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ed hardiman

11-23-2005, 06:42 AM

Welcome to the thread all topics welcome.
On the Phillies Barstool you've had one too many and liable to say anything.

Two drink minimum no cover.

Now featuring CBP Quality, Service & Pricing at our newly refurbished:

Sil Campusano's .202 Club

2005 marks the 15th anniversary of Sil's first year of excellence with those Fightin' Phils. To celebrate this auspicious occasion we've named a limited time only small nacho platter in Sil's honor, bon appetit.

Beers on Tap:

Ballantines

medium 3 oz. plastic cup (warm) $4.95 (cold)* $6.95
large 4 oz. plastic cup (warm) $5.95 (cold)* $7.95
Premium 5 oz. plastic cup with logo (warm) $9.95 (cold)* $11.95

*lukewarm

Food:

Soft Pretzels:

"The Von Hayes" (stale-no salt) $3.95
"The Nick Leyva" (soggy-salt) $5.95
"The Juan Bell" (soggy-stale-salt-mustard) $9.95

Hot Dogs:

"The Scott Rolen" (2002 leftover hot dog on moldy bun-ants extra) .25
"The Andy Ashby" (so rancid you'll give us the finger after you eat it) $4.95
"The Ugueth Urbina" (hot dog doused in lighter fluid, set on fire, cut with a machete) $ market price

Bonus Special: "The Androctus" a smattering of Starvin Marvin Freeman Fries, a Chad Ogea 2% cola (also known as a 6-12 Fizz) float topped with Randy Ready-Whip served in a commemorative dixie cup: $9.99

The Phillies Barstool Rosterdamus Award:

Besting a field of one with the grace of Ron Jones Chasing Down a Fly Ball at Shea Stadium
Androctus, the Pride of Pennsville, NJ. is the 2006 Rosterdamus.

ed hardiman

11-23-2005, 06:44 AM

the Phillies announced a new offseason show, "Behind the Pinstripes: A Phillies Magazine." The 30-minute show will premiere Nov. 26 at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS3 then air again on UPN57 on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

"It's a way for us to extend the baseball season in the winter months," said Scott Palmer, a veteran broadcaster who will serve as the show's host. "This is our chance to connect with the fans and carry the season on through the winter months.

The Phillies make a right decision. Must be the law of averages.

ed hardiman

11-23-2005, 06:21 PM

A round of Ballantines on me the Phillies have done the second right thing in two days manning up and shipping Thome out for actual non-damaged goods with an upside, "belch"

Mr. Met

11-23-2005, 06:42 PM

I'll take an "Ugie" and a 4 oz. if you don't mind an out-of-towner sittin' in.

I think you guys made pretty good out of the Thome situation today.

ed hardiman

11-23-2005, 07:01 PM

I'll take an "Ugie" and a 4 oz. if you don't mind an out-of-towner sittin' in.

I think you guys made pretty good out of the Thome situation today.
Coming right up today all Ugie's come with a complimentary slice of faux pickle. The physical is worrisome...

ed hardiman

11-24-2005, 09:56 PM

I dreamed the biggest turkey of them all lost the Phillies in a game of strip poker with Janet Reno and she sold the team to me for $1. Must be that fifteenth helping of turkey giblets 'n gravy...

Androctus

11-25-2005, 11:38 AM

Don't forget to add the special: Freeman Fries, a glass of Ogea and a float topped with Randy Ready-Whip.

ed hardiman

11-26-2005, 11:15 PM

After drinking a dusty case of Reading Pure Premium in honor of Thome's passing the physical I got kinda weepy and listened to my audio book of Pete Rose's "My Prison Without Bars" till I puked and passed out...

ed hardiman

11-28-2005, 04:47 AM

What if they had a Phillies forum and nobody posted?

runningshoes

11-28-2005, 04:59 AM

Ed

I'm off work in 10 minutes.

I might drop by.

What's the special today?

ed hardiman

11-28-2005, 05:49 AM

Toadys special:

The "Reggie Taylor"

.091 ounces of black angus substitute grilled to perfection and served on the least stale roll available (complimentary condiment available for extra charge) but you have to be patient when you order the Reggie it may take a while to get to your table.

Regularly $8.99
Today only $7.89

In the Sil Campusano .202 Club Crystal Lounge:

The jazz stylings of the Howard Battle Trio.

