QuoteAround the Horn: Middle infielders
Rollins, Utley NL's formed most productive SS-2B duo in '05
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com
he following is the fifth in a series of weekly stories on MLB.com examining each Major League club, position by position. Each Wednesday until Spring Training camps open, we'll preview a different position. Today: Middle infielders.
PHILADELPHIA -- Try these numbers on for size: a .290 average, 354 hits, 208 runs, 77 doubles, 17 triples, 40 homers, 159 RBIs, 57 stolen bases and 585 total bases.
If you guessed that was the production of Philadelphia's electric middle-infield combination of Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley last season, give yourself a point. Add an extra one if you further identified that as the most productive regular tandem in the National League, just ahead of Atlanta's Rafael Furcal and Marcus Giles, who bested the Phils duo only in stolen bases.
With the Braves pair splitting up for 2006 -- though Giles and Edgar Renteria in Atlanta and Jeff Kent and Furcal in Los Angeles will be formidable -- the Utley-Rollins tag team is primed to defend that distinction.
Rollins, the Phils' leadoff hitter and catalyst, enters the season with a club-record 36-game hitting streak. He's hit .379 during the streak, and fell just four hits shy of 200 last year. The switch-hitter achieved career highs in hits and at-bats (677) while stealing at least 30 bases for the fourth time in five seasons.
If he's able to break Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio's record of hitting in 56 straight games, he'll be recognized as the all-time leader, though DiMaggio would keep the single-season record -- unless Rollins managed a hit in 56 straight games this season.
"I've had fun with the record in that I don't want to place too much extra stress on myself about it," said Rollins. "I've been trying to relax while getting my workouts in during the offseason. I don't mind when people ask me about it. If I'm meant to break a record, then I will. I want to help this team win games in 2006."
The buzz surrounding his streak has carried throughout the offseason, on radio talk shows, newspapers and in the local grocery store. Rollins' streak is already the ninth-longest hitting streak in Major League history. Barring rainouts and games not started, Rollins could eclipse DiMaggio on April 26 at home against the Rockies.
Paul Molitor hit in 39 straight games in 1989, and Pete Rose holds the National League record with a 44-game streak in 1978. Wee Willie Keeler hit in 45 straight games, but one came on the final day of the previous season.
"If he passed Molitor and Rose and then challenged DiMaggio, I wouldn't be surprised," said manager Charlie Manuel. "What's impressive about Jimmy is his hits came at big moments in games for us. He's improved so much as a hitter last year with his patience at the plate. He was such a tough out at the end of the season because pitchers couldn't pitch around him. If they threw him away, he went with the pitch. If they came in, he pulled it down the line. He did a great job in being selective up there and going with pitches."
His partner in crime also came a long way last season, as Utley clubbed 28 homers. The fact that he hit one long ball each as a first baseman and pinch-hitter is the only thing keeping him from tying the Phillies' all-time record by a second baseman, set by Juan Samuel in 1987. Utley might have set the mark had he not lost playing time to Placido Polanco early in the season.
The lefty wasn't in the Opening Day lineup -- creating a minor controversy -- then batted seventh in the second game. By the end of the season, Utley was entrenched as the team's No. 3 hitter. Bobby Abreu will likely remain hitting cleanup, keeping Utley in the three-hole.
"Chase did an outstanding job for us last season," Manuel said. "He got a lot of big hits. He's a [heck of a] player. He wore down a bit at the end, but it was always exciting when he was up and we needed a hit."
With all the individual accomplishments and accolades received in 2005, there's no escaping the reality that Utley and Rollins watched the postseason. Especially disappointing was watching the Astros -- the team that beat them in six regular-season meetings -- reach the World Series.
"I want to go to the playoffs and help this team win a World Series," said Rollins. "Records are nice, but I want to win. If the records come along with it, that's cool with me. I want to experience the playoffs. That's why you play the game, to win a title. Hopefully, we can keep it going into some October baseball in the playoffs."
Quotei was on the moon once and i got 1210 from there.
Mars is, like, totally further. I are winnAr.
Thanks for posting the article of the guy who writes for Phillies.com and personally blows Monty. :yay
P.S. Wheels sucks.
Barring rainouts and games not started, Rollins could eclipse DiMaggio on April 26 at home against the Rockies
get your tickets now
QuoteBobby Abreu will likely remain hitting cleanup, keeping Utley in the three-hole.
Left without comment...
::)
Hated that move then, still hate it now.
Rollins/Utley/Abrue/Burrell/Howard/Rowand/Bell/Loserthal is the best option.
I'm still hoping Gillick wrangles a trade for a #1 guy for Abreu and prospects.
Of course, I'm also hoping that I'll wake up one morning with Jenna Jameson lying naked next to me, so...
:-\
Quote from: Jerome99RIP on February 02, 2006, 03:19:06 PM
Of course, I'm also hoping that I'll wake up one morning with Jenna Jameson lying naked next to me, so...
:-\
Picture of her riding the sybian on Howard Stern just a couple of days ago... yummy:
(http://howardstern.com/dtcms/uploads/RS-DSC_0060.jpg)
The tv monitor in the background provides a much better view. :drool
Not fair. Me want.
If you look at the monitor in the background, it looks like she's takin' it up the ass.
:sly
NICE! :yay :yay
According to the Philly Inquirer today, Cole Hamels' back flared up again but he says it's not a major setback....
He's always injured.
Quote from: BigEd76 on February 03, 2006, 07:10:59 AM
According to the Philly Inquirer today, Cole Hamels' back flared up again but he says it's not a major setback....
(http://feministing.com/bustcover) :D
i'm not in agreement with abreu being in the clean up spot, not because he wouldn't do well there, but because they need to break up the left, left, duo in the meat of the order.
in other news , i thought that slut was married or something?
i guess once a slut always a slut.
mm sluts.
On the way back from the La Salle/Temple game, I got into a discussion with some idiot about Loserthal. I said he sucked, he said he was good. I mentioned how he couldn't call a game, his crappy defense, knack from grounding into double plays and overall pathetic batting average outside of the last month and a half. He said he hit well when it mattered (kinda) and his middle of the pack homer numbers among nl catchers.
I are bettar.
Phillies are gonna sign Alex Gonzalez. No, not the one who was on Florida. The other one. He's not really that good, but, he is a hell of a lot better than Tomas Perez. Perez is now all but done as a Phillie, and might I say, praise oh mighty Allah because Pieman just flat out sucks.
