Thoughts on the 2009 World Series/2010 Season
-Finally, I can enjoy my winter for the first time since 2000. I usually rate years of my life based on how the Yankees did. So, for me, 2009 will forever be known as "a good year".
-Sure I'm spoiled. I turn 22 on the 30th and have been lucky to experience five World Series championships. But don't assume that I have appreciated them any less. I'll never take them for granted. If I live to be a 100 and never watch the Yankees win another championship, I'll always have these five.
-It's going to be really interesting how the Yankees approach the whole resigning of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. There are so many questions that need to be addressed. Do they want to stay in New York? How many years are they looking for? Does Matsui want to play left field? Do the Yankees want to employ a full-time DH? Aren't they looking to get younger? Obviously, all of these concerns will be ironed out over the next few months.
-The game was fun last night, but what was probably even more fun was watching the agents of Damon and Matsui as the night progressed. I'm sure after every Matsui RBI-hit, his agent was lighting cigars with 8,000,000 yen and yelling the Japanese equivalent of "Cha-Ching!" The same could be said for Damon's agent. That is until the third inning when Damon pulled his calf while scoring on Hideki's hit. My guess is general managers aren't necessarily salivating over Damon's impending free agency. "OOOOOO, an aging left-fielder with no arm and a penchant for straining vital muscles!" Don't get me wrong though, I want Damon back. He was too valuable to THIS team. Which brings me to my next point:
-Damon's at-bat in the ninth inning of Game 4 will forever be known as "the most unheralded important at-bat in World Series history". Two outs and no one on base. In the previous inning, Joba Chamberlain surrendered a game-tying home run off the bat of Pedro Feliz. The series had shifted in the Phillies favor. If Lidge gets out of the ninth, there's a very good chance Philadelphia wins it in the bottom of the ninth and the series is tied 2-2. But up steps Johnny Damon. After looking silly swinging at two sliders in the dirt, Damon fouls off pitch after pitch until Lidge leaves a fastball up. Johnny knocks it into left and passes the proverbial baton to Teixeira. Surprisingly, Damon takes off for second. Since the Phillies had the shift on for Teixeira, no one was covering third. Knowing this, Johnny sprints towards third and makes it. Cue Teixeira hit-by-pitch and Arod double. Game, Blouses. Yankees take a commanding 3-1 series lead. That's why I want him back (for the right length and price).
-I'll say this once, if the Yankees don't put Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen next season, I'll lose it. Whatever "IT" is, I'll lose it. This post-season was clearly a glaring reason why they should do so. And if they didn't see it, they're either blind, stubborn, insane, or epically stupid. Both his velocity and location improved. Plus his slider was actually sliding, which it wasn't during the season. The man was born to relieve. He doesn't have the intelligence nor the attention span to start.
-Since the Yankees WILL be doing the above, this means its a perfect opportunity for Phil Hughes to start. Look, I lovedwhat he did for us in the bullpen this season. It was terrific. But unlike Joba, his pitching repertoire and overall mental makeup screams "STARTING PITCHER!!!!". He's calm, cool, calculated and smart. Once again, unlike Joba.
-Can we officially call the period between 2001 and 2008, "The Curse of Mike Mussina". Mussina arrived in New York in 2001, a year after they had won their third straight World Series championship. And retired in 2008, a year before they won their 27th world title. Bad luck? Coincidence? Was he as much of a douche as everyone said he was? I'll put my money on the latter. He was a terrific pitcher and a great Yankee, but from what I heard, he was a word that starts with a "pr" and ends with a "ick". And I'm sure his "winning personality" had some effect on team chemistry.
-Throwing aside blatant homerism, I think we can all agree that Mariano Rivera is not human. On his Baseball Reference page it says he turns 40 on November 29th. Does that mean anything really? Really? Every time he strikes out a batter, I'm reminded of a C.S. Lewis quote:
"I find in myself desires which nothing in this earth can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world"
Phillies/Yankees World Series Preview
Previews are pointless. Rarely do they offer any insight into what their actually previewing. Most fans already know who is who and what is what. It's the World Series. If you didn't know the specifics, you probably weren't going to watch anyway. Especially with baseball. This 2009 season has been going on for about 3 years. Even if you tried to avoid the sport, you probably accumulated enough knowledge about these teams by accident. That's just how baseball is formatted. It's so long and time-consuming that you become interested with knowing it. It latches onto your psyche and lies dormant in your unconsciousness. So when someone asks you who's the right fielder for the Phillies, you can say "Jayson Werth!" without batting an eyelash.
