Almost No-No...is Definite Yes-Yes.

Yes to Jaime Moyer and the Phillies. Yes to the great house my wife and I are going to be living in... Yes to the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. Yes, to an interview I have with the Constitution Center on Tuesday. Yes, to getting out of Atlanta and coming home...

A new day, a new hero... it was Jaime Moyer's turn to be the hero today. Holding the Marlins hit less through 7 and 2/3, Moyer recorded his 3rd win vs. 1 loss and holds an impressive 2.65 era.

The Phillies meet the Bravos for a 3 game series at The Ted. I live in Atlanta and will probably go to Wednesday's game with a buddy I met at the Eagles Bar this season. Yes, an Eagles bar in Atlanta... you won't believe it until you see it.. (The Best Bar on the Planet) I'm going to miss it dearly...

but...

my wife and I have just bid on an excellent house on St. Albans Street in Philadelphia's Graduate Hospital area... and if all works out.. then my new favorite bar will be the Ten Stone. It will be a 2 block walk. Yum. beer.

Are fingers are crossed...

Tom Gordon Ruined My Blog!

Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley came up big last night. Rollins' NL leading 9th homerun tied the game in the 8th.

Two batters later.... Utley connects on a solo shot extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Meanwhile, Rowand homored earlier in the game to record a hit in a league leading 15th straight game.

It appears to be turning into one of those stretches where there is a new hero every night.

On another note, Wes Helms, who is yet to go yard in pinstripes had an impressive 14 pitch at-bat in the 7th inning. It was a signal that the Phillies were not going to go down lightly. Here is the pitch sequence.

1. Foul
2. ball in the dirt
3. called strike high in the zone
4. foul
5. foul
6. foul
7. foul
8. foul
9. ball inside
10. ball high and inside
11. foul
12. foul
13. foul
14. in play, SINGLE to left field

An impressive sequence of pitches...

Wait.... Tom Gordon just ruined my blog entry... he just allowed the tying run to score on a double to left... Gordon now has 3 blown saves in 6 opportunities. Not good. I have a 7 AM flight tomorrow and I'd like to get some sleep... but now I have to stay up and will this team to win...

Bourn is leading off the 9th. He was used as a pinch runner for Burrell.

Bourn has walked, and now our hottest hitter, Aaron Rowand is at the plate. Let's sit back and see how Manuel plays small ball. Do you bunt a hot hitter? I would....

Base hit, Aaron Rowand!!! His 4th hit of the night puts the winning run at 2nd. NOW!!! Would be a good time to bunt.

Helms has a conference with Steve Smith, 3rd base coach. I'd bunt them over in this situation. Helms shows bunt and takes a ball.

Helms bunts the second pitch and the pitcher had no play. Bases loaded, nobody out. Carlos Ruiz, who has hit well this season, simply needs to lift it to the outfield.

Infield Single for Carlos Ruiz!!! Put this one in the win column for the Fightin' Phils!!!

Tom Gordon gets an undeserved win. He's got to go. We need to find relief. Good night.

You are the Weakest Link... Goodbye!

It appears as if our reigning National League MVP is our weakest player. Our $900,000 baby is not holding up his end of the bargain. The new face of Major League Baseball is getting a lot of time to watch his friends run around the bases...

To date, Ryan Howard is the weakest of our eight everyday position player starters. His .213 average is nearly 70 points lower than our next worst starter.

Howard has to uncross his bats, to take off the hex... but I'm sure he knows that.

All in all, that's pretty impressive.

Granted, Chase Utley's 5 for 5 game tonight raised his average nearly 50 points, but it is still encouraging to look at our 7 starters without an MVP trophy and smile at their current averages.

Rollins - .295

Victorino - .282

Utley - .296

Burrell - .344

Helms - .290

Rowand - .365

Ruiz - .296

That kind of production is going to score some runs. It doesn't matter if we're hitting singles, doubles or homeruns, this offense is going to score runs.

This offense has finally woken up and is no longer relying on Jimmy Rollins to provide the pop. Burrell is still hitting. Rowand has a 13 game hitting streak. Utley has finally woken up, and Helms, Victorino and Ruiz are doing there jobs very well.

Now if we can just wake up our sleeping giant, Ryan Howard, we'll be in good shape and we'll be tough to beat. At this point though Ryan Howard is the least of our worries. He seems to be hitting a homerun now and then (he hit his 3rd tonight), he's still getting on base via the walk and is still finding ways to drive in runs... he's got 12 to date.

On another note....

Another strong outing by a Phillies starter. Lieber pitched well tonight. 6 innings (that's half a dozen, Jon), 2ER, 5Ks, 0 BBs and a victory.

