Phillies Lineup Changes

The Phillies have a “real” manager in Ryne Sandberg. A “real” manager is something that the Phillies have not had in close to a decade. Sandberg knows how to manage a game. Managing a baseball game starts before the first pitch is thrown with creating the starting lineup. The lineup is something that varies day to day. One of Sandberg’s best attributes is being able to make adjustments game by game that correspond with his player’s strengths.

Ben Revere leading off:

Revere is fast. Revere is really really really, ridiculously fast. If only he was able to throw. If Revere did not have his speed than he would be nothing. His terrible arm in the outfield causes Ryne to be hesitant to keep him in the lineup on a daily basis in order to limit errors. Sandberg’s logic is to get your fastest player on the base paths early in order to get early runs. Let’s hope he can bring his average up above .300 and learn to work the pitch count more effectively. Also Mayberry will take his place in the over Revere because he crushes left handers. But then Gwynn Jr. is the better fielder.

Wil Nieves hitting in the 2 hole:

Nieves is a hitter that can hit to all sides of the ball park. He is the typical contact hitter, but at least he can take pitches and be smart with what he actually does swing at.

Chase Utley hitting 3^rd:

The 3^rd spot is where any team’s best hitter is in the lineup. This year Utley is the Phillies best hitter so he goes in the 3^rd spot. It was just a matter of time before he was slotted there. Since the beginning of the year he was crushing the baseball.

Dropping Ryan Howard to 5^th:

Howard has little power. He did hit a walk-off homerun. We need to see that more often.

Rollins and Ruiz in the top two spots:

The first and second hitters are your on-base guys. Jimmy Rollins might have his days with the Phillies coming to an end, but he belongs in the leadoff spot. That was his spot when he was thePhillies’ MVP. Ruiz is one of the beter hitting catchers in the National League.

Cody Asche hitting 6^th:

Before Asche got injured, he was on a tear. He originally started the year in the eight spot. Sandberg eased him into the lineup during the beginning of the year by having bat only against lefties. Fingers crossed for Asche to pick up where he left off after recovering from his injury.

Marlon Byrd hitting behind Howard

Marlon Byrd has proven to the Philadelphia fans that he can once again be productive at the Major League level. Byrd has shown that he can be an RBI machine and hit above .300, making up for Ryan Howard’s mistakes. Byrd’s power has been shown at some points during the season however he is still lacking somewhat in the homerun category. Byrd has been one of the few good assets picked up by Amaro this season

Dominic Brown in the lineup over Ruf?

Dominic Brown has made no adjustments to his swing since coming up from the Minor Leagues a few years ago. Last season he had only a few good weeks until he went back to being the typical Brown striking out and missing pitches. His fielding is below average, not knowing how to read a ball. With Darin Ruf on the bench hitting over 40 homeruns in the minors, he should be given the opportunity to start over Brown. If the Phillies kept or had capable outfielders, Brown and Revere would not be in there any long. Phillies fans would love to have Bobby Abreu back in their lineups who is now hitting over .300. It’s time to give Ruf his chance.

Lineup changes are not a direct result from a win or a loss. Sandberg will most likely never commit to a standard lineup. Ryne Sandberg creates a lineup every day that he believes will create the most scoring opportunities. There is a reason for each change. Each player has to execute their role in the lineup for it to work and for the Phillies to win.

About the Players the Eagles Drafted

1(26)-Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville

The best part of this pick is that he is not a project. During Andy Reid’s draft he would pick players that he had a crush. They would be expected to play a position that they did not play in college or their body does not fit. Marcus is 6-4 and 258. Smith has NFL size, athleticism, and skill. He can play OLB in the NFL because he can rush the passer, set the edge, and play in space. Smith is not a pure pass rusher. Marcus Smith does not have to start right away. This is good because he will have a lot of learn. Cole and Barwin will start the season dominating the snap count. Smith will come in situationally. Hopefully Smith is a soon to be Connor Barwin. 