Previews may be pointless, but people love them. That's why I am going to do a full scale, "Hold on to your seat!" preview of the 2009 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees. That's right, I'm going to do the whole "compare each facet of the game" thing. It's a newspaper/blog staple. It's quick, easy, and requires no real leg work or effort. It's the way life should be.
Starting Pitching
Advantage: Push
Obviously the Yankees right? No. I'm throwing out every game Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettitte pitched in these playoffs and looking at it from face value. I hate sounding like an ESPN talking head but "If Cliff Lee pitches like Cliff Lee, the Phillies have just as good a chance to win Game One against the Yankees". Cliche or not, it's true. The difference between Lee and Sabathia is essentially negligible. And the rest of the rotations for both teams is a wash. Ask any Yankee fan if he or she feels comfortable with Burnett on the mound. Ask any Phillie fan if he or she feels good with Cole Hamels on the mound. And setting aside the insane atmosphere at Yankee Stadium when Pedro toes the mound in Game Two, he's going to keep the Phillies in the game. That I expect. The same goes for Pettitte who has been an absolute horse in his last three starts.
If you're going to look for a difference in the rotations, it's going to boil down to Game Four. Will CC throw the same on three days rest like he did in the ALCS? If CC throws well, can Joe Blanton match him? Until then, it's a push. Obviously, with the bandboxes these teams play in, the key will be keeping the ball within the field of play.
Lineup
Advantage: Phillies
I don't think I could have agonized over this more. Look at these lineups! Look at them! You trying telling me which team is more stacked. It's this close from being another push. Jeter or Rollins? Werth or Swisher? Howard or Teixeira? Ruiz or Posada? Cabrera or Victorino? Utley or Cano? Feliz or Rodriguez? Ibanez or Damon? I see significant advantages in some positions, but overall, it's too close to call.
So why am I choosing the Phillies? Experience
Sure the Yankees have some World Series experience. Jeter, Posada, and Damon all have been in World Series before. But those crazy Phillies are only one year removed from a championship. Excluding Ibanez, that whole offense has championship memories (and sugarplums) still dancing in their heads. I expect the Phillies to be loose and not press at the plate.
Bullpen
Advantage: Yankees
Let me sum up the bullpens for both teams. During the regular season, the bullpen for the Phillies (especially Brad Lidge) constantly imploded. Lidge blew something like 47 saves this year. New York on the other hand, had a terrific bullpen for a better part of the season. As soon as Phil Hughes was inserted as the set-up man for Mariano Rivera, all the tumblers clicked into place and the bullpen ERA plummeted.
Flash forward to now.
Suddenly Brad Lidge has transformed into the 2008 version of himself and Phil Hughes is pitching like me in 10th grade. Luckily, the Yankees have been able to mask his difficulties with...winning. Nothing covers up a team's weaknesses quite like the 'ol "W". Which brings me to the reason why I gave the edge to the Yankees. Mariano Rivera. If you're keeping track at home, Rivera will turn 40 years old on November 29th (A day before I turn 22). Frightening really. 40 years old and still the best at what he does, sigh...sorry (wipes drool), I lost my train of thought. Oh right.
Crowd
Advantage: Yankees
Screw defense and bench, those things are boring. Granted, their usually the things that decide World Series (see: 2006 Tigers). Let's get to the intangibles! The things that can't be measured. The things that matter in life. Say what you will about how home-field advantage is largely gone by the wayside in baseball and in sports in general. I disagree wholeheartedly. Especially with these two stadiums and fans. They are both rabid, smart, dedicated, and know how to motivate the right players at the right times. Both stadiums are loud, intimidating, and produce camera shaking noise. It's terrific. Good crowds can make a series, regardless of actual play.