Tomorrow night is Cole Hamels. This guy is a stud. Hamels is coming off a 15K performance and has pitched solid in every outing. His opponent, Shawn Hill has not let up more than 2 earned runs in any of his 4 previous starts. It should be a great game tomorrow. Two young arms. I'm looking forward to a pitcher's duel.

Skeeter at Driven to Center believes we'll continue our winning ways and end April at 13-12... it is definitely doable.

Inertia: A Body in Motion, Tends to Stay in Motion

A simple physical science proof that states, a "body in motion continues moving in a straight line and at a constant speed, unless a force is applied to it. "

The Phillies took the moementum of last night's hit barrage and continued moving, despite the "force" of Nats starting pitcher Jason Bergman. The momentum hit a few bumps, and slowed down, but the lack of constant friction from Washington allowed the Phillies to continue on their straight line towards their fourth consecutive victory.

Helping to keep the team rolling was Aaron Rowand who through the first 3 innings had the team's only hit. Rowand also tied the game in the 7th with his 3rd homerun of the season.

AAron Rowand is hot... he's got a 12 game hitting streak, and is climbing out of the whole I had him in because of his pitch selection.

All Aboard the AA Train... Let's keep it rollin'...keep it in motion.

Adam Eaton is a Battler... Name that Phillies

It appears as if the Phillies have finally shaken off their offseason dust and are nice and clean and ready to meet expectations.

Last night's torrid attack of 20 hits and 11 runs is a great way to start their first official winning streak. (3 in a row).

And despite his giving up 4 runs in 6 innings, I think you have to hand it to Adam Eaton for keeping his focus and settling down. It would be very easy for Eaton to let the Astros trade runs with the Phils, but that didn't happen. Eaton is a gamer.

I think that Adam Eaton will win a few games on determination alone. He proved last night that he is more than just a pitcher.

Eaton recorded his second hit of the season last night... he's batting .200 through 3 starts. Eaton also broke up a double play with a hard slide... and he allowed Jimmy Rollins to get a triple by getting a good read on the ball and hustling around to score. If that is any other pitcher, Rollins would be forced to halt and second for a double. Good job Eaton.

Eaton will probably be one of those guys that will get a lot of decisions. (12 wins 10 losses, something like that), because he's a battler who will do everything to keep his team in ballgames. Like he did last night.

It was nice to see every starter in the lineup with a hit... 5 phillies had 2 or more hits... 4 of them had 3 or more (Rollins, Victorino, Burrell and Helms)

Let's get some bug spray and fend off the Nats!

PS - In lieu of Rollins almost hitting for the cycle, it is interesting to note that the last Phillie to hit for he cycle was David Bell in 2004, and before that it was Gregg Jefferries in 1995)

Name that Phillie

Does anyone know which Phillie has hit for the cycle twice? (yes both in a Phillies uniform)

He's pictured to the right...

That's More Like it...

I think we can all release a sigh of relief. The Phillies know how to win. They've proven they can win two in a row. In fact, in their last 10 games the Phillies are starting to be respectable...

5-5 in their last 10... 3-1 in their last 4.... and 2-0 in their last two... they've finally won 2 in a row.

Tucked within the nuances of these latest games, the Phillies have begun to show signs of life...

Cole Hamels has proven that he's a stud... 15 Ks is impressive...at any time. (He leads the Majors in Strikeouts)

Garcia got one of those things we've been waiting for him to get... a win.

Ryan Howard is finally starting to produce... he had 3 RBIs today. And Utley appears to have found his stroke, as his average is slowly rising... and he has quietly produced 10 doubles.

We're not that bad after all...

That's Philadelphia!!!

I've had a pretty good day... here is what I did.


(This blog has very little to do with the Phillies, but it has a lot to do with Philadelphia... So please continue reading and find out why I'm so happy today!


I flew up from Atlanta yesterday morning to look at a house that my wife really liked. We both live in the ATL, where the fans are, shall we say, less rabid than the Philly faithful. Regardless, we're both Philadelphia natives (she from Radnor and I from Warminster) and are moving back home in June.


The last weekend she spent a few days with a realtor looking at houses in the city. And to make a long story short, she found one she likes. So, with her back at work, I figured I would take a few days off and come up to check out the place, and if I liked it as much as she did, then we'd make a bid... so we did.


Our big reason for moving home is the fact that our family is here. Family is important... but it is also because we missed Philadelphia. And after looking at the house yesterday and seeing the potential there, I spent today really taking in the city...


In addition to looking for a house, I too must look for work. I do have a backup plan set up and can do some web consulting work for a few months, but I really have a passion for US History. (see my website http://USHistorySite.com) I've been a teacher for 2 years, but I was previously a web designer and worked in a corporate environment.... and I want to find a job that allows me to teach and be around education while at the same time have the adult interaction and team environment you'd find in corporate America... the solution... work at the Constitution Center. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one... I'd love to work in Old City.