2 (42) - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Matthews will be the one player of the Eagles 2014 draft that will be able to contribute effectively right away. This receiver out of Vanderbilt has good size due to his long arms and big hands. Jordan Matthews is a muscular receiver that has the drive and focus to fight for the ball in the air at its catchable highest point. This took Riley Cooper a while to learn. That is a difference between a fifth round pick and a second.  Matthews has no injury history and has started every game in college. Like Kelly’s offense Vanderbilt’s is also a spread offense. So Jordan Matthews is another good fit for the offensive scheme. Matthews will be replacing Avant. Maclin and Cooper will be predominately outside. 

3 (86) - Josh Huff, WR, Oregon

Chip Kelly knows what he is getting with Josh Huff because Huff is from Oregon. Oregon players were both tough and fast. Huff is a player that will do what some players would not so others will appear to be faster. Kelly knows Huff will play special teams, block, sot WR, and outside. He is an option at kick return. He is a role player that will be most effective in the middle of the field. Being 260, he can take hits and be physical in the middle of the field. He could be the Eagle’s future Darren Sproles. 

4 (101) - Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida

Watkins is 5-11 and 194. During his college career for the Florida Gators he played S, CB and nickel corner. At the combine he ran a 40 in 4.41. But he is also agile. The Eagles will most likely see where he fits at early on in training camp. When it gets towards the end they will have him learn and stick with one position. He is best in man coverage. He has the skillset of being a Charles Woodson type of player. 

5 (141) - Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon

Big guys beat up little guys. This is an adage from Chip Kelly that is almost a cliché within the Eagles blogosphere. Hart is 6-6 281. Hart is not only big he is athletic, which allows him to be versatile; something else that Chip treasures. On passing downs or nickel or dime Taylor can be on the inside of the defensive line, DT. And for the base defense he play on the outside as a 3-4 DE. He can be a pass rusher and play 2-gap defense. Hart will be competition for backup DE spot. This depth will help the Eagles rotate their defensive lineman. Oh and he fits what Chip Kelly wants so much because he was from Oregon.

 
5 (162) - Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford

This guy is smart. Chip Kelly had a theme of picking graduates and not juniors. He wanted players that committed to their academics. Safety is a position that is often called the QB of the defense. They have the most to read and interpret before the snap. A safety has to know whether to backpedal or to move up into the box. The Eagles were impressed with not only his school brain coming from Stanford, but his football brain as well. During Kelly’s press conference after the pick, Chip mentioned that he was impressed by how well he can breakdown film. It is comforting to know that the coaching staff feels comfortable with Reynolds running the defense. He is not a captivating player, but Kelly wants a secondary that will tackle and keep the play in front of them by sticking with their assignment. He is a basic safety that can play through contact. 

7 (224) - Beau Allen, NT, Wisconsin

The Eagles defense was on the field for the most amount of time last out of the entire NFL. Allen will allow depth. Jerry Azzinaro, Eagles defensive line coach, will be rotating his defensive line players more this coming year than last year. Allen is not a nose pick. He is a nose tackle that will contribute right away by allowing the starters to rest. When the eagles picked him, other teams were looking forward to signing him as an undrafted free agent. The Philadelphia made sure to get him. This pick was a good value and fit. He fits a need that the Eagles needed at backup NT. He will compete against Damian Square for the backup NT spot on the roster. Being 6-2 322 he has the size to be effective against the run. He is a big weird guy.
-Glen

Racism and Hate in Sports Today

Recently there has been much talk about racist behaviors and attitudes in sports. This is all stemming from the recent antics of Donald Sterling, current and soon to be former owner of the L.A. Clippers. The way in which Sterling described his players, though it was in his on private room; is a disgrace. His attitude brings about thoughts not only in basketball, but in other sports as well. Does racism still exist in sports today? We may all dream that there will someday be a world of peace and love, in which no one hates on each other. However, that is not the case; especially when dealing with fans, players, and ownership attitudes. It is one thing to not like the attitude of a player or to heckle them for doing something wrong, but it is horrible to judge them based off of color, religion, or sexual orientation. We hope to one day move past this and dive towards the future and change.

