A Phuture for the Phillies?

“Can the Phillies actually compete?” This is a question I keep getting asked, and to be honest I don’t have an answer. This Phillies team is extremely interesting, that is because they aren’t good on paper. In reality if you watch a game, it is clear to see that they don’t have the talent to compete in the long run. There are several players that cannot continue to play if the Phillies want to be a playoff team. However, the one thing the Phillies do have is that their division is awful. There is no team in the NL East that is great. Fans and experts constantly say that the Nationals are the team to beat, however lets face it every year they are and every year they lack something. This year it looks like the NL East once again is up for grabs.

The team I picked at the beginning of this season to win it all was the Florida Marlins. Like the Phillies the Marlins are young and have young talent. However, after watching several games it looks like the Marlins are just too young to compete all season. That being said I do not think the Mets will be the powerhouse like they were last season. After watching their play I do not see them lasting the entire season to win the division. This is where the Phillies opportunity lies. The NL East is a mess with the Braves being terrible, Nationals not playing up to expectations, the Marlins being too young, and the Mets struggling pitching.  

This is where opportunity lies for the Phillies. Right now they are getting unbelievable starting pitching and relief from their staff. The bats are coming alive as well, with guys like Herrera and Franco leading the way. Those two hitters and their staff are carrying the Phillies right now. This is leading many experts to say the Phillies should be buyers at the deadlines. Though I agree if they are in a good place at the deadline they should go out and get some more pieces, I do not think they should mortgage the future for it. The Phillies have to be smart making their future decisions with this team.

The Phillies are giving us a taste of the future right now. Though I think they are a few pieces away from being a playoff contender again, I do think they are on their way. They need a better hitting infielder as well as a better right fielder. The team also needs one more quality pitcher in their staff. But, besides those issues the Phillies have truly shocked the world as of right now. If the Phillies can keep their hot streak going, we may see the playoffs soon enough.

-Brett 

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The Phillies Becoming Relevant?

With summer slowly coming to an end, it has come apparent that the Phillies are finally moving on from their past tribulations. The Phillies have been playing much better baseball.  The recent trade of Hamels and Utley no longer a starter for the team, shows that they are finally moving past 2008. The trades that the Phillies have made this past deadline have brought some promising prospects into the organization. Now that the Phillies have new talent in their farm-system paired with their existing talent, it looks as though the Phillies may have a future after all.

Young pitching like Aaron Nola, Kenny Giles and Adam Morgan has shown that these guys are worthy of sticking around with the Phillies for a long time in the future. Nola has shown that he can live up to the hype and get major league hitters out. Giles has proven time after time this season that he can close and that he will be around for a long time as this team’s closer. Adam Morgan has shown that he can pitch his way out of trouble. Though he has had some bad outings, I can tell that he has potential and can be a big league starter.

On the hitting side Franco has been the only young guy that has truly proven himself. Franco has made adjustments throughout the season whenever he is in trouble or struggling. He has shown that he can play in the big leagues, and that he is the guy to build the team around. Though Herrera is young and has shown us flashes of brilliance, I am not sold on him yet. I will need to see Herrera have a better approach at the plate to make me believe that he can stick around for a long time.

The Phillies are beginning to move in the right direction. The team is playing much better recently and that is because of the youth making their presence felt. These young guys have proven that they can compete in the MLB, and Pete Mackanin has proven he can get the talent out of them. This has now become a waiting game. It will likely still take a few years until this team can compete. It will not take long for the Phillies to become relevant again in this town if they continue their recent success.

-Brett

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What's different about Freddy Galvis?

There is no denying that Freddy Galvis has played unbelievable this season. The 25-year-old shortstop has been playing out of his mind as of late. The young Galvis has not been that productive during his time with the Phillies, however now he is proving to be one of the most valuable players on the roster.  After the Phillies moved Rollins, there were questions whether or not Galvis would be able to step in. Galvis has not only surprised Phillies fans, but also baseball experts everywhere. This Freddy Galvis is not the same player we have seen over the last few seasons.

