Phillies Nation

The 2000’s: A Look Back

Posted by Amanda Orr, Thu, December 31, 2009 10:00 PM

We’re a couple hours away from the new year, which will put an end to the decade of the 2000’s (2000-2009).  In 2000, the Phillies finished with a record of 65-97.  My, how things have changed.  The Phillies were oh so close to the postseason in 2005 and 2006, but finally got over the hump in 2007.  They won the National League East in 2007, 2008, and 2009.  They won the National League pennant in 2008 and 2009.  In 2008, they hosted Philadelphia’s first championship parade since 1983 after beating the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series.

Also during the 2000’s, the Phillies moved from Veterans Stadium to their current home, Citizens Bank Park.  The 2000’s didn’t start off so hot for the Phillies, but the end of the decade made for the best time to be Phillies fan.

Here is the Phillies “Team of the 2000’s” Roster:

C: Mike Lieberthal (2000-2006): 719 G, .279 AVG, 83 HR, .789 OPS

Lieberthal was injured a lot during his time in Philadelphia, but that doesn’t remove the fact that he was the best Phillies catcher of the decade. Lieby was a fine defensive catcher and he had some pop.

1B: Ryan Howard (2004-2009): 732 G, .279 AVG, 222 HR, .961 OPS

Jim Thome was great, but he was only a Phillie for a few seasons. When Thome got hurt, this man filled in. Howard responded by winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2005. A year later, he shattered Mike Schmidt’s single season home run record (Schmidt: 48, Howard: 58), and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Howard is known to strike out, but he is also known for his power. He won the Home Run Derby in 2006 and became the fastest player to hit 100 home runs. Howard has repeatedly carried his team in September. In 2009, he became the NLCS MVP.

2B: Chase Utley (2003-2009): 891 G, .295 AVG, 161 HR, .902 OPS

Harry Kalas said it best: “Chase Utley, you are the man!” The second baseman was blocked by Placido Polanco for the first few years of his career, but once he got the chance to play, he amazed everybody. Utley has started in four consecutive All Star Games. He has turned himself into today’s best second baseman in baseball.

SS: Jimmy Rollins (2000-2009): 1406 G, .274 AVG, 146 HR, .768 OPS

Bold predictions, three time All Star, two Gold Gloves, 2007 MVP, best shortstop in Phillies history. What else is there to say about Mr. Rolllins? He might not have a typical leadoff hitter’s on-base percentage, but he’s the Phillies spark plug.

3B: Scott Rolen (2000-2002): 434 G, .283 AVG, 82 HR, .884 OPS

*Stats include 55 games with St. Louis Cardinals in 2002.*

Third base was a weak spot for the Phillies over the past decade. David Bell, Wes Helms, and Pedro Feliz never lived up to their expectations. The Phillies had a franchise player in their hands, but they couldn’t make him happy. Losing led to the departure of Rolen, who didn’t leave on a pleasant note. Despite being here for only a couple years, Rolen put up impressive offensive numbers and played a solid third base.

LF: Pat Burrell (2000-2008): 1306 G, .257 AVG, 251 HR, .852 OPS

Philadelphia had a love-hate relationship with “Pat the Bat.” Burrell had high expectations, especially after an incredible 2002. Then, he slumped. And he was booed. But, Burrell also had his high points. And he was cheered. During the 2000’s, Burrell will remembered for his New York Met crushing.

CF: Shane Victorino (2005-2009): 607 G, .289 AVG, 44 HR, .787 OPS

The Flying Hawaiian made his first All Star team in 2009. He won two Gold Gloves. He improved his base running dramatically, jumping from four steals to 37, thanks to the help of Davy Lopes. Victorino has had his share of injuries, but like Utley, always gives 110%.

RF: Bobby Abreu (2000-2006): 1108 G, .300 AVG, 165 HR, .922 OPS

*Stats include 58 games with New York Yankees in 2006.*

Abreu was always questioned as to whether he’d “risk his body” defensively. However, he had a Gold Glove, and was a two-time All Star. Abreu won the Home Run Derby in 2005, setting a record for most home runs in the first round. Abreu hit for average, reaching at least .300 in four of the six years he was with the Phillies during the 2000’s.

SP: Brett Myers (2002-2009): 73-63, 4.40 ERA, 986 SO

Myers had his share of off the field issues, but he was arguably the best Phillies’ starter of the decade. He spent some time in the bullpen, and was even demoted to the minors.  However, Myers was always determined and could be lights out. He struck out Wily Mo Pena to end the Phillies’ playoff drought in 2007. His curveball was his go-to strikeout pitch. Myers will be remembered for his hitting in the 2008 postseason when he drew a huge walk and had a few hits.  Myers threw eight complete games in his tenure as a Phillie.

RP: Ryan Madson (2003-2009): 37-26, 3.83 ERA, 15 SV, 421 SO

Madson, like Myers, was converted from starter to reliever, but was most effective in the bullpen. Madson reaches the high 90’s on the radar gun, and his changeup is deadly.

UTIL: Jason Michaels (2001-2005): 383 G, .291 AVG, 21 HR, .822 OPS

I’m not going by the next best player here; I’m going by an actual utility player. J-Mike, a proud member of the “Bench Dawgs,” provided a reliable right handed bat off the bench.

