Phillies Nation

102 Responses to “Chooch Comes Up Clutch”

1. Ryk Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 12:39 am

   Fantastic game tonight. I am surprised a bit that the Braves decided to pitch to Chooch with a man on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Load the bases and pitch to Blanton who already GIDP. Give up 1 run and face the top of the order. Big win for our boys to keep their cozy lead in the NL East.

2. Repeat! Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 12:51 am

   I was at the game and it was awesome… Only my 4th the season….

   Wayne’s World. Party time! Excellent… The Braves loose… Their fans are fools….Bobby Cox is such a tool… Carlos Ruiz bleeping rules….

   -Good nite….

3. Jeff Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 1:01 am

   I dont understand something. The almost triple play. Utley flipped to Rollins for one out then the run down. If Feliz just steps on third, isnt that an out. Forced out. I didnt think the runner needs to be tagged on that play.

4. Adam Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 1:05 am

   Jeff, Since there is the tag on second, technically the runner from second isn’t forced to go to third, hence no force out there.

5. Eric Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 1:18 am

   huh huh huh huh…Chooch!!! huh huh huh huh…I wonder if he had a stiffy when he came to the plate

6. marty Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 2:03 am

   Jeff, Adam answered your question..

   RYK, I’ll answer yours.

   They didn’t walk Chooch in the 7th to load the bases because Blanton wasn’t going to hit. He was done because of a high pitch count, and with a chance to score, they weren’t going to let him pitch…

   That’s why they pitched to Chooch…who is only hitting about .235…so it was a smart move.

   Chooch just beat ‘em.

   Magic number 26.

7. george Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 2:13 am

   not much to truly celebrate here.

   only bright spots are Blanton and lidge in this one. scoring supect…ahhhgain…like a broken freakin record….they blundered into this win thanks to 2 errors by Atlanta and couldn’t put together more than one run outright. They are headed for a slump… “Lights out Madson” sucked again – no suprise there…getting used to that……him and tag team loser lidge make a great couple…..let in a run and then loaded the bases with no outs – this is what he does for a living? Thanks Madson.

   Now they face the giants with two of the top pitchers in the league and a hot Zito. This combined with a scarcity of runs will net them losing this series since the already cold bats will be shut down by the best pitching in the league. And the braves are getting hot……

8. j reed Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 2:26 am

   Great to win a close one…like a practice play-off game. Lidge with rest pitches better but that no mystery, just consult a a book on modern sports/training science and you’ll conclude 2 days back to back and 3 only in a once in awhile emergencies is all that can be asked of a reliever. I am just worried about the rest of the pen…batters read madson like an open book, condrey’s oblique (notoriously difficult to heal), romero’s forearm = questionable control, and lidge even with rest = ?, durbin = too inconsistent for comfort…so Chan Ho is to bear the load other than Moyer who is a good long man but not necessarily 7-8 inning material. I suppose there’s Walker, and maybe Escolona. I suppose Myers is the wildcard….

9. j reed Says:
   August 31st, 2009 at 2:34 am

   Oh i forgot Eyre.

10. Miles Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:38 am

    One question george….

    Are….you…..serious?

    First of all you seem to forget that the Braves have some pretty damn good pitching of their own. You act like Jurrjens is some stiff we should have knocked around all day. The guy is for real.

    How can you possibly be so negative about this win? This was a great win for the team that featured another tremendous start and (thank God) a dominant finish.

    “And the braves are getting hot…..” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ok, now that thats over, maybe you should research their recent hot streak that saw them lose 2 out of 3 to the padres and 2 of 3 to us. I mean if WE could beat them with awful Madson and our awful offense and brutal Lidge, they must be pretty bad, huh? You are a tool bro.