Donald Sterling the current owner of the Los Angeles Clippers has recently made racist and hateful comments about his players past and present. Sterling, is a self made man; an individual who worked very hard both in the Real Estate field and the field of law. He is now worth over 1 billion dollars. Donald Sterling built his empire through the process of slowly but surely making money in the field of the sports industry and through determination. He was able to build the Clippers into the powerhouse they are today, despite years of horrible performances. Though, this self made billion seemed to be good on the surface, when you dig deep you find his true color, his hate. Sterling has recently been caught in a scandal regarding making racist remarks about his players on his teams, especially his African American players. Basically Sterling has compared his players to dogs, making them appear worthless citizens. Donald Sterling also would go as far as stating to his current girlfriend that she should not show the world that she is surrounding herself with African Americans, such as Magic Johnson and Matt Kemp. Sterling is now going to receive a life ban, and his days of owning the Clippers seem to be numbered. Players in furry have stemmed protests throughout the NBA playoffs, whether that be black ribbons around their arms or wearing black in honor of fighting racism. The players were ready to go as far as boycotting the playoffs, unless Sterling was removed from power. It is horrible to see that racism still exists and is apparent in the NBA today.

With this news of racism in the NBA through the actions of Donald Sterling, it brings up thoughts if there is still racism in other sports as well. One area in which this is still apparent is in the NHL today. Hockey has always been seen as a predominately Caucasian sport, that very few African Americans play. The question is that are there so little African American hockey players due to the fact that they just aren't as talented or is there actually a racist precedent. When African Americans participate in hockey they are given looks by coaches, players, and fans. They also hear
 remarks, such as "you shouldn't be playing this sport" and so forth. A clear incident of this was when current Flyer Wayne Simmonds was participating in a game, he had a banana throw in his direction. Basically making the racist statement that he was a "monkey". This is hurtful and harmful to see this occur to a human being. Simmonds, being a smart and strong willed person, skating off as though nothing happened. The NHL needs to have more African Americans in their league or these racist ideas and attitudes will continue on.

Another recent event of extreme racism that has occurred happened during a Barcelona soccer game. Dani Alves, was taking a corner kick during the game, when a banana just like Wayne Simmonds was thrown in his vicinity. Seeing this racist statement Alves did not get angry nor frustrated.Dani simply picked up the banana and proceeded to eat it. Many are now saying that Dani Alves was "taking a bite out of racism." Especially in a sport like soccer, which is so culturally diverse it is sad to see the racism that still exists. Alves made a great statement by just standing up for himself. Dani Alves should be seen as a strong willed individual for not getting angry or fighting about the incident. In a sport like soccer people need to become more accepting of others.

With all these recent incidents, and incidents of the past it comes up with the realization that there is still racism today in sports. Even though we have made amazing strides since the days when Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby both walked onto a baseball field and broke the color barrier. We still have hate. You can go to any sporting event and hear fans making racist comments, see players or coaches making faces at individuals who are different. If we as people don't make a stand, things will not get better as a whole in society.  

Phillies and a successful season?

Baseball season is upon us, and for many teams and organizations it is a chance to reestablish themselves and prepare for a successful season. However, in the Phillies case, reestablishing  is out of the question, as well as preparing for a successful season. Bad luck has once again struck the Phillies, with an injury to Cole Hamels, an infection for Freddy Galvis, and horrible starts to Spring Training for many other players. This season looks like a possible failure for this Phillies team, many experts are preparing for the worse to happen. It might be time to sell ship, and give up with the team of veterans. Though passion lacking, injury prone, and aging stars make up this team, I do believe a successful season can occur, but a lot of things need to go right:

1. Ryan Howard
The main thing for this season is Ryan Howard must perform and stay healthy. The Phillies know that they are not going to get the same Ryan Howard that they once had. Howard is not going to play for the Phillies and hit 40 homeruns with 140 RBI's. However, they will need Ryan Howard to perform to a certain extent. They will need Ryan Howard to this season in particular, with his power lacking, to focus on hitting for average. If Ryan Howard can give the Phillies a .300+ average and have close to 100 RBI's, the Phillies will have a chance to perform and possible be a playoff team.