BasesLoaded

11-28-2005, 04:43 PM

Hey Ed. How about a 5 oz. and a Von Hayes to wash down this Wagner deal.

Jose Mesa anyone?

johncap

11-28-2005, 05:08 PM

Ed Wade is God

11-28-2005, 05:23 PM

Mr. Met

11-28-2005, 07:13 PM

Ok, I got this round. And a big platter of Monday Morandini's for the gents. No hard feelings about Billy W. eh? I'm a little self-conscious about the money being tossed around. I'm hoping it doesn't end up like the Vaughn/Alomar/Burnitz 'experiment' a couple years back. :ughh

johncap

11-28-2005, 07:27 PM

ed hardiman

11-28-2005, 07:43 PM

I'm not surprised the Big Cheap had no intention of opening his wallet to sign Wags.
Beaseball is stepping up to the plate and look at how the Phillies dithered...
Luckily the 38 year old Tom "Flash" Gordon is out there...
I don't think Wags is worth 4+1 at that money but the Blue Jays set the bar too high for this year's crop of octogenarian closers.
A round of 3 oz.'ers on the house for everybody!

Mr. Met

11-28-2005, 08:06 PM

Thanks Ed. Cheers. I'd be wary of Gordon. He's a decent 8th inning guy but I don't once remember him stepping in and getting it done when Mariano needed a day off.

ed hardiman

11-28-2005, 08:44 PM

Thanks Ed. Cheers. I'd be wary of Gordon. He's a decent 8th inning guy but I don't once remember him stepping in and getting it done when Mariano needed a day off.
Tom Gordon is Phillies secret code for aging Mesa class stiff foisted off as "the guy we wanted all along..."

Ed Wade is God

11-29-2005, 01:33 AM

Thanks Ed. Cheers. I'd be wary of Gordon. He's a decent 8th inning guy but I don't once remember him stepping in and getting it done when Mariano needed a day off.

Gordon has put great back to back seasons as a set up guy. But I just have this feeling that he's gonna stink as the Phillies closer. He's 38 and he wants a 3 year deal. This could be a disaster waiting to happen.

ed hardiman

11-29-2005, 03:22 AM

Gordon has put great back to back seasons as a set up guy. But I just have this feeling that he's gonna stink as the Phillies closer. He's 38 and he wants a 3 year deal. This could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Trevor Hoffman is going, going....

ed hardiman

11-29-2005, 05:32 PM

What a day for the Phutes, Bell gets Nunez-ed and Gillick starts Gilespeaking in tongues:
"I don't think internally that we have the key to solve the situation. We'll have to go outside the organization. There are some guys we're looking at. I've found in all my experience that you don't have to be a premier closer to do the job."

Mr. Met

11-29-2005, 05:43 PM

That B.J. Ryan deal blew this whole thing into orbit. He's this year's Carl Pavano and ends with a 5-year deal at close to $10M per. Wagner will be 38 when his deal's done. Ironically, half the guys are hear being talked about are already 38! :noidea

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 01:55 AM

What we call MLB is AAA ball thanks to expansion. Too many teams means older players and the resultant deteriorating (not adjusted for rampant steroid & amphetemine abuse) batting skills complimented by weak armed pitching exacerbated by lowered pitching mounds.

1909 AL Winners Detroit Tigers team age:26.6
1913 NL Winners New York Giants team age: 26.5
1927 AL Winners New York Yankees team age: 27.1
1934 NL Winners St. Louis Cardinals team age: 28.3
1949 AL Winners New York Yankees team age: 28.2
1950 NL Winners Philadelphia Phillies team age: 26.5
1967 NL Winners St. Louis Cardinals team age: 27.8
1974 NL Winners Los Angeles Dodgers team age: 27.1
Average team age: 27.26

These are the average team ages of some of the most succesful teams of each particular decade. Is it fair to note over a period of 8 decades the team age remains relatively constant? Is it also fair to opine less teams means fewer players extended mediocre careers?

Short of expansion and a watered down product what explains the leap in average team age since?
Conditioning could be trotted out but I've the feeling Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson or any Hall of Famer could smack the catcrap out of the waffle or throw it just as effectively now as they did then.
Conditioning is relative by era anyway so I don't buy that.

