer to begin where I left off, still stewing over the fact that Burrell was “forced” out of the Giants organization, forced to return to those Phillie Phanatics, when I notice an article by Paul Hagen, MLB.com. It changed everything so much that I had to completely rewrite my post. It’s a long article but here’s an excerpt that gave me a different attitude about “Pat the Bat” retiring as a Phillie.

“The final indelible image of Burrell at the end of his Phillies career was riding the Budweiser wagon at the head of the championship parade with his dog, Elvis, sitting next to him.

“That was the top,” Burrell said. “[Club president David Montgomery] asked me to ride with the Clydesdales, and of course I said yes. But I didn’t understand that I was going to be the first guy to turn onto Broad Street. And that was incredible — to look up and see all the people hanging out of the buildings. I just couldn’t imagine.

“It’s funny, because Mike Schmidt and some of those guys from the 1980 [World Series championship] team always said the best part of it was the parade. And I was thinking, ‘How could that be better than the actual moment of winning the whole thing?’ But it is.’ “

Here’s the entire article, a great read for a lazy Sunday afternoon while you’re waiting for that first pitch from your favorite team!

“Burrell Grateful for Chance to Retire with Phillies”

Well, okay then. I’ll keep both pictures of Pat Burrell’s parade days in my memory; one with the Clydesdales and one with the Trolley. Thanks for the memories Pat and I, for one, hope the Giants keep you on board for a long, long time. Once a Giant, always a Giant.

Pat Burrell To Retire As A Philadelphia Phillie (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)
Phillies Sign Pat Burrell To One-Day Deal (tracking.si.com)
Giants’ Pat Burrell Retires From Playing, Begins New Position As Scout (tracking.si.com)
Burrell, No. 1 overall pick in ’98, calls it a career (mlb.mlb.com)

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Posted in A4 Uncategorized

Tagged 2008 World Series, 2010 World Series, Bruce Bochy, Budweiser Clydesdales, Burrell, Mike Schmidt, Pat Burrell, Paul Hagen, philadelphia phillies, Phillie, San Francisco Giants, trolley, World Series

The “D-Train” Has Left the Station. “We Hardly Knew ye D”

Posted on March 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Dontrelle Willis

I’m really sad this morning to read about Dontrelle Willis being released from yet another team, this time the Philadelphia Phillies. I’ve been following this kid since his 2003 debut with the Florida Marlins. He was just so much fun to watch, with that wild and goofy wind-up he had and always a big smile. I’d never seen anything like it before and probably never will again.

He was dynamite back then! And I wasn’t the only one who was enthralled with the kid. He was named the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year. And that wasn’t all he did in 2003. In game 4 of the 2003 NL Division Series he hit 3 for 3 (one was a triple) and scored a run, this all being done as a “pitcher”, and then beat the socks off my home team, the San Francisco Giants. The Marlins won the 2003 World Series, and I’ll never forget Dontrelle Willis in that series.

Dontrelle Willis & Miguel Cabrera in Detroit

Dontrelle was born and raised in Oakland and raised by his very strong, tough and intelligent mother, Joyce. She was not only a commercial welder, working on such bridges as the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge, but she was also a softball catcher and avid Oakland A’s fan. This was the defining influence on Dontrelle that propelled him all the way to the Major Leagues. His dad bailed out when he was a toddler. I don’t know this, but I think they probably had a pretty tough time during those early years. We know one thing though. He loved his mama!

I’m sorry the “D-Train’s” career has been de-railed again. In December, 2011 the Phillies signed him to a one year million dollar deal with expectations that he’d be a bullpen pitcher. He was released yesterday after just three spring training appearances.

Not so long ago

It’s been a wild and rocky road. Will he be back? I don’t know. But I know one thing. Dontrelle Willis provided me with some of my most memorable baseball experiences and I hope he does come back, though at 40 years old it’s unlikely.