Manager: Charlie Manuel (810-447)

Manuel is one of the best managers in Phillies history. He led the team to three consecutive NL East crowns, two straight National League pennants and a World Series title.

Team: 2008 Phillies

As Charlie said, “who’s the World Champions?!”

Pitching Performance: Kevin Millwood’s no-hitter in 2003.

Millwood no-hit the reigning NL Champs, the San Francisco Giants, led by Barry Bonds. Rickey Ledee drove in the only run of the game, and made the final out in center field.

Home Run: Matt Stairs vs. Jonathan Broxton in 2008 National League Championship Series.

It still hasn’t landed yet.

Defensive Play:  Aaron Rowand’s Catch in 2006

With the bases loaded, Xavier Nady sent a deep fly ball to center field.  Rowand kept going back, and made a game-saving catch, plowing into the wall and breaking several bones in face.

Other Things To Remember:

There are things from the 2000’s that you might want to forget, such as Johnny Damon’s “heads up” base running, Utley’s foul ball home run off the foul pole, and Craig Biggio’s home run off Billy Wagner. Thankfully, there are plenty of memorable moments:

Jim Thome’s 400th career home run, Jimmy Rollins’ NLCS walk-off, Shane Victorino’s NLDS grand slam off CC Sabathia, the passing of Harry Kalas, how the Phillies helped America heal after September 11, the four game sweep of the New York Mets, walk-offs, shut outs, big trades, triple plays, as well as many other big moments.

What are your favorite Phillies’ memories of the 2000’s?  Happy New Year!

Permalink | Comments (32) | Trackback (0)

Year In Review: The Bullpen

Posted by Amanda Orr, Thu, December 31, 2009 12:19 PM

Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were the main arms in the bullpen, and Phillies Nation will have separate reviews on their seasons later.  The bullpen had other important arms, such as Scott Eyre, Chan Ho Park, Brett Myers, and Jamie Moyer, Clay Condrey and Chad Durbin, who were reviewed earlier.  Tyler Walker, Sergio Escalona, Antoino Bastardo, Jack Taschner, and Kyle Kendrick also spent time in the big league bullpen.

Collectively, the Phillies bullpen had a 3.91 ERA, which ranked 14th in the majors, and ninth in the National League.

With J.C Romero suspended and injured, Scott Eyre was a key factor in the bullpen, serving as a left-handed specialist.  Eyre only pitched 30 innings, but he posted a 1.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP.  It’s unknown if Eyre will return in 2010.  Eyre had injury problems, and had surgery in the off season.  Eyre, a free agent, also tossed around the idea of retiring.

Chan Ho Park won the fifth starter’s spot in spring training. In seven starts, he posted a 7.29 ERA and lost his starting spot to J.A Happ.  Park moved to the bullpen, and was extremely effective, posting a 2.52 ERA.  His role as a reliever was undefined.  Sometimes we would eat two or three innings; in other situations he acted as a set-up man in close games.  Like Eyre, Park is a free agent, and a return is uncertain.

For the second year in a row, Brett Myers was the Opening Day starter.  However, Myers missed most of the season due to a hip injury.  Myers beat the odds and returned from surgery before the season ended.  He struggled at the end of the regular season and in the postseason, but his determination was still there.  The Phillies already notified Myers that he will not be a Phillie in 2010.

After a few bullpen injuries, Tyler Walker’s contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  Walker pitched well in 35.1 innings with the Phillies.  He had a 3.06 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.  He later earned trust from the skipper in close game situations.

Sergio Escalona had a busy travel schedule.  The young lefty shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors.  The 24-year old went 1-0 with a 4.61 ERA in 14 games.

Antonio Bastardo tore up the minor leagues before being called up to start. However, he struggled during his time in the majors.  He had a 6.46 ERA, then was placed on the disabled list.  In need of bullpen help, Bastardo made the NLDS and NLCS roster.  Despite only pitching 0.1 innings in the postseason, the decision to add Bastardo to the postseason roster was bold, and showed that the Phillies think highly of him.  The 23-year old has a hard fastball, a nasty slider and changeup, and the potential to be a good major league pitcher.

The Phillies needed a lefty, so they shopped Ronny Paulino to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Taschner.  Taschner’s stay in Philadelphia wasn’t a pleasant one.  He had a 4.91 ERA in 29 innings before getting the boot.

From the beginning of spring training, it was Kyle Kendrick’s goal to show that his sophomore slump was just a fluke.  He didn’t win the final spot in the rotation, although he did make a few spot starts.  Kendrick spent most of the season in Triple-A, only pitching 26.1 innings in the majors.  He had a 3.42 ERA, but he was very inconsistent.  Kendrick has another opportunity to redeem himself and win the fifth starter’s job in 2010.

Grade: 5/10:  The 2009 bullpen was recognized more for their reality show, “The Pen,” than anything else.  The bullpen wasn’t the Phillies strong point like in 2008, however it was about average.  They had guys like Park who could get the job done, but they also had guys like Taschner who couldn’t.

Permalink | Comments (7) | Trackback (0)

Bay to NY Has Several Angles

Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, December 30, 2009 01:34 PM

If you haven’t heard, former Pirates and Red Sox all-star Jason Bay signed a four-year, $66 million contract to become part of the spacious outfield for the New York Mets at Citi Field.  On the surface, they obtain one of the prize pieces from the free agent haul this offseason.  Below it, they may not be getting everything they hoped for.