Look, I really respect the Phillies fans for their loyalty and enthusiasm for the team they love. They're "true" fans. But where do they earn a significant demerit in my book? Towels. Oh, don't get me started on towels. The towel has become the hallmark of the "new" fan. Recently, when a franchise enters the playoffs for the first time in a long while, their marketing people go a little crazy. "Let's give every fan a towel and they can spin it in the air like an idiot every time the game gets exciting!" (See: Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Philadelphia Phillies). Excuse me for sounding a little Yankee leaning (If it wasn't obvious already), you'll never see a Yankee fan twirling a towel over his head. We use our hands to clap and our throats to yell unrelentingly at opposing players. Those are our tools. We use them proudly.
Prediction: I'm not going there.
I’m breaking my silence…
Thoughts about the impending Yankees/Phillies World Series:
-The Phillies scare me.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
I planned on posting this video on Opening Day but I was a little sidetracked (watching television). It's Ron Bennington from the Ron and Fez show on XM Radio talking about the Phillies World Series Championship after Game 5 in October. He speaks about his emotions and how he felt during the game. Wanting so hard for Philadelphia to win for his 80 year old father who grew up a Phillies fan and watches every single game. Listen to it. Enjoy it. It's awesome.
My Super Duper Crazy Long 2009 Baseball Season Preview Part 1 (Japanese Syntax)
Okay, right now it is April 1st, 2009 and according to my Verizon Fios television guide, there will be no baseball games today. Really? Is this some elaborate April Fool's Day joke? Who's bright idea was this? Apparently, because of the World Baseball "Classic" (literally using air quotes), the season openers will be pushed back until April 6th. Nice. Now I have five more days to watch more NBA and NHL games which are largely meaningless right now because half of the leagues get in the playoffs. Not to mention that some pregnant women's gestation period's last shorter than the playoffs in the NBA or NHL. So to amuse myself until then, I will be elbow deep in baseball previews, stats, fantasy projections, and player profiles. Here's my take on those loveable 16 teams that make up the National League:
San Diego Padres
If you're a Padres fan and would like to lose sleep for the next few nights, take a look at their Opening Day lineup. It truly is the stuff of nightmares. Although Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff will provide some respectability to San Diego's offense, the other seven positions barely have a pulse. Names like Jody Gerut, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley, and Luis Rodriguez are ones that exactly strike the fear of God into opposing pitchers. Attention David Eckstein Fans: He will now be manning second base for the Padres in 2009. Finally, his position will match his arm. In terms of the rotation, there is a chance of success only if health isn't an issue. San Diego had a tough time dealing Jake Peavy to a proper suitor in the offseason, but since a deal even now is not out of the question, he will play well in an attempt to catch the eye of some teams. And with bullpen staple Trevor Hoffman now on the Brewers, Heath Bell and his 1.21 WHIP will be closing games (if it ever gets to that point) for the Padres. Wins: 65
Colorado Rockies
If every team has a weakness, the Colorado Rockies' weakness is starting pitching. Their "ace" Aaron Cook posted a 16-9 record with a 3.96 ERA and an average 1.34 WHIP in 2009. A player who could essentially decide the fate of this team based solely on his performance is Ubaldo Jimenez. Usually when talking heads use the word "stuff" when describing a pitcher's repetoire, I tune off immediately. However, when discussing Ubaldo Jimenez, the only word is "stuff". In 2008, he posted the highest average fastball among major league starters at 94.9 MPH. He throws a two-seam fastball, slider, change-up, and curveball all with terrific movement. The problem is, as with most young talent is control. So pay attention to Wednesday, April 8th when he makes his first start of the season. If he is to perform well this season, I really like the Rockies to be competitive again in the NL West. With an offense that is bringing back Todd Helton, Brad Hawpe, Garrett Atkins, and rising stud catcher Chris Iannetta, they'll be able to stay in every game (especially at home). Let's not forget the addition of Huston Street to their bullpen who wil fill the gap left by Brian Fuentes. Wins: 80
San Francisco Giants