To Dontrelle Willis: Best Wishes. I wish we could have gotten to know you better kid!

Phillies Release Dontrelle Willis (tracking.si.com)
Dontrelle Willis is hurting and “horse(bleep)” (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)
Dontrelle Willis signs one-year contract with Phillies (hardballtalk.nbcsports.com)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, Florida Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants

Tagged 2003 NL Rookie of the Year, 2003 World Series, D-Train, Dontrelle Willis, florida marlins, Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year Award, Marlins, Oakland Athletics, philadelphia phillies, Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Willis

A British Take on NLDS Game 5.

Posted on October 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

British Fife and Drum

I know, you probably think I’m being a little giddy, perhaps dwelling too much on the last Cardinal/Phillies game. But I just couldn’t resist the urge to share this post. For one thing it references a previous post with an outlandish video spoof “Too Much Money Ball” . It includes a 7th Inning stretch video “Take Me out to the Ballgame – Old Skool” as only a Brit could do.

Written by Steve Busfield for “The Guardian” in the U.K., this gives a good argument that the British are not totally limited to knowledge of soccer and cricket. Here are some excerpts from the post:

Money ball Yankees Style:

“My hilarious colleague David Lengel, who was on live blogging duty last night, is now live tweeting this game to me. This is his description of Molina’s appearance in the top of the 4th:

‘God strolls to the plate. Oh, God gets a base hit. Surprise. God steals a base. God is let down by his people. This happens.’

Did you see the squirrel interrupt play in game four? (“like a tiny streaker in a fur coat,”

Seventh inning stretch: Take Me Out To The Ballgame: old skool:

Proper.

St Louis Cardinals v Philadelphia Phillies – live! | David Lengel (guardian.co.uk)
St Louis Cardinals v Philadelphia Phillies – live! | Steve Busfield (guardian.co.uk)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, A5 Baseball Videos, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals

Tagged David Lengel, Guardian, Major League Baseball, philadelphia phillies, St Louis Cardinals, Steve Busfield, U.K. Baseball

“Those Classy Cardinals” …. On and Off the Field.

Posted on October 8, 2011 | 4 comments

St. Louis Cardinals

I’m kinda sorta breaking with my tradition of not writing about post season play until we get to the pennant winners. But not really, since this concerns a story written after last nights game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. It was written by Les Carpenter for Yahoo Sports (I’m assuming Les is in no way related to Cardinal pitcher, Chris Carpenter). This is a human interest story about sportsmanship, team spirit and the camaraderie of the players. Here’s an excerpt from the story:

“The National League Division Series had been decided, the mighty Philadelphia Phillies dispatched like a playoff pretender, and the St. Louis Cardinals raced into their clubhouse and tore into the three giant blue tubs of Champagne. Then they stood in a half circle near the door to the tiny room, late Friday night, shook the bottles, held the corks and …

They waited. And waited. And waited some more.

Five minutes passed, then seven, eight, then 10 and still they would not celebrate. Here was a baseball team, just after the most improbable of playoff victories, and its players were standing awkwardly as if this was a junior high mixer at the VFW Hall. But the national television people had grabbed their pitcher, Chris Carpenter, the one who stifled the Phillies on three hits in nine innings, the one who sent them to the Milwaukee Brewers with a 1-0 victory, and that meant he wasn’t in the room with them.

Carpenter was still on the field doing interviews. Given the way he pulled them through this night, making the postseason last another week longer, they couldn’t pop the cork on anything until he arrived. So with no Carpenter, there was no party. They would wait.

Finally someone spotted him. He was walking up the tunnel from the dugout. Someone waved to the others and they huddled in position near the clubhouse entrance. And as he turned the corner into the room they pounced. Bottles flashed. Liquid poured. And Chris Carpenter could do little else but hunch his shoulders as they doused him with Champagne, screaming for the joy of a playoff win they never could have imagined a month earlier.”

