Commentary: The Fire Rumbles

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, October 16, 2008 10:02 AM

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I had a dream last night.

No, no, it wasn’t a dream about winning the World Series. Actually, I dreamed I was at a bonfire, and Charlie Manuel was there. I thanked him for the wonderful managing job he did in 2008, and he accepted it wholeheartedly. Then he taught me hitting — in an office, no less — by tossing cough drops at me as I waited with a bat.

I didn’t initially know what it all meant, and I still don’t know if it really means anything. But I wanted to share that with you all.

***

The Phillies are in the World Series. How cool is that? Not as cool as “The Phillies are World Series champions.” We’ll get to that later.

Last night seemed celebratory, as I expected. I told those close to me the Phils would get a couple early runs off Chad Billingsley, Cole would pitch very well, they’d win 4-1 or 5-2 or something. I was close. And that shows how predictable this team has become — at this point, we know these guys will do their work, play their game, finish the job. It made each drink seem more savory, each out seem more complete. Sure there were tense moments, but did you doubt? Did you?

***

I had a World Series experience. Game three. October 19, 1993. My ninth birthday. Mom and dad surprised me with five tickets that night. Before that surprise, my classroom got camera time on Action News. My aunt helped bake some ridiculous cake that was on display at Veterans Stadium. The whole city was nuts.

That game three ended with a whimper. The Phils lost bad to the Blue Jays. Rain hampered the whole evening. But all I remember is looking out from my left-centerfield seat and seeing the endless array of bunting. Yes, bunting, the universal symbol of the World Series, of something big. The outfield fence held manicured flowers arranged into logos. Uniforms were crisper and cleaner. The crowd’s buzz was electric.

That’s the stuff I remember — the atmosphere. As a starry-eyed newly minted 9-year-old, those were the things that said “World Series.” Now, at 23, “World Series” means even more.

***

So here we are, 2008, and four wins to go. At the most, there are just seven games remaining. We’ve watched this team give us joy, and we’ve watched them give us pain. We’ve gone crazy for late comebacks against the Mets, and we’ve cursed out loud Jimmy Rollins’ mouth. But all of it has become this force, greater than us all.

This is a different team than those past. The 1993 team was a team that hit all the right notes for one year. A bunch of guys who had career seasons and stayed healthy. They rode the train until it stopped at a way-too talented Toronto team. The 2007 team sparked late, fueled by crazy comebacks and an overload of character. They were destined to fall.

But this team has the make, look and swagger of a champion. How many times can we write “businesslike”? How many games can we point to and say “they did their job”? It’s a team full of guys in their primes, sprinkled in with a couple veterans and younger guys. It’s built to raise the trophy.

And like a few others have written, this team is different than previous teams because you can believe in them. You don’t have the sinking feeling of choke. You don’t have the letdown feeling. They’re too good for that. The pitching is gold. The hitting is clutch. They always find a way.

***

So I woke up this morning, head hurting but pride strong. And I recalled the dream last night. The obscurity of Charlie Manuel at a bonfire. And then of us in an office, taking batting practice. And then, it did make sense.

Writing here, being a fan, it’s like sitting at a bonfire, sharing stories, opinions and information. And the fire is this team, what we all huddle around, what we all stand by to keep us involved, to keep our hearts warm and strong.

And the office? Shall I bring up the word “businesslike” again?

Sure, it’s a dream, and sure, most are unreadable, but the clarity I have for this team is impenetrable. I’ve never felt so good as a baseball fan, and I’ve never been so proud to be a Philadelphia Phillies fan. To huddle around the bonfire, to observe hittin’ season in the office, to celebrate a World Series berth.

Permalink Comments (94) | Trackback (0)

94 Responses to “Commentary: The Fire Rumbles”

  1. Brian Michael Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:06 am

    It’s business time.

  2. Phil Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    Tim, you have made incredible posts all year long, and I really feel that is your best yet. You should really be a sports writer. That was a great dream man. I think you’re right. This is the team to win it. I just realized a few minutes ago that the Rays aren’t as good as they seem right now. They’re smashing the Sox, yes…but they did that all year long. I think the youngins’ will collapse in the World Series.