11. phils_ftw Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:47 am

    George, I think you’re hitting the panic button a little too early. Sure they’re bad with RISP right now. that is something that needs corrected. As for the runs scored, look who they’ve faced in this series. First, a rain-shortened start from the Braves’ RoY candidate, which they managed 1 run before he was taken out. They then got 3 more off the ATL bullpen (which their BP isn’t all that bad) that’s 4 runs, which is about the average for them this entire month. The second game they faced Lowe. Lowe has been owning them ALL season. Then, this game, we faced Jair, who just happens to have owned the Phils all season as well. Coming into this game the Phils only had 2 runs off of him in almost 20 innings. They had relatively equal numbers off of Lowe.

    Look at it this way instead. We faced some of the Braves best pitching (Lowe owns the Phils so hes one of their best options against us) and STILL they took 2/3. If Lee didn’t throw up a bad start we may have swept. We got lucky tonight with the 2 runs, but sometimes you need luck to win against really good pitching. Also, look at HITS in the games, the Phils are getting plenty of hits, they’re just not very situational hits. This can also be attributed to luck. Getting a lot of hits, just at the time of the hits runners just not being in scoring position. So they’re making plenty of contact, it’s just not at the right times.

    Another thing driving me up a wall is the 3rd base coach. He seems to be playing it WAY too safe. With the serious lack of situational hitting going on TAKE A DAMN CHANCE. Wave a runner around or send them on a fly ball, I’ve seen countless fly balls not score a run AND THE THROW TO THE PLATE HAS BEEN WAY OFF LINE ON A LOT OF THESE FLY BALLS. Those are wasted opportunities for runs right there.

12. Griffin Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:55 am

    “Now they face the giants with two of the top pitchers in the league and a hot Zito.”

    The Phils won’t face Cain or Zito.

13. Griffin Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:01 am

    Whoops, scratch that. The Giants moved up Zito so the Phils will face Sanchez, Lincecum and Zito.

14. george Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:51 am

    Miles the mook:

    when you come back to reality, let me know so we can have an intelligent conversation. do you ever get out from behind the computer, brah? there’s a whole new world out there…step out your front door and say “Hi world”, this is Miles the mook….

15. Petey Pablo Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:20 am

    Yikes…George is a semi-sophisticated mets troll who is trying to entertain himself after his team’s season has been flushed down the crapper for two months. Please stop feeding him. And if his mom is reading this – please give him a helmet or at least a leash before he hurts himself.

    Great outing by Blanton…great save by Lidge. Every time he pitches on rest he’s lights out. Not great news for the playoffs, but true for the year so far. 8 games up; hard to complain.

16. Jeff Y. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 7:16 am

    The Mets will always be a joke organization.

17. therookie300 Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 7:23 am

    Madson’s pitch selection has been the problem as of late. You watch him blow his fastball by hitters and then he speeds their bats up by throwing a changeup. Chipper couldn’t keep up with fastball ALL night. Why throw him anything else? That’s what happened in Pittsburgh too. Madson’s fastball is blazing at 99mph and the guy is nowhere near it, but he decides to throw his changeup. The changeup he has is excellent, but you have to use it in the right spots.
    Lidge’s save last night looked like almost any save he converted last year.

18. Ed R. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 7:37 am

    The Mets are New York’s red headed step children. No offense to anyone here who is or has red headed step children.

    As for Lidge, like I have said for the last few weeks, he is ok when he gets rest. When he is asked to go back to back he gets shaky. Anything more than two days in a row is just plan ludicroui and I was glad Steve Phillips ripped Manuel for it last night because he was exactly right. He set Lidge up to fail pitching 4 straight days and that is what happened.

    I also hope Charlie never considers making Madson the closer ever again. The guy clearly can’t handle it, and what is worse, it puts him in a funk for a few weeks. I mean crap, he faced 3 guys last night, hit one allowed 2 hits and an earned run. If it weren’t for Eyre flying into the stadium with his Superman cape who knows what would have happened. I love Madson but clearly he is not a closer. To be fair though, when he was given a shot earlier in the year he did convert 3 straight save opps before blowing three straight and seeing his ERA sky rocket to a season high 3.46. After being solid for over a month and getting his ERA down to a respectable 2.85, he has now ballooned it back up to 3.23…I guess 3 runs in 3 innings including that blown save will do that to you. Hopefully Madson gets his stuff together. Like I said before, what good is a solid closer if your set up guy blows it for you?