Last April I wrote about the San Francisco Giants Home Opener against the St Louis Cardinals. The post wasn’t about the game so much as it was about the reputation and tradition of “those classy” Cardinals. They’d just been selected as having the best and most knowledgeable of all fans in Major League Baseball.

After reading this article I think it’s safe to say “Those Classy Cardinals” doesn’t just relate to the St. Louis fans. It’s pretty safe to say that scene in the locker room represents a pretty darn classy group of baseball players and teammates also. Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals both on and off the field.

Cardinals Defeat Phillies; Chris Carpenter Outduels Roy Halladay (huffingtonpost.com)
St Louis Cardinals v Philadelphia Phillies – live! | Steve Busfield (guardian.co.uk)
Carpenter outduels Doc, Cards beat Phillies to reach NLCS (tsn.ca)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals

Tagged Chris Carpenter, Louis Cardinals, National League Division Series, philadelphia phillies, St Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Missouri, Yahoo Sports

Predicting the Division Winners …… Oops!

Posted on September 29, 2011 | 2 comments

And we're off to the races again!

Last March I wrote a blog entitled “2011 Postseason Predictions” and I’m here to say with all my opinions and wisdom in the world of baseball , I was able to correctly predict two teams, one from the National League and one from the American League. That’s 25% folks, I say as I’m looking for those wet noodles and a carton of eggs to slather around my face.

I mean, who knew? The only two teams that I predicted to win that actually won were the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies, of course, were a no-brainer, but I was very proud to stick my neck out in prediction of the Tigers. So be it.

If you were lucky enough to catch one or both of the games last night you were in for a real treat! Whatta thrill! Down to the wire! Reminds me of last year’s Giants – Padres game, the 162nd game, 9th inning and last out. I still get goosebumps remembering the thrill of it all.

In case you’ve been in a coma these past 24 hours or otherwise indisposed, here’s the 2011 Division Winners:

American League

New York Yankees, East
Detroit, Central
Texas, West
Tampa Bay, Wild Card

National League

Philadelphia, East
Milwaukee, Central
Arizona, West
St Louis, Wild Card

So here we are six months later in post season. Predictions? I think I’ll wait a bit and get back to you on that……it’s hard to write with a bunch of egg on my face.

The 6 Biggest MLB Surprises of 2011 (bleacherreport.com)
Wild Wild Card Baseball: Incredible MLB Finale (mikespickz.com)
NLDS Schedule 2011: Full Schedule for Cardinals vs Phillies & D-Backs vs Brewers (bleacherreport.com)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

Tagged American League, Arizona Cardinals, DETROIT TIGERS, Milwaukee Brewers, National League, New York Yankee, philadelphia phillies, tampa bay rays, Texas Rangers

2011 Postseason Predictions!

Posted on March 29, 2011 | 1 comment

The off-season flew by this year didn’t it? When you’re playing into November, it doesn’t take long for Spring Training to arrive, and now here we are counting down to the season opener in two days!

My friends over at “Diamondhoggers” have a little contest going to see who can come the closest to predicting the 2011 World Series winner! Here’s my contribution to the cause. Why not play along and see how you compare . For sure I’m not making any wagers on my predictions since last years turned out to be a bust! Maybe I’ll have better luck this year. Good luck on yours!

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

East Division Champions ~ Boston Red Sox *
Central Division Champions ~ Detroit Tigers
West Division Champions ~ Oakland A’s
Wild Card ~ New York Yankees

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

East Division Champions ~ Philadelphia Phillies
Central Division Champions ~ Cincinnati Reds
West Division Champions ~ San Francisco Giants *
Wild Card ~ Colorado Rockies

WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS ~ SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS OVER BOSTON RED SOX!

2011 Preseason MLB Lester Awards (lesterslegends.com)
2011 MLB Predictions: Why the Boston Red Sox Will Win the AL East (bleacherreport.com)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants

Tagged 2011 World Series, American League, American League East, boston red sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, DETROIT TIGERS, National League, new york yankees, Oakland Athletics, philadelphia phillies, San Francisco Giants

Roy Oswalt ……. Luck of the Irish (Scots?)