So, they'll have Alex S. Gonzalez and Abraham Nunez as their backup infielders?
World.
Series.
and Matt Kata
Quick WBC note: Rollins and Myers won't be on the final USA team, but Utley will be the starting 2B and split time with Michael Young...
Good. Myers doesn't need to be pitching there.
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060207&content_id=1307838&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi
it's official.
the excitement building up to this season is almost unbearable.
I'm excited. I love baseball.
And the Gonzalez signing was good. Another person to play 3rd.
i love baseball too. i might actually go to a game this year.
i might make a trip to philly this season to watch my yanks whoop up on the sils.
ill be at the opener....its on my govt day off....holla
Pat Gillick continues to get the all-stars in here. Ryan Franklin, Abraham Nunez, Arthur Rhodes, Tom Gordon, Alex S. Gonzalez. You can't get much more average than that. But hey, at least Tomas Perez is history.
QuotePHILADELPHIA -- Not wanting to be outdone by the Red Sox, the Phillies agreed to terms with their own Alex Gonzalez on a one-year contract on Tuesday, a baseball source confirmed.
Mandel = poor man's Spadaro. :-D
BTW: I'm also excited about baseball starting back up. I wish the Phillies had a better team but at least they're not awful. :P
Quote from: mhunt on February 08, 2006, 08:43:53 AM
i might make a trip to philly this season to watch my yanks whoop up on the sils.
Tell me where you're sitting so I can chuck batteries at you ;)
I love baseball as well. Even if expectations for my team are low/mediocre, baseball season is always fun.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 08, 2006, 09:55:07 AM
Quote from: mhunt on February 08, 2006, 08:43:53 AM
i might make a trip to philly this season to watch my yanks whoop up on the sils.
Tell me where you're sitting so I can chuck batteries at you ;)
I love baseball as well. Even if expectations for my team are low/mediocre, baseball season is always fun.
i bet there will be more yankees fans than sils fans at those games. ;D
anyway...i don't love baseball...i like it though. it's a distant 3rd on my list of favorite sports behind football & basketball...especially since i can't get the yes network so i never get to watch any games.
The Yankees series is during the week, not on a weekend. May not get as many fans to come down...
i just checked & the games are already sold out...but i might be able to find a bus trip down to one of the games.
Quote from: MDS on February 08, 2006, 09:03:26 AM
Pat Gillick continues to get the all-stars in here. Ryan Franklin, Abraham Nunez, Arthur Rhodes, Tom Gordon, Alex S. Gonzalez. You can't get much more average than that. But hey, at least Tomas Perez is history.
At least Pat Gillick hasn't overspent on only decent players. If he'd given out contracts similar to what the Blue Jays did, we'd only be in deep ish with different players. He's actually readying the team to make moves in the next couple years. Couldn't expect him to undo all the Ed Wade garbage in one off-season.
Quote from: MDS on February 08, 2006, 09:03:26 AM
Pat Gillick continues to get the all-stars in here. Ryan Franklin, Abraham Nunez, Arthur Rhodes, Tom Gordon, Alex S. Gonzalez. You can't get much more average than that. But hey, at least Tomas Perez is history.
how much is a GM supposed to do in only 5 months?
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2006, 11:22:53 AM
He's actually readying the team to make moves in the next couple years. Couldn't expect him to undo all the Ed Wade garbage in one off-season.
i'm glad somebody else can see the big picture. his moves may have a minimal effect this year, but they are made with the future in mind, something Ed Wade never could do.
now is the time
2009
hey...it will rhyme this time anyway
I was skeptical at the Gillick hiring at first... mostly because he's old, honestly.
But I think he's done a fairly nice job so far with the mess he was handed.
Quote from: BigEd76 on February 08, 2006, 10:45:03 AM
The Yankees series is during the week, not on a weekend. May not get as many fans to come down...
It'll sell out, are you kidding? The demand won't be as high as it would if it was over the weekend, but it'll still sell out. Loser Mets fans come down for weekday game, so will spoiled loser Yankees fans.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 08, 2006, 11:22:53 AM
Quote from: MDS on February 08, 2006, 09:03:26 AM
Pat Gillick continues to get the all-stars in here. Ryan Franklin, Abraham Nunez, Arthur Rhodes, Tom Gordon, Alex S. Gonzalez. You can't get much more average than that. But hey, at least Tomas Perez is history.
At least Pat Gillick hasn't overspent on only decent players. If he'd given out contracts similar to what the Blue Jays did, we'd only be in deep ish with different players. He's actually readying the team to make moves in the next couple years. Couldn't expect him to undo all the Ed Wade garbage in one off-season.
Thats why I said it's all been average. He hasn't done anything spectacular, outside of the Thome trade, and he hasn't farged anything up. So it all evens out to a pretty average job. The key to Gillick will in season moves, something Ed Wade totally blew ass at. There is no doubt that they will eventually need another bat off the bench, and another arm or two in the bullpen. You can survive with what you got until June/July, but around then, he needs to bring someone in here. Ugy Urbina was the right idea, he just kinda sucked.
Of course they'll sell out. I'm saying that there won't be as many Yankees fans as we had Red Sox fans last year during the sweep...
red sox fans travel much better than yankee fans...even moreso when they are good
lets just say no matter when the game is its going to be completely embarrassing for the fightins...does it matter that there might be 10k yankee fans instead of 15k
Quote from: BigEd76 on February 08, 2006, 12:28:43 PM
Of course they'll sell out. I'm saying that there won't be as many Yankees fans as we had Red Sox fans last year during the sweep...
Oh, well I guess. It's sorta of a trade off with Boston. We take over Fenway (and lose), they take over CBP (and win). So...go Phillies!
Why are we discussing the farging Yankees in this thread?
Take it elsewhere, Chipmunks.
David Bell is changing from his previous #4 to Thome's #25. he must be doing that on purpose, he enjoys pissing people off around here.
David Bell was doing #4 shame. Lenny Dykstra should've been mad.
Give David Bell #67 or something like that.
yeah, one of those spring training jerseys that don't have a name on the back.
Or one of those other jerseys being worn by the opposition. That'd be nice.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 09, 2006, 09:28:44 AM
Or one of those other jerseys being worn by the opposition. That'd be nice.
brilliant!
Didn't David Bell already change his number once since joining the team? Is he really blaming the number he wears for his complete sucktastic suckageness of suck?