For the Mets, any sort of offensive firepower is welcome.  Bay also appeared to be asking for slightly less than Matt Holliday, making him slightly more desirable to a team looking to add a big bat.  The problem isn’t so much his age (he will be 32 late next season); he’s certainly in his baseball prime.  It has more to do with his new digs up in Flushing.

We witnessed with our own eyes how ridiculous the new Citi Field can be for power hitters. To be fair, the Mets were missing their core of sluggers, but when you hit just 49 bombs in your own yard, it’s obvious a mistake made when the architect put the blueprints together.  Bay will help solidify the middle of the order that, so far, still has Carlos Beltran and David Wright.  Beltran dealt a bum knee in 2009 and David Wright was beaned on the head, but never really showed his power stroke even when healthy.  Just 1.6 home runs were hit on average per game, according to hittrackeronline.com.  So, injuries coupled with a powerless lineup, contributed to the awful performance.

As for Bay, he will hit home runs.  In fact, he’s hit 185 in his career including a career-best 36 last season in Boston.  It was the fourth time Bay reached has 30. It might be the last time we see him do so, and here’s why: Fenway Park’s Green Monster plays games with your head.

It’s a shade over 300 feet from home plate, meaning it’s relatively easy to hit over it.  When Bay gets to Citi, which reaches 331 in left and 371 in the alley, will he swing harder because he believes he has to?  Will the dimensions wreck his focus as a very good contact hitter?  Add that to the pressure of playing for New York, with the bonus of being the guy who hs to help save the franchise from the depths of the NL.  Even out in Pittsburgh where Bay resided for four-plus seasons, he swung for a relatively short wall. PNC Park goes 325 down the line, complete with a 36 inch wall (kidding, it’s 72 inches).  He’s used to an easy target in left and he’ll now have to deal with more between him and the left field seats.

Defensively, Bay was decent for his position. He had zero errors on the season, which proves he’s no slouch, but came in at a minus-4 on the Fielding Bible’s plus/minus scale.  So he was actually below the average major league left fielder in terms of defensive abilities for the ‘09 year.  Add in a larger pasture to defend, and there may be some problems in ‘10.

Overall, he has the tools to add a few notches to the win column for the Mets, especially when surrounded by a full complement of Reyes, Beltran, and Wright.  However, it’s pitching that really killed NY in 2009, an area that has not gotten any stronger for the team.  If I had to toss out an early prediction, I’d say 28 homers for Bay, with 100-plus RBI, and a jump to 78 wins for the Mets.

Another dilemma – one that has little to do with the Mets – is the Jayson Werth Factor.  How does the Bay signing impact the Phillies potentially re-signing Werth when he becomes a free agent?  Scott Lauber of the News Journal talked about this in his blog yesterday; and I agree with the sentiment that it now becomes that much harder to ink Werth long term.  Their numbers are similar in many facets of the game, however, Werth has more speed and is noted for his defensive acumen.

The four-year deal for Bay (with a fifth year vesting option) could spell the end for Jayson Werth in red pinstripes if he is set on parlaying his play into the best possible contract.  Lauber does point to Bay’s track record, but Werth can continue to build his resume with another strong season in 2010.  Plus, as Lauber mentions, Werth is a “late bloomer”.  He’s managed just 619 games played strewn across seven different seasons.  In six full years, Bay has over 900 games under his belt.  So while Werth is behind the curve, he certainly is setting himself up for major payday, and one that may have been put into context by Bay’s new deal with the Mets.

Permalink | Comments (44) | Trackback (0)

Top Moment No. 15: Werth’s Walk Off

Posted by Amanda Orr, Wed, December 30, 2009 10:16 AM

Top Moment #15: Werth’s Walk Off Extends Winning Streak to Ten

July was an action-packed month for the Philadelphia Phillies. Headed into the All Star Break, the Phillies won five straight games.  They carried their hot streak into the second half of the season, leaving it to one of their All Stars to extend their winning streak in dramatic fashion.

Joe Blanton and Rich Harden, two former Oakland teammates, were in the midst of a pitcher’s duel.  Blanton allowed just one run in seven innings.  The Phillies scored one run themselves: a Jimmy Rollins solo home run.  The game stood at one a piece headed into extra innings.

The Phillies bullpen was superb.  Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge combined for two scoreless innings.  Chan Ho Park ate three innings out of the bullpen, and Clay Condrey tossed a 1-2-3 thirteenth inning.  The defense was also praiseworthy.  Rollins turned a fantastic double play on a kick-save by Lidge, and Raul Ibanez made a tremendous diving catch.

Jeff Samardzija started the thirteenth with two easy outs, but walked Ryan Howard and Ibanez.  Jayson Werth stepped up to the plate, and sent Samardzija’s offering deep into the left field seats.  By the crack of the bat, everybody knew it was gone.  As the Cubs players headed towards the visiting dugout disappointed, Werth rounded the bases with his finger up in the air, and was mobbed at home plate to celebrate the 4-1 win.

The victory marked the Phillies tenth consecutive win, the Phillies longest winning streak since 1991.  Everything was falling the Phillies way.  The win streak was impressive, but Werth’s walk off made it much more memorable.