Posted on March 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

Oh no! Not Roy Oswalt! This video just shows how close these guys are to disaster with every pitch! This is scary stuff! As you’re probably aware, Roy’s one of the Phab Four for the Phillies this year and expectations are high for them and also for the Phillies. Back in the old days, dad always said a pitcher was supposed to be ready to field after the delivery. Get yourself right back in position with your mitt in front of you to protect from this very thing. But back in the 40’s and 50’s, I doubt very much the pitchers were throwing with the same intensity and velocity they are today. Who has time to do that; get back into position I mean? Baseball’s changed. They may have thrown just as fast back then, but the players now are huge in comparison and my thought is their reflexes are not as fast as the smaller pitchers. I don’t know, I’m just saying, there’s a reason those old fashioned rules don’t seem to apply anymore. Pitchers now aren’t expected to play the entire nine innings like they routinely did back in the old days. They give it their best shot, and a reliever comes in to continue where the starter left off. And then in comes the closer! So I doubt very much dad’s thinking would apply now.

Last reports are that Oswalt is doing well, and except for the baseball-sized welt on the back of his neck he should be able to start the regular season as scheduled. He’s lucky. His teammate Chase utley is facing surgery after his bout this spring with tendinitis in his knee, and most likely will miss a good part of the season, after missing a majority of 2010. Heartbreaking for the players and heartbreaking for the fans.

Spring training! A must for getting back into shape and letting the players gel with each other. But what a price to pay for these guys! The Giants closer, Brian Wilson, suffered a strained oblique muscle, and is looking at possibly sitting out just the first couple of regular season games, if he’s lucky. It could be much more and Cody Ross caught what appeared to be a routine fly ball yesterday, only to limp off the field with a calf strain. A visit to an MRI center resulted in a walking “boot” and crutches for Ross. It’s anyone’s guess how long he’ll be out. Here’s a list of a few other incidents this spring:

St Louis Cardinals starting pitcher, Adam Wainwright had Tommy John surgery last week and will most likely miss the entire 2012 season.
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher, Shaun Marcum, suffered a “tight shoulder” after his last outing. Whether he’ll be sidelined for the beginning of the season is questionable.
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher, Zach Greinke, broke a rib in a “basketball game” and remains on the disabled list this spring training. (Okay, okay, probably not entirely related to spring training!)
Los Angeles Angels First Baseman Kendry Morales was sidelined with a broken foot for the majority of 2010, and spring training hasn’t been able to help Morales get back on “foot” still. Looks like more rehab time for him before he’s back in the regular season.
Yankees lead-off hitter, Brett Gardner, is back in the line-up after suffering a bruised shin during spring training.

The list goes on and on. But wait! Believe it or not, there’s actually some good news for the rest of us. The 2012 Regular Baseball Season begins next week! So it’s time to clean up the barbecue, get out those scorecards, stock up on popcorn and hotdogs, and get out the gear. Makes me all emotional just thinking about it.

And cross your fingers for all those guys on the disabled list so they’ll be able to join us soon. Let’s face it. It’s just not the same playing a game with one or more of your guys sitting on the bench with a disability! Too bad we can’t just go from post season to regular season and skip the Spring Training! Save us all some headaches!

2011 Spring Training: Roy Oswalt of Philadelphia Phillies in good spirits day after line drive (sports.espn.go.com)
Roy Oswalt Injury: X-Rays Negative After Line Drive To Neck (sbnation.com)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, A5 Baseball Videos, Philadelphia Phillies

Tagged Adam Wainwright, Brian Wilson, Cody Ross, Manny Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers, philadelphia phillies, Roy Oswalt, Shaun Marcum, Spring training, Tommy John surgery

Those Phooey Phillies ….. Just Won’t Go Away!

