Stairs Celebrates Victory From Distance

Posted by Tim Malcolm, Mon, October 06, 2008 03:07 PM

Digging deeper, I found this nice article about Matt Stairs by the National Post in Canada. Stairs, a Canadian, was happy for his teammates winning the NLDS yesterday, but in more of a back seat mode:

“I’m and older guy, I don’t go crazy. I like to enjoy watching the guys have fun.”

Stairs was acquired before the waiver deadline in a trade with Toronto. The Phils gave the Blue Jays left-hander Fabio Castro. Stairs provides the Phils a third lefty bench bat, but someone who can crank up a home run at will. Jimmy Rollins appreciated the move:

“I got to see a lot of Matt Stairs in an Oakland uniform, just being from the Bay Area and I’ve always known him as a professional hitter. He’s a strong guy, he takes that big swing, the first one is always for the fans. Then he settles in and takes the rest for the team.”

Rollins added Stairs offers pointers to many of the Phils hitters.

Good to see Stairs get some admiration. He has been a nice little piece to this 25-man roster. Go back a year and think about who the Phils were carrying on the bench — Wes Helms, Abraham Nunez, Rod Barajas. Now look at Stairs. Nice to have that veteran presence who can definitely get it done.

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37 Responses to “Stairs Celebrates Victory From Distance”

  1. James Beale Says:

    Great find, Tim. You think we’re excited enough for this series?

  2. Dennis Says:

    He seems like a really good guy, I’m happy for him. There are a lot of guys on this team that I would love to see celebrating a championship, just a ton of character. Go Phils! Beat LA!

  3. James Beale Says:

    Great minds, Tim. You think we’re excited enough for this series?

  4. Tim Malcolm Says:

    Absolutely. And since the local media is swarming all over this team now, I’m trying to bring forth things that some aren’t quite catching.

  5. Gabriel Says:

    thats one of the things i like the most about this site… like the bit on vamanos carlos ruiz - great article.
    cant wait for the 7 parter tim - keep it comin

  6. Phil Says:

    Tim, I am getting really pumped for Thursday. Keep the articles coming. They are making me more pumped. You’re an incredible writer, and I always look forward to reading everything you have to say. Please keep them coming throughout the week.

  7. Griffin Says:

    Abraham Nunez, Rod Barajas, Wes Helms, Jose Mesa, Antonio Alfonseca, Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton were all on the playoff roster last year. I’d say this year’s bench is a TON better.

  8. Greg B Says:

    Eaton wasn’t

  9. Tim Malcolm Says:

    Thanks, everyone.

    Just a look at the playoff rosters:

    2007 - Kyle Kendrick, Kyle Lohse, Jose Mesa, Antonio Alfonseca, Rod Barajas, Abraham Nunez, Wes Helms, Aaron Rowand
    2008 - Joe Blanton, JA Happ, Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Matt Stairs, Eric Brunlett, So Taguchi, Geoff Jenkins

    I’d give the edge to the ‘08 team.

  10. Fran Says:

    BEAT LA

  11. Griffin Says:

    I wish we could put Adam Eaton on LA’s postseason roster.

  12. Griffin Says:

    I just read in a chat that Burrell should get around 3 years 12 or 13 per. Good for Pat, but the Phils aren’t going to dole that out.

  13. Gabriel Says:

    they’ll pay that… just not to pat burrell

  14. Griffin Says:

    yeah, I’m wondering what they’ll do in the offseason. Assuming they re-sign Moyer, I can’t see them going after an expensive starter (Sabathia, Burnett, Sheets, Lowe). They’re locked in with Romero and Lidge in the bullpen. I think Madson is arbitration eligible, Howard is too and he’ll get a raise.

    Assuming they let Burrell go and let Werth become a starter, where are they going to spend the money? Are they going to try and sign Hamels to a long-term deal?

  15. Richie Says:

    I think they will definitely give him 3 years 36 mil, I would do that in a heartbeat.

  16. Phil Says:

    I’d offer Pat the Bat 3 years $30 million with an option for a 4th and 5th year. See if he bites. If not give him 3 years $36 million with no options.