Permalink | Comments (6) | Trackback (0)

Year in Review: Cliff Lee

Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, December 29, 2009 02:30 PM

Just when you thought the Cliff Lee talk would simmer, we reel you back in!  It is the Year in Review, so we have to cover everyone.  Yes, including the guy who was here for a three month stretch that was one of the most important and unimaginable showings in Phillies history. As quickly as he came in, he was swept away by the front office to Seattle.

The brevity of Cliff Lee’s stay in Philadelphia is somewhat of a head-scratcher considering he dominated the final two months and the playoffs like he was Sandy Koufax.  Still, it’s a piece of Phillies history that won’t soon be forgotten by the allegiance who witnessed it.

Beginning with a complete-game four-hitter against San Francisco in his first start with the Phils, to his finale; seven hard-fought innings in World Series Game 5 to keep the team gasping on life support.  No matter the challenge, Cliff Lee seemed up for it.

In between his first and last starts, Lee tossed in a litany of season-altering performances, many of which you will see on our Top 25 list in the coming days.  A complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts against Arizona? Check.  A CG-SO against Washington late in the season?  You bet.  A 4-0 postseason record with a 1.56 ERA and two complete games?  Lee made it happen. What he could not help was a World Series defeat at the hands of the evil empire.  But don’t blame Lee for that.  His two WS victories presented a small window of opportunity for the Phillies; one which they could not capitalize on, unfortunately.

And just like that, it’s over.  Feeling the need to secure long-term financial stability, coupled with the belief that Lee would test free-agent waters once 2010 was through, Ruben Amaro Jr. sent him packing to Seattle in that raucous three-team deal that brought Roy Halladay to Philly.  Whether it was the correct move or not, it will only allow for Cliff Lee’s legendary status to grow here in this baseball-crazed town.  Sure, we will learn to love the same type of shutdown efforts by Halladay every fifth day, but few have ever made their mark on a city like Cliff Lee.

There have been heaps and heaps of trades consummated at the deadline over the years, but few have rendered results like this one.  It’s safe to say that this was one of the finest acquisitions in the history of this franchise.

And for that, we will always, always remember Clifton Phifer Lee.

2009 numbers (with PHI): 7-4, 3.39 ERA, 79.2 IP, 74 K, 10 BB, 3 CG, 1 Shutout

GRADE: 9.8/10 – Few players will ever steal the breath of a Phillies fan the way Lee did.  This would have been a 10 out of 10 had the Phils captured back-to-back World Series titles, although it wasn’t from lack of effort Lee.  Just an incredible season, there’s really no other way to put it.

Permalink | Comments (116) | Trackback (0)

Top Moment No. 16: HK’s Last Call

Posted by Nick "Beerman" Staskin, Tue, December 29, 2009 08:57 AM

Top Moment #16: Stairs Homers for Harry’s Last Home Run Call

It wasn’t until April 13th that the great Harry Kalas passed away. However, it was April 12th that we last heard his beautiful voice.

With the Phillies on the verge of falling to 2-4 to start the season, Chase Utley hit a 2-run home run off of Manny Corpas to tie the game.

It wasn’t that long ball that will be long remembered in Philadelphia, though. It was the 2-run pinch home run that Matt Stairs delivered in the top of the 9th inning off of Huston Street to win it. This would be the last home run call that the great Harry Kalas would ever deliver.

Brad Lidge came in to close out the game with a scoreless bottom of the ninth. When Chan Ho Park’s Phillies debut didn’t go as planned, 5 ER in 3.1 IP, the combination of Chad Durbin, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson and Lidge put together 5.2 innings of 2-hit, shutout baseball to keep the Phillies in it.

But as stated before, it won’t be Utley’s game-tying home run that we remember…nor will it be the great effort of the bullpen on that frigid Denver afternoon. It will be Harry Kalas giving us one last “Outta Here.”

Permalink | Comments (34) | Trackback (0)

Year in Review: The Bench

Posted by Pat Gallen, Sun, December 27, 2009 03:42 PM

Not much you can say about the Philadelphia Phillies backups during the 2009 season other than they just weren’t very good.

For the most part, the crew consisted of Eric Bruntlett and Matt Stairs, whom we reviewed earlier in the offseason, Greg Dobbs, Paul Bako, John Mayberry Jr., Miguel Cairo, and Ben Francisco.  Chris Coste left mid-season and guys like Lou Marson, Andy Tracy, and Paul Hoover made nary a contribution.  But overall, it was a sad, sad year for the group that was counted upon to provide a spark off the pine.

Greg Dobbs had been the main man for the previous two seasons, hitting .271 in 2007 and .301 in 2008.  Of course, ‘09 brought injuries, which in turn sapped Dobbs’ ability to produce in late-inning situations.  He finished the year with a .247 average and just five home runs after smacking 19 homers the two seasons prior.  In pinch-hitting situations, that average plunged to just .167 over 60 plate appearance; not exactly what the Phillies expected when they inked Dobbs to a two-year deal before the season.

Paul Bako took over as the backup backstop for Chris Coste in June and didn’t really offer anything different than Coste.  Those in the know say Bako “handles a staff better” than Coste did, but isn’t it really comparing apples with apples when both guys hit in the .220’s and rarely play?  Needless to say, Bako won’t be back next season and in ‘09 didn’t make much of an impact.