  3. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    Flight of the Conchords style!

  4. BrewTownPhilsPhan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am

    Great story about ‘93. My dad got tickets to NLCS game 3 in ‘83 against the Dodgers – we got stuck in a traffic jam on the Schulkill after a truck flipped over, and got off to take side streets to the game. There were empty seats because of the accident, and the game was actually delayed half an hour because of it (that would never happen today!).

    Charles (not Charlie!) Hudson pitched brilliantly, Gary Matthew’s had a home run, and Mike Schmitt had a great catch several rows deep.

    I was thirteen and will never forget that game. It’s hard to surpass the experiences you have like that when you’re a kid. This year feels pretty special, though.

  5. Theresa Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:23 am

    That’s the one thing I have liked about this team throughout the playoffs…the attitude. They win the east, then the LCS, and you get the feeling that they are happy, but know the job’s not done yet. They are definitey in it to win it at the end. Go Phils!!

  6. Phil Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:31 am

    Did anyone see Moyer’s post game interview? He was talking about how proud he was of Cole like he was his father. It was pretty awesome.

  7. Chase Mutley Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am

    Michael Jack has to throw out the first pitch in Game 3, right? I mean, it’s sort of a given.

  8. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:48 am

    Either him or Carlton, I’d imagine.

  9. Griffin Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am

    I’m excited, but ready for the World Series. Let’s do this.

  10. ED8070 Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am

    Guys, this site has gotten me through the ups and downs of the season. Thank you for providing a place where die-hards like me can go and just be a Phillies Phan. I dont know what I would do everyday without this site. This site has made me become an even bigger Phillies Phan if that is possible. I remember watching Game Six of the ‘93 world series when I was 10. I’ve always been a fan, but watching this team this year is awesome! This season is just magical and its definitely not over yet! LETS GO PHILS!!!

  11. dan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am

    tim I love the dream but you didn’t explain one thing- the cough drops!

  12. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am

    Phil, Moyer was totally classy. I feel good for him after he pitched so poorly.

    And, Tim, great post. I really enjoyed that. I had a dream with Charlie in it as well…..the night after they lost to Milwaukee in game 3…..He was real upset and dejected about the loss. I told him that all would be ok, that his boys would win and move on. Charlie’s the best.
    When I was in Clearwater in March I was lucky enough to talk to him for a minute and have him sign my ball. I told him “Thanks. You’re a good man.” His reply was “So I’m a good man just because I sign?” I said “No, Charlie. You’re just a really good man and I appreciate your approach, your style. His response to that was (and I think I’m pretty close to verbatim here) “Well, I hope I do somethin’ good this year.” Typical Charlie. He SO deserves this.

    So Tim, I think your dream DOES mean something. I think there is something bigger at play here. Call it a higher power or whatever you want. Stuff like dreams and encounters just don’t happen for no reason. We all have to believe.

  13. philliesphanatic Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am

    Although I have been a Philly Sports Fan since birth, ‘71, I have only recently found this website. What a great blog, i found it yesterday and couldnt stop reading . Great Blog Thank You!

  14. dan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:03 am

    I hope, regardless of the outcome, that someone makes a movie about our phils. We need a good phillies movie. I’m going to start video taping all the rallies and tailgates and games, hope it turns out well

  15. Jamie Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:05 am

    The bizzare thing for me last night was that I was at total ease. I was never worried about us losing, never worried that Hamels would give up big hits or runs, and never worried that Lidge or Madson would falter. It was weird, considering the nailbiters we’ve have over the year. It’s like I just knew. I think we all did.

  16. Phil Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:09 am

    haha Dan Uggla just called Ryan Madson Derek Madson. What a tool.

  17. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Jamie, good point. I’m pretty superstitious and after the Phils lost to the Brewers in game 3 I couldn’t sit in the same chair, which I always sit in for whatever I’m watching on TV. Last night, I sort of forgot and sat in the chair and by the time they were up 3-0 I realized it. I thought about moving but figured I would just stay there and if something real bad was happening I would move. When Cole was in trouble in the 7th I told myself I would move if he didn’t get Kent out. Needless to say, I just remained in the chair til it was over. Guess I just knew too.