That's quality.
I'm thinking of drilling Kristi Bell as a way to get back at David for his performence last year.
I doubt that would be a consentual situation. Do you really want to go to jail because of David Bell?
All I have to do is wip out my 10 incher and that gold diggin ho will be all over me.
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Rotoworld is reporting that the Phils have contacted the 79 year old BJ Surhoff about becoming a reserve OF.
I read earlier that he wants to retire. I hope he retires.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 11, 2006, 09:14:35 AM
Rotoworld is reporting that the Phils have contacted the 79 year old BJ Surhoff about becoming a reserve OF.
I read earlier that he wants to retire. I hope he retires.
It's kind of a double edged sword really. Him chosing retirement is both good and bad. It's good because even in his prime he was never all that good so it's not like the Phils would be missing anything.
At the same time though, exactly what does that say about the Phillies if Blow Job Surhoff won't take a job with them?
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 11, 2006, 09:14:35 AM
Rotoworld is reporting that the Phils have contacted the 79 year old BJ Surhoff about becoming a reserve OF.
I read earlier that he wants to retire. I hope he retires.
Hmmm... retire or play for the Phillies?
Quite the conundrum.
???
BJ Surhoff? Wow.
I wonder if Glenn Wilson is available.
Quote from: Geowhizzer on February 11, 2006, 12:05:24 PM
I wonder if Glenn Wilson is available.
He struck a guy out once, I think.
Surhoff was the #1 pick in the draft 21 years ago, ahead of Will Clark, Barry Larkin, Barry Bonds, Pete Incaviglia, Walt Weiss, Tommy Greene, Brian McRae, Gregg Jefferies and Rafael Palmeiro... :)
Quote from: Geowhizzer on February 11, 2006, 12:05:24 PM
I wonder if Glenn Wilson is available.
Glenbo
I remember when we traded him to the Mariners for Phil Bradley and Mike Jackson. Those were the days.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 11, 2006, 02:43:08 PM
Quote from: Geowhizzer on February 11, 2006, 12:05:24 PM
I wonder if Glenn Wilson is available.
Glenbo
I remember when we traded him to the Mariners for Phil Bradley and Mike Jackson. Those were the days.
Actually, the Phils traded Wilson AND Jackson for Phil Bradley. :boom
Quote from: Geowhizzer on February 11, 2006, 03:18:13 PM
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 11, 2006, 02:43:08 PM
Quote from: Geowhizzer on February 11, 2006, 12:05:24 PM
I wonder if Glenn Wilson is available.
Glenbo
I remember when we traded him to the Mariners for Phil Bradley and Mike Jackson. Those were the days.
Actually, the Phils traded Wilson AND Jackson for Phil Bradley. :boom
That's right.
I remember those scrubs. Bradley sucked and then went to Baltimore, I think.
Those were the days when Ken Howell was the #1 starter and Floyd Youmans and Alex Madrid rounded out the rotation. Oh, and we had Bob Sebra too.
Good days, those late 80's early 90's. :-D
Pretty good Gillick article (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13848938.htm)
QuoteGillick has learned this much in three months on the job: Philadelphia fans are dying for a championship. And there are a lot of traffic lights on Broad Street.
"You have to be careful," he said. "You could be thinking about a trade and get knocked over by a truck."
QuoteDespite lying relatively low the past couple of seasons, Gillick remained a hot commodity. The Los Angeles Dodgers made a run at him a couple winters ago, and again this fall. So did the Phillies. Club president Dave Montgomery, a thorough and methodical practitioner of due diligence, had talked to a zillion people and done a million miles of background work in looking for his new GM.
He kept hearing one name: Gillick.
One day this fall, Doris and Pat Gillick were riding in their car. Pat's cell phone rang. It was a representative from another club, presumably the Dodgers.
"No, I'm going to the Phillies," Pat told the caller.
Why Philadelphia?
"I think Pat was really excited they wanted him so much," Doris said.
QuotePeople who know Gillick talk about his honesty, sensitivity and compassion. You've probably heard the story about him holding up traffic one day in Florida to rescue a turtle from the middle of the road. But did you hear about the fan who used to hang around the games in Baltimore? The man was mentally challenged and needed a ride home. So Gillick gave him one - again and again and again. "You shouldn't go into that neighborhood," people told Gillick. He kept on going.
QuoteOK, Philadelphia. This is the man who's running your baseball team. He laughs. He cries. He walks to work and rides the subway.
He's met many of you this winter. He knows how badly you want a champion, and he'll do everything he can to make it happen.
He's won before and wants to win again.
"He wants it for Philadelphia, he wants it for himself, and he wants it for the Phillies because they've showed him so much trust," Doris Gillick said of her husband. "He'll work his heinie off to make it happen."
I'm liking this guy more and more. If Ed Wade didn't leave such a mess it would be easier to get things done. But Gillick has to be patient and undo some of that fargers mistakes first.
Gillick Q & A with Randy Miller (http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/102-02122006-611436.html)
QuoteQ: You've been working on a very tight budget, even though the Phillies have a high payroll and most of Thome's big contract is off the books. Did you realize you'd have so few dollars to spend this year?
A: I felt coming in that this year would be a challenge. I had my eyes open. I thought maybe some of those second-tier pitchers might be in a category where we could go after them. But I don't believe in paying big dollars for second-tier guys, because two or three years down the line you'd wonder what you did.
Quote
Q: Randy Wolf ($9 million), Mike Lieberthal ($7.5 million), David Bell ($4.5 million), Cory Lidle ($3.3 million) are heading into the final year of their contracts. Are you already thinking about that $25 million you'll probably be able to spend next winter?
A: Let me put it this way: Right now we're thinking about 2006, but naturally you look down the line and see where we're going to be in 2007 and 2008.
Q: But Lieberthal and Bell still are here this year and you recently said the Phillies aren't a championship-caliber team right now. Are you worried that 2006 could be a long year?
A: I don't think so. I like the fact that a lot of our players are in the last year of contracts. If you want to get another contract, you have to perform. If Bell, Lieberthal and those types on one-year deals want to continue on, whatever they've got you're going to see it this year.
Q: What has to happen for the Phillies to reach the playoffs this year? How realistic is it?