Through my network of friends I've found an in at the Constitution Center and I spoke with that 'in' today. After speaking with him I really took in the sights and sounds of Philadelphia... something I truly missed.


I must have spent ten minutes standing between 5th and 6th on Market street with a huge smile on my face staring at Independence Hall. I watched the archaeologists dig where the President's House used to be... I listened in on a few tours... I talked to a woman in Colonial garb about the Presidents house and informed her that there was never actually a picture of the house taken and the only sketches they have of it were from memory... so they don't really know what it looked like. Additionally, the city of Philadelphia hastily built a bathroom at that spot in the 1950s when they were revamping Independence Mall. (this is all knowledge I gained while interning at the Independence National Park, which is actually different from The Constitution Center, but they sometimes work together. You can see the work I did there... here... It's a webquest I helped design.)


With a huge smile on my face, I look left at the Wachovia building at 5th and Market... That's where my dad worked for 37 years. He worked for one company... though it had many different names... Philadelphia National Bank (PNB), CoreStates, First Union and finally, Wachovia.


I head passed the liberty bell in front of Independence Hall and a smile while truly appreciating the debate and deliberation that took place in that building... I double back passed the horse and carriage pickup, and I jay walk (ssshhh!) right towards the Bourse. I stop to see the Rocky display they have in the display outside... and then I head straight to Bain's Deli and order a corned beef special. The girl behind the counter asks me if I want rye bread. Of course I want rye-bread.. and pickles on the side. The sandwich was excellent... I was trying to engulf myself in the Philadelphia culture that I missed.. the culture I will soon have when my wife and I are living in our new neighborhood... University Hospital/Rittenhouse.... We can't wait...



...then the girl who rings me up, is a nice looking jewish girl (my father's jewish, which makes me half jewish... we celebrated al the holidays, and I feel we're evolved enough to be able to call a girl jewish by the way she looks without having to hear about it... right?) So the jewish girl behind the counter, who had super long fingernails and a big nose...which i enjoy by the way, I have a thing for noses... though my wife doesn't have a big nose... anyway.. then the girl behind the counter calls me 'hon'... Yes! You don't get that in Atlanta...


That's Philadelphia!!! Ordering a Corned Beef Special from a jewish girl with long fingernails who just called you "Hon"... 100 yards away from the spot where Thomas Jefferson and Company wrote the most important document in our Nation's history.... That's Philadelphia!


I even drove home via Broad Street so that I could see Temple. That's Philadelphia!


I stopped in to see my grandmother in Jenkintown...and then it was home to Warminster! That's Philadelphia!


Then the Phillies win... but the radio callers are still complaining (as they should)... That's Philadelphia.


Then I listen to 610 and I hear Eskin busting Elmer Fudd's chops. That's Philadelphia!


I come home sit down at my old stomping grounds...my dad shows me his new tools down in the basement... That's Philadelphia!


But tomorrow, I must wake up early, catch a train to head to the airport and go back home to Atlanta... but I'll be home soon... because I love this city.


That's Philadelphia!

Also, today on the radio I heard a guy who wanted to start a countdown to Eagles training camp in Lehigh because the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers are all pathetic! That's a good idea..i'm going to add that to my Eagles Blog, The Eagles Chronicles....

That's Philadelphia.

Phillies Lose Again... What's Next?

The good news is, the Phillies don't have to play the Mets tomorrow. The bad news is the Phillies play the Nationals on Wednesday.

They have an undeserved day off. If Charlie Manuel does what he's supposed to do, he does not give this unmotivated team the day off, but instead chews them out for putting him on the hot seat.

It's too early to blame Gillick (his maneuvers still may work out), and even though we know it's the players' lack of performance that is causing this demise, we also know that it is the demeanor and the attitude of the manager that can make or break a ball club.

We've known for sometime that Charlie Manuel is not the best man for the job. That man is coaching 3rd base for the evil pinstriped team in the American League. Knowing that we can't get Larry back, I'd like to scour the planet for other possible candidates... real quickly here are some guys I'd like to bring in... just for a few days, to light a fire under this team...

I think Sgt. Slaughter might be just the guy to hold this team accountable. If you miss a sign, 10o pushups. If you make an error, 100 pushups. If you strikeout with men on base, 200 pushups.

Secondly, in taking an entirely different route, I think it might be interesting to try to motivate this team. Tony Robbins, the motivational guru with giant "banana fingers" is just the guy to convince this team that they can do anything. Tony Robbins helps fat people get skinny. He helps stupid people become rich. He helps smokers quit smoking. He can do anything. I challenge him to motivate this team to do well.