  18. phlorida Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:20 am

    Tim Malcom deserves the Nobel for Literature. I am so jealous of the guys/gals that were in Philly last night to celebrate. The raw emotion of a street celebration after victory is something that is hard to duplicate. Ive been through a few down here in Gainesville the past few years so I know yall had a great time last night. Look for me at game one, Ill be the loud one

    GOOOOO PHILLIES!!!

  19. JimC Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am

    Tim, Great post. Like everyone else here we appreciate what you do giving us a place to just talk baseball through the ups and downs. Theirs nothing better then talking baseball. And your only 23 Tim you have a bright future as a writer if that’s what you wish to do.

  20. timb Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:34 am

    Awesome site, Tim. So, what does that idiot TJ Simers have to say about us now? If anyone could post his comments I’d appreciate it. Apparently my IT dept blocks crappy sports journalists here at work.

  21. Geiff Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:34 am

    I was doubtful in June during IL play, I was sure theyd get to the WS when the playoffs began. I was not sure about winning the WS but it is DEFINITELY beginning to look more and more like its their time now.

    This is NOT the same Red Sox team that we saw in June, theyre not nearly as good as that team. Theyre injured, they dont have Manny even though Bay is a good replacement, Becketts not the same guy to the point that Dice-K is their ace now. I dont think theyre going to advance anyway, so…

    The Rays. I dont know how media types can dread this series. I know the marketing attributes demographically arent as big for these cities, but still. In terms of pure baseball, this is going to be a GREAT series. But I kind of have that feeling that theyre going to win this time. That the wait is over. They just have that look about them this time that you can tell theyre not done. This time its the Rays who should be worried about having their luck run out, not us. The cycle is complete, it has come back around and now its time for the Phillies to win again. Its all lined up for them, and this time it does jusdt feel right, Tim was right about that. A swtich was turned on when they got to the playoffs and they havent stopped since. The man who turned that switch up was Charlie Manuel, and now hes going to keep them focused and hell have them ready to win the World Series.

  22. TwoTonsOfIrony Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:37 am

    Hey, just found this today, apparently Victorino has been writing a blog for the entire postseason (they couldn’t have picked a better guy) it’s pretty well done and fun to read. I made my name the link so just click on that if you want to go to the site. Otherwise its just shanevictorino.mlblogs.com. Can’t wait for this series. Being down in DC I envied the stories of running around the streets of Philly for the party that was.
    Watching Madson this series has been pretty awesome, I don’t know if he is just in the zone, but it looks like he may be a pretty dominant guy, maybe even closer, in the future, 97!!!! love it.

  23. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:47 am

    Timb,

    Here’s what TJ Simers had to say:

    “SEVERAL DODGERS fans e-mailed complaining about the fan experience in the stadium for Game 4.

    ‘I am not sure I will take my son to another Dodger game any time soon,’ wrote Ken Gowey. ‘It makes me absolutely ashamed to be a Dodger fan.’

    I was afraid of this, knowing some folks born in Philly have probably moved here and become Dodgers fans over the years.

    The thing is, you just can’t take the Angryville out of them, which obviously explains all the problems in Dodger Stadium.’

  24. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:51 am

    congrats to the phils. as much as i hate it, they’re the best team in NL.

  25. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:56 am

    What’s with the Mets fans? I couldn’t fall asleep last night and was listening to the radio and guys were calling into WFAN in New York saying that the Phillies were the best team. Unbelievable turn of events!!! Guess two choke years in a row are enough to make Met fans come to their knees.

  26. phloridaphilsphan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:58 am

    Man, this is gonna make me cry! I love it! Like you, Tim, I was not alive the last (and only) time the Phightin’ Phils made it. I also agree with the Geiff, who cares that FOX isn’t happy about the Phils/Rays match-up? This is probably going to be one of the best Series in a long time, in terms of the two teams involved.

    GO PHILS! WE LOVE YOU BOYS!

  27. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 11:59 am

    any real baseball fan can appreciate a good team. regardless of the rivalry. two choke years are brutal. hopefully they learn something and bring in guys with the right attitude. rays-phils should be a classic series.