When looking at the success Galvis has had this season, people are now questioning how or why this is happening. Freddy Galvis is a completely different player this season; he is performing like a young Jimmy Rollins. There are several different reasons why Galvis has had so much more success this season. The main reason is his approach has changed. When looking at past videos of Galvis and how he approached the plate you can see distinct parallels between this season and prior. Galvis is approaching each at bat with the viewpoint to slap the ball. Rather then in the past when he would try to drive the ball and hit for power, the Phillies shortstop is getting on base. He now takes each at bat as a chance to get on base and do his job. Galvis is not a player that will knock in RBI’s nor hit home-runs, his job is to get in scoring position.

With this new approach Freddy Galvis has been able to basically reinvent himself. The shortstop that everyone saw struggle, now has great potential. He has proven that he has a unique skill and ability that is needed on this Phillies team. Though his hits are mainly singles, Galvis is doing his job, with an unbelievable average of .353. If Galvis can keep up his tear there is no doubt that he will be the Phillies All-Star this season. The ability Freddy Galvis has emulated his favorite player and idol Omar Vizquel. If Galvis turns into half the player Vizquel was the Phillies are in luck.

-Brett 

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Hall of Fame... Who will we see standing on the stage?

Well baseball fans it is that time of year again, Hall of Fame voting. Questions once again surround who should be put in, how many players should be voted and who should be enshrined in Cooperstown. Questions again are brought up whether regarding the former superstar steroid users like Bonds and Clemens should be put in as well. Below I have listed the five guys I think are the most likely candidates we will see standing on the stage this summer.

1.       Randy Johnson

a.       This vote does not need any explaining if you ever watched Randy pitch a game. Johnson was truly one of the most dominating and powerful pitchers to play. Johnson could blow a baseball by any player no matter who it was. The 300 game winner was one of the best players to watch play the game and was truly an all-time great and is a no brainer for the HOF.

2.       Pedro Martinez

a.       Pedro is another guy that was just truly dominating during his playing time. Smaller than most of his opponents Martinez still had a fastball that was unhittable and a change-up that was even better. Martinez though only having 219 career wins, falls in the category of a guy like Sandy Koufax a pitcher that truly dominated the game for a short amount of time. Pedro will have his opportunity to tell the Cooperstown “Who their daddy is…”

3.       John Smoltz

a.       Smoltz was always a guy who would do whatever it took to help his team win a game. Smoltz never had a problem switching between being a starting pitcher or a closer during his time with the Braves. Smoltz was truly spectacular on both ends of the mound.

4.       Curt Schilling

a.       How can you not put one of the best post-season players of all-time into the HOF. Schilling was truly a big game pitcher, no matter the circumstance or pressure, Curt was always able to give it his best on the mound. In his career in the post-season Schilling is 11-2 with two MVP Awards in the playoffs. This former Phillie is truly deserving of the opportunity to be with Cooperstown elite.

5.       Craig Biggio

a.       This is pretty apparent that Biggio will most likely get in this season. Biggio was two votes shy last season of getting into the HOF. The 3,000 hit club member will one day find himself with Cooperstown elites. Biggio was never a star but he was truly consistent and a very good player all around.

Honorable Mentions:

Alan Trammell and Tim Raines- Both of these guys are HOF players, and given an opportunity I would vote for them in a heartbeat. These players dominated at their positions and were leaders of their teams as well. Trammell and Raines are both deserving HOFer’s and I hope that they aren’t in a situation like that of Ron Santo, where by the time they get into the HOF they will no longer be with us.

Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens- Though both these players were steroid users, there is no doubt in my mind that they are not HOF worthy. Both of these players were superstars, the best at their positions, and should be in Cooperstown one day. Bonds and Clemens both saved the game of baseball and were both unbelievable talents. One day both of these guys will be in the hall.

-Brett

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A Giant, Royal Disappointment?

If you are a baseball fan like I am then you know for a fact that this has been some of the best playoff baseball in a long time. Like I said true baseball fans understand that there hasn't been as exciting games like this in a very long time. The games so far have been battles, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, with all the great baseball so far there is one thing that now stands out to fans watching the World Series, they are both not large market teams. Though these two teams are the best in the league and have played extremely well they don’t garner the attention that many MLB executives would hope for especially in a season where baseball has lost several fans.