1980 NL Winners Philadelphia Phillies team age: 30.6
1985 AL Winners Kansas City Royals team age: 30.7
1990 AL Winners Oakland Athletics team age: 29.2
Average team age: 30.16

1995 AL Winners Cleveland Indians team age: 29.1
2000 AL Winners New York Yankees team age 31.3
2005 AL Winners Chicago White Sox team age:29.2
Average team age: 29.86

That's my book report and I'm sticking to it...

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 08:58 AM

Further Signs of the Apocalypse:

Phillies sign free agent Santana?

I know Carlos rocks but do the Phillies really think an iconic guitarist is needed in the bullpen?

Androctus

11-30-2005, 10:27 AM

Yeah I can't figure that one out either..but if Darth Phillious can unload Abreu and Lieberthal as rumored I wont care much.

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 01:11 PM

Yeah I can't figure that one out either..but if Darth Phillious can unload Abreu and Lieberthal as rumored I wont care much.
Yeah but Abreu for Bedard of the O's is pretty scary....they should go after Zito maybe dangle Michaels and Abreu to the A's and throw Bell in for the hell of it...

Androctus

11-30-2005, 01:13 PM

Yeah but Abreu for Bedard of the O's is pretty scary....they should go after Zito maybe dangle Michaels and Abreu to the A's and throw Bell in for the hell of it...Actually what was in the paper was Abreu and Lieby to the Yanks for Posada, Pavano and a third base prospect. Rumor is Gillick will wait and see what other interest develops during winter meetings, but apparently there is alot of clamor for Abreu out there...

God Bless the Golden Glove

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 01:15 PM

Actually what was in the paper was Abreu and Lieby to the Yanks for Posada, Pavano and a third base prospect. Rumor is Gillick will wait and see what other interest develops during winter meetings, but apparently there is alot of clamor for Abreu out there...God Bless the Golden Glove
Well there is another deal floating around the bowl in regards to Bedard that is just too horrible to contemplate without sucking on the barrel of my Super Alaskan Redhawk...

Androctus

11-30-2005, 01:18 PM

Well there is another deal floating around the bowl in regards to Bedard that is just too horrible to contemplate without sucking on the barrel of my Super Alaskan Redhawk...Well, exercise some faith. In the Wade era that would have been a done deal already..

Put down the gun. Take the cantaloupe.

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 01:26 PM

Wade may not be saying "drink the kool-aid" but Gillick signing Santana and trotting him out as bullpen help is the same ol' catcrap different year...

Androctus

11-30-2005, 01:29 PM

Wade may not be saying "drink the kool-aid" but Gillick signing Santana and trotting him out as bullpen help is the same ol' catcrap different year...Hey someone has to fill the "Fourth Inning Down by Twelve" spot in the pen.

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 05:35 PM

I am still dumfounded that Wags claimed the Phillies firing Ed Wade was a factor in his decision to leave.
So let me get this straight he would've stayed at 8 million per for 3 years rather than take 10 million per for four years plus a 3 million buyout from the Mets if Ed Wade was retained?

Mr. Met

11-30-2005, 06:39 PM

From what I'm hearing, Ed Wade pissed Wagner off a few times during the early negotiations. It sure sounds like he would've signed for 3 years/$24M during the season which sounds real good right now.

ed hardiman

11-30-2005, 08:41 PM

From what I'm hearing, Ed Wade pissed Wagner off a few times during the early negotiations. It sure sounds like he would've signed for 3 years/$24M during the season which sounds real good right now.
Right you are Mr. Met...I don't understand why Wags thought trading Thome was a bad idea like firing Wade unless the Wagman while an excellent fireman is simply out of his mind...

donzblock

12-01-2005, 03:40 AM

Wagner would have to be grateful to Wade. Because inept Eddie failed to lock brilliant Billy up, Mr. Wagner today possesses the best contract for closers in major league baseball.

Mr. Met

12-01-2005, 04:40 AM

I too was hesitant to give him that 4th year but once Toronto gave 5 years/$47M to a guy that had exactly 6 career saves before last year the table was set.

ed hardiman

12-01-2005, 05:28 AM

Wagner would have to be grateful to Wade. Because inept Eddie failed to lock brilliant Billy up, Mr. Wagner today possesses the best contract for closers in major league baseball.
I'd like to sum up Ed Wade with two words: David Bell.

