It was just typical Philly sports I guess. Despite that fact that the Phillies GM told the fans and media in July, basically that the team was done for the year.He added 2007 was going to be just as bad, so season ticket holders should just slit their wrists. The Phillies ended up playing meaningful baseball in September.
This time last week the Phillies actually had the Wild Card spot. Things went sour from there. Losing that game in hand to the Astros, made me think we were in trouble. Despite the fact that the Phillies didn't get eliminated till yesterday (Saturday) they were done Thursday night lets face it.
In typical WTF Philly fashion the game started about 15 mins before midnight because of downpours in DC where they were to take on the Nationals. The Nationals mind you were so, far out of it they likely just wanted to go home to their nice warm beds, however they managed to beat the Phillies. Many people went to bed that night thinking that the Phillies were rained out and no one watched the game that pretty much dampened (pun intended) the Wild Card dream. Oh yeah and LA one of the teams there were chasing scored flipping 19 runs! and let up 11!
Okay, so its all over. But the season had some good memories. Like Jimmy Rollins carry over hit streak from last season (36 games) and Chase Utley's hit streak not long after (35 games). Aaron Rowand smashing into the wall, and busting up his face. Cole Hammels proving he will be a pretty damn good pitcher. People who hated the 2005 squad couldn't help but like this team a lot better. Considering Bobby Abreau and Bell are gone. Also, likely Burrell and Liberthal likely played their last game for the fighting Phils.
It can't go with out mention the emerage of a superstar in the Philadelphia sport world in 1st baseman Ryan Howard. One of the best athletes the city has had in ages. For awhile when he was hitting homerun after homerun. You really had to stop what you were doing when he was at bat.
Jay, you are the baseball expert I would really like to hear your take on this season and next season. Clearly, they need pitching and a catcher. Could next year be the year given their young core players?
At any rate despite the fact that the Phillies were fun to watch again, it kind of sucks that the no-layoffs for you streak is now 13 years( that is half of my life time). At least instead of sitting over a beer with a friend this summer for the first time since I can remember we actually talked about the current phillies status with out someone going into a fit of rage. Or, of course talking a
bout that lovable 1993 team, that DIDN'T win the world series. That resulted in a certain blogger who should remain nameless crying himself to sleep that night.I don't I said earlier in the season about games we should have won that would come back and bite us, thinking if we made the wildcard it would be by the skin of our teeth. But, somehow I think there might be more to it than that. I don't something more..sinister or perhaps evil....OH NO, No!.
3 comments:
The Phillies main strengths:
1B, 2B, SS
The Phillies do need a lot of improvement. The starting pitching is a big need, just like most MLB teams. Brett Myers made a decent step forward, but a 3.91 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP isn't an ace for a playoff contender. Hamels looked great for the last two months (2.43 ERA in August, 2.78 ERA in September) and needs to prove that he can do this for a full season. The rest of the SP (Lieber, Wolf, Madson) were replacement level at best. Gavin Floyd looked clueless and his stats agree (7.29 ERA, 32BB to 34 K, 14 HR in 50 IP).
The Phils should keep Burrell if they want to compete and dump him if not. The guy had a solid year at the plate, and for the second year in a row has an OPS over .890. The Phils would be smart not to sign Dellucci for a lot of money. Dellucci has had two solid seasons in a row (.880 and .899 OPS), but is 32 and hadn't produced before that. The Phillies could give Michael Bourn, a 23 year old CF, a good look next year, but his upside is Juan Pierre, which isn't saying much. There isn't much in their system that is ready to contribute right away. Plus, Bourn is blocked by Rowand. Aaron Rowand is loved for his play, but he's league average at best due to his bat and inability to draw walks.
For the Phils to compete, they'll need to upgrades at the top of their rotation, 3B, and C.
I agree with most of what John says. 1B, 2B and SS are set for years, although they need to get Rollins out of the leadoff spot. He kills me more and more each year.
They definitely need starting pitching, 3B and a C badly. There are rumors about Aramis Ramirez playing third, but I will believe it when I see it. I do not know where they are going to get the rest because this season is a fairly week free agent year. Plus, the Phillies killed themselves by building a hitters park, they are going to have to way overpay mediocre pitchers to come here, a la the Rockies.
However, I disagree with John about Burrell. He has the most misleading numbers in the game. He leads the league in most called third strikes and has the lowest BA with runers in scoring position. Most of his numbers come with the phillies leading or losing by a great deal. Add this to the fact that he is often injured and has a huge contract and you will see that Pat has to go. Plus his leaving will give more playing time to Shane Victorino who is a very exciting young player.
The Phillies could be good next year, but it all hinges on what kind of offseason they have. If the past is any indication, I am not exactly holding my breath.
What about Charlie? Does he lose his job? Who would the replace him with?
John, what you don't understand from being way out west is, Burrell is pretty much being ran out of town by the media and fans.
people boo him when he does anything and the papers and 610 are slamming him left and right.
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