After, watching the Giants dominate the Royals in Game 1 of the World Series, it came apparent to me that there was probably less fans viewing that game than in years past.  This year’s Game 1 of the World Series tv rating was an 8, which has been one of the worst ratings for a Game 1 in the last 20 years. Though this has been the best play so far, sports fans have to be disappointed due to the fact that this is a World Series that if you are not a Giants or Royals fan specifically then you really don’t care. Sports fans like to watch playoff matchups that show people they know and teams they like to see, in the case of the World Series fans would like to see the Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, and Dodgers etc… Fans like to know what they are watching and who they are watching, to be honest though I love this World Series match up, the average fan does not appreciate the technical baseball play that has occurred so far. This World Series hopefully will provide excitement that the whole playoffs have had so far to garner it more attention.

With this World Series having some of the worst ratings of all time it will come down to how well the games are played to try to save the series as a whole. It is sad to say, but it seems like baseball is dying in the United States, with less attention on the teams playing in the World Series every year. Baseball is going to have to make great strides towards the future if they want to continue and to become a success in this country once more. But, for right now everyone needs to just sit down and appreciate some great baseball between the Royals and Giants. 

-Brett

Jeter the Legend

When you think of the name Derek Jeter a couple things come to mind right away; he is always a class act, always respected, and is one of the best shortstops of all-time. There is no question in my mind that Derek is one of the best shortstops that have played the game. However, his play is not the only impact that he has made on society or in the lives of kids. Jeter has changed the game of baseball and how kids and families view the sport. He has impact so many lives and kids growing up. If it was not for Derek Jeter college kids today may not be playing the game of baseball, we might not have gotten some of the best players we see today, like Harper and Trout. The sport of baseball has changed forever because of Derek Jeter. 

For 20 years all we have known is Derek Jeter, 20 seasons have come and gone, and it is finally the end of the “legend.” As a college kid Derek Jeter has been the only constant in our lives for sports, that’s where Jeter’s legacy lies. Players like Derek Jeter come once in a lifetime, and the impact that these types of players leave on people in society is unbelievable. Kids that are now between the ages of 20-25 grew up with Derek Jeter, they grew up playing shortstop wanting to be Jeter. You walk through the park in the city of New York, and will see kids pretending to be Derek Jeter. He is an icon, a legend from the city of New York. People love Derek Jeter and there has been no athlete that has made more of an impact on society from the late 90s to the 2000s. Jeter was never the best player on his team, nor was he ever the best player in the league and some may say he isn’t the best shortstop of all-time. People say that because he wore the Yankees pinstripes he garners the respect, no Derek gets respect because he’s a kind guy, a good person, and a hard worker.

Who is Derek Jeter he’s not the best player ever to wear a Yankees uniform, he may not even fall in the top 5, maybe not the top 10.  But, Derek Jeter is one of the most respected players of all-time. Parent’s tell their kids to play sports with the integrity to garner respect, to play the game right. Kids wanted to be Derek Jeter, us college students grew up idolizing him. Though I am not Yankees fan, you have to respect the man because of whom he is, what he stood for. Derek Jeter has impacted all of our lives at some point. He has made us want to play the game hard, to give 100% at all times, to dive into the crowd or to lead by example. Thank you Derek Jeter for helping us grow up fans of baseball, for 20 years you have been a part of our lives, you have been our only constant in sport. We will miss him dearly not seeing him in the Yankee pinstripes, not seeing him playing shortstop. Derek Jeter has made us grow up loving baseball and he will never be forgotten. RE2PECT for Derek, farewell to the Captain to the Legend!

Should we be in love with Roy Halladay?