Androctus

12-01-2005, 06:04 AM

I'd like to sum up Ed Wade with two words: David Bell.David Bell sums up Ed wade in two words:

"Hey Aabbaaaaaattt!!"

ed hardiman

12-01-2005, 11:27 AM

I had a nightmare the other night...Ruben Amaro Jr. became GM and traded everybody for a bunch of nobody but wait they win the World Series anyway and the fans go nuts and throw a huge parade on Broad Street but when Amaro gets up to give a speech he reaches for his head fumbles with his hair and pulls down the center of his face to his waist and it's a freaking zipper and as the face and body of Amaro peel like a banana out steps Ed Wade!
Pandemonium breaks out before the crowd goes completely silent while Wade reaches for the microphone but Wade freezes like a statue with that seven dwarf grin and in the pin drop-ant fart silence you can hear Giles cursing the batteries in his remote control...then I woke up in a puddle of sweat....

donzblock

12-01-2005, 04:43 PM

Mr. Met

12-01-2005, 06:15 PM

Hmmm.. and I thought this place would be buzzing with all this Bobby A. for Manny R. talk. :radio :confused:

Ed Wade is God

12-01-2005, 07:45 PM

Hmmm.. and I thought this place would be buzzing with all this Bobby A. for Manny R. talk. :radio :confused:

Nah. That trade would never happen. Manny has a no trade clause, no way he would want to play here.

johncap

12-01-2005, 09:21 PM

Nah. That trade would never happen. Manny has a no trade clause, no way he would want to play here.
He might when someone tips him off the the fact he could very well hit 60 homers at CBP! Then we get the baseball version of T.O.!

ed hardiman

12-02-2005, 03:58 AM

It's fitting the Phillies have signed Tom Gordon the only MLB reliever featured in the title of a Stephen King novel let's see next season's free agent Pet Semetary so far: Rowand age 28, Nunez age 30, Santana age 33, Gordon 37...based on the steady age progression Gillick will next sign a 42 year old player and I can't wait!
Let's roll out the welcome mat for our next Phillie.
Will it be:
Lenny Harris (Hits .300 every other year too bad he hit .314 in 2005 for the Fish).
Roberto Hernandez (the once and future 3-5 Phillies reliever).
Terry Mulholland (Yes! He only needs one more win to get to 125-142).
Rafael Palmerio (NO! Big Ol' Puffy Juice King).
Kenny Rogers (Love his fried chicken temper we can only hope he shoves Stephen A. Ego).
B.J. Surhoff (You have to wonder why a guy uses that first name).
It's like Christmas in Haiti you keep unwrapping the boxes but there's nothing in them.

Androctus

12-02-2005, 06:14 AM

Nah I'm cofident they'll skip past the available 42 year olds and get right to Julio Franco, to set up the right handed half of their 1st base platoon.

ed hardiman

12-02-2005, 02:43 PM

Philadelphia didn't want to offer a four-year contract to a 34-year-old Wagner but gave a three-year deal to a 38-year-old Gordon.
What???

"There's a huge differential in what Wagner's going to make over four years and what Gordon will make for three."
Pat Gillick

The extra year means they pay him more money is that really an explanation for saying a 4 year deal on a 34-year-old pitcher is riskier than a 3 year deal on a 38-year-old pitcher?
Or Wagner's closing games in 2002,03,04 & 05 like Gordon didn't made him less attractive a candidate?
What about Farnsworth who could be had for 17 million over 3 years was his age (30) a hinderance to the geezer ball Gillick has in mind? How do you sign "Send Me Down Coach" Fasano and tell Ruiz he's third string on the depth chart?

ed hardiman

12-03-2005, 09:13 AM

In what I'm characterizing as a bloodbath the Phillies announced they have released pitchers Pedro Liriano and Franklin Perez.

ed hardiman

12-04-2005, 02:51 AM

In yet another sign the baseball apocalypse is upon us free agent cat crap mediocre Paul Byrd is expected to get a three year 21 million dollar deal for his services.
Therefore I've instructed my agent to shop my services as a pitcher.
What do I bring to the table?
***A pristine 0.00 ERA.
***An undefeated record unmatched by any pitcher in MLB.
***An incredible array of pitches including a 22mph fastball
***A clubhouse leader based on my ability to eat 145 clubhouse crackers without taking a sip of water.
***Value priced at a mere 45 million over three years.
Needless to say small market teams like the Phillies are out of the running.
The phone should be ringing off the hook any minute now...