And a 3rd candidate is the legendary inventor of "Shaw Ball", Mr. Robert "Buzz" Shaw. Buzzy was my travel team coach from age 11 until 17. He is the best baseball mind I know and he has motivated kids of all kinds to play to the best of their potential. We had some prima-donnas, tough guys, guys who had just come out of reform school, just plain stupid kids and kids who would rather be somewhere else.

But somehow, Buzzy would get as all to play together and we were successful. I know we won at least 2 championships in the 6 years we played and I know we competed for at least 2 more. We were undefeated one year in the Montco Travel league. (we tied Roslyn, but we won't mention that on our resumes... we were still not defeated, right?)

Long live Warminster. We'll take on Southampton any day... name the place.

Can You...Name that Phillie?

With the rain washing out several games and no new news to talk about, I figured I'd throw another "Name That Phillie" out there.

Here is a classic picture of a classic Phillie. In what seems to be an acceptable way to waste time between innings or keep himself entertained during a rain delay, this Phillie, although donning a White Sox uniform, shouldn't be too hard to identify.


No hints needed for this one. These will get harder, I promise.



Don't look at the comments, that's cheating. Give us your best guess, no guess is a bad guess.

Name that Phillie.

The Complete Lenny Dykstra Summary Pack

So I'm checking my email and at the top of the Google where the sponsored links are... and I come across a curious ad that reads "Lenny Dykstra Biography and Summary Pack".

It is there asking me to click on it so that I can gain more knowledge about Dykstra as if he can be compared with Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill or Ghandi. A Lenny Dykstra summary pack, complete with a 9 page biography and an encyclopedia article. What is this stuff?

Check out some of the features on the left. Are these things for real? An interview with the girl he groped? Discarded tobacco in the shape of the The Boss? You can't make this stuff up.

Don't get me wrong, Nails is my favorite Phillies of all time, but to have an entire collection of literature focused on his boring-middle-class-existence just doesn't seem right. I remember hearing that Dykstra didn't go to his prom and went to baseball practice instead.

I'm thinking he didn't go to his prom because all the girls were freaked out by his Pete Rose intensity mixed with his Hugh Hefner creepiness, those two don't mix when it comes to charming the ladies.

The Dude, will always be in the hearts and minds of the Philadelphia Phillies Phaithful as the Fall Phil, the man who stepped it up in the playoffs and proved to the world that he was not going to allow this team to go down lightly.

We love you Nails!

PS: Here's a Lenny Dykstra Brawl...

Here are my thoughts on "The Dude" and The Tao Of Dykstra... and finally, for posterity a List of My Favorite Phillies, which ofcourse, includes Dykstra.

Jimmy Rollins Leads the League in Homers

Don't look now, and don't jinx him by spreading the word, but our leadoff hitter Leads the National League in homeruns, with 6.

The next closest are Carlos Lee, Adam Dunn and Miguel Cabrera, who are all legitimate homerun threats. Rollins is actually tops in the entire MLB. He is tied with AL leader Alex Rodriquez.

Now I know that Rollins will not lead the league in homeruns, nor will he lead our team in homeruns, but it is nice to know that one of our guys is doing something to get some recognition.

Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are pretty much unmentionable at this point. Pat Burrell on the other hand is playing pretty good baseball. (Burell was 2 for 4 today with another hit and an RBI)

I was always an advocate of trying to get Rollins to hit the ball on the ground more and get more infield singles and line drives. I was always stressing the fact that he had to learn his role, strike out less, pop-up less and play more like Juan Pierre. He's kind of done that. His strikeouts are way down and it is true that he doesn't seem to pop-up as much in recent years. My question is how can he legitimately do his job as a leadoff guy while swinging for the fences? Is he swinging for the fences? It is tought to tell but to date.. I won't complain...

.298, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R

... is not something to complain about having only played 9 games. Keep up the good work Jimmy. The rest will follow.

Today's win versus the Astros was actually my first chance to catch a glimpse of the 07 squad. Living in Atlanta, without cable one can only watch the Phillies when they play nationally televised games. That said, I met up with some of my buddies who I met at the bar where I watch the Eagles to partake in the Phillies nationally televised game on Fox. Fortunately they won.

Burrell continued to play well. Utley showed sparks of his previous brilliance with 3 hits including a homerun, and Carlos Ruiz, who totaled 2 hits, 2 runs and an RBI, showed why he should be getting more time that Sucks Barajas.

The Phils have won 2 out of 3. It's a start. Let's take this momentum into tomorrow, auction off the Jackie Robinson #42 jerseys and be on our way to a victorious season.