Two reasons I like the Giants to be competitive in 2009: Their starting pitching and the fact that Bengie Molina drove in 95 runs last year. I can not believe it! You learn something new every day. This season, every single one of Molina's runs batted in will be paramount to San Francisco's offense. Today, I tried arguing for a salary cap in baseball. I made statements like, "It would increase the parity of the game and provide a more level playing field for the fans to enjoy". Then I look at the Giants projected Opening Day lineup and think, "No it wouldn't". Some teams still will make AWFUL decisions and give terrible contracts to bad or unworthy players. Aaron Rowand, Edgar Renteria, and Barry Zito all make perfect examples. And what do you know? They all play for the Giants! But putting that aside, San Francisco still has the reigning NL Cy Young Award Winner (Tim Lincecum), a Hall of Fame veteran (Randy Johnson), a potential stud pitcher (Matt Cain, and cough Barry Zito. Don't count them out. Wins: 81
Arizona Diamondbacks
I am saying (or typing) it right now: the 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks will win the NL West. Whether it be the lineup, the rotation, or the bullpen, they are stacked with potential and bonafide talent. Remember how last year when Arizona traded for Dan Haren and everyone thought they would have the best pitching staff in the national league?Well this year they will be even better. You can pencil in Webb and Haren in for at least 15 wins a piece. And with the acquisition of Jon Garland and Max Scherzer having a full year under his belt, there are only two words: Look. Out. In my opinion, their pitching success is a foregone conclusion. It's their offense that has me a little worried. At every position they have a young, potential all star. It's about time that it all came together. Although the entire lineup is prone to the strikeout (1,287 times in 2008, 2nd most in the majors), when they do make contact, the result is runs on the board. And in case you were wondering, the answer is yes, there is a Tribute to Augie Ojeda on YouTube. Wins: 92
Los Angeles Dodgers
Did you hear? Manny Ramirez is on the Dodgers. I know, I know. Crazy. But interestingly enough, there are 24 other players on Los Angeles. They are rarely spoken about, but they do exist. Players like Russell Martin, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp and Rafael Furcal are all rather talented and could possibly lead the Dodgers to a National League Pennent. Something they couldn't do in 2008. But, such is the recipe in the majors, pitching wins championships. And the Dodgers are not exactly stacked with pitching. My belief is, in order for Los Angeles to get over the hump this season, Clayton Kershaw needs to reach ceiling that scouts claim he has. Of course, all Dodger-success could be rendered moot when Manny decides that he wants to play for another team mid-season. But you know, that's just Manny being Manny. Wins: 89
Pittsburgh Pirates
I could easily put "Insert last 15 Pirates season projections" right here, but I won't. Because this year, they might actually have a chance to improve on last season's 67 wins. Amidst the signings of two Indian pitchers who won a game show and baby stealing wives of prospects, the Pirates may have just put together a halfway decent 25-man roster. Ever since they hired a new manager (John Russell) and general manager (Neal Huntington), the focus has been towards the future of the franchise. Although that has been said before (see: 1994-2008), this season could begin to show the Pirates patience with their young talent. 22-year old Andrew McCutchen has been dubbed "the next great 5-tool talent" and will see significant playing time in the majors by mid-season. Pittsburgh is too great of a sports town (See: Steelers, Penguins) to have a professional franchise constantly set up camp at the bottom of the National League Central Division. Hopefully, fingers crossed, the Pirates begin making strides towards regaining the glory that a 120-year old franchise deserves. Wins: 72
Houston Astros
The Astros of 2009 are too much of an enigma to sum up in one paragraph. Do they have talent? Yes (See: Roy Oswalt, Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman). Are they young? Yes (See: Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence). Do they have veterans? Yes (See: Pudge Rodriguez, Darin Erstad, Miguel Tejada). The 2009 Astros at times this season will look like the best team in the division. Those times will be when Oswalt is on the mound and Michael Bourn is stealing 2nd, 3rd, and home. Other times, Houston will show their gaping holes and depleted farm system. That side will rear it's ugly head more times that not this season and thusly, Houston will end up towards the bottom of the Central. Look for Oswalt to be dealt around trade deadline time. For your troubles, here's a video of Hunter Pence signing bats. Wins: 79