  17. Andrew Says:

    i cant see any big postseason moves. JA Happ Carasca and Kendrick all have the potential to be a solid number 3 next year, we have blanton for another year and unless moyer retires, which i dont see happening hell be here too.

    Itll probably be much of the same

    Hammels
    Myers
    Moyer
    Blanton
    Happ/Carasca/Kendrick

    besides Marson and ruiz for the catchers spot i dont see anything really changing.

  18. Griffin Says:

    If the Phils don’t give the money to Burrell, what other position are they going to target?

  19. Brooks Says:

    This year is coming to an end too quickly. I feel that this is only the first of probably 3 or 4 big years yet of serious contention. Phils have a mighty nice nucleus, mostly around the same age. But Burell can be replaced and there is a decent chance for the better. Christe Coste’s time is up, Lou Marson’s time is here. Have Marson behind Ruiz to start with. Think of it guys, a legitimate stick in the # 7spot = ) May the better bat win out.

    Once Burell’s money is freed up, find another starter - JB has been a lot of fun to watch, Moyer (the magnificent!) could be running out of time soon, the odds are against him. Meyers and Cole have what it takes physically to get it done - do they have it mentally?

    Note - I saw Eskin on Ch 10 Sports Roundup. He was saying (like he has been all year long) that the Phils cannot rely on the HR as their cheif source of runs.. Could someone clear this up for me please? What team is Howard Eskin watching? This team has played big ball all season and will continue to do so. Once Jimmy starts getting on base, Ryan will start knocking him in, again and again.. It was nice to see that explosion on & Utley have yet to contribute.. Once that happens this show is ours!

  20. 85 Says:

    @Brooks: Us being Phillies fans, that’s a hard thing to keep in mind. This team really is in good shape to make a good run for the next couple seasons. Most of these bats are going to be around for a while. They’ve found relatively cheap, high productivity from guys like Vic and Werth, with the main cogs of the best bullpen in the league in place for a few more years. Plus, they’ve got an ace who looks like he’s really starting to figure this game out, and is pitching his biggest workload yet with no injury.

    And once Chase & Ryan start bringing the wood… this team will win the pennant. BEAT L.A.

  21. Durbinator Says:

    This years lineup/bench/rotation/bullpen is way better than last year, but remember that 07 Kendrick was way better than 08 Kendrick.

  22. mikemike Says:

    I still Think they make a run at Holiday.

  23. dan Says:

    When it comes to the difference between this year’s team and last year’s, it’s all pitching. Especially the pen. I don’t necessarily like the bench better.

  24. Don M Says:

    Tim, Brian, and everyone else involved…

    THANKS AGAIN!!!! You guys do a great job with this site, and I really appreciate having a place where I can share my opinions (not always the popular one…) but have a place to talk intelligent baseball theory and discuss personnel moves, etc.. with SMART people.. and guys and girls who seem to also know their baseball!

    Just how much attention are the phillies getting locally??? Well on the ride from the train to my house.. I heard 4 straight calls on WIP & 950espn about the EAGLES.. as though anyone should care about them right now!

  25. Brian Says:

    Hey Don,

    I agree that the town as measured by sports radio is ridiculously eagles heavy. Who cares? I think it might be the silliest thing ever. I’m glad the eagles lost.

    On the other hand you’re right I’m so glad that we baseball fans have this forum to get pumped up! This has been an amazing run. And for those of you who do care in a couple of weeks after this ends hopefully very very happily, there will be plenty of time to analyze the football team.

    In the meantime, is it Thursday yet???

  26. Griffin Says:

    well I think Feliz is better than A. Nunez, Bruntlett is a solid backup middle infielder. Stairs and Jenkins are good pinch hitters. Bourn is a better backup than So Taguchi, but you’re right Dan, the back end of the pitching staff is the difference. Durbin, Condrey and Happ/Seanez are better than Alfonseca and Mesa.
    This year’s team is definitely deeper.

  27. Scott Says:

    Agree that this year’s bench is better, but I can’t help but think that having Taguchi on the roster instead of Golson will come back to bite us. Golson can manufacturer a late-inning run with that speed. It’s not like we need another late-inning outfield with Bruntlett on the roster. Neither Taguchi or Golson can hit a lick but Golson’s speed is killer.