Philadelphia is one of the greatest sports town. We respect you when you give your all in every game. This type of play became associated with former Phillies All-Star and CY Young winner Roy Halladay. Halladay was an unbelievable talent during his career, one of the best to pitch in the last decade but, as Phillies fans do we give him too much credit? Yes, I know Halladay’s career with the Phillies was cut short because of injury, and he was really never able to regain that CY Young form. But, was he really all he was cracked up to be? Now fans want to have him in consideration for the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Roy Halladay obviously had his best years with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he pitched twelve years of his career. While playing for the Blue Jays Halladay won the CY Young award as well as being a six time All-Star. When the Phillies brought Roy to Philadelphia it was expected that he would bring that Blue Jays dominance along, as well as a World Series chance. Halladay pitched amazing for his two of his four years in Philadelphia, winning the CY Young award and being a two time All-Star. Halladay brought excitement to the city with a Perfect Game against the Marlins, and a No- Hitter in the playoffs against the Reds. However, he wasn’t able to help get the team over the hump. Halladay pitched for one of the best Phillies teams record wise, and wasn’t able to win a World Series. This factor will always stick with him and the Phillies, even though he was the key component of the “Four Aces” he wasn’t able to bring Philadelphia another championship, and this factor hurts his legacy in this city. Halladay in the perspective of many Phillies fans is seen as a Saint, a guy that did no wrong in this city. However, I think Halladay shouldn’t be viewed in this way, though he was a great player during his career, he gets too much respect being a Phillie.

In my opinion Phillies fans have overrated the career and work Roy Halladay provided fans in this city. In all honesty, Roy Halladay never lived up to his potential in Philadelphia nor did he ever live up to the contract that he was given. Yes, again I understand his career was cut short in this city and that he pitched through injury. But, that being said he did not pitch up to the contract he was given. I love Halladay as a pitcher and a competitor; I just think he gets too much credit being a Philadelphia Phillie. As Phillies fans we need to take a step back, this guy was no Steve Carlton, no Robin Roberts, and no Jim Bunning; Roy Halladay will never be seen as a Phillie, he will always be a Blue Jay. We as fans cannot claim Halladay as our own.

-Brett

What it means to Live and Breathe Philly Sports

McNabb you suck! Iverson get off the court! You’re a bum Burrell! Lindros you’re a loser! These are phrases every Philadelphia sports fan knows all too well. When you’re ours your ours forever. Anybody else you are the enemy. Our love for our athletes is unbelievable. A Philadelphia athlete has to be a specific type of athlete to play in this city and be successful. But once you do something great here, your name will live on forever. Players that play here can lift up the entire city. They can bring together white collar and blue collar workers. You have to be a unique player to play here, and you have to have the ability to let nothing bother you and play your heart out. Shawn Bradley once said about Philadelphia fans, “The problem with Philadelphia fans is that they want you to play every game like it’s your last one.” So, truly what does it mean to be a Philadelphia sports fan

The City of Brotherly love we don’t show too much love for our players, but when we do, they won’t only know it but the whole world will know it. Here we love our teams, our players, and our sports. In this city we wear our hearts on our sleeves. We yell and scream at the players who have done so much for us. Whether it is Donovan McNabb or Allen Iverson, our way of showing love is cursing, screaming, and freaking out at our players. That is because we do not want the best for them but for our city, that is because these players are our family and our lives. No matter what life has thrown at the City of Philadelphia, we have always had sports; the Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies to rest our hopes and dreams on. We might not have the most Championships, we might take the back seat to LA and New York with sports success, but no one can say they try harder every season for their teams then the Philadelphia fans do. Philadelphia fans have had bad seasons and rough patches, but we still have hope. We are able to have hope because of our miracles such as 4^th and 26, the step-over, or a World Series. We are passionate fans. We love our teams and players. We will believe in you until you prove us to be wrong.  As Billy Wagner said about Philly fans, “Those people, it doesn’t matter how successful you are. I don’t get it. They boo you. They scream at you.”

Philadelphia is a town of hard working individuals, and we expect the same out of our athletes. We want the best for not only them but us as well. We expect you to go out every game and play like it was your last game, if you do that, and with stand our hate you will live on forever in this town. Players like Iverson who played his heart out and gave his all to the city of Philadelphia; to take a team of rag tag guys to a championship and to play with so much heart. A guy like Pat Burrell who tried his hardest, dealt with the hate of Philly fans because he didn’t live up to his potential, but brought us a championship. These are guys that will be remembered in this city and guys we love, because they played their hearts out. Guys with the true Philly attitude, the never quit give 110% are the guys we love. I asked what does it mean to be a Philly sports fan? To live in the City of Brotherly Love? It means to love your team so much that you are willing to hate on them, it means to support your guys to the death, and finally it means to give your all to your city and players, and hopefully they will give it back to you. It takes a special type of player to play here, because we are no ordinary fans, we are Philly fans. 

