Sunday, September 03, 2006
Believe
Well its been six days since I last posted. We have started our fall baseball season and with classes starting, I have been kept busy. The Phillies have not made any progress in the wild card race on the field but have acquired Randall Simon and are closer to getting Tom Gordon back. After Thursday night and Saturday's afternoon game, I can't wait to get Gordon at the back end of the bullpen. Arthur Rhodes blew two big games for the Phillies that could have had them in first place in the wild card standings. The top of the lineup continues to provide much of the offense. A big problem that has developed is David Delluci's slump. Delluci who started out on fire with the Phillies after the trading deadline has cooled considerably. Delluci is still a plus player with good power and will be crucial for the Phillies down the stretch. Also in the first game Saturday, Chase Utley had a big day and tried to carry the Phils to victory single-handedly. He hit two big home runs and seems to be coming out of his recent slump. The entire offense contributed the the beat down of the Braves in the second game. Mike Lieberthal hit his 7th home run of the season. Lieby has shown a recent power surge and has provided a great catching platoon with Chris Coste. Also notably, Fabio Castro threw two scoreless innings striking out three. This lowered his ERA to 0.44.
Tomorrow brings another double-header for the Phillies that needs to be a sweep. Jamie Moyer is scheduled to make his home debut tomorrow. Hopefully the Phillies can get a winning streak started and make their move in the wild card. I believe they have the most talent of any contender. Pat Gillick has made a couple moves to solidify a weak bench. Jeff Conine obviously is the biggest catch as he will provide solid veteren leadership and timely hits.
For the past week:
Tip of the Cap: Ryan Howard for setting a new Phillies single-season record of 49 home runs and counting. Howard had a huge week and lead the Phillies to a couple wins. Howard is far and away the most deserving MVP candidate and it would be a travesty if Carlos Beltran or anyone else would win. A close second is Pat Gillick for making necessary moves to strengthen the bench.
Wag of the Finger- Arthur Rhodes for pulling two Billy Wagners this past week. Luckily, Tom Gordon is almost ready to return, but these two blown saves are critical and could cost the Phillies October baseball. Hopefully the Phillies can overcome and make the playoffs.
Last, football started today with Penn St winning. Pro football starts in another week, but I'm just not as pumped for the season as usual and that is because of the Phils. I don't think I've been this excited in September for the Phillies ever. Usually once the calendar turns to September, I turn to focusing more on football, but not this year. This year is different because teh Phillies are making the playoffs and football will have to wait until late October before it gets my attention.
Tomorrow brings another double-header for the Phillies that needs to be a sweep. Jamie Moyer is scheduled to make his home debut tomorrow. Hopefully the Phillies can get a winning streak started and make their move in the wild card. I believe they have the most talent of any contender. Pat Gillick has made a couple moves to solidify a weak bench. Jeff Conine obviously is the biggest catch as he will provide solid veteren leadership and timely hits.
For the past week:
Tip of the Cap: Ryan Howard for setting a new Phillies single-season record of 49 home runs and counting. Howard had a huge week and lead the Phillies to a couple wins. Howard is far and away the most deserving MVP candidate and it would be a travesty if Carlos Beltran or anyone else would win. A close second is Pat Gillick for making necessary moves to strengthen the bench.
Wag of the Finger- Arthur Rhodes for pulling two Billy Wagners this past week. Luckily, Tom Gordon is almost ready to return, but these two blown saves are critical and could cost the Phillies October baseball. Hopefully the Phillies can overcome and make the playoffs.
Last, football started today with Penn St winning. Pro football starts in another week, but I'm just not as pumped for the season as usual and that is because of the Phils. I don't think I've been this excited in September for the Phillies ever. Usually once the calendar turns to September, I turn to focusing more on football, but not this year. This year is different because teh Phillies are making the playoffs and football will have to wait until late October before it gets my attention.
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Arthur Rhodes is Arthur Rhodes. He is not..........good. My concern is with the inability to push 1 or 2 runs across in games with a 1 or 2 run lead. Too many opportunities to move runners up and in during each of the last two losses. A one run win is as good as a 12 run win.
The Nats and Braves aren't running Walter Johnson and Warren Spahn to the mound. Once the Phils face good pitching (Astros/Marlins) they will need to do a better job with the fundamentals. Otherwise the fans can only hope to squeeze entertainment value from the Phanatic and Randall S.
The Nats and Braves aren't running Walter Johnson and Warren Spahn to the mound. Once the Phils face good pitching (Astros/Marlins) they will need to do a better job with the fundamentals. Otherwise the fans can only hope to squeeze entertainment value from the Phanatic and Randall S.
# posted by 
: 8:14 AM
: 8:14 AM
The Phils are still struggling a little at the plate. Fortunately they pulled one out of the first game with the Astros. Thanks to Utley/Howard homers. other than that not much offense. Same in game 4 with Braves missed offensive opportunities and bad relief pitching. Utley and Delluca need to turn out of thier slumps.
I'm trying to "believe". My Tug McGraw braclet has YGB for "You gotta believe"...but Manuel and select players are making it difficult.
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