John Mayberry Jr. was an intriguing piece as Spring Training opened last February, looking as though he might be a candidate to be a left fielder of the future in Philly.  The giant righty had a home run and three RBI in his first game of the season against the New York Yankees.  However, the holes in his swing became more evident as the season progressed and Mayberry found himself in Triple-A for the stretch run.  Big John could still be a presence if he can shorten his swing, but don’t count on it as of now.

Miguel Cairo was an adequate replacement for Eric Bruntlett as the last guy on the bench -the super-utility player, if you will.  Cairo completed the 2009 campaign with a .267 average in limited time, but his ride is also over with the Phils.

Ben Francisco looks to be a keeper and a guy who could be a replacement for Raul Ibanez down the road.  Francisco split the season with Cleveland and the Phillies, hitting 15 total home runs while playing an adequate left field.  That’s three straight seasons with 15 HR’s for Benny, so he has the necessary pop to be a viable option off the bench.

As a pinch-hitter, he hit just .200 over 15 at-bats, so he clearly didn’t receive a ton of opportunities other than the occasional spot start. But when he did play, he produced. Francisco will be a very important piece for the Phillies in 2010, and perhaps for an extended period beyond next year as well.

GRADE: 2/10: Stairs hit a few big home runs, but early in the year.  Dobbs struggled with injuries and never got going. Bruntlett was basically a warm body on the bench.  The others rarely came up with any big time, late-inning heroics.  Francisco was good, but not as a PH. Overall, an awful season for the Phils bench, as they finished the season hitting just .186.

Permalink | Comments (38) | Trackback (1)

Year In Review: Cole Hamels

Posted by Amanda Orr, Sat, December 26, 2009 10:01 AM

In January of 2009, the Phillies avoided arbitration with Cole Hamels by signing him to a three-year, $20.5 million deal.  For a pitcher who won the 2008 World Series MVP, the move was a cheap steal for the Phillies.  After going 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in the playoffs, the young left-hander had high expectations for 2009.

Cole didn’t respond the way everybody would’ve liked.

On the first day of spring training, Charlie Manuel penciled Hamels in as the Opening Day starter.  However, Hamels suffered from elbow pain and wouldn’t make his first start until April 10.  It wasn’t pretty; Hamels allowed seven earned runs in 3.2 innings.  It was just the beginning of a long season for Hamels.

Glancing at his stats, Hamels had an average year for a major league pitcher.  What made Hamels’ season disappointing was the fact that everybody knew that he was capable of being a big game pitcher.  Hamels’ frustration in himself was noticeable, especially in the National League Championship Series when he tossed his arms in the air after a teammate’s error.

It was very easy to point out Hamels’ problem: location.  When Hamels missed his spots, he paid heavily.  But at least he made batters work their way on.  Hamels gave up 9.6 hits per nine innings.  Hamels only walked two batters per nine innings, a career best.  51.4% of his pitches were in the strike zone, which ranked fifth best in the National League.  He also had the fifth best walk/strikeout ratio (3.91) in the National League.

Hamels was unable to get into a groove during the posteason.  He went 1-2 with a 7.58 ERA, and allowed seven home runs.

In early 2009, Hamels admitted to Phillies Nation that he does not have a good curveball.  It showed in 2009, but if it can be improved, he’ll be that much better of a pitcher.  The 26-year old is still capable of being an ace.  With less offseason distractions, Hamels can prepare himself for the 2010 season, and can hopefully return to his old, dominant form.

2009 stats: 32 G, 10-11, 193.2 IP, 4.32 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 168 SO, .273 BAA

Grade: 5.5/10 — Hamels had a disappointing year, but his subpar season was about average for a major league pitcher.

Permalink | Comments (31) | Trackback (0)

‘Tis the Season

Posted by Brian Michael, Fri, December 25, 2009 08:02 AM

From all of us here at Phillies Nation to all of you die-hard Phillies fans, Happy Holidays!!

Permalink | Comments (4) | Trackback (0)

The Greatest Gift of All

Posted by Corey Seidman, Thu, December 24, 2009 09:14 PM

Who remembers what the offseason used to be like? I don’t mean a time before Twitter or MLBTradeRumors.com, or before we all knew the details of a trade before it was finalized. I mean, who remembers the apprehensive excitement that used to serve as the precursor to another season of Phillies baseball?

If you recall how offseasons used to go, be it as recently as the late 90s-early 00s or the countless years of irrelevance that came before then, be thankful. The period from November to March involved more hopes and pipe dreams than actual expectations. In experiencing all of the pain and heartache that came with those insufferable years of being a Phillies fan, you got yourself here, to a point in which you’re being fairly compensated with success.

When I ask who remembers the less fortunate years, I don’t intend to demean those who have only recently become fans of the red pinstripes. It seems like many people complain about “bandwagon-jumpers,” but, at least to me, it doesn’t matter when you started supporting your team. For those of us who live and die with the Phillies, it’s the sheer obsession and array of emotions that we live for, not a “Whose-the-bigger-fan” competition with our next-door neighbor.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, instead of calling someone out or berating them for becoming a Phillies fan only when it became trendy, be thankful that you, yourself, were a fan for so long that you get to enjoy this period of time to such a greater degree. Only people like you–experienced, dedicated, and intelligent fans can truly comprehend the significance of what the Philadelphia Phillies have evolved into–a team that every baseball fan wants to watch, and mostly every baseball player wants to play for.