  28. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

    you’re dreaming, true met fan. Bad attitude is too widespread to overcome anytime soon.

  29. T Marty Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    Tim that blog was awesome, always are… i love this site. The Phillies are our fire, baby. Next time i have an odd dream i’ll have you analyze it. This is so much phun. GO Phils!

  30. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    True Met Fan,

    You have always shown class here and show you appreciate good baseball.

    But as for the rest of the Mets fans, they seem really…..bitter.

    http://www.metsblog.com/2008/10/16/note-phillies-are-still-mocking-the-mets/#comments

  31. TomC Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Anyone taking out a 2nd mortgage on your rowhome to watch the Phils lose in Tampa like the Eagles did in the Super Bowl?

  32. Gabriel Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    first off, Tim Malcom, you are essentially a blog god, todays post is incredible, i originally started posting here to wax intellectual w/other informed phils phans, now i come on here to read your masterpieces, as well as the waxing part too, but wow Tim, wow… i’m floored at today’s piece, this is one of the best times to be a phillies phan and you 100% personified all of our emotions with a few paragraphs – you’re a genius… i’m 25 and even if i had half of the writing capability you have, i’d be a beat writer for the daily journal, good luck to you and your future, it’s bright – i assure you.

  33. Phil Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    I’m reading Shane’s blog. I liked the comment he made about Hamels wanting to paint the town from green to red. I think Hamels painted the town red last night!

  34. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Tim,
    I am 50 yrs old and blogging is fairly new to me. I’m pretty old school in my approach to communication, but you have totally got me with this site. This is so much fun!!! Thanks for this. (I really have to get something done at work now….this is WAY too addictive!!!)

  35. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    Phil, this town, this whole area is red right now.

  36. Tim Malcolm Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:40 pm

    Thanks, everybody, for the kind words. I do what I do because I am like you.

  37. christopher Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    well said, tim, well said. i am so happy for this team, so happy that after falling out of love with baseball, this young nucleus brought me back in two seasons ago. i was there when they clinched the pennant in ‘93, ten years old, and it might have been the best feeling of my life up until that point. but this team is doing its best to top all of those childhood memories.

    go phillies!!!

  38. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:08 pm

    SJ,

    Not all Met fans are low class. But All Met fans should be bitter. They’re one hit away from the W.S. in 06 then blow it two years in a row. The Mets are like the Phils of the Abreu days, all the talent but the lack of guts and heart. And now they might trade reyes or wright.

    The W.S. should be a 7 game classic.

  39. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    Oh, I know, TMF.

    Just pointing out that post that I saw.

    Baseball fans should be excited to see this World Series matchup because it is different teams then the norm (Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals) and would be such a toss up and a well fought out series.

  40. Richie Allen Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    I remember the 80 world series final game because someone spilled a beer on my head…and I didnt mind at all…
    Heres hoping for that beer shower in 08..
    Go Phils.

    And by the way ,thanks Tim for this blog..fine job ..

  41. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm

    You can’t really compare the Mets to the Abreu Phillies teams. The recent Mets teams were way more talented and had no reason choking the way they did. I guess that’s why Mets fans should be bitter.

  42. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

    Probably so. The recent Mets teams were talented. but simply gutless. and closed out our stadium by losing to the marlins. The only one with confidence is Reyes but doesn’t get any support from his teammates. Reyes is like a young J-Roll. Hopefully he can carry them the same way rollins did.

    Whoever does the scouting/recruiting for the phils is brilliant because of the amount of homegrown talent they developed. All we have to show is reyes,wright,pelfrey.