Cincinnati Reds
In case you were wondering who Chris Dickerson is, here is a video of the rookie outfielder for the Reds going through his spring training apartment. Two interesting facts about Dickerson: He is an advocate for "Green" living and he is cousins with Hall of Fame NFL running back, Eric Dickerson. Anyway, about the Reds. It all comes down to how Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez pitch down the stretch. They have both shown to have All-Star talent, but both pitchers faded during the second half of the season. Although this doesn't seem to be the Reds season to break out, expect significant strides from their young position players (i.e. Chris Dickerson, Jay Bruce). Right now, Cincinnati looks very much like the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays. A team loaded with potential that only needs the right chemistry to make a playoff run. Though, in my opinion, that will be next season. Wins: 77
St. Louis Cardinals
Remember when this used to be Rick Ankiel? The young, impressionable pitcher who flat out forgot how to pitch. Look at him now. For the 2009 season, he will called upon to hit at least 25 homeruns and drive in 80 runs while at the same time, throwing strikes from the outfield to third base. This may sound very "Rick Reilly" but, it's funny how life works out. I feel like I am underrating the offense of St. Louis for this upcoming season. Other than Pujols, the names don't necessarily jump out at you, but the numbers are there. Last season, Ryan Ludwick had 37 homeruns and 113 RBIs (Nearly the same amount as Mr. Albert). I believe one of the most overlooked moves of the offseason is St. Louis' acquisition of Khalil Greene. Once upon a time (2004), Greene won the NL Rookie of the Year Award for the Padres. In a more potent lineup such as the Cardinals', Greene could rekindle some of that offensive productivity. Whatever the offense provides this season, the catalyst for St. Louis will be Chris Carpenter coming off an elbow injury. Wins: 87
Milwaukee Brewers
My suggestion to anyone who bets on baseball games (They do exist): Always take the over when dealing with the Brewers. Why? They. Hit. Home. Runs. In the 2008 season, five Brewers hit 20 or more homeruns. And that's not including Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall who have the capability. But, like the rest of the National League, pitching is not their strong point. After CC Sabathia followed the money to New York, the Brewers were left with a rotation of Jeff Suppan, Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Braden Looper, and Dave Bush. World beaters, they are not. Consider the 2009 Milwaukee Brewers as any Texas Rangers team in the late 90s. Offensively talented with limited pitching depth that will inevitably burn out in the division series come October. Wins: 85
Chicago Cubs
Not much to say here. Almost nothing has changed since they were humiliated by the Dodgers in the NLDS. The only difference is that Kerry Wood is now with the Indians and Kevin Gregg will take over as closer. Maybe the addition of Milton Bradley will take them further in the playoffs. But let's be honest, never have those words been said in succession. We all know that the Cubs have terrific talent in all facets of the game. They hit for power, run the bases well, have stellar pitching and can close games. It just boils down to October. It's as if the entire Cubs organization comes down with the Arod disorder when the calendar hits October 1st. I don't feel bad for their fans though, they always seem to be having a great time at the games. Wins: 96
Washington Nationals
Last season, there was a little buzz surrounding the Nationals because of the opening of their new stadium. But that is where the buzz ended. Since their first season in the MLB, Washington has yet to compete for a division crown let alone a wildcard spot. And it seems that this season will bring more of the same. Even with the signing of Adam Dunn, Washington's offense will struggle to score runs. I tried searching for video on their "ace" John Lannan and this is all I got. Much like the Reds or the Pirates, the Nationals are designed to win at the earliest, 2011. Wins: 68
Florida Marlins