Usually, this is the spot in an article where the writer has finished introducing his point, and feels it’s time to include stats or quotes to support that point. But none of those things can accurately quantify the insane anticipation of the 2010 season felt by Phillies fans. No number or sarcastic opinion from Keith Law can enhance or derail how eager we are to get off at Broad and Pattison and make our way into Citizens Bank Park next April.

This is the kind of feeling that few fans across the country have the privilege of experiencing right now. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at some of the other cities that inhabit potential National League contenders.

• In St. Louis, a city considered by many to be the best baseball town in America, the status of Matt Holliday is up in the air. Sure, a World Series berth is always possible with Albert Pujols manning first base, but the ever-productive Holliday may be gone, and Mark DeRosa certainly won’t return. Joel Pineiro, the Cardinals over-achieving No. 3 starter from last season, will also probably find a new team. The Cards are relying on a huge financial commitment being made to Holliday (which, when paired with the impending extension they’ll have to dish out to Albert Pujols, will cripple the team’s flexibility for years,) the ability of Brad Penny to replace Pineiro’s effectiveness, and the hopes that Ryan Franklin can maintain a ridiculously, unsustainably low ERA for most of the season like he did in ‘09. If everything goes right, they *could* compete with the Phillies for NL supremacy.
• The Dodgers haven’t made any notable moves to improve their team. Randy Wolf, the de facto ace of the 2009 squad, left for Milwaukee. Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley are still somewhat raw, but, in all honesty, Kershaw has been inconsistent and Billingsley simply doesn’t look like he’s the pitcher everyone thought he’d be. Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake are a year older, Hiroki Kuroda is a year less healthy, Russell Martin is declining faster, offensively and defensively, than any other major leaguer, and James Loney hasn’t developed much at the plate. Tons of uncertainty.
• I outlined the strides Atlanta has made this offseason, but if they don’t sign Jason Bay or break the bank for Holliday, the Javier Vazquez trade will look awful. If it turns out that Frank Wren traded his ace for a league-average outfielder, prospects, and the ability to sign Troy Glaus, I’m taking back every nice word I said about him. Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, and Glaus all come with injury concerns, and, while I think the Braves will be the NL wildcard winner in 2010, it’s hard to imagine them challenging the Phillies with the team they would field as of December 25.
• Mets fans must be going out of their minds right now. Bay and Bengie Molina have each asked for too many years and too much money, the team missed out on John Lackey and Randy Wolf, and it seems like every signing Omar Minaya is making is just to prove that he’s still alive. Chris Coste? Henry Blanco? R.A. Dickey? Great job, Omar. Problem solved!
• The Cubs are a financial mess. They have aging, underachieving sluggers, an extremely wild closer, a volatile ace, and no legitimate way out.
• The Rockies could be just as dangerous as they were last year, or they could be just as pitiful as they were in 2008. The “genius” of Jim Tracy won’t impact the schizophrenia of this team as much as it did in 2009.

What do all of those teams have in common?

1. A ton of question marks,
2. Signs of regression, and
3. That apprehensive anticipation that we all felt prior to 2007.

This is not to say that there aren’t question marks with the Phillies, or that they’re a lock to repeat as National League champions, but let’s face the facts: the Phils were an already deadly team that used November and December to replace a great starting pitcher with the best in the game, add a consistent bat to stabilize the seven- (or two-) hole, and give a tired Cole Hamels enough time to rest and regroup.

Much of the apprehensiveness is gone, but the anticipation remains. Only, it’s turned into absolute edge-of-your-seat excitement.

But more importantly, and more fulfillingly, it’s been replaced with realistic expectations of greatness.

Permalink | Comments (26) | Trackback (0)

Charlie the Red-Faced Phillie

Posted by Pat Gallen, Thu, December 24, 2009 09:31 AM

You know J-Roll and Utley and Ryno and Shane,

Madson and Jayson and Chooch and Rauuul,

But do you recall, the most famous Phillie of all?

Charlie the Red-Faced Phillie, had a very shiny nose

And if you ever saw him, you would even say he knows

Just how to hit a baseball, taught all the players how to swing

Charlie was still looked down on, the city never liked his ways

Then one cold October eve, Charlie came to say

Lidge go throw us one last pitch, bring us home the championship

Then how the city loved him, as they lined the streets with glee

Charlie the Red-Faced Phillie, he went down in history.

-Merry Christmas from Phillies Nation

Permalink | Comments (16) | Trackback (0)

Phils Add a Reliever?

Posted by Pat Gallen, Wed, December 23, 2009 04:32 PM

According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies have signed a relief pitcher, yet, he isn’t sure who it is yet.  There are a slew of names out there that have been linked to the Phils in recent weeks, the latest being Danys Baez and Mike MacDougal.

Fernando Rodney signed with the Los Angeles Angels so (thankfully) it isn’t him, which leaves the usual suspects: Baez, Capps, Dotel, Valverde, MacDougal, among others.

I’d still like to see Matt Capps as I think his career numbers prove that last season was a fluke.  Although, with the pressures of Philadelphia, it’s tough to say how players will respond to a winning climate.  Baez, too, would be a decent signing, as long as it is for far less than Rodney’s asking price of somewhere around $5.5 million per.