  43. christopher Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

    haha guys i have to share this, i don’t want to talk about that low life TJ simmers anymore at this point, but i got too much of a kick out of this.

    after his first ridiculous article i sent him a short e-mail telling him off, which i posted here. then as the series went on i sent him two e-mails with links to stories showing how pathetic his dodgers fans were. and this morning i sent him an e-mail just generally putting him in his place- i won’t repost the entire thing, but here’s how it ened: “TJ Simmers’ moment in the sun set with a whimper, not a bang. He woke up today realizing that he is a small, tired, middle aged man, with a sad excuse for a life, and a sad excuse for a profession. And he wished, deep down inside, that if only somehow, someway… he was a beat writer for a real team… the Philadelphia Phillies.”

    well i guess my e-mails got under TJ’s skin, because he actually wrote back to me afterwards, and told me that I’M pathetic. the fact that i bothered the mighty TJ simmers to the point he wrote back to me in frustration was a small victory for me. obviously though, the big victory is still the phillies going to the world series :)

  44. Gabriel Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:41 pm

    TMF – you are doing a great thing here, turning phils phans opionions of muts fans from negative to not negative (wont say positive)… one fan at a time… good job TMF… way to not be a jackass – you have my blessing to troll this blog from now on, careful tho or you’ll be wearing a hamels jersey to your new stadium next year hah

  45. Gabriel Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

    TJ Simers is a complete baggadouche… it’s actually saddening to know that a human being is that unintelligent… well, saddening or laughable, nobody takes this idiot seriously… nobody ever will again either after his horrendous remarks – i hope this guy gets fired and ends up serving cheesesteaks in philly

  46. T Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Tim, great way to sum up a true fan’s feelings. This site should serve as an example of how great Philly fans really are.

  47. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    no chance dude. If I didn’t convert to a yankee fan in the past 10 years then I’ll never leave the mets. I’m just a diehard baseball fan and I’m sick of seeing both NY teams bring in over the hill free agents, spending stupid amount of money and not developing talent. I’ve been watching baseball my whole life, so i’m not some kid, flaming the other teams blog. i just wish our team would get it. I hope our F’ing GM wakes up and gets it. the thing is, this phils team is similar to the mets teams of the 80’s. like our 86 championship team. tough,gritty,confident.

    We’ll be back ! 2009 collapse proof, I hope :)

  48. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    TMF, you’re ok. The rest of you loser Met fans…..like Gab says…..one at a time. Gab, you put a smile on my face with your comments. By the way, I disagree with you TMF about your assessment of Reyes. A young J-Roll? I’ll have to think about that one. He has the talent but has little class. Maybe he’ll mature with age. For your sake TMF, I hope so cause you’re right….they have little else besides Wright and Pelfrey.

  49. Gavin Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Any of ya’ll notice how pissed off McCarver was that Loney flew out on a 2-0 pitch. He couldnt have been more biased if he was wearing a Dodgers tie that flashed, I’m a Dodger Dog on it. I loved it!!!!!!!!!

  50. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Christopher, please post back TJ Simers full response. Please!

    And TMF, you along with others like Grumpy Miner, RivLez, and there’s a few others where names are escaping me, have helped create a more positive spin on Mets fans.

    I’m sure it is the same thing for you. Phillies fans have this aura and myth about them that makes them see like they are a bunch of horrible people, but I’ve said time and time again that there is no fanbase that lives without sin. Unfortunately the vocal minority will always get more coverage and attention because that’s what they strive for.

  51. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    Speaking of dogs, McCarver’s a weinie.

  52. Gavin Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

    I’m glad those losers have to cover a series they dont want to. No matter what, the Phillies will play second fiddle to the Saux Nation or the Feel Good Story of the Year Rays on Fox.

  53. mikemike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    True Mets fan What are the papers and media saying about giving the G.M. a new contract. To me he signed a lot of hurt older players like alou,martinez, castillo.Glavine. what is the reason he got rewarded.

  54. Richie Allen Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    Gavin…not only that(McCarver)… but on Mike & Mike this morning on ESPN radio…They were talking about the game last night and instead of the Phils,it was a discussion on what the dodgers would do in the offseason etc..no phils discussion whatsoever..
    Maybe its good that they obviously dont want us to win…cause we just keep on winning..screw em!

  55. timb Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Gavin – I hope you eat crow after the series is over. It has been such a ride, how can anyone who appreciates sports not love this Phillies team? With the exception of Brett Myers’ antics (sometimes) this team is class from top to bottom. Chase, BradL, and Shane are some of the hardest working, blue collar baseball players I have ever seen. I am proud this is my team. Our team. Thanks SJ Mike, I’d love to see TJ Simers get fired. All the writers out in LA and this is the best they have?