A: Basically, a lot hinges on the our pitching. Maybe we don't have a No. 1 guy right now, but do have some guys who fit in the No. 2 category — Brett Myers, Jon Lieber. Our pitching has to come through. We're going to score runs. I think the one thing that people think is a minor thing but something I really stress is playing the game right fundamentally. If you do that, you'll win another five to eight games. I'm challenging our coaching staff to make us the best fundamental team in our division.
He continues to impress in everything but getting an ace........yet.
Are they going to play team baseball?
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 12, 2006, 08:05:00 PM
Are they going to play team baseball?
Only after the star player gets injured. I don't think we've identified one yet, though.
I like what I saw out of Brett Myers last season. If we had a Roger Clemens-type that could show him how to prepare, how to train, and he could be an ace-type himself.
We'll see what Dubee-dubee-do can do to keep Myers on the upswing. He seemed to turn a corner, and hopefully he can keep it going.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 12, 2006, 08:06:56 PM
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 12, 2006, 08:05:00 PM
Are they going to play team baseball?
Only after the star player gets injured. I don't think we've identified one yet, though.
It's the guy who takes the most swings without making contact. His name is David Bell.
Pitchers and catchers tomorrow!
My boy Brett Myers is pissed that Gillick said they werent good enough. Good for him. Maybe that'll help light a fire under some of these guys asses.
Myers = 17 wins and a below 3 ERA this year.
The Phillies are going to lose 90 games this year.
Their pitching is atrocious, they have no one of substance coming off the bench and their manager is a farging retard.
How many days 'til the Eagles training camp opens?
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 15, 2006, 08:45:36 AM
Pitchers and catchers tomorrow!
My boy Brett Myers is pissed that Gillick said they werent good enough. Good for him. Maybe that'll help light a fire under some of these guys asses.
Myers = 17 wins and a below 3 ERA this year.
why is Brett Myers your boy? he's a punk.
i'm just glad that there is an honest General Manager in town.
Myers = 17 wins and a below 3 ERA this year
ahhhh....the inflated false hopes of february and march are fully upon us
by default....picthing in the bank automatically precludes any phils starters from having an era<3...not that myers would do it anyway
Myers may get 17- like I said, he has ace potential.
I don't see a below-3.00 ERA, though. Especially playing half his games in CBP.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 08:49:10 AM
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 15, 2006, 08:45:36 AM
Pitchers and catchers tomorrow!
My boy Brett Myers is pissed that Gillick said they werent good enough. Good for him. Maybe that'll help light a fire under some of these guys asses.
Myers = 17 wins and a below 3 ERA this year.
why is Brett Myers your boy? he's a punk.
i'm just glad that there is an honest General Manager in town.
I've always been a big Myers fan. I was the only guy backing him last year too when a lot of people on the other site were calling him a bum and stuff. He's still very young and there is no reason that he cannot turn into a stud pitcher. He's got a great fastball and an awesome curve. He also realized last year that you do not have to strike everyone out and pitching to contact can help you get out of jams and keep the pitch count low.
He's going to be a horse this year, I think.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2006, 08:51:54 AM
Myers = 17 wins and a below 3 ERA this year
ahhhh....the inflated false hopes of february and march are fully upon us
by default....picthing in the bank automatically precludes any phils starters from having an era<3...not that myers would do it anyway
Myers is certainly capable of putting 17 wins up. I hope he takes the Gillick comments to heart and steps up to become our Ace.
What's the time table on Wolf's return? Last I saw was late June early July (I think).
he started off very good last year, but he kinda fell back into that mode where he easily gets frustrated and that effects the way he pitches. he needs to learn to let things roll off his back better. but like IGY said, i don't see anybody posting a below 3 ERA playing in CBP. maybe a ground ball pitcher, but not a power pitcher like Myers.
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 15, 2006, 09:35:04 AM
What's the time table on Wolf's return? Last I saw was late June early July (I think).
It's probably mid July, I think they are hoping to get 10 to 13 starts out of him.
He'll get hurt again before his 7th start. Book it.
i dont think myers has the mentallity to be an ace. he has the talent though.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 15, 2006, 09:41:26 AM
He'll get hurt again before his 7th start. Book it.
i actually don't think so. all his injuries the past few years have been related to the elbow that they finally fixed with Tommy John surgery. he had been avoiding the surgery for a few years by resting and rehabbing the elbow, thus the constant re-injuring of the elbow. i think once he gets back he will stay healthy.
Myers is certainly capable of putting 17 wins up
that wouldnt surprise me...someones gotta win games and he definitely has the stuff...he just needs a lobotomy but i dont know how much of the season he would lose if he had one now
as for wolf...if im the phils he does not pitch this year unless you dont plan on keeping him...but if you think you have a future with him then you hold him out and have him go in winter ball
counting on wolf for anything this season is delusional.
they could be 15 back by then and him coming back would be pointless. the staff should be set as if wolf isnt coming back at all. that way, if he does, it's a bonus.
they could be 15 back by then
i think it makes more sense to pitch him if they are 15 back...you dont want to be testing a pitchers effectiveness in the middle of a pennant race...can you imagine if they pitch wolf in a pennant race and he blows up two or three games because hes not ready and they miss the playoffs...
as i said i wouldnt pitch him at all this year but if i do i do it if they are out of it not in it
Quote from: Wingspan on February 15, 2006, 09:43:31 AM
i dont think myers has the mentallity to be an ace. he has the talent though.
I do, he's still young and is a hardnosed player (ex-boxer).
As for Wolf, if he's healthy by mid-July I say activate his ass. :evil
If you are in the race and Wolfe is ready, he goes in the rotation. If healthy, he is their best pitcher. He has shown periods of being dominant ala Maddox or Glavine. Gosh, I can't wait for Baseball season!
He has also shown periods of being easy to hit, like a pitching machine or a tee.
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 15, 2006, 04:05:03 PM
He has also shown periods of being easy to hit, like a pitching machine or a tee.
Agreed. But he has never been truly, truly healthy. When TJ surgery works, in is like having a new arm.
If you are in the race and Wolfe is ready, he goes in the rotation. If healthy, he is their best pitcher. He has shown periods of being dominant ala Maddox or Glavine
until hes actually out on the mound how do you know if hes ready...a pennant race is not the time to be working thru coming off an injury and trying to find out if a) youre ready b) if youre 100% healthy
Randy Wolf: Robocop
:paranoid
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2006, 04:09:47 PM
If you are in the race and Wolfe is ready, he goes in the rotation. If healthy, he is their best pitcher. He has shown periods of being dominant ala Maddox or Glavine
until hes actually out on the mound how do you know if hes ready...a pennant race is not the time to be working thru coming off an injury and trying to find out if a) youre ready b) if youre 100% healthy
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
One or two starts should tell.