19. Baseballbriefs.com Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 8:12 am

    Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Chooch Comes Up Clutch…

    Baseballbriefs.com tracking back Chooch Comes Up Clutch…

20. Brooks Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 8:17 am

    Regarding the “near triple play”…
    When Rollins threw the ball to third, it was a heads up play, Feliz chased down the runner and tagged him which made for out #2. McCann, who had bolted to second from first, should have stayed on second but instead he headed back to first and was nearly picked off which would have been a triple play, a tremendous blunder by McCann – he should have stayed on second when he saw that the runner on second was in a rundown.
    Madson’s velocity was down for him. The radar gun blipped at 96 only once but the good news (if there is any for his outing as he did not record an out) was that he did throw a breaking ball at 84 for a strike.
    Lidge, God bless him, was not all that “Lights Out” as some are saying. He faced the bottom of the order and 2 out of 3 batters hit the ball pretty hard, one to the warning track for an out. The last batter, Morton (I believe) a PH was hitting .141 at before he struck out. I know in the past the average has not meant a lot but this guy was nervous and looked whacked.
    Good win for the Phils for sure. Impressive? Not really.. the Phils are in the midst of an offensive slump.
    Ryan has 3 hits in the last 2 games. 2 of them have been infield singles.
    In the last 7 games they have scored more than 4 runs 1 time yet their record is 4-3. If you call that a slump, man I’ll take it!
    If the starters (especially Hamels) keep the pressure up, we should be more than OK going into September. August winds up 16-11.
    GO PHILS!

21. George Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 9:21 am

    No one answered Eric’s question about Ruiz, so I will:
    Keep your asinine and juvenal thinking off an otherwise clean site!!

22. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 9:39 am

    Interesting observation about “asinine thinking”…….for the poster who actually said earlier in the thread, “not much to truly celebrate here.”..

    It amazes me how some people will constantly complain about this team as though they are supposed to get 20 hits every night and every pitcher is supposed to get three outs every inning in order for the team to be considered successful.

    Jurrjens is the real deal and the Phillies are extremely lucky that they won this game. The way Blanton has been pitching as of late and with Jurrjens on the mound, it’s pretty obvious that this was going to be a low scoring game. The bullpen, except for Madson, Eyre and Lidge specifically, came up big, J-Roll flashed some serious leather, and Chooch was the man at the plate.

    I really don’t know how anyone can complain about this win. After losing 2 of three in Pittsburgh and getting blown out on Saturday, the fact that the Phillies won 2 of 3 from avery good Braves team is HUGE.

23. Michael Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 10:00 am

    i still have a really sour taste in my mouth from all of ibanez’ current struggles. he really needs to get his swing back. he’s the bat we really need in the postseason.

24. NJ Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 10:01 am

    This was a really good win for the Phils, why the complaining? Jurrjens is the most underrated pitcher in the major leagues and the Phils broke through when it mattered, Madson’s outing was a blip but Eyre came up big and so did the defense and Lidge did his job in a tight spot.

    You have to savor the close wins where the game is on the line the whole way through. I want to see this team tested every game for the next month so when when it gets to October this team has still remembers how to tough out a win.

25. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 10:17 am

    Exactly, NJ….this is true down-the-stretch, playoff atmosphere baseball. Who cares if we only scored three runs?? We won against a very good pitcher and a very good team. This race is not over yet. Yes…we have an 8 game lead…BUT….with the Braves you just can’t count them out. There is one more 3 game series with them that could be very huge.

    Next up…the Giants….with a good “playoff” team of their own to boast about. The Phillies have to keep plugging away.

    Lidge looked GREAT this weekend. Hopefully…???….this will be the beginning of a looonnnngggg stretch of success for him going right into October.

    I could pick apart lots of things right now……but I just want to be happy about where we are at this point and realize that we have a VERY,VERY GOOD TEAM that has a VERY,VERY GOOD CHANCE of repeating..