-Brett

The Terrific Ken Giles

            I have to admit, when I first saw Ken Giles and first heard him discuss his 100 MPH fastball I thought to myself; wow this guy is cocky and needs a reality check.  I think that reality check came during his first game when he allowed a homerun, however his demeanor did not change from this. Ken Giles has gone out in 18.1 innings and has a .98 ERA. Giles has dominated almost every batter that he has faced. The Phillies may have finally scouted a player correctly, they may have finally gotten one right out of the hundreds they have got wrong. Ken Giles could be a piece with the Phillies for a long time. I have to admit since watching him that I have become less of a skeptic and more of a supporter of his ability.

           When first watching Giles one might think that he is just another live arm that will only last as long as his elbow and shoulder don't give in. However, he is much more then that. Ken Giles brings an attitude that is unmatched to the pitching mound. When he steps onto the rubber he truly thinks he is better then any batter he is facing, and Giles has proven it time and time again. Giles has not only a good strong fastball at 100 MPH, but he also has a very nice breaking ball as well. Giles seems to be keeping hitters very off balance and very unsure of themselves when they are at the plate. Ken has only allowed two runs to score in his 18+ innings of work as well as having 26 strikeouts. When Giles is on there may not be anyone better in the MLB at his job. Though he is only 23 I look at this kid and see so much potential and upside. If Giles is able to stay healthy and keep it together he may have a real future with this Phillies team.

            The only thing I hope with Ken Giles is that the Phillies don't try to do something stupid with him, like the Rangers did to Neftali Feliz (the fireball closer) who they tried turning him into a starter. This would be a big mistake if the Phillies were to try this. Giles has proven himself comfortable in the bullpen at every level. He has proven he has what it takes to save ball games and has the mind of a closer and the fireball pitching that goes along with it. With all the upside and potential that Ken Giles has, my hope is that the Phillies got this one right, and that they don't try to do something that they will regret.
-Brett

 

It could be worse

Well, folks with the Phillies season being a mess so far we figured we would lighten the mood a little bit. This has to be one of the worst seasons in recent years for the Philadelphia Phillies, after their 2008 World Series Championship this team has been one of aging stars and big contract mistakes. But, ladies and gentleman it can always be worse. So here we are to list the players at every position that just never worked out for the Phillies. Just think your team could be made up of these guys instead.

Starting Catcher: Lou Marson

                Lou truly was a prospect that was never able to get over the hump. He was a guy that was viewed for many years as the future of the Phillies franchise, a guy that at any moment could hit his peak. However, that would never happen with the Phillies and he would be shipped off in the first Cliff Lee trade. Lou would bounce around the league for a few more seasons even coming back to the Phillies this spring, and once again lack performance greatly. Lou made our list due to the fact he was a guy that had so much expectation and never lived up to any of it.

Starting First Baseman: Travis Lee

                One name comes to mind when you think of first baseman that never really produced with the Phillies. Travis Lee is the first that comes to many people’s minds. Travis Lee was a superstar in college baseball, even winning the Golden Spikes award. Many thought Travis was the missing piece for the Phillies squad a guy that could carry a team on his back. In his time with the Phillies he was known for one thing, and one thing only the guy who never did anything from the Curt Schilling trade. Travis never really panned out with the Phillies, playing only two years with the squad and finally being released when the team signed fan favorite Jim Thome. Travis Lee stuck around for a few more years but never really was anything special, just an average player.

Starting Second Baseman: Nick Punto

                Now I know many of you are probably saying Nick Punto hasn’t had a bad career, in fact he’s still playing with the A’s right now. But, the 21^st round draft pick of the Phillies in 1998 really never worked out for them in general. In simple terms he was just like Lou Marson, a guy that was given many chances but never really worked out. Punto in his career with the Phillies in 3 years would play only 77 games and hit .223. The reason Nick made the list over someone like Marlon Anderson is due to the fact that he has had recent success but basically none with the Phillies.