  56. mikemike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    Gavin wasn’t it kent in ninth who fly out on 2-0 pitch with a runner on and down 5-1 in ninth?

  57. I'd rather Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    live in a nice area where people are calm, pleasant and polite, than live in Philadelphia where people are rude, obnoxious, violent and intoxicated. Congrats on the Phillies, Philadelphia. Now clean up your disgusting city and the attitudes that come with it.

  58. timb Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

    sorry Gavin – just realized you were talking about the announcer’s bias. Looks like I’m eating the crow….

  59. Georgie Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Oh Tim, you have gone and made me cry again, it’s amazing how you can put my feelings into words, truly a gift you have been given.

    HAHAHAHAHA!!! THE PHILLIES ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!

    I just erupt with that every half hour or so, not sure how much longer it will last, kinda like Tourette’s or something.

  60. timb Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    I’d rather you not post on this board.

  61. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    It’s funny because apparently rooting for a team and city means that you automatically live in it according to many people. A vast majority of Phillies fans do not live in Philadelphia proper.

    I live in South Jersey and it is beautiful where I live. Philadelphia as a city is pretty much the same as any other major metropolitan city on the East Coast when it comes to how clean it is and the attitude of people who live in it directly.

  62. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    Did anyone hear Howard Eskin the other day actually SIDING with Buck and McCarver and anyone else that seems to be against the Phillies. He was saying that they are just doing their jobs and that we fans are just super sensitive to the fact that they are not giving the Phillies their due. He went on to point out that it’s probably the same way in every other sports town in America where the fans just want the proper recognition for their team’s accomplisments.

  63. Georgie Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    SJ, I didn’t know anyone else watched Flight of the Conchords-love me some Britt and Jermaine!

  64. mikemike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    I’d rather what the hell are you talking about. we have bad section like any other city. I been to los angeles. scared me to death coming off route 10 going through watts area, and I was in hollywood. most of our attitute is because of people who down the birthplace of our country. were freedom rang for all. The history of this great city is reason you have the freedom to post your stupid remarks about a place were our flag was made. and the constitution was written so you could be the smart ass you are and not be punish for it.

  65. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Having a bad day, I’d Rather?

  66. Georgie Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    Eskin is Andy Reid’s cabana boy.

  67. Peter Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    That was absolutely great man. I have been reading the blog the past few months, and you have been great. Thanks for all the fantastic posts. This last one gave me chills. You are dead on, and the emotion you feel for the team comes through in every paragraph. Cheers

  68. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    Georgie, I am the boom the king!

  69. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    Sorry, meant The Boom King!

  70. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

    Georgie, I hit the floor with that one!!

  71. Bruce Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    Admittedly, I have not read all the posts in this thread but I wonder if anyone has touch on the “designated hitter” factor for the World Series?

    I dislike immensely the DH. It takes away the enjoyment of some of
    the situational strategy involving the lower part of batting order
    which endears baseball traditionalists like myself.

    At least the DH factor will only apply to the American League home
    field for 4 games (if it goes to that length). AL team definitely
    would have advantage in experience and matching a appropriate player
    to the DH role. It’s not fair for the NL team but have to accept.

    So be it. My choice for DH in the Phillies’ lineup? It depends on
    matching hitter to pitcher…lefty/righty percentage. Dobbs/Jenkins
    vs righthanders; Stairs vs lefthanders. if Dobbs is used, Manuel
    hopes his bench can be clutch in pinch hitting role(s).

  72. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    He I’d Rather, maybe you should live in the woods somewhere where no one will bother you. What area do you know of that is nice and calm?? It’s a stressful world, man.

  73. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    I still say Dobbs should be the DH. He is the most complete hitter off the bench and can hit singles, doubles, and homeruns. He’s more likely to get people on and drive them with situational hitting and I’d rather have him 4 times in 9 innings then just once.

  74. Chuck Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

    If Burrell doesn’t come back next year, then Dobbs should be in left. Great hitter!!