The Last Phillie To Get a Hit Award; Or How I was Rod Barajased into Submission

Congratulations to Rod Barajas, who was the last Phillies position player to record his first hit. He accomplished this feat last night in the first inning, slugging an RBI single to score Wes Helms.

The hit, a screaming-slow-roller to deep shortstop, could only be knocked down by the Astro's Adam Everett. Apparently it was too hot to handle.

Barajas started the season 0 for 10, which isn't bad for a backup catcher with no arms.... oh, what? Barajas has arms? Then the 0 for 10 is awful.

I take back everything I said in my 2nd ever PhilliesChronicles posting when I stated that Barajas was a welcome addition to the ballclub and added a "Good Job Gillick!". That comment makes me cringe, and actually throw up a little bit in my mouth.

"I'm taking it back. I'm taking them all back." -- A little Goonies for you..

Rod Barajas Kind of Sucks. To see how much he sucks, check out the Tiny Mistake's posting about the analysis of Rod Barajas' Suckage. (i think i just made up that word...)

I want Chris Coste. Phellow Phillies Blogger, Von Hayes #9 has a good posting about Chris Coste and the raw deal he got. A good read. He makes some great points.

The english translation of Barajas means 'to shuffle'. That is what I'd like the Phillies to do... shuffle the roster a little to get rid of Barajas.

PS: And please don't hate me for being optimistic about this guy many months ago. I take it all back. I'd rather Steve Lake, John Russell or even Sal Fasano.

The Backwards K

Did this really just happen?

Aaron Rowand and Rod Barajas just capitalized the Phillies loss to the Astros tonight by striking out looking in the bottom of the 9th.


Where's the aggressiveness? Where's the urgency? I can't believe I just watched two major league ballplayers head to the showers because they decided not to swing.



This losing thing is getting old.

I'm worried about Brett Myers' wife tonight. If she's smart she's staying at a friends house tonight. Myers didn't look real strong tonight.

Name that Phillie...

I'd like to continuously find pictures of obscure or not so obscure Phillies, to see if any of the Fightin' Faithful can name them... let's start with an easy one.

Try not to peak. If you'd like to comment, please do and include your guess, but if you really want to play don't look at the other comments and submit your guess.

Name this Phillie...

No hints...

Pete Incaviglia In the Hall of Fame?

In the midst of yet another disappointing Phillies loss, I've once again found something we Phillies fans can smile about. How about a reference to our favorite faction of Phightin' Phils, the crude and crass crew of 1993?

Our very own Pete Incaviglia, "Inky" to most, has been elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame, and rightfully so...

Incaviglia was perhaps the most imposing power hitter in college baseball
history, setting the NCAA career records for home runs (100) and slugging
percentage (.915) from 1983-85. In 1985, he set NCAA single-season records for
home runs (48), RBIs (143), total bases (285) and slugging percentage (1.140) _
marks that still stand. (courtesy of the AP and www.SI.com)

These numbers were good enough for Inky to make the jump from college directly to the majors, hitting 206 homers in 12 seasons. Here's a link to his career stats.

The only line we really care about is this one...

.274, 24 HRs 89 RBIs, .530 Slugging %, in 368 ABs.

Pretty good considering he split time... The platoon in left field that year with Papa Milt Thompson was awesome. Not to mention the platoon in right with Eisenreich and Wes Chamberlain. Heck.. that whole team was awesome.

Other former major leaguers amongst the class of 2007 include Jim Abbott (Michigan), Fredd Lynn (Southern Cal) and John Olerud (Washington State).

Here's the article where I found this tidbit... it's mostly about Jim Abbott.

Congratulations Inky... Thanks for the 93 Season...

Game Log: Phillies Win Over Mets, April 11

In Game Thoughts

First inning, uneventful.. Victorino stung the ball but to no avail, he was robbed of a hit.

Top of the 2nd Inning

7:36 - After two walks in a row to Burrell and Helms, somehow Aaron Rowand managed to strike out. Putz.

7:39 - Rod Barajas just drew a walk to load the bases and more importantly turn over the lineup to try and get the top of our order an opportunity to bat with men in scoring position. This makes Rowands walk look even more suspicious.

7:40 - Eaton Strikes out, to end the inning. Phillies Leave 'em loaded. First threat is dead.

I'm disappointed Rowand couldn't put his bat on the ball to move the runners... how about a bunt in that situation, to put men at 2nd and 3rd? Does Elmer understand how to use the bunt?

Bottom of the 2nd
Momentum is going our way. After loading the bases, a quick inning by Eaton is a good sign for the momentum of this game. 1-2-3 inning. Without scoring any runs, we won that inning.

Top of the 3rd
7:50 - Victorino grounds out to short. Victorino has hit the ball hard twice... good sign that he's progressing. He'll get a hit today.