By the way, why do you quote in bold?
Because using the quote button ain't ghetto.
lol @ discussing in february whether a player who may not even play this year should pitch in a hypothetical pennant race
i fully deserve to die in a commuter train derailment on the way home tonight
what the hell was i doing
Doesn't it take two years to fully come back from Tommy John's surgery? I wouldn't rush him back this year. What else are we going to talk about, the Olympics?
By the way, why do you quote in bold?
i keep it real son
and real recognize real
therefore you illin dook
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2006, 04:17:43 PM
lol @ discussing in february whether a player who may not even play this year should pitch in a hypothetical pennant race
i fully deserve to die in a commuter train derailment on the way home tonight
what the hell was i doing
That is what makes baseball great!!
That is what makes baseball great!!
die
seamheads like you deserve nothing less...whereas i know should know better
<rjs>
Baseball sucks anyway. You all suck also. NBA basketball sucks too. Burn.
</rjs>
Quote from: FFatPatt on February 15, 2006, 04:24:21 PM
<rjs>
Baseball sucks anyway. You all suck also. NBA basketball sucks too. Burn.
</rjs>
flawless performance.
I was fooled.
you could've just looked at the screen name. that's a pretty fool-proof way to find out who it is.
Right.
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2006, 04:20:08 PM
By the way, why do you quote in bold?
i keep it real son
and real recognize real
therefore you illin dook
huh?
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 04:42:44 PM
Quote from: ice grillin you on February 15, 2006, 04:20:08 PM
By the way, why do you quote in bold?
i keep it real son
and real recognize real
therefore you illin dook
huh?
Please, ignore him. You'll be far better off.
dude, you're freakin me out
Huh? WTF are you talking about, Sun?
ask the sarge
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 04:46:42 PM
ask the sarge
Awww, its cute FF, don't you think? Sun and Sarge have little private jokes going on.
Huh? WTF are you talking about, Sun?
i think hes saying dont sleep....sleep is the cousin of death
Quote from: PhillyGirl on February 15, 2006, 04:47:35 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 04:46:42 PM
ask the sarge
Awww, its cute FF, don't you think? Sun and Sarge have little private jokes going on.
no, see, um... what happend was that FF had my screen name, and then Sarge did and i was scared and now FF doesn't have it and he's acting like i'm crazy, BUT I'M NOT CRAZY! i'm not he did what he did and i done what i done and now i'm all better. thanks
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 04:51:13 PM
no, see, um... what happend was that FF had my screen name, and then Sarge did and i was scared and now FF doesn't have it and he's acting like i'm crazy, BUT I'M NOT CRAZY! i'm not he did what he did and i done what i done and now i'm all better. thanks
The guys in the white coats on on the way to you right now. Don't try to resist.
This threads gone from suck to blow.
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 04:51:13 PM
Quote from: PhillyGirl on February 15, 2006, 04:47:35 PM
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 15, 2006, 04:46:42 PM
ask the sarge
Awww, its cute FF, don't you think? Sun and Sarge have little private jokes going on.
no, see, um... what happend was that FF had my screen name, and then Sarge did and i was scared and now FF doesn't have it and he's acting like i'm crazy, BUT I'M NOT CRAZY! i'm not he did what he did and i done what i done and now i'm all better. thanks
:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D
Quote from: SD_Eagle on February 15, 2006, 04:53:07 PM
This threads gone from suck to blow.
Not a coincidence that it's about the Phightin' Phils.
GO PHILLIES!
PG's quick today, with actual words mind you. what gives?
Quote<rjs>
Baseball sucks anyway. You all suck also. NBA basketball sucks too. Burn.
</rjs>
Dude, that's far from flawless. I would never use 'also' and 'too' to end consecutive sentences. Yeesh.
Quote from: rjs246 on February 15, 2006, 05:16:28 PM
Quote<rjs>
Baseball sucks anyway. You all suck also. NBA basketball sucks too. Burn.
</rjs>
Dude, that's far from flawless. I would never use 'also' and 'too' to end consecutive sentences. Yeesh.
shut up.
Quote from: rjs246 on February 15, 2006, 05:16:28 PM
Dude, that's far from flawless. I would never use 'also' and 'too' to end consecutive sentences. Yeesh.
That is the worst rjs impression ever. Loser.
I've never had so many on the nuts at once. Good thing they're so farging massive.
shut up.
<igy> get off my cack, dook </igy>
Quoteshut up.
Don't be ashamed. Look at it this way, you finally have some company.
This thread is so much better when it's not revolving around the Phillies.
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Just stop, dude.
Boooooooooo!
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Ban him.
Quote from: rjs246 on February 15, 2006, 05:30:03 PM
Just stop, dude.
Just trying to be relevant sir. Sorry.
Take it easy, Champ. Why don't you stop talking for a while. Maybe sit the next couple plays out.
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Starting outfield is fine. 3B and pitching are the concerns.
The lineup still has way to many strikeouts for my taste:
Pat Burrell: 160
Bobby Abreu: 134
Chase Utley: 109
Ryan Howard: 100 (in 312 Abs!)
Jimmy Rollins: 71 (too many for a leadoff guy)
This makes the Phils' lineup too inconsistent, IMO.
Quote from: Philly_Crew on February 16, 2006, 07:42:26 AM
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Starting outfield is fine. 3B and pitching are the concerns.
And catcher. Don't forget catcher for chrissakes!
Speaking of catchers....read in the paper that Lieby is engaged. Wonder if that has something to do with NJ entering the same-sex marriage world?
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 16, 2006, 08:34:45 AM
Quote from: Philly_Crew on February 16, 2006, 07:42:26 AM
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Starting outfield is fine. 3B and pitching are the concerns.
And catcher. Don't forget catcher for chrissakes!
Speaking of catchers....read in the paper that Lieby is engaged. Wonder if that has something to do with NJ entering the same-sex marriage world?
No doubt Lieby is overpaid, but he is still an average catcher. I don't think he is going to save the Phillies but I don't think he will drag them down either.
he absolutely drags them down, he is part of the black hole that is 7,8,9 of the order
7,8,9 is pretty much the black hole of just about any NL lineup.
not necessarily
I still think Sassy should take his iPod back.