Permalink | Comments (73) | Trackback (0)

The Adversaries in Atlanta

Posted by Corey Seidman, Wed, December 23, 2009 04:14 AM

While Jack Zduriencik, and to a lesser extent, Ruben Amaro Jr., have been stealing headlines this offseason by wheeling, dealing, shuffling, and replenishing, Frank Wren is quietly assembling a formidable team in Turner Country.

For eight years, Wren was as an understudy to long-time Braves GM John Schuerholz, a man whose name is usually written in sentences that contain the words “genius” or “legendary.” After seventeen successful seasons as the General Manager of the Braves, Schuerholz, the architect of a team that won an unprecedented fourteen consecutive division titles under his watch, assumed the role of team president.

Wren took over then, but the club he inherited was more of a second- or third-place team in the NL East; the Braves had slowly fallen behind the Phillies and Mets in terms major league talent level, despite producing and sustaining an above-average farm system.

An injury-plagued 2008 season led to a 72-90 finish in Wren’s first year as GM. The Braves lost 14 of 18 games to the Phillies and ended the season with a record closer to that of the last-place Nationals than the Phils.

In 2009, the team fared much better, going 86-76 and winning 23 of 36 against the Phils and Mets.

But after watching the Phillies hit (and occasionally pitch) their way to two World Series berths, Wren has attempted to stockpile as much firepower as humanly possible through trades and free agency. And to make things even scarier for Philadelphians, he doesn’t seem to be finished piecing together his 2010 puzzle.

Wren got to work early by signing righthanded reliever and former Joe Torre-workhorse, Scott Proctor, to a minor-league deal. A week later, an agreement was reached that will keep Tim Hudson in Atlanta for three more seasons. On the second day of December, Billy Wagner sold himself to a third NL East employer by agreeing to a one-year pact with the Braves. And one day later, former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito signed a deal.

When the team’s 2009 closer, Rafael Soriano, agreed to arbitration, the Braves had a strange dilemma on their hands, as they all-of-the-sudden possessed a glut of late-inning relievers. Keeping Soriano and his $8M price-tag would have been difficult, so Wren shipped him off to Tampa Bay for Jesse Chavez, a righthanded reliever who pitched 67 solid innings for the Pirates in ‘09 before being traded to the Rays in the offseason.

On December 11, the Braves and outfielder Matt Diaz agreed to terms, allowing the unquestionably underrated Phillie-killer to avoid arbitration.

Finally, on December 22, Wren and Yankees GM Brian Cashman worked out a trade that sent the great Javier Vazquez back to New York in exchange for outfielder Melky Cabrera. Reliever Boone Logan was also traded to New York, and pitching prospects Mike Dunn and Arodys Vizcaino went to Atlanta.

By trading Vazquez, the Braves lost an extremely effective starting pitcher who struck out ten batters per nine innings pitched in 2009, while walking only two-per-nine. Every single number Vazquez compiled last season was extraordinary (1.02 WHIP, 238 K’s in 219 innings,) as evidenced by his fourth place finish in the race for NL Cy Young. It’s difficult to call the Braves “winners” in a deal that loses them such a dominant starter, but the Vazquez trade benefits the Braves in multiple ways.

For starters, his $11.5M salary is wiped off the books. Secondly, it allows Atlanta to enter the 2010 season having a set rotation of Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, and Kenshin Kawakami. While the 2009 Phillies and Red Sox proved that you can never have enough starting pitching, the Braves had an excess at the position and used that advantage to patch up an ugly hole in the outfield.

Cabrera hit .274/.336/.416 last year with 13 homers and 68 RBI in 485 at-bats. His defense was just about middle-of-the-pack and he was worth 1.6 wins above replacement. The Braves outfield was terrible in 2009, but the addition of Cabrera solidifies it. If the outfield were to be left alone from this point forward, Cabrera would be flanked by Diaz (a player who deserves to play everyday) and Nate McClouth.

But, unfortunately, Frank Wren isn’t interested in leaving the outfield as is.

As a guest on 790 The Zone in Atlanta Tuesday, Wren dropped a few not-so-subtle hints about the Braves plans in the coming days. “There’s definitely some more things we’re doing,” he said, “We’re going to add a run-producer that’s going to round out our offense.”

Now, the “run-producer” Wren mentioned could be a guy like Adam LaRoche (re-acquired by the Braves in July of ‘09,) or Marlon Byrd, but the Braves could also be players in the Jason Bay or Matt Holliday sweepstakes. Holliday will likely be too expensive for the Braves, but not Bay. He’ll get something in the vicinity of $64M over four years, meaning the Braves would only be paying a few million more in 2010 salary than they would have been with Vazquez on the team.

Bay would make much more sense with the Braves than the Mets, because the Braves appear to be headed in the right direction. Bay’s agent recently expressed the free agent outfielder’s disinterest in signing with a third-place club, which is what the 2010 Mets are looking more and more like each day.

Bay is not a superstar capable of single-handedly catapulting a team to greatness, but he is a .280/.376/.520 hitter that is projected to hit 32 homers next season. His defense is atrocious, but with all things included, he’d add about three wins to the 2010 Atlanta Braves. Considering this is the tail-end of Chipper Jones’ career, it makes sense to sign Bay and make the most of a 3-4-5 that would include the two sluggers and catcher Brian McCann.

The Atlanta bullpen was improved by the signings of Wagner and Saito, as was the outfield by trading for Cabrera. In dealing Vazquez, they gave up a surplus for a deficit, but locked themselves into a starting rotation that just about every other major league team should envy.