Starting Shortstop: Kevin Stocker

                Many of our readers probably don’t even remember a time when Jimmy Rollins wasn’t the starting Shortstop for the Phillies, and trust us we try to forget that part. The years between Larry Bowa and Jimmy Rollins was filled with many, and we mean many failures at the Shortstop position for the Phillies. One that stands out strong is Kevin Stocker. Though Kevin was very success in his Rookie season, finishing 7 in the ROY voting, batting .324 that season. Stocker’s career would quickly go downhill from there and eventually would leave Philadelphia for the expansion draft with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Kevin Stocker was just one of many failures that the Phillies had at the shortstop position. However, the reason he makes our list is due to the fact again he had a lot of potential but never really worked out for the Phillies.

Starting Third Baseman: Kim Batiste

                The Phillies have always been a team that has struggled to find a replacement Third Baseman for Mike Schmidt. For years many would come to Philadelphia just to fail at the position. Until Scott Rolen arrived to the Phillies and would be a hit, however he would not last long in Philadelphia. The losing of Rolen would cause many years of mediocre players and lack of talent. Batiste is a guy that many remember for playing multiple positions. He was never a true starter with the Phillies, but would get a lot of playing time. Batiste is a guy that never really gave the Phillies anything during his time in the 90s and many would view him as a failure.

Starting LF: Domonic Brown

                The Phillies have had tons of different failures and success at leftfield, but for years one man was a mainstay out there and that was Pat Burrell. Even though Pat never lived up to his potential he was productive day in and day out and was truly a fan favorite. Many thought for sure that Domonic Brown would be the perfect replacement for him. However, Brown has just been a complete failure at the position. Dom was very successful for about 5 weeks last season, even making an All-Star game. Now Brown just looks lost and confused out at that position. Brown just hasn’t lived up to anything.

Starting CF: Doug Glanville

                Yes I know Glanville was decent and frankly above average during a couple season with the Phillies, batting .325 one year. Glanville was a local guy from the New Jersey area, even went to UPenn. Doug did have a few good years in the eyes of Phillies fans, but in all honesty he never did anything special. He was just an average defender, decent arm, and some speed. But, in my mind Doug will always be remember for miss playing a ball during Eric Milton’s almost no-hitter at CBP. Doug makes the list well, just because Phillies fans had a love hate relationship with him.

Starting RF: Jason Michaels

                The Phillies have actually had themselves some great right fielders in their history. There really has been no one that key to pick on. In the past 10 years the position has been filled with guys that were all above average players, Bobby Abreu, Jayson Werth, even David Dellucci. But one guy that stands out in Phillies fans minds will always be Jason Michaels. The guy was always to put it simply unproductive. Michaels played several seasons with the Phillies and never really amounted to much.

Starting Pitcher: Kyle Kendrick

                Face it people we have to go with him. Kendrick has been extremely unproductive in his time with the Phillies. He really hasn’t produced much for this team and hasn’t really given them anything to work with. Year in and year out Kendrick comes in and is either the same or worse then what he is. Don’t get me wrong he’s a decent number 5 starter, but that’s all he is a number 5. Kendrick has had some ups but mostly downs in his time with the Phillies.

The Closer: Jeff Brantley

                This is another position where the Phillies have once again excelled it. Though people including myself do not like Jonathan Papelbon he has been productive; the Phillies have also had guys like Wagner, Mesa, and Lidge all guys that were productive closers. But, if we have to pick a guy to make this squad, it is Jeff Brantley. Most of you guys are at this moment googling his name. Brantley played two seasons with the Phillies and was their closer for one of them in the early 2000s. Brantley was a guy who came to Philadelphia past his prime and was put in the closer role; kind of like how Tom Gordon was. Brantley in his two years had an above 5 ERA, and simply looked horrible.

                Well, we told you it could be worse. We could have this team of rag-tag guys, of failing prospects and washed-up stars. For the most part these guys weren’t necessarily bad baseball players; they were just failures with the Phillies and never really worked out. For the most part all of the guys listed above, may not have been the best ball players but they were probably the nicest and kindest of all the players, so in that category they are winners, performance not so much.         

-Brett