How do you figure?
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 16, 2006, 09:14:07 AM
not necessarily
care to point out any NL team where the 7-8-9 guys hit better than the other 6?
no, i just know that David Bell and Mike Lieberthal are absolutely awful when they come up with men on base, you know the inning is over.
well then thats just speculation
here are some stats on the phils lineup for the 05 season. (all stats in NL only)
Tied for second in the NL in overall batting @ .270 (Marlins #1)
2nd in runs scored (Reds #1)
Tied for 3rd in runs (cubs 2, marlins 1)
2nd in RBIs (reds 1)
1st in OPB
2nd in the NL in batting with runners in scoring position .278
3rd in batting (.271) in innings 1-6
3rd in batting (.268) in innings 7+ (1st place is .269)
leiberthal hit .267 with RISP and 2 outs. then .280 with runners on base, .250 with bases empty. and he hit .295 with runners on base with 2 outs.
leiberthal pre all star break .231
leiberthal post all star break .304
leiberthal and bell should NOT be lumped together. Bell was atrocious last season, but leiberthal was not.
i am not saying leiberthal and bell are all stars by any means, but as 7-8 hitters, they arent as big of liabilities as some would lke to you beleive.
leiberthal hit .267 with RISP and 2 outs.
that's awful for someone making 7 million dollars
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 16, 2006, 09:46:19 AM
leiberthal hit .267 with RISP and 2 outs.
that's awful for someone making 7 million dollars
compared to who?
RISP w/2 outs:
johnny estrada = .200
LoDuca = .264
Piazza = .226
Ramon Hernández = .271
non catchers -
todd helton = .237
sean casey = .245
.267 is FAR from awful.
ok, good to know that there are no problems at catcher.
never said that.
leiberthals liability is his defense, and calling. not his offense, that is obvious to anyone who pays attention to reality, and not what a few talk show hosts sqwak about.
way to be a parrot of the masses.
can i get a rehashed jim norton joke?
Arguing the merits of Mike Lieberthal is like arguing the merits of syphillis over gonorrhea.
He farging sucks ass, so please, shut the hell up about him.
PS: Bell is worse. He's a gagger and should have been sent packing this winter, no questions asked.
i'm not the parrott of any masses. mike lieberthal sucks, i know this because i watch baseball and understand the game. i don't care what stats you put out, i know that lieberthal sucks.
can i get a rehashed jim norton joke?
dip a stick in AIDS and farg your mother.
Do this, both of you...
(http://www.oxfordstuntfactory.com/html/images/flaming_base_jump_small2.jpg)
Quote from: Sun_Mo on February 16, 2006, 10:08:47 AM
i'm not the parrott of any masses. mike lieberthal sucks, i know this because i watch baseball and understand the game. i don't care what stats you put out, i know that lieberthal sucks.
can i get a rehashed jim norton joke?
dip a stick in AIDS and farg your mother.
meh
3 out of 10
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 16, 2006, 08:34:45 AM
Quote from: Philly_Crew on February 16, 2006, 07:42:26 AM
Quote from: trottisgodd on February 15, 2006, 05:29:00 PM
The starting outfield had the following numbers last year (averaged per guy) I think these numbers stand up pretty well league wide. How about you guys and gals?
AB Runs AVG Hits 2b 3B HR RBI SB BB SO
576 86 .279 161 31 2 23 96 16 82 137
The SO's are high, but everything else is really strong.
Starting outfield is fine. 3B and pitching are the concerns.
And catcher. Don't forget catcher for chrissakes!
Speaking of catchers....read in the paper that Lieby is engaged. Wonder if that has something to do with NJ entering the same-sex marriage world?
Lieberthal is more of the master of the weak popup to second base. He only had 35 Ks (in 392 ABs).
Darren Daulton is closing in on living in a padded room with a straight jacket...nut job (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/franz_lidz/02/16/darren/index.html)
Quote"I've been thrown in jail five or six times," Daulton says from his home in Tampa. "Nicole thinks I'm crazy. She blames everything on drugs and drinking. But I don't take drugs and I'm not a drunk. Nicole just doesn't understand metaphysics."
QuoteNeither do some of Daulton's buddies. "When I share my thoughts and experiences with them, I tell them there's absolutely no way their minds can comprehend what I'm trying to relate," he says. "My friends are limited to the five senses."
Daulton isn't. When he says he's attuned to Higher Powers, he's not channeling Bud Selig. "There is no good or bad," he says, explicating the Dutch Theory of Being. "We're all the same, but we're all different. The higher we ascend, the more the same we are."
At 44, Daulton is not nearly the same guy he was at 24 or even 34. "I didn't have my first out-of-body experience until I was 35," he says. Curiously, the epiphany occurred at one of baseball's holiest shrines -- Wrigley Field. "I hit a line-drive just inside the third base line to help win a game," he recalls. "The strange thing was I didn't hit that ball. I never hit balls inside the third base line!"
He left the ballpark in tears. "I told my wife, 'It wasn't me who swung that bat! It wasn't me!'" he says. "She thought I was Looney Tunes." She's not alone.
Quote"Sure. A rosin bag is just a mirage of innumerable particles constantly speeding up or slowing down. But the Fourth and Fifth Dimensions remain unseen by most people. Their vibrations are at a lower frequency." Whether those vibrations are "good" is perhaps something only the Beach Boys can divine
What....the...farg.
Get this guy some lithium, torazine and any other psych pill cocktail.
Give him a beer.
But to be serious he's friggin lost it, my money is on the roids.
DOn't know what it was, but he's certifiable.
Just think if he had gotten the managers job a few years back. He'd have the team wearing tinfoil hats.
He's still better than Lieberthal.
Steve Carlton suffered a similar meltdown roughly a decade ago. Guess they ate a lot of paint chips when they were kids.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/98f622e6-e6be-4e09-b69b-c61c63f273cd.jpg)
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/1d3958d2-9bc9-43fb-befe-f0186d71cf1a.jpg)
Man, Tom Gordon is short.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/14cfb272-5f94-4d3a-b168-3467b73ee7ea.jpg)
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/d4284e49-6537-48fe-807f-1f0c8ebc4441.jpg)
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/3f937600-ab9e-4d19-82fb-1d4c7dfae77a.jpg)
Randy Wolf minus goatee or beard
More wolf:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/SamiB/wolfie.jpg)
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/34a62bdc-854e-4e10-a398-fcffdabfe3a0.jpg)
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/FLRD11202162114.jpg)
Nice socks, hilbilly.