  28. Griffin Says:

    I agree that I’d rather have Golson. I think Manuel wanted Taguchi because him and Bruntlett are the only two RH bats on the bench. Still, Taguchi is pretty worthless, at least Golson is fast.

  29. Richie Allen Says:

    For someone who just found this forum this year.. .Its been a genuine pleasure to see most of your comments on the phils.
    But,
    Dont you hate the way the Philadelphia media is so biased toward the Eagles,even when they lose,.Christ, they start reporting big time from training camp in the summer.Its like its the only sport in town.

    This years team seems more professional than 07,they didnt rattle even during slumps,I think Charlie had a lot to do with their attitude.
    For all the guff everyone gave him,..he kept it steady, his gameplan seemed to work most of the time,and here we are in the playoffs.

  30. Mike W. Says:

    Well the Sox are going to win…thus keeping us stuck at 4 oclock. Just terrible.

  31. Jax Says:

    I’ve been a Stairs fan for ages, following him from team to team since he played on the Harrisburg Senators. The man belongs in the HOF! He truly is an amazing player, and now he’s on my hometown team, which tickles me! I’m glad to know that he’s going to help the Phils go all the way this year. Go Matt! Hey, ya gotta love a baseball player who coaches ice hockey! Maybe he could help out the Flyers! LOL

  32. Dave Says:

    …. in this day and age of media consolidation and layoffs, Howard Eskin still has a job?!?! Unbelieveable.

  33. Eb Says:

    Don…It is because the town is Eagles Heavy, and they need to fire their coach.

    However I was at a PJs Welihans on Sunday and NO ONE, I REPEAT NO ONE, was watching the Birds game it was Phillies through and through.

    Also I got standing Room tickets in center field for thursday if anyone wants to have a beer

  34. Don M Says:

    I’ll buy the beer if you supply the ticket.. what did the standing-room cost, $40?

    I was in 112 for Game #2… that was $73 .. I heard that it goes up to like $140 now for the NLCS and Im guessing $200 for the World Series..

  35. Don M Says:

    I flipped on the Eagles at one point and it was like 14-0, 14-3 something like that… then towards the end of the Phillies game, and they were losing… and I really didn’t care one bit.. I like the Eagles, but obviously the Phillies are my favorite Philadelphia team.. and all day Sunday I was seeing people rocking Eagles gear all over the place….. they must have had a shitty afternoon while the rest of us celebrated!

  36. Eb Says:

    sorry my tickets are all tkaen, just syaing if anyone is going to be att the game

  37. Don M Says:

    hahaha.. i was kidding. but what did you have to pay for standing room tix??

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Comments for this post will be closed on 7 October 2009.

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2008 salaries:

Charlie Manuel - $1.5 million
Pat Burrell - $14 million
Ryan Howard - $10 million
Brett Myers - $8.5 million
Adam Eaton - $7,635,000
Chase Utley - $7.5 million
Jimmy Rollins - $7 million
Brad Lidge - $6.35 million
Tom Gordon - $5.5 million
Geoff Jenkins - $5 million
Scott Eyre - $3.8 million
Joe Blanton - $3.7 million
Jamie Moyer - $3.5 million
Pedro Feliz - $3 million
J.C. Romero - $3 million
Jayson Werth - $1.7 million
Ryan Madson - $1.4 million
So Taguchi - $1.05 million
Chad Durbin - $900,000
Eric Bruntlett - $600,000
Cole Hamels - $500,000
Shane Victorino - $480,000
Chris Snelling - $450,000
Kyle Kendrick - $445,000
Greg Dobbs - $440,000
Carlos Ruiz - $425,000
Clay Condrey - $420,000
Chris Coste - $415,000
Rudy Seanez - $400,00
Francisco Rosario - $395,000
Mike Zagurski - $392,500
Fabio Castro - $383,000
J.D. Durbin - $380,000
Anderson Garcia - $380,000
Scott Mathieson - $380,000
J.A. Happ - $380,000
Yoel Hernandez - $380,000
Scott Mathieson - $380,000
Chris Roberson - $380,000
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Matt Smith - $380,000
Joe Thurston - $380,000
Kris Benson - $75,000



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