This pitch progression thing with MLB Gameday is pretty cool. You can go to past at bats and watch the pitch progression.

7:54 - Perez's 4th walk in two innings. 26 balls, 26 strikes after 52 pitches. Another scoring opportunity with a runner in scoring position and our best hitter, Burrell is up. (please don't strike out with that long, slow swing...)

7:56 - Burrell works the count to the 3-0. Takes a strike on the outer half of the plate. Burrell is a Met killer, remember all those homeruns he used to hit against this team... let's repeat history Pat?

7:58 - The 3-2 pitch to Burrell... High. Ball 4. Bases loaded again... Momentum is definitely wearing a grey and red jersey.

7:59 - Ball one to Helms. He should take 2. He does. Two balls, no strikes. Low, ball 3. Take all the way. Let's draw first blood... The 3-0 pitch... is low, ball 4.

The Phils take a 1-0 lead. Great discipline by Helms and Burrell not to swing at ball out of the zone.

8:00 - After walking 3 in a row... what is Aaron Rowand doing swinging at the first pitch... somebody tell this guy how to bat... and now he's down in the count 2-2 because he swung at another pitch out of the zone... Does he watch the game?

8:03 - Rowand walks and brings in another run. 2-0 Phillies. Lucky, what a stupid at bat. To follow his other stupid at bat.

Aaron Sele is warming up for the Mets.

8:05 - Rod Barajas is hit by a pitch to bring in another run. Pitching change. How often do you see a pitching change right before the pitcher's spot in the batting order.

3-0 Phillies. Eaton has some breathing room.

Bottom 3 - Eaton walks a guy but puts down the Mets easily. Phils lead 3-0, after 3.

Top 4
8:23 -- Victorino is robbed again... he can't buy a hit today. He's hit the ball hard 3 times with nothing to show for it.

Bottom 4
Beltran leads off with a double. Let's see how Eaton battles through adversity here with Delgado, Wright and Alou due to bat.

After a good battle, with a few 3-2 foul balls, Eaton loses Delgado. The Mets have men at 1st and 2nd. Now's a good time for a double play. Eaton gets ahead 0-2. Don't get beat here... (see Brett Myers, 8th inning game one...) Damn! Eaton hits Wright to load the bases...

Nice... Alou hits into a 4-6-3 double play... Beltran score on the play but now we've got 2 down and the damage will be minimized. Green flies out to left to retire the side.

That double play is bigger than most think... to get out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam with allowing only 1 run is a good thing.

After five, the Phillies hold a 3-1 advantage.

Top 5
8:39 - Two balls no strikes to Howard, a hitter's pitch.. good time to look fastball... Howard gets a fastball but flies out to center.

8:41 - Infield single for Helms. Good to stay away from the 1-2-3 innings.
8:42 - Rowand gets an infield hit too....
8:43 - Barajas flies out, ending the threat.

I'm satisfied with that inning because it brings the top of our order up again. Even though we didn't capitalize on the back to back hits, and Eaton is leading off, we'll get to our big guns sooner.

Bottom 5
8-9-1 due up for the Mets. Should be an easy inning.

8:47 - 8:51 - Infield hit for Valentin. Sele bunts him over to second, and Reyes singles to bring in the run. Mets cut the lead to 1.

1 out, man on first, not a good time to lose the lead. Reyes is a burner and might be looking to run. Phillies are keeping Reyes close with snap throws from Barajas and Eaton. Good baseball.

Phillies pitch out and nail Reyes at 2nd. Great call. Good execution. Elmer Fudd did something right. Good job. I wonder if Elmer called that one?

8:54 - LoDuca flies out to center and the threat is stopped.

After 5, the Phillies hold on to a 3-2 lead.

Top 6
8:59 - Triple by Rollins. Larry Anderson is so unexciting on the radio... I saw the triple on the Game Day feature before the delayed audio, and I expected to hear some exciting commentary, but it wasn't... it was uneventful slop. He sure doesn't give me goosebumps.

9:00 - SAC Fly by Victorino. Phils take a 4-2 lead. Just desserts for Victorino getting an RBI there after hitting the ball hard 3 times.

Bottom 6
Eaton enters this inning with 79 pitches. If he can get a quick inning, no reason he doesn't pitch the 7th too. (47 strikes, 34 balls)

Eaton strikes out Beltran. And gets Delgado on a lazy fly. Two quick outs. If anything, this start is very encouraging as to what we can expect from Adam Eaton. He's not overpowering but he seems to be smart and makes good pitches.

A big, 13 pitch 1-2-3 inning for Adam Eaton. He's got 92 pitches, there
s a slight chance we'll see him start the 7th. If Eaton doesn't bat this inning, I'm betting we'll see him go one more.