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Well, to be honest with you, I’ve always liked Roy Halladay, even if he is a Phillie! I saw this video for the first time today and wondered if all Major League pitchers feel the same way about their catchers as Roy feels about his. I can see Lincecum and Cain showing Buster a little love, but all bets are off when it comes to Wilson. Can you just see Brian Wilson in the kitchen, making pancakes while discussing the morning with a balloon replica of Buster Posey?

I saw an interview with Buster Posey after the season was over, and as I recall, Buster said at one point he started to go out on the mound to talk with Wilson, took one look at those dark green eyes glaring off into space, promptly turned around and went back behind the plate. Later he explained, he just thought it was something he should do, not that Wilson wanted it or needed it. Posey didn’t say he was intimidated, but that was the implication.

One can only hope Roy Halladay spends a lot of time in the kitchen talking to blow-up dummies for the next six months. Is it post season yet?

Bochy declares the Phillies the team to beat (sfgate.com)
Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Reasons the Phillies Should Consider a 4-Man Rotation (bleacherreport.com)

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Posted in A1 Baseball, General, A5 Baseball Videos, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants

Tagged Brian Wilson, BUSTER POSEY, Major League Baseball, Matt Cain, philadelphia phillies, Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum

An Overdose of “Philly-Itis”…….

Posted on February 18, 2011 | 2 comments

Hank Aaron, Wikipedia Image

Philly Schmilly …….Don’t you just love it when someone in the know has the guts to speak what’s on his mind instead of jumping on the eternal pundit bandwagon? That’s just exactly what Hank Aaron did yesterday. Hank’s predicting a 2011 World Series between the Giants and Red Sox. Whew ~ where did that come from? Hasn’t he been listening to the pundits and bloggers and baseball experts? Could it be that Henry knows something the rest of the baseball world doesn’t? Could it be these so-called experts have fallen into the same trap they did last year and have totally overlooked the obvious? In other words, they didn’t learn a thing. I’m not talking about the regular season. I mean, for pete’s sake, I’m a Giant’s fan and there’s no way I would have imagined, say, in August, the Giants would end up taking their Division. So what do you think Hank Aaron might possibly be thinking?

For one thing, Aaron’s predicting 2011’s going to be a hitters year, unlike the pitcher’s year of 2010. Well if that’s true it sure takes the wind out of the sails for that $120 Million contract the Phillies signed Clifton Phifer “Cliff” Lee to in the off-season. I’ve never understood the reasoning that the Phillies are now unbeatable, invincible, the next undisputable World Champions, just by virtue of having Cliff Lee on their roster. Uhhh, seems to me the unbeaten Cliff Lee was beaten TWICE by the Giants in this year’s World Series. So please tell me what Cliff Lee has done recently that would make him now “unbeatable”? It just doesn’t make sense. He was unbeatable last season and the Giants whooped the stuffing out of him, not once, but twice,and now he’s wearing a Phillies uniform, and he’s once again unbeatable?

Is it possible the Phillies might be able to pull it off and win the Division? Oh sure. Is it possible they might go on and win the World Series? Maybe. But it’s not a foregone conclusion. Thank you, Hank Aaron, for bringing some good old fashioned common sense to the subject. It’s a lot more fun letting the teams play out the season instead of letting the self-proclaimed pundits and experts crown the Philadelphia Phillies the anointed ones in February. It’s obvious the only reason Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies is he sees it as his only chance to vindicate himself from the embarrassment he obviously felt (or should have felt) of not only being outpitched in the World Series, but of being so “mouthy” about it before hand.

Philly Phanatic

To say the Phillies might be my least favorite team is probably a huge understatement. Go ahead, ask the teams and players who’ve had to endure the wrath, anger and profanity of the Phillie phanatics on and off the field. I’m just saying, when it comes to baseball, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is definitely NOT the city of brotherly love.