It sucks seeing Thome in another uniform. He's in shape and I bet he hits at least 40 this year. And I'm rooting for him to do it just to shove it in the faces of the losers in this town who wanted him gone.
Don't get me wrong, I love Ryan Howard and am glad he's our future. But the way Thome was run outta here was ridiculous. So I want him to show it down the throats of the jerks who said he was done.
I wish Thome would have said something like the fans can kiss my ass or Philly sucks on his way, it would have made things a lot easier.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 17, 2006, 08:58:33 AM
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/3f937600-ab9e-4d19-82fb-1d4c7dfae77a.jpg)
Randy Wolf minus goatee or beard
going to fat kid camp. holler.
LMFAO, Murp.
:-D
farging crybabies!
thome was a sillie for what...2 or 3 years?...and it's tough to see him in another uniform?
bah!
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/34a62bdc-854e-4e10-a398-fcffdabfe3a0.jpg)
Anyone think Big Jim can rush the QB and help against the run?
QuoteManager Charlie Manuel said he won't use leftfielder Pat Burrell, a righthanded hitter, to spell lefty Ryan Howard at first base. Burrell played first base in 58 games as a rookie in 2000 but he told Manuel that he would not feel comfortable playing there again. Utility man Alex Gonzalez will spell Howard against tough lefties...
He wouldn't feel "comfortable" there? Good God. He sounds like Abreu now.
What a little bitch ass prima donna.
If I was the manager, he'd farging play where and when I told him to. If not, he can sit his ass on the bench until he does.
Whats the problem with Burrell saying he wouldn't be comfortable there? He didn't say that there was no way he would play there...he said that he wouldn't feel comfortable. And I wouldn't want him there either. Keep him in LF. Why?
1. Howard needs to stay there to play as much as he can. On the occasion that he has to face a tough LHP then you put Gonzalez there. Just like how Perez and Martinez got time there a little bit last year. But Howard needs to play as much as possible.
2. Burrell is better served by being the everyday LF. His defense out there is pretty good and he has a good arm.
3. When they were toying with the idea of having Burrell play 1B before he came up he wasn't exactly stellar at the position.
But hey...it's only day 2 of the pitchers and catchers and there is already Phillies fans hatin'. :yay
Phreak is right. 1 positive came out of Burrell playing at first: more AB's for Victorino. However, Manuel can make up for that with more consistant resting of Abreu, Rowand and Burrell. Plus, Howard should be in every day mode within a few months.
But the overlining positive of camp will be the eventual demise of one Tomas Perez. Get out, you suck.
Rowand played 157 games last season, plus 12 post-season games (did the Chi-Sox REALLY go 11-1?), so he won't really need a lot of rest.
Abreu played all 162, and has played 150+ every year since 1998.
Burrell played 154 last season and 155 in 2001 and 157 in 2002, sandwiched around his two years with injuries (146 in 2003, 127 in 2004).
Barring injury, there will be not much need for a fourth outfielder, other than pinch-hitting and defensive purposes. Centerfield won't be like last year, with a near-platoon between Lofton and Michaels. Rowand in an every-day CF. I can't see Victorino get much about 25 games starting, if that.
Manuel said he wanted to give Abreu at least 10 days off this year. WRONG IDIOTA.
Good. He needs to keep him healthy. Last year he was hurtin bad in September.
We're going to need him in the stretch run and the playoffs.
Yes, the Phils are going to the playoffs. :)
Keep him out of the Home Run Derby. Maybe Victorino can spell him there.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/cd9eb67f-ff66-4dcb-90c5-e30a9117cfcd.jpg)
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Go to NY to be with your boy Joey The K, loser.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/0aa0b01a-00a5-4188-a226-cd95771688de.jpg)
My boy Crazy Vicente...watch him have a good year too.
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/b6213777-b59a-4faa-a392-2e8151bfd4d1.jpg)
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/65005c3c-8a8b-4b49-9ff1-0dcc9c092c93.jpg)
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 18, 2006, 09:08:17 AM
(http://espn-i.starwave.com/media/apphoto/cd9eb67f-ff66-4dcb-90c5-e30a9117cfcd.jpg)
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Go to NY to be with your boy Joey The K, loser.
Why exactly are you booing him? *that IS Myers right?*
And I am SO glad Padilla is gone. How could you NOT be?
Nope, that is our old buddy, Rheal "The Crazy Canuck" Cormier.
And I might have been the only Padilla fan in the area. The guy has very, very good stuff.. Last year he pitched pretty good when he finally got healthy. I understand why they let him go though. His arbitration numbers could've paid him upwards of $4.5M. So they traded him to get out from that salary. Franklin cost them $2.6M and they have a logjam at the #5 SP spot (Franklin, Floyd, Tejeda, Brito and the longshot Hamels).
When Padilla is healthy and his head is on straight (cue Wheels' repetitive statements about Padilla and his spaceship) he has devastating stuff.
LMFAO...tell me that pic doesn't look like Myers in the face? I was thinking maybe he lost some weight, but I guess not. LOL
I LOVED Padilla's stuff. WHEN he was healthy and WHEN his head was on straight.
However, that happened about as many times as I had growth spurts in my lifetime.
It does look like Brett.
[Canadian]Maybe that hoser can pitch like Brett this year, eh?[/Canadian]
Now I need a Molson beer with all this Canaian talk goin on.
Padilla's had 4 years. It was the same inconsistant stuff year after year. He is what he is. There is no changing el Loco, at least on this club.
The Padilla Flotilla was reason enough to keep him. You people need culture.
QuoteRowand: Full tilt into the fence
Phillies new center filder sees a team ready to beat the experts.
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Chicago White Sox were supposed to be a fourth-place team.
Better than the sad-sack Kansas City Royals, worse than everybody else.
"Same old same old," said Phillies centerfielder Aaron Rowand, who spent his career with the Sox before they traded him and pitching prospects Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood to the Phillies in November for Jim Thome and $22 million. "They said we didn't have enough offense. The pitching was pretty solid, but we didn't have enough in the bullpen. It was what it was."
It was dead wrong. John Bolaris-predicting-the-snowstorm-of-the-century wrong. The Sox opened the season 24-7, held off a late-season push by the Cleveland Indians, made the playoffs, swept the Boston Red Sox in the American League division series, beat the Los Angeles Angels in five games in the AL Championship Series, and swept the Houston Astros in the World Series to win their first championship since 1917.