ed hardiman

12-05-2005, 08:11 AM

OK is it just me or is this the most disturbing quote from and about Flush Gordon becoming a Phutile?
"This guy is in tremendous condition. He also spent two years with Rivera, where he was given a lot of tips and advice on the mental approach to closing. I think he's helped Tom a lot. Tom referred to that in speaking to me."
At this point in a MLB career stretching back to Pickles Dillhoefer doesn't Flush Gordon know what the hell a closer's mental approach is?
Why did the Phightin's sign Flush?
"It's kind of a gut call..."
He does possess the supersized nuggets to take Tugger's number and in an exercise I call warming his mouth up for future stupid quotes Flush opined:
"I thought that was kind of funny that his name was Tug."
Here's all world stupid in an easy to carry quote:
"I still want to be able to compete at the level that I know I need to compete at to stay competitive.
Well said Flush...

Androctus

12-05-2005, 02:07 PM

Oh jeez there it is, not once but 3 times in the same quote. I'm so sick of that word. Hey, the Royals can compete. The Devil Rays can compete. You think by now theyd put that keyword on a list of things NOT to say in an interview. Ixnay on the ompetitivekay.

Mr. Met

12-05-2005, 07:08 PM

Any of those Monday Morandini's still left? Bartender, a round for the fellows please.

So things are kinda quiet on the P-town front. What's the next move? Where is Bobby A. going? They need a mini-van full of pitchers.

Ed Wade is God

12-05-2005, 07:53 PM

It's quiet because the Eagles are on, too bad they're down 21-0. Gillick is probably to make some waves at the winter meetings soon. I predict he'll nab us a middle of the rotation starter pretty soon. I read something about a possible Burrell for Zito trade, but the A's can't afford the rest of Burell's contract (3 yrs 36 million) and the Phillies don't acquire top of the line pitchers.

ed hardiman

12-06-2005, 10:00 AM

At the Winter Meetings Billick dropped his pants and the crowd gasped:
"The prices that are going down with Byrd and Loaiza, if you want to call them a No. 3 or 4 pitcher, they're going for $7 million-plus a year. That's a little bit out of the range of what we want to pay for a No. 3 or 4...We've had a lot of discussion about Padilla," Gillick said. "Right now, we're not certain exactly what we're going to do."
The Phillies already have four #3/4 starters why would they want to pay for a fifth?
The Phillies see Padilla as a budget friendly alternative?
Even a drooling idiot wouldn't characterize Padilla as a viable #1 or #2 starter.

If the Phillies think the catcrappiest pitcher in the world, Paul "I'm proof MLB pitching is AAA at best" Byrd, isn't worth 14.25 million what's the expectation they'll buck up and overpay one of the remaining free agent starters?

Weaver? Washburn? That puts Scott "Pig-Eyed Greedy" Boras in play.
Forget Matt Morris when Byrd copped 7 mil per an ecstatic Morris saw his stock split and don't let's hope Kevin Millworm signs on for a second tour of doody with the Phutes.

In better news if the Phutes offer Wags arbitration they hijack a "tweener" pick from the Mets gently nestled twixt the 1st and 2nd round of the '06 1st yr player draft.
Speaking of which the 'politans inexiplicably dealt young arms for the fading Fin Paul LoDuca to save money.
I think of that deal as Carlos Ruiz dodging a bullet given the Phutes proclivity to piss away good young catchers.

I'm still seething the Phillies haven't signed 3rd sacker Alex Gonzalez not because he isn't David "Dinger" Bell mediocre, he is, I just want to complain about Bat Manual "managing" by sending the "Mighty A-Gonz" up to bat for Ryan Howard in the ninth. Recognizing of course the game situational genius Manuel is....

Hey bartender a round of warm ones on me for the gang...