Top 7
Sele's done a pretty good job of keeping the Phils in check. Let's see how he does with our 4-5-6 hitters.

David Wright is playing a good 3rd base. Though I can't see it down here in Atlanta, I can hear it, and this is at least the 3rd time he's gone to his right, backhanded a ball and made a play. He just robbed Burrell of a hit... though Howard, who walked, did advance to second. Burrell's 7 game hitting streak might be in jeopardy.

9:18 - Madson is warming up.

Aaron Rowand has justified his two stupid at bats with a big 2 out double to score Howard. With first base open, the Mets intentionally walk Barajas to get to the pitcher's spot. Manuel decides to stick with Eaton and allow him to bat with a 5-2 lead. Interesting choice. Considering all the trouble the Phillies have had with their bullpen this is a good decision. Eaton subsequently pops out to end the inning.

Bottom 7
This is where Adam Eaton, with 92 pitches, needs to bear down and keep that bullpen off the field as long as possible. He needs to finish this inning. Madson is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA. Gordon has a 9.00 ERA also...

Eaton gets Shawn green to fly out for the second out on his 99th pitch. Eaton then proceeds to walk Valentin on 4 pitches. But he comes back to get pinch hitter Newhan.

That should do it for Eaton.
7 IP, 2 ER, 5 Ks, 3 BBs

A solid outing by Eaton. He's put us in a position to win the game. My fingers are crossed that our bullpen can hold 'em in check.

Top 8
9:32 - Alfonseco is now loosening up in the bullpen. Alfonseco has a 2.70 ERA... whew!

Rollins finally gets to Wright. E-5, Rollins on at first. It would be great to manufacture a run here. I'd expect a bunt from Victorino. He squared on the first pitch.. but not on the second. Maybe he was bunting on his own... How about a hit and run... Victorino's been hitting the ball solidly... and it can't hurt to be agressive. I wonder if Elmer is even thinking right now. Does he know what a hit and run is?

9:36 - Wow... A hit and run. Rollins was running and Victorino fouled it back. Elmer is thinking!!
9:39 - A balk by Feliciano has put Rollins in scoring position. Let's take advantage of this gentlemen!

9:42 - Utley is hit by a Phantom pitch... Utley had a check swing and got back in the box... the home plate umpire awarded Utley first base saying he got hit. Clearly, Utley thought he fouled it because he got back in the box...

Two men on for Ryan Howard, who has homered in 5 straight games vs. the Mets. Nope. Strike out. The slump continues. The Phils are 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position tonight.

Bourn, a defensive replacement for Burrell is having a pretty good at bat. He was agressive early in the count, fouled off a pitch. And then took 3 balls to fight back to 3-2. He's fouled off 2 straight 3-2 pitches. He's putting himself in a good position to succeed. Another fould ball. Outside ball 4... an 11 pitch walk. Great job by Bourn. That at bat impressed me. Good discipline and good protection. He loaded the bases and the Mets go to the pen to bring in pitcher #5.

The Mets bring in RHP Joe Smith. Manuel decides to stay with Helms and the righty vs. righty matchup. He has the lefthanded bat of Dobbs on the bench, who also happens to play 3rd base. If he's not confident with Dobbs' glove, we've still got Nunez. Plus we'd still have Werth and Carlos Ruiz to pat for the pitchers later. Let's use our resources Elmer. Helms pops out.

The Phils go to the bottom of the 8th leading 5-2.

Bottom 8
6 Fingered Alfonseca is on the mound. He makes a statement with a 9 pitch, 1-2-3 inning.

Top 9
Rowand walks to lead off the 9th. The Phillies have walked 11 times tonight and two batters have been hit by pitches. That is 13 extra baserunners. It goes without saying that the Phils have left 13 men on base.

The Phils lead the league with 51 walks thus far. We just can't seem to bring them home.

10:07 - The Phils go down quietly in the 9th, leaving Rowand stranded and increasing men left on base to 14.

Bottom 9
Flash Gordon, is on in relief in the 9th. Gordon is looking for the save. I'm of the school that always believes the first batter is the most important in these situations. Get him out and you've got 'em.

Gordon K's Delgado for out #1. That should do it. The Mets' fans our heading to the exits.

10:14 - Mets have some life. David Wright singles to center. "Hey Sal, c'mon back, Wright just got on." Some of the Metropolitan faithful are once again interested and borrow some seats closer to the exits. But not for long...

Gordon strikes out Alous and the Mets fans once again file out of Schea.

10:16 - Shawn Green grounds to Howard for the final out.

The Phils snap a 3 game losing streak and get a much needed win. A strong outing by Eaton will be the big story. And the Phils will be criticized for leaving 14 guys on base. Also, I'd like to highlight the two stupid at bats by Aaron Rowand. And kudos to the bullpen for doing their job... no wait.. that's what you're supposed to do...nevermind.