If Frank Wren can make one more splash by signing Jason Bay, those old foes from Atlanta could give the Phillies a run for their money in 2010, Roy Halladay or not.

Permalink | Comments (49) | Trackback (0)

Odds and Ends: Rodney, Halladay

Posted by Pat Gallen, Tue, December 22, 2009 07:33 PM

- Fernando Rodney is close to being scooped up by the Los Angeles Angels, according to the Detroit Free Press.  The Phillies, however, are reportedly also in on the former Tiger closer.  Can’t say I’m overly thrilled about this possibility, although there isn’t much out there in terms of back-end help. Rodney wants to close and while he does have good stuff, can be wild at times.  His 4.40 ERA and 1.47 WHIP back up that notion, so for those pining for the 32-year old righty, perhaps you should temper expectations.  While the bullpen is the most pressing issue at the moment, the Phillies should look elsewhere – and it appears they may have to if the Angels nab him.  If he gets more than the two-year, $12 million Mike Gonzalez got from Baltimore, the Phillies should jump ship immediately.

-In today’s Toronto Sun, Roy Halladay showed Toronto just how classy he is. Doc took out a full-page advertisement thanking Blue Jays fans for his time north of the border.  Great show of love by Halladay toward his old town. You can tell the guy really gets it and enjoyed what that city gave him for so long.  He won a Cy Young award there, made a lot of money, but did not win.  Halladay will finally get that opportunity here and we couldn’t be more enthused to see him wear that number 34 with pride.

-Javier Vazquez is now a Yankee. The Braves traded the starting pitcher to the AL East for Melky Cabrera.  Vazquez has 12 career wins against the Phillies, the most against any team in the majors, so it will be good to see him go.  He faced the Phillies three times in ‘09, going 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA.  He now joins the Yankees as their number three or four starter, and I have to say, it was a very strong move by the Yanks.  He solidifies an already very good rotation, he was had on the cheap, plus will provide a ton of innings for the champs.  Brian Cashman is doing a very solid job this offseason.

-Jason Marquis is now a Nat.  He joined the Washington Nationals, signing a two-year, $15 million contract to join the worst team in baseball.  It was reported that the Phillies had interest in the 31-year old, another iffy proposition.  Marquis has been consistently average throughout his career, as is evident by his 4.48 ERA.  The Phillies, sadly, are already paying for mediocrity with a large sum going to Jamie Moyer this year.  This move would have been an awful idea.  Pay a number five starter $7.5 million on average?  Marquis’ career stats look very Adam Eaton-like, so it was a wise move letting the Nats take on that hefty sum for lack of upside.

-Brandon Morrow is now a Blue Jay.  Toronto shipped Brandon League and a prospect to Seattle for the 25-year old righty.  Tell me why the Phillies couldn’t receive Morrow in the Cliff Lee trade?  He has just under 200 career innings under his belt and sports a 3.93 ERA.  Morrow mostly threw out of the bullpen in 2009, but can start and has done well in limited action.  He is 4-3 lifetime with a 4.42 ERA as a SP.  He has the tools to be a very good closer for many years, or even a decent mid-line starter.  Again, this guy couldn’t have been thrown in for a Cy Young winner?

(UPDATE: Wed., 8:56 am): The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Phillies are talking with Mike McDougal, former White Sox, Royal, and National.  The lanky righty saved 20 games a year ago and has closed before in KC, but has bounced around the league while posting inconsistent numbers over the life of his nine-year career.  Is he an upgrade over Condrey?

Permalink | Comments (34) | Trackback (0)

Top Moment No. 17: NLDS Game Three

Posted by Amanda Orr, Tue, December 22, 2009 02:30 PM

Top Moment #17:  Phils take series lead on Howard’s sacrifice fly

The third game of the National League Division Series was truly one for the ages.  It had to wait an extra day due to snow, but for four hours and six minutes, the Phillies and the Rockies see-sawed in one of the most well played games of the postseason.

Chase Utley opened the scoring with a solo shot in the first inning.  The Rockies answered back against J.A Happ, who couldn’t seem to find a rhythm.  It wasn’t often Happ struggled, but the frigid temperatures got to him.  He lasted only three innings, surrendering three runs.

The Phillies finally got to Jason Hammel in the fourth.  Howard stroked a RBI single, Raul Ibanez drew a bases loaded walk, and Carlos Ruiz slapped a single to give the Phillies a 4-3 lead.  After Carlos Gonzalez tied the game with a home run (he gave the Phillies plenty of trouble during the NLDS), Chooch delivered again to continue his unbelievable postseason hitting.  But again, the Rockies tied it.

In the ninth inning, Chase Utley checked his swing, and the baseball bounced off his foot.  However, the umpires missed the call (like they did so many times during the postseason), and a hustling Utley was ruled safe at first.  Ryan Howard followed with a deep sacrifice fly that scored Jimmy Rollins from third.  The Phillies took a 6-5 lead, and Brad Lidge completed the save despite allowing a couple base runners.

It is notable that Game 3 was the coldest game in playoff history, and it wasn’t over until 2:14 AM Eastern time.  The Phillies took a 2-1 series lead, and Philadelphia fans could finally get some sleep – but it was worth the late night.

Permalink | Comments (2) | Trackback (0)