After reading Sports Illustrated's assessment of the 2009 Florida Marlins, they have deducted that their main weakness is defense. I'm not saying that they're wrong, but all I am saying is that defense won't be the reason the Marlins don't make the playoffs. It will be their bullpen. Compounded with Matt Lindstrom's injury from the World Baseball Classic will be his 1.45 WHIP. He may have had a solid second half (1.07 WHIP), but who's to say he won't regress back to walking a high number of batters and rendering a high batting average in balls put in play. Other than that, I really like their offense. Look for a breakout year from Cameron Maybin. Wins: 80
Atlanta Braves
If Atlanta believes that Tom Glavine will give them ANYTHING this season, they have totally lost everything that made them successful from 1991-2005. I understand that Glavine provided a lot of good times for the franchise, but naming him the 5th starter will be a huge mistake. He will be overmatched in every game he starts this season. Other than Tommy Boy, the rest of the Braves rotation is fairly sound. Derek Lowe may have been overpaid, but he will give them everything he has. He's durable, effective, and eats innings. He's the perfect pitcher to lead that staff. Javier Vasquez, who is constantly underwhelming, will definitely improve on a terrible 2008 season. The key to the Braves offense is the Jeff Francoeur, who also had an abysmal 2008 season. Another overlooked free agent signing: Garret Anderson. Wins: 86
Philadelphia Phillies
Like the Cubs, the Phillies are not much different from last season. Only a few changes. Pat Burrell: Out. Raul Ibanez: In. So it's easy to say that the Phillies will win the division. But there are a few things to consider. If you remember, Brad Lidge turned into Mariano Rivera for the entire 2008 season and did not blow a save all season. By the end of the season and into the playoffs, Philadelphia had an unhittable bullpen. It's unrealistic to think the same will happen in 2009. Also, let's not forget Matt Stairs. The man who enjoys celebrations a little too much. I guess it's a Canadian thing. Wins: 93
New York Mets
If this isn't the Mets year, then they will never have a year. Every aspect of their game has been examined, analyzed, and remedied in the off season. Offense: Taken care of. Bullpen: Taken care of. Starting Pitching: Almost there. If the Mets are to win the World Series (as Sports Illustrated predicts they will), John Maine and Mike Pelfrey both need to avoid injury and keep hitters off the base paths. Unlike 2007 and 2008, I see no collapse come September for the Mets. With the signings of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J, Putz, a late lead in the season won't be choked away. And if it is, the Mets organization better keep hold of the insurance policy on Citi Field. Wins: 95
Look for my preview for the American League tomorrow...or whenever.
Game 1 Live Blog
12:01-Lidge makes quick work of the Rays and the Phillies take Game 1. Now, the series gets interesting. Shields and Myers will go tomorrow. Advantage: Rays. Should be fun...
11:56-WOW! Has anyone ever hit that slider? Oh yeah, Pujols.
11:51-We're going to the bottom of the ninth. Lidge is coming in. 3-2 Phillies.
11:44-Mission Accomplished! For good measure he argues a called third strike that would have been at the center of ANY umpire's strike zone.
11:43-Ryan Howard up, looking to leave a small nation on the small base paths this evening.
11:36-Crikey! Balfour throws nothing but fastballs. And Jayson Werth catches on and rips a double down the right field line.
11:32-Upton strikes out. End 8th. 3-2 Phillies.
11:27-Why does every person in the stands have credentials around their neck? Is that how they distribute World Series tickets? Is everyone a VIP? Weird.
11:20-Grant Balfour yelling at himself for getting a 1-2-3 inning.
11:13-Excluding Jay Glazer's crazy stories, the Fox NFL Pregame show could be one of the best things on television. A bunch of easily mockable personalities who give pertinent information and seem to genuinely have a good time while working. On the other hand, you have the CBS NFL Pregame show. A bunch of easily mockable personalities who give unasked-for opinions and are constantly worried about the way each of them looks.
11:00-This could be the most boring 3-2 Game 1 World Series game ever. Whether it's the lack of superstar names or the feigned support from the Ray fans, I'm getting nothing from this game.
10:50-Fox should really do more of conversations between the players, coachers, and umpires thing. It's real insight into the game. Not Tim McGarver babble on about something he's been detached from for 40 years.
10:44-End 6th. 3-2 Phillies.
10:41-Hamels balks his way out of a man at first. One out. (umpires never pay attention to that (same with check swings))
10:34-If i guessed what the President of Taco Bell looked like, that guy would be my pick. Did not expect the Australian accent though.