Phils win 5-2, with 5 hits and no errors. Player of the Game Adam Eaton.

Here's To You Mr. Robinson

On this date, April 10, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American player to sign a major league contract.

Like the good businessman he turned out to be, Robinson signed a one-year contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Dodger's general manager Branch Rickey personally recruited Robinson from the Negro Leagues to play with his ballclub. Robinson left baseball early, after 10 years of service to pursue other endeavors. He became the Vice President for Chock Full o' Nuts and then tried his hand in politics.

On April 15, 1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball, Commissioner Bud Selig announced that Robinson's #42 would be retired throughout baseball and would never again be issued to on-field personnel. (players currently wearing the number were grandfathered in and allowed to wear the number until retirement)

This year, to mark Robinson's 60th Anniversary, Major League Baseball will honor Robinson once again by allowing players to wear his retired #42 jersey. The idea apparently came as a result of a phone call that Reds' right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. made to baseball commissioner Bud Selig, requesting permission to wear it on the anniversary.

Each of the 15 games throughout Major League Baseball on April 15th will feature festivities to honor Mr. Robinson. The national celebration of Jackie Robinson Day will take place at Dodger Stadium with many VIPs, an on-field ceremony before the game Among those participating in the festivities will be Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife and founder of The Jackie Robinson Foundation; their daughter, author Sharon Robinson; several of Jackie's former teammates; baseball executives and civic and industry leaders; Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars; and winners of the Breaking Barriers Essay Contest. (info. courtesy of http://www.mlb.com/)

In his rookie season of 1947, Robinson won Rookie of the Year. He as the league's Most Valuable Player in 1949, and led the Dodgers to 6 pennants in his 10 seasons. For more information visit the Baseball Almanac for all of Jackie Robinson's Career Stats.

More than a great ball player, Robinson personifies courage, determination and perseverance. He, like so many black ball players after him had to endure a lot of hardship to play the game they loved. I applaud Jackie Robinson not only for his athletic prowess, but for his courage to be the first to step foot on a major league ball field. He could have said no, and left the name calling and death threats to someone else. But he didn't.

Like Robinson, I've all the respect in the world for Hank Aaron as well. He too received death threats and threats to his family if he dared to break the great Babe Ruth's home run record. Well, he dared. And he succeeded.

American history is perseverance. American history is courage. American history is baseball. American history is Jackie Robinson.


PS:

Here is a PDF link to the 7th-12th Grade Winning Essay

For historians, researchers, baseball fans and curious minds, check out ABNER, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Online Library Catalog...

Jimmy Rollins Makes Us Smile

The Phillies have not been doing much to make us happy so far. But at least J-Roll is doing okay. He's got 3 homers, 7 runs, 6 RBIs and a big mouth. That mouth haunted him today in New York when he made a key error in the 8th. The Mets fans let him have it.. Rollins' miscue led to a 7 run 8th inning by the Mets allowing them to cruise to an 11-5 victory.

Some reasons the Phillies are 1-6;
As a team, the Phillies are hitting .188 (13-for-69) with runners in scoring position.

And today was the first day where both Utley and Howard had an extra base hit in the same game. We can't afford to have that happen once every 7 games.

For now, let's enjoy Jimmy's inside the parker. Notice how he's sprinting out of the box, he doesn't score otherwise.

What has 5 Heads, 10 Arms and a 5.89 ERA?

No it is not Alfonseca... though he does have 11 fingers, see the picture on the right...

Here are some quick calculations after Sunday's Loss...

Phillies' Starters Statistics:

Record: 1-3
K/BB Ratio: 2.58 to 1 (31 Ks, 12 walks)
Innings Pitched: 35.1
Earned Runs: 23
ERA: 5.89
8 Homeruns allowed... 1 every 4.4 innings.

They are averaging about 5.85 innings per outing with a K/BB ratio of 2.6 to 1. So what is the problem?

1 and 3 with a 5.89 ERA. Something is wrong here. This was supposed to be one of the deepest rotations in the league...

To date Cole Hamels and Jaime Moyer have done their job. Maybe we need more lefties... We need Garcia and Lieber to come back... fast.

Patience... I will show some patience. But hurry up and get good guys.. the Mets are pulling away.

What is the reason for the Phillies Slow Start?

Wouldn't it be nice to have Larry Bowa right now? Is this not a time when some of the Phillies need a kick in the pants or a good chewing out? Is our starting pitching not what we thought? Are our relievers to blame? Is it Utley and Howard?

What do you think is the biggest reason for the Phillies' 1-4 start?

You decide... Please cast your vote on the right side.