  75. MP Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    *crossing my fingers* regarding an upcoming win of the fall classic, what is a great bar to be at near frankford and cottman? i was 7 last time this happened, watched the game with my dad last night, and was envious i was not in on the fun, and now i want to be throughly prepared for a win

  76. Richie Allen Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    I’d say Dobbs for DH too…just hope its not Jenkins

  77. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    I’m in a heated argument over at Metsblog where Mets fans are complaining about the Phillies.

    Said that we as fans have a reputation and nothing we can to change it citing the jail at the Vet (which no longer exists) and the Santa incident (always with the Santa incident that happened 16 years before I was born).

  78. Tim Malcolm Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    Oh, we have five+ days to preview the WS and all that stuff. So don’t expect DH talk today from me.

  79. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    I’m wondering if Coste may DH against the Lefty pitchers

  80. Richie Allen Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

    Speaking of Coste….he seems to have fallen out of favor with Charlie in the last month or so…..no catching duties, and rarely a pinch hit at bat..wonder what happened?

  81. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    It seems to be that some of the pitchers felt uncomfortable with Coste behind the plate. I don’t know why.

    Using Coste as a pinch hitter though is a hard thing to do because he is your only other catcher on the active roster. If you pinch hit him too early, you’re screwed in the event of injury.

  82. Georgie Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    SJ I think it’s safe to say Lidge is one of those pitchers. I heard him say many times how much he relies on Ruiz.

  83. Richie Allen Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

    Thanks SJ…didnt know that….I guess that means bye-bye to Coste for 09

  84. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    I have a good feeling that Lou Marson will very well be on the active 25 man roster next year, as he should be. He’s a tremendous prospect.

    I can still see Coste being on the bench in ‘09 strictly for pinch hitting duties, but I doubt we’d see him play the field much.

  85. Gabriel Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    throwing back to earier posts – flight of the conchords is an awesome show… the hbo half hour special hooked me well before the show came out…
    also, chuck – is your ‘move to the woods’ comment a Don Rickles reference? if so – awesome, rickles is the man.

  86. Tim M Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    Check out the celebration videos i added to my site… People were goinf crazy all over the city last night – http://www.phillsportsrant.com
    Lou Marsen will be a great player when his day comes. He looked great the last game of the season

  87. LH Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    I think Coste fell out of favor every since the Myers blowout game against Atlanta on 9/24 when Coste seemed to be calling the wrong pitches at the wrong time.

    Nice post Tim and the pic is fun too!

  88. LH Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

    Tim, need an update on http://www.phillsportsrant.com, not linking

  89. true met fan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    mikemike,

    To answer your question. The Mets GM got an extension (which i disagree with) because the owners believe in him. In his recruiting of latin players and development of latin players in foreign countries (im still waiting for them) normally a GM would get 1 more year to go for it, but they clearly have full faith in him. I wouldn’t have given more than a year. our window is closing to be really competitive. Most of NY was against it and most of us disagreed with firing Willie but, Jerry Manuel did a good job.

    If you guys listen to WFAN 660 am, they’re pretty supportive of the phillies. they’ve always picked the phillies over the mets, this year. its probably the best sports radio in the country, but then again, Im in NY so thats’ my bias.

  90. LH Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    touché true met fan – you do have the best baseball AM radio station. I never miss an opportunity to listen daily until my wife says, ‘turn it off I can’t stand the static’. I miss the old car antennas.

  91. BrewTownPhilsPhan Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    Would Marson be eligible for the roster for the WS? If so, wouldn’t it make sense to add him in place of So Taguchi? Marson can fill Coste’s role (somewhat equivalent at this point to a third string quarterback in the NFL – has to be there but never to be used) while still serving as the bullpen catcher, while Coste is a much better option off the bench than Taguchi.

    Just musing…

  92. SJ Mike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 7:39 pm

    Marson is eligible for the roster in the event someone gets injured. So yes, So Taguchi is due for some mysterious imaginary injury.

  93. mikemike Says:
    October 16th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    the atlanta braves are getting Peavy. that guy is great.

  94. MikeB Says:
    October 17th, 2008 at 4:02 am

    TomC, the Eagles lost that Super Bowl game to the Patriots in Jacksonville, not Tampa as you seem to be referring to and the Phillies might not win every WS game in Tampa Bay (St. Petersburg) but they are going to defeat the Rays and win the WS.

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