"As a player, you could be picked to finish last," Rowand said. "It's all in your heart what you believe you can do. We had a lot of talent on that team. There are a lot of teams that maybe aren't picked to win the division, but have talent. If everything goes right for them, if you get the bounces every now and then, and you know everybody goes out and concentrates on their job every day, you've got a chance to win every day. As long as you [do], you're going to be OK."
The preseason forecasters are expected to pick the Phillies to finish no better than third in the National League East this season because of a suspect pitching staff and because the Atlanta Braves remain the Braves and the New York Mets loaded up on talent. But Rowand sees a team with the capabilities to surprise a few people, just as the Sox did last season.
Phillies fans aren't nearly as optimistic.
"They finished second here last year. By a game," Rowand said, referring to the wild-card race. "How can you not be excited after the run they put together last year? It's about getting out there and getting going from the start."
It wouldn't surprise the Phillies if Rowand emerged as a clubhouse leader.
First, he has talent. Closer Tom Gordon, who played with Rowand in 2003, said he was one of the best defensive outfielders he had seen. Rowand has a reputation for sacrificing his body to catch a ball.
If he slams into an outfield fence at full speed? Just a job hazard.
"He's nothing to be messed around with," Gordon said. "He was built for football, but he's playing baseball. Not too many guys will hit a wall like him. But somehow, he gets up. I've always seen him play the game hard and the right way."
Rowand also demands much from himself and his teammates, and isn't afraid to speak his mind. Last season, while the Sox were finishing April at 17-7, the Phillies were stumbling along at 10-14. Throughout the Phillies clubhouse, players talked about the season's being a marathon and how nobody had ever won a pennant in April.
Stuff like that.
"That's crap," Rowand said. "That whole thing is crap. You have to bring it every day. Some days you're going to win and some days you're going to lose. Some days you're not going to have your best. But you can come out every day with intensity. You can run balls out. You can run down balls in the outfield. Sometimes those things make a difference even when you're not swinging the bat well or pitching well.
"You can put yourself behind the eight-ball real quick. Last year, if we didn't start the way we started, we wouldn't have made the playoffs the way Cleveland played at the end of the year.
"That just goes to show you how important every game is. They're not just important from August on. They're important in April. They're important from Day 1."
Kenny Lofton and Jason Michaels were a very successful platoon in center field last season. They hit a combined .322 with six home runs and 67 RBIs with a .397 on-base percentage.
Rowand hit .270 with 13 home runs and 69 RBIs with a .329 on-base percentage.
Rowand considered last season a down year offensively. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he thought Rowand could hit .300 (he hit .310 in 2004) and hit 20 to 25 home runs (he hit 24 in 2004). If he does that, he would be a nice addition to the lineup. But the Phillies consider Rowand an upgrade over Lofton, who turns 39 in May, and Michaels, whom they never considered an everyday centerfielder, for other reasons.
"Defensively, first and foremost, he's a better defensive player than those two, although they did a fine job," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I think the way our outfield is set up, he helps both our corner guys. And again, those little things, the way he goes about his business, he's going to do what it takes to win games. The fact that he's going to have the type of presence in the clubhouse we think he's going to have, all those things can add up to those two to five games we're trying to win from last year that can make you a championship-caliber club."
Rowand has assimilated well into the Phillies clubhouse. He likes what he sees so far.
"It seems like everything clicks pretty good here as far as the guys," he said. "My first year in big league camp in '99, I walked in and Jeff Abbott and Jaime Navarro are having a fistfight in the clubhouse.
"This is a good mix. We have some talent here."
Even if the prognosticators don't see it.
The bolded parts are why Aaron Roward will be a fan favorite and a leader for this team. I'm not ready to call him a Lenny Dykstra type catalyst yet, but he very well could be.
He could be exactly what this team needs. That and Brett Myers speaking up about not liking what Gillick said about having no #1's is the type of moxy that this team needs.
This guy is definitely the farging man. I might have to go purchase a jersey.
I agree Phreak. I think getting Rowand was a much better move than the philly media would have you think.
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on February 19, 2006, 10:38:29 AM
"Defensively, first and foremost, he's a better defensive player than those two, although they did a fine job," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I think the way our outfield is set up, he helps both our corner guys.
That's his way of saying that Burrell and Abreu are of questionable defensive quality.
Quote from: MURP on February 19, 2006, 12:21:59 PM
I agree Phreak. I think getting Rowand was a much better move than the philly media would have you think.
thats because the philly media are a bunch of shteinlickers. most of the athletes hate em. so the media shteins back, and everyone sucks to them.
like the recent donovan interview...the philly media was pissed off at it because he didnt tell them, but went to espn instead.
Rowand thinks games in April are important? That's just silly. :paranoid
Abreu missed his flight out of Venezuela and won't be in camp until Tuesday. Still lazy! ;)
His gate must have been located in foul territory near the wall.
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 19, 2006, 09:12:37 PM
His gate must have been located in foul territory near the wall.
that was so bad i actually laughed
Quote from: MDS on February 19, 2006, 10:12:16 PM
Quote from: Sgt PSN on February 19, 2006, 09:12:37 PM
His gate must have been located in foul territory near the wall.
that was so bad i actually laughed
It's true. If it were anywhere else he would have caught it. :P
QuoteDan Gross | At 69, Harry Kalas has no plans to hang 'em up
WHILE THE upcoming Phillies season is the last on legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas' contract, he has no plans to retire as some fans had worried.
"I'm still enjoying it, and as long as I can still call the games the way they should be called, I'll stick around," Kalas, 69, said Friday.
He told us he's planning to work out a new contract and is eager to head to Florida next month for the Phils' spring-training games, which begin March 2.
On Friday the team announced that Scott Franzke will join its broadcasting team of Kalas, Chris Wheeler, Larry Andersen and Scott Graham. Franzke, 33, will host pre-game and post-game shows and do play-by-play for two innings of Phillies games, aired on the Big Talker 1210 AM.
• Former Action News sports/news anchor Scott Palmer yesterday was named the Phillies' director of media and public affairs. He's worked as a consultant to the team since September.
I love Harry, and he's one of the best ever, but he's definitely losing it.
Harry losing a LITTLE bit of it >>> Anyone else