26. The Original Chuck P Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 10:29 am

    “… the fact that the Phillies won 2 of 3 from avery good Braves team is HUGE.”

    Right on Chuck… you have to win 2 out of 3 or the slump becomes reality. How can you be in a slump if you just took 2 of 3 from the team chasing you? The fact that we won despite not playing our best baseball says something about this team. We ran into the Braves’ three best pitchers (Hanson, Lowe and Jurrjens) and still took 2 out of 3. You’re not going to win many meaningful games by more than 2 or 3 runs and a good team is going to be able to grind out those types of wins… one thing that we take for granted is defense. This team plays great defense; 2nd in all of MLB in errors committed and unearned runs (behind, surprisingly, the Pirates). Lidge is getting better… as long as they continue to give him rest, he’s going to be fine. With Hamels’ most recent performance, you have to think that our playoff rotation couldn’t look any better. Lee, Hamels, Blanton and Happ matches up with anyone.

    Sanchez/Hamels – Hamels… last time out he threw 127 pitches. Thankfully, he’ll get an extra day of rest. I expect him to shut the Giants down.
    Lincecum/Happ – This is going to be a great game. I’m sure that many people will be tuned in to see what the ROY candidate can do against the reigning NL Cy Young award winner. Nod… gotta give it to Lincecum.
    Zito/Martinez – I’m going with Martinez. You have to feel good about how things have went. I mean, the rain has allowed him to work his way back into form. I expect a great game from Martinez and even though Zito his pitching well, I think that the Phils will have a good idea of how to face him (we just saw him a couple of weeks ago).

27. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 10:43 am

    I’m going Thursday and am kind of bummed that I won’t see the Lincecum/Happ matchup in person. BUT…..there’s something about watching that sort of game on TV that I’m really ok with it (not that I’m sitting in lousy seats). Sometimes it’s actually better to watch on TV with the different camera angles, replays, etc.

    Zito/Pedro should be a good matchup, though. Last time I went I saw Pedro and he only went three innings because of the rain, so it will be fun to hopefully witness him pitch 6 or maybe 7 (??) good innings.

    I’m really pumped for the last month of the REGULAR season and the stretch drive. Man…this has been fun for the past year or so…gotta keep it going.

28. Erik Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 11:17 am

    The best thing about this win is Lidge getting another 1-2-3 save. It’s all about what is going in his noggin…..if he can get some confidence going into the playoffs, that would be huge.

29. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 11:28 am

    win series. that’s a winning proposition especially when you do it against the teams chasing you. I’m feeling pretty good about our rotation and believe it or not our bull pen. As long as Madson is not used in a save situation and Lidge isn’t over used we’ll be fine. My only concern at this time is our bench bats. Very dissapointed we didn’t make a move.

30. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 11:33 am

    Brett gacve up his first run since coming back last night. 2 innings 2 hits 0 walks and 1 er. Mathiason was dominant as usual 2 innings 4 KO’s, 0 bbs. His era is at 1.17. I’d like to take a shot with him over Durbin. I think Durbin gets bumped anyway when the injured guys come back.

31. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    I don’t think Madson will be used in a save situation anymore this season…unless it’s one of those wierd games where there’s nobody else available. And, after last week, I have a feeling that the braintrust learned its lesson about Lidge and proper rest. Man, he was dominant last night….and Friday.

    The bench…yeah….as much as I love Matt Stairs…what is up with him??
    I can live with slumps, but this guy is brutal right now. In his defense, it HAS to be tough to stay sharp in a PH role….but that’s what he gets paid to do….pinch hit. 0 for what?? 27 ?? now….

32. Richie Allen Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    Did anyone catch the Joe Morgan explaination last night for Ibanez swinging late?He said he gave Jroll and Victorino some advice about the same problem.Some way of preventing that .

33. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    The thing with Lidge, is that Charlie is a big, big fan of the “Dance with the girl that brought you” theory..

    Lidge has the stuff… just needs to be more consistent..