2. Chase Utley
Chase Utley has to stay healthy this season. With all of Utley's knee problems, it seems to many Philadelphia fans that this may be one of Chase's last seasons in the big leagues, or at least with the Phillies. However, Utley has always given it 100% on the diamond, and if he stays healthy their is no reason why he can't hit .320 with 20 homeruns in the three hole. He will be another reason if this team makes the playoffs.

3. The Pitching Staff
This season is one of great importance for the Phillies pitching staff. With the loss of Roy Halladay the team has brought in many replacements. Now the question is can they stay healthy and can they perform up to par. With Cole Hamels already being hurt, doubts are starting to creep into many people's minds that they will not be success. However, if Cole can get healthy before the start of the season they may be able to have a good year. The other huge question in the rotation is Kyle Kendrick. Kendrick needs to step up this season, and take on a larger role in the pitching rotation. Kyle Kendrick showed flashes of brilliance last season, as well as his struggles. It can be assumed that A.J. Burnett will perform up to par, and Cliff Lee will be his dominate self as well. The last question in the staff is Roberto Hernandez, he will have to give the Phillies good innings this season. Hernandez will need to pitch as a 5th starter can, and keep the Phillies in games.

These are the three main things that need to go right for the Phillies to have a successful season. They need the veteran leaders to help out the younger players, as well as help guide them to success. This team stills has the potential to be a successful squad they just need things to go right for them.

-Brett

Baseball in Australia

This Spring Training is different from others, and this is partly due to the fact that it's February 6th and the Diamondbacks are already in Spring Training. These Diamondbacks pitchers have already started their routines, getting back into baseball form, and throwing bullpens. The Diamondbacks seem more determined this season, especially due to the fact that they will be holding their season opener in Australia. The season opening series will be held March 22-23, though Major League Baseball has had several games overseas before this one will be different. The reason the game is being held in Australia is partly due to the growing American transplants there, as well as the growing love for baseball in Australia. Baseball is a world sport, and this game will prove the popularity and growing support of baseball.

There is a distinctive difference between Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian cultures forms of baseball. These games are more based on slap hitting and deceptive pitching, however the Australian form of the game is more of the United States style of play. The reason that this is, is that many players go to Australia and play during the winter months, those who are fighting for Minor League Baseball spots. The ABL has become a haven for many players trying to revitalize their careers, guys in their late 20s early 30s who just frankly want to play ball. The league is on the same level as that of an Independent League baseball would be. This style of baseball can be seen via the MLB Network during the winter months, when they show the ABL Playoffs. Though the stands aren't as packed as a MLB ballpark would be, though the players aren't as talented, it is still baseball. Teams such as the Perth Heat, have shown that they have the ability to compete with some MLB teams. The game shows the strength and potential for a future of a worldwide baseball league.

American teams going overseas allows the idea of baseball to grow, especially in an area such as Australia. The Dodgers and Diamondbacks will allow individuals from different countries to view the American style of ball, and the strong players that these teams offer. Players such as Puig and Goldschmidt will bring a sense of excitement to those who come out to view these MLB teams take action. This different style of play, such as immense hustle , homerun hitting abilities, and strikeout pitching will help the game of baseball to grow and become a world sport once again. Strides have been made with the creation of things such as the World Baseball Classic, to help spread baseball. However, nothing compares to American baseball, with American teams playing in front of a foreign people. This is what makes the game exciting, and hopefully will help it grow.

With baseball growing in countries such as Australia, Japan, China, Mexico and Korea. Thoughts begin to grow about the future of baseball, and the possibility of a Worldwide Baseball League. The NFL and NBA are both trying to spread throughout the world, with the NFL playing more games overseas in the upcoming season then ever before. The NBA is even hoping to have a foreign team in the near future as well. The world of sport is looking to expand, past the levels of the Olympic Games and the World Baseball Classic. Rather then have people representing their countries, a world league would allow players to be traded with other teams in other countries. This would create several different leagues, rather then just a National and American League. A league like this would allow an actual "World Series", because the best of the best would be competing for the same title. The growing of sport throughout the world is allowing this dream to become more of a reality for baseball fans everywhere.

-Brett
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