10:34-I never noticed Kazmir's playoff beard. He must have been growing it since spring training.
10:24-Iwamura doubles in Bartlett. 3-2 Phillies.
10:23-Jason Bartlett is now a hero to all fat, cheap Americans. I wonder if we can get a Volcano Taco?
10:17-I wonder what inning it is when they have the Rays Dance Team fire t-shirts into the stands like a Durham Bulls game. Pathetic.
10:08-I don't believe there are that many fans who are disgusted by the umpire's calls. I just think its one guy who's paying attention and his noises are resonating around the dome like a seashell.
10:00-Fox interview with Joe Maddon....oooo weeeee oooo I look just like Buddy Holly
9:54-Carl Crawford hit a homerun to right center. 3-1. Hamels will take it.
9:53-Carlos Pena has a dinner date at 11:00. Grounds out to first.
9:49-S-Kaz strikes out J-Roll to end the inning. 3-0 Phillies.
9:39-B.J. Upton should change his name to D.P. Upton. Too easy?
9:37-Bases loaded for the Rays. 1 out in the bottom of the 3rd. Upton up.
9:33- It's clear the Rays fans are only now experimenting with rally chants. "How can I effectively rouse the spirts of my team?" ponders the Tampa Bay C.P.A in row 1. 'I know "Lets Go Rays!"' Guys we are crushing it!-Guest Post.
9:31-I wonder what Cole Hamels thinks about the fact that Jeff Probst has seen his wife nude. http://survivor12.blogspot.com/2006/06/heidi-strobel-update.html It must be what fires him up every time he pitches.
9:26-Is it just me, or have Joe Buck and Tim McCarver become white noise? Everything they say is so cookie cutter, it feels like a video game. "Strike three! And the visitors are coming to bat."
9:20-Jayson Werth doubles down the line. Is it time for David Price and his 7 innings of major league experience?
9:14-I feel like I'm watching a mid-June interleague game between two teams fighting for third place in their respective divisions. I know that both the Phillies and Rays defeated all comers, it just feels like this was a weak year for Major League Baseball. I mean, ANY other World Series winner over the past 20 years could beat either of these teams. Except the 2006 Cardinals.
9:08-Kazmir gets bailed out by B.J. Upton. 3 out. Mid 2nd 2-0 Phillies.
9:00-Looks like Kazmir is starting to unravel. I bet those Mets fans are happy they traded him now.
8:50-I'm Evan Longoria, leftfield, batting fourth, and my favorite player is Derek Jeter.
8:45-Utley, hits one deep to right, OUTTA HERE! 2-0 Phillies.
8:42-A heavy shift for Chase Utley. Boy that Joe Maddon is unconventional.
8:33-This amount of commercials is insulting. I mean who do these companies think I am? Some gullible, naive, lemming who.....Oh look, Frank Caliendo. That young man is talented.
8:31-Mike Schmidt got to Shane Victorino in the lineup and almost broke down. Phillies' fans are probably booing him in their homes.
8:20 — I've just been handed a note from Tropicana Field. "While the Backstreet Boys are singing the Star Spangled Banner on the field, beer and popcorn service in Section 213 will be suspended until they can get back up there."-VIA DEADSPIN
8:18-BACKSTREET'S BACK! I can't tell which one's missing. Where's Aaron Carter? Anyway, they are butchering the national anthem. I don't think they realize that the Trop isn't filled with 40,000 screaming girls. Or maybe it is? If they pulled this crap at Yankee Stadium or Fenway, they would be dead before they got to the dugout.
8:13-It's nice that most of the seats at the Trop will be used in the correct way and not in the upright and locked position.
8:09-Steal a base. Win a Taco. So I guess Fox has the "Fat" demographic for Game 1.
- taking a shower with the door open. /house to self.
- Golf ball sparks fire. http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5517195
- My vacation, summarized: http://seanbfitzgerald.com/2010/08/30/pozzallo-a-retrospective/
- I would go to grad school if it didn't sound so fucking awful.
- RT @jjarrigo: first day of class tomorrow. if there's no hot girls in them i'm droppin out
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