    But clearly Madson doesn’t have the mental makeup to be a closer… and I doubt they’ll bump Lidge for Myers (coming off injury, and two years removed from that role)

    …
    Nice series by everyones favorite, Chase Utley!
    5-for-12… scored 3 of our 8 runs in the series..

34. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    Richie Allen… The first key to living a long and mentally healthy life is: Don’t listen to Joe Morgan….He’s more aloof than a plastic bag floating in the wind.. Not saying isn’t smart…Just a little out of touch with today’s MLB…Phil_ftw… I agree. Steve Smith is a _ssy. He should’ve sent Ibanez there. Ibanez was a foot away from 3rd by the time Anderson got the ball. Anderson came up throwing and it took 3 seconds before the ball finally arrived to Chipper. And Charlie should’ve asked Blanton to bunt there early in the count. When the count went 2-2. Blanton had to take there as that was ball 3. Or he could’ve pulled him(before Blanton comes up to the plate) for Ben Fran… and went with Chan Ho for the 6th and 7th innings. Charlie had an off day to work with. Feliz’s bunt in the 8th was a prime example of what “stepping outside” the box can do for you….

35. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Think about that though…..we only scored 8 runs in three games….and we STILL won 2 out of 3. Good playoff-style baseball!!

36. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    repeat, I agree. sometimes Charlie gets stuck in the American league mentality. This was going to be a low scoring game were you have to play small ball when necessary.

    How far away are Romero and Condry from rehabing?

37. Geoff Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    From Zolecki: Phillies DFA Brad Harman to make room on 40-man roster. Be it for a waiver-trade thats about to go down or for a call-up they want to be eligible for the postseason roster, they are DEFINITELY up to something….sneaky Phillies.

38. Richie Allen Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:42 pm

    Repeat….I am ignoring Joe Morgan and I feel way better already…

39. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    I have no idea really…. Condrey, as some one said earlier made be farther away from rejoining the Phillies than what’s being reported. If we can get him back that’ll obviously be huge. If not, I think we might just be ok. If gets back it’s bye,bye Durbin… Something the Phils are probably considering any way. Romero: I’m guessing they are trying to save him for the playoffs. A smart move if true, especially with the way Scotty has been money. The rosters expand tomm Sept 1st;it’ll be interesting to see how the Phils will taken advantage of this…

40. The Original Chuck P Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Mike Taylor…

41. dsr121@netscape.net Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Joe Morgan says:Pete Rose has been bettie, bettie good to me. And you say he’s just a friend… Oh baby you…you got what I neeeeed….

    I’m glad you’re feeling better Richie… The Phils play a couple of more times on Sunday Nite baseball: Presented by Chris Berrman’s “back back back back back.. gone!” … Please be mindful that there’s a strong chance for a relaspe…..

42. The Original Chuck P Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    I always come back to this when I need to feel better.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ-zRNQGiaY

    Because if it comes, it comes..

43. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Opps I did it again… I’m such a retard………. And the rockets’ red glare…Uh O!………

44. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    Geoff, isn’t Ennis going to go on the 40 man roster or is that a separate move?

    I haven’t seen Taylor in the lineup for the Iron Pigs in a while?

45. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Chuck P… That was the clip of the year! Maybe even the decade. I heard about it, but it’s the first time I ever saw it. My stomach hurts… Thanks…

46. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    Taylor’s hurt… I think..

47. Geoff Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Why would they want to do that? Like, Ennis hasnt been up since 2007. Im not sure if he would be able to get people out. Naylor, Mathieson are some internal options. Perhaps even Rosenberg from AA if theyre feeling bold (hes a lights out closer, liek 22/23 but has been double jumped already this season straight to AA).

48. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Nomar Garciaparra cleared waivers.. and the Phillies reportedly sent scouts to watch him play this weekend.

    He could be the possible addition the Phillies make at the waiver-deadline today.. ?

49. Richie Allen Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Orig Chuck P……I think I just officially lost it on that Sarge tape.Good One!

50. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Just heard on 950 ESPN w/Mike Missanelli that Nomar could be added to the roster. Stay tuned….

51. Geoff Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Nomar, Jamey Carroll, maybe a solid bullpen arm…thouh there have been no names surfacing since the Trevor Hoffman thing.

52. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    Great clip, Original Chuck…..Sarge is such a goof sometimes..

53. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:29 pm

    Im not sure how that works definitely… like if he’s added to the roster today he is eligable for the playoff roster, right?

    There is no way to add him to the team.. activate him tomrw when roster’s expand, and then decide at the end of Sept if you want to add him to the playoff roster

    So maybe Bruntlett goes on the 15-day DL right now if they get Nomaahh

54. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    Phils sign Batman…

55. Ed R. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    mlbtraderumors.com had a little snippet about Werth possibly being a good fir for the Mets. I did not realize he was an FA after this year. Any chance we let him walk in favor of promoting Brown or Taylor? With the way Ibanez is playing I really don’t think we can afford to let Werth go but if he is an FA than he will command a decent salary with his production. Probably more than the Phillies want to spent for a 2nd corner OF.

56. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    I think he has to be added by 11:59 PM tonight to be eligible for the playoff roster….???

57. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    You have to be on the roster at midnight tonight or you can’t play in the playoffs unless there is an injury.

58. Richie Allen Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    I know I’m supposed to be ignoring him, but…I’m relapsing already…….Isnt Joe Morgan the president of the living members of the Hall Of Fame or something like that?
    No wonder he’s so aloof.

59. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    I should add that you can be added to the playoff roster if your on the DL, suspension or bereavment leave on the 1st as well as on the 25 man roster. Otherwise someone has to get hurt.

60. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Penny to sign with Giants. No biggie IMO. Penny isn’t an ML starter anymore.

61. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:40 pm

    Werth isn’t a Free Agent until after next season

62. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Joe Morgan cried on TV when asked about Pete Rose… “He’s such a good guy. You don’t know him like I do.” this guy Joe said… What? Now Pete should get in at some point, but he lied about his betting on MLB games for decades….. and decades…. So he won’t be inducted into the hall fame for decades and decades……. Sad, but more than fair……

63. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    Vick says: Did somebody just mention something about mutts?

64. Ed R. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    That is what I thought but the snippet made it sound like he was an FA after this coming year.

65. The Dipsy Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    God, I want Nomar.

    The Dipsy

66. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    Nomar sure would fill our desparate need for the staple utlity infielder.

67. Will Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    I’m glad Lidge was able to get Greg Norton out. I think he might’ve had trouble with Bob Mould or Grant Hart.

68. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    Sorry Wolf man. But it’s nothing personal…

69. Geoff Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Werth is NOT getting traded, and esp. not to the Mets. theyll try and hold onto Taylor until Werth walks, but my gut tells me theyll move taylor for some asset in teh offseason. I feel that Brown will be the one to replace Werth.

70. Bruce Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:02 pm

    For the knowlegdeable fans (not many here today), I’ll repeat part of my previous post from another thread regarding hall of famer Joe Morgan.

    Morgan who is highly respected for his baseball mind by his peers and fans alike revealed during last night’s ESPN telecast of the game that he had a conversation with Charlie Manuel and was told by the manager that Ibanez was having a problem seeing and identfying the type of pitch released by the pitcher. He was late in opening up his stance (putting his foot down) upon release of pitch. His lengthy stay on the DL can contribute to that problem. Morgan suggest that when Ibanez has batting practice, he should not swing until he sees the release point of the pitch. Of course, it’s more difficult in an actual game where some pitchers are able to hide the ball at the last second before release. It’s something that Raul needs to work on to get his timing back.

    I thank Joe Morgan for that insight and the info on Charlie Manuel’s thoughts concerning Ibanez’s struggles with his ABs.

71. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    If you see Brown in person.. he still looks like a stick … The Daryl Strawberry comparison is a great one

    If he can hit like Strawberry, minus the nose candy, it would be awesome!

72. The Dipsy Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    I happen to like Joe Morgan very much. I may be prejudiced because I liked him as a player, too. I look at his analytical style as that of a Chris Wheeler with credibility. He tells you whats going from the perspective of one who was actually once in the situation he is describing.

    The Dipsy

73. NJ Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    I love it! Makes reading the rumours worth it when you read something that hilarious… What would it take for the Phils to hand Jayson Werth over to the Mets? The money to finance a show… What next Pujols to the Cubs?

74. Ed R. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:28 pm

    I agree NJ. I too found it ridiculous. I couldn’t fathom the Phillies just handing him over to the Mets for anything short of David Wright. The Mets will continue to be a garbage organization and we will all enjoy it.

    On a lighter note, the phuture of Phillies phandom…

    http://www.comcast.net/sports/russakoffrules/30893/twoyearoldboyknowsmorethansarge/

75. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:35 pm

    I like Morgan too Dipsy… I’m not old enough to have seen him play, but I’ve seen the high lights… And he almost got us over the top again in ‘83. He’s a good guy… But he’s still a bit out of touch with today’s game.

76. Mostone Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    I don’t love Joe Morgan as an announcer, but I grew up in Cincinnati in the 70s and will always love Joe Morgan the player.

77. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:42 pm

    I hate the guy, but if we ever got Wright it would be amazing……… We have no one in the farm that has even 1/20th the upside of David Wright at 3rd… Howard at 1st…Utley at 2nd, J-Roll at SS and D. Wright at 3rd….Straight sick……..

78. Chuck Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:46 pm

    Why all the negativity about Joe Morgan???? He’s actually a pretty good analyst and, yes…..he WAS a player…..because, for some of the posters on here, that’s the ONLY criteria for being a good analyst. You all know who you are….the ones who dislike Chris Wheeler so much…

79. NJ Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    In reality the Phils and Mets could probably work on a deal that would send Werth to NY but the backlash on both sides would be so high its just laughable to even suggest it.

    The problem with Joe Morgan as a broadcaster is he says some of the most idiotic things it blankets over the few moments in a game he will come up with some really good analysis. My favorite recent gem of ridiculousness was his recent comment during a Yanks/BoSox game where he praised the BoSox trade for Alex Gonzalez because the guy has some pop in his bat… Doesn’t every guy in the majors have ’some’ pop in his bat especially on a team in a pennant race…

80. Richie Allen Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    As an unknowledgeable fan,sorry Bruce, but I’m sticking to the advice from Repeat and ignoring anything concerning Joe Morgan.And I do feel much better.
    Sure picked a bad day to quit smoking though.

81. The Original Chuck P Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    Woah…. Nomar to the Phils? This is getting interesting…

82. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:06 pm

    So are the Nomar rumors true?…another reliever would be nice too boot, but chad qualls can be knocked off the list….he dislocated his patella which usually requires 3 -5 months of rest and therapy before returning to sports.

83. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Morgan okay… me want Krukie to smash Steve Phillips

84. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:11 pm

    The Joe Morgan remarks are made in just… A lot of sarcasm mixed in, be I think anyone who has watched Suday Night Baseball on nites when it doesn’t feature the Phils will gree that most of Joe’s comments are way out in LF…Same with Chris “Barney Rubel”"(bad spelling) Bn. He try’s so hard to be funny that he comes off as very annoying… and very…..dry

85. The Original Chuck P Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    I don’t mind Morgan… sometimes, he can be a bit harsh. His harshness creates “Joe Morgan moments” of awkward silence. It usually starts out with Morgan saying something, Phillips responding and Morgan shooting whatever Phillips said down defending his own comment as an absolute certainty. I also feel like Morgan started the broadcast trend of explaining every pitch/hit that isn’t a homerun or a strikeout. It seems like every time a hitter gets a hit, it’s because the pitcher missed his spot and every time a hitter hits a homerun, it’s because he stayed back on it and drove through the ball. It gets old..

86. Ed R. Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    Where did people see Nomar to the Phillies? I haven’t seen any confirmation of that.

87. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    Will – Husker Du….i haven’t listened to them in ages. Zen Arcade still a hardcore classic. I could never find it on cd… I still listen to Sugar…So do you know what “Mr. Writes a Good Song” Mould is up to these days….what about Hart and Norton? I’ve been out the loop for awhile

88. Repeat! Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:25 pm

    John Kruk?….. I loved him as a player and on Best Damned. His on-air love affair with the Phils is great. And his plead for the Phils to sign Roy was greatly apprec. But he’s a member of the good old boys club…. He doesn’t seem to respect the opions of let’s say… those who don’t look like him…….. He had no choice this year when ESPN hired Dave Winfield(spelling may be off). Dave’s too confident a guy to put up with Kruk’s bs … Now Mitch Williams(he on-air love affair with the Phillies is great too)……I think he’s great…Very funny….Very entertaining…..And he’s certainly more reasonable than Mr. Harold “I’m never wrong” Reynolds… And I’m very proud of how Mitch picked himself off the matt…

89. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Ed R. – my guess is its still a rumor…perhaps he and RAJ are talking. I won’t believe it till I see him at CBP in red pinstripes performing that annoying batting glove ritual.

90. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Nomar talk was on mlbtraderumors.com

    said that Phillies sent scouts to watch Nomar play this weekend, but he didn’t play in the 3 game series or someting?? He cleared waivers so can be traded to any team.. Todd Zolecki said earlier today he didn’t think it would happen… But it’s worth a shot if you’re the Phillies Nomar provides a better bat off the bench in Sept. But Bruntlett is still the best option in the organization as far as a backup ShortStop ..

91. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    repeat! – i just want kruk to Hulk smash steve phillips who is for me what chris wheeler is to many around these parts.

92. Don M Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    Dave Winfield was a bad choice for an on-air personality… who just happens to be an African American … I would say the same thing about Mike Schmidt, was a great player, and knows the game, but just doesn’t come off well on camera

    Tony Gwynn has a great gig going as an NCAA Head Coach (San Diego State).. but used to do some stuff for Yahoo Sports .. and I loved hearing his take on things..

    Kruk doesn’t sugar-coat stuff.. and gives insight to the “un-written rules” and “clubhouse laws” etc … I love the Kruker

93. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:46 pm

    Don M. – thanks. I haven’t looked there in awhile….it gets me pissed off when I do and see all these teams making moves and were not…granted we are sort of of hamstrung because of the wavier process but our bench and bullpen are hurting. I’m still hoping for a Jamey Carroll type – good small baller and a swiss army knife in the field

94. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    but I’d take Nomar i

95. j reed Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 5:48 pm

    but I’d take Nomar

96. psujoe Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    I’m very surprised Carroll’s name hasn’t popped up. His contract expires, he’s not a type A or B FA and he’s 35. I would think Clevland should try to get something for him unless they’re trying to resign him?

97. rhymingMetsfan Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 6:42 pm

    LETS GO METS LETS GO METS I’m trying to think of a rhyme. I’ll stay on here to pass the time.

98. rhymingMetsfan Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    I will contine my alphabet. I think I’m up to K alright now thats set.

99. rhymingMetsfan Says:
    August 31st, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    K is for Koosman with the chips on the line. Pitched like a champ in 1969

100. rhymingMetsfan Says:
     August 31st, 2009 at 6:52 pm

     Thats enogh for today. because I have nothing else to say.

101. Repeat! Says:
     August 31st, 2009 at 11:12 pm

     I watch Baseball tonite once a month. Was Dave hired due to his skin color? Nobody knows… Nobody cares? But to say that is beyond ignorant…Who’s really qualified for that position? Ex-players…. Is Dave an ex player………..Yes

102. Luigi Fulk Says:
     December 6th, 2009 at 11:35 am

     I admit, I have not been on this your blog in a long time… though it was another joy to see It is such significant case and ignored by so many, even expert. I thank you to advice making people more informed of possible issues.

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