Mr. Met

12-06-2005, 06:26 PM

ed hardiman

12-06-2005, 11:53 PM

Hello. Just checking in for a quick "Ugie" and 4 oz.'r.
According to National League sources, the Cubs asked the Phillies yesterday what it would take to pry away two-time All-Star right fielder, Gold Glove winner and reigning Home Run Derby champion Bobby Abreu. The answer: Mark Prior. The Cubs didn't say yes. But they didn't say no, either; at least, they haven't so far. The Cubs did say they would not consider dealing Carlos Zambrano.
-- Philadelphia Daily News

Congratulations you're our 575th customer you get 2.7% off your next order of Kevin Gross Doctored Meatballs. #60-66 on your menu.
Prior? The guy breaks like a cheap watch every other year.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry dismissed a published report that suggested the Phillies were sending Abreu to the Cubs for Mark Prior. While he was at it, he also shot down speculation involving Carlos Zambrano.
"Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior are not going to be traded by the Chicago Cubs," Hendry said.

Androctus

12-08-2005, 05:59 AM

I beleive in that same article Gillick mentioned they were working on a deal for a top line pitcher but were mostlt after some back of the rotation guys...I forget the exact language but the ipression I got was if they get this guy, whoever it is, fine. If not, no big deal, we'll once again round out the rotation with a bunch of #4 starters.

On another not this same article reported that Cole Hamels will be ready for Spring, but disclosed he had some myterious inoperable back ailment he would have to monitor his entire career. So call him Mr. Glass, and don't expect him to stay healthy enough to ever pay big dividends in the majors, if he dont fall apart before he gets there.

ed hardiman

12-08-2005, 08:53 AM

...no big deal, we'll once again round out the rotation with a bunch of #4 starters.
Don't you mean "competitive" #4 starters?
...Cole Hamels will be ready for Spring, but disclosed he had some myterious inoperable back ailment he would have to monitor his entire career.
I'm guessing that's curvature of the spine from a barstool.
Thanks to the escalating cost of starting pitching, reliever Ryan Madson could find himself in the Phillies' rotation. Gillick doesn't plan on offering contracts such as the ones signed by Paul Byrd (two years, $14.25 million) and Esteban Loaiza (three years, $21 million), so he won't pursue Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver or Matt Morris.
The Phillies have put all four paws to the sky.
...I like him as a starter...
Because Billick's too cheap to get Washburn, Weaver or Morris operating on the jackass assumption next year's crop of free agent pitchers will command lower salaries. {see last section below}
"Going in, I would say we're not as strong as we were maybe at the end of the season because we still need pitching,"
What? But I thought Ryan Madson was ready? Do you mean? Wait a gosh darn golly ass minute I'm confused...
Hoo-Boy I'm glad I'm not a lip reader I'd have to concentrate on both sides of Manuel's mouth.
the Phillies didn't offer arbitration to free agent...Michael Tucker...effectively ending his tenure with the team.
This is shocking. A real jaw dropper. We gave away Kelvin Pichardo, a 19 year old pitcher with buckets of upside, for "7 Teams Gave Up On Me Let's Make It 8" Tucker whose 4 count 'em 4 hits polished his reputation as the "Ty Cobb of .222 Hitters." Now they cut Tucker loose. Makes you suspect the trade was a colossal blunder.
Manuel said he might experiment with Pat Burrell at first base against tough lefties.
Bat's already mentalificating next season.

As for the Phightin's interest in the former Met's closer obsoleted by injury and Der Wags signing, Braden Looper, and despite the disappointment of the Daily News back page headline writers who get misty-eyed imagining the industry awards they'll garner for "Super Looper" or "Looper Scooper." We should let Mr. Looper's own words put sharp focus on the wisdom of lofty expectations in regards to acquiring him:
I'm still going to therapy...

Speaking of relievers the Phutes are gushing over 29 year old minor league mainstay Chris Booker taken today in the Rule 5 draft. Now I'm sure there are a lot of us who ask wasn't there anybody older available? But let's look at what the Phightin's have to say:
Booker discovered a split-finger fastball at Triple-A Louisville in 2005 and struck out 91 in 65 innings, while walking 28 and allowing 45 hits. He compiled 20 saves and a 2.49 ERA.
So far so good.
Booker made three appearances for the Reds late in the season, and surrendered eight runs in two innings.
There's always a catch...

Finally in what requires us to take a lil side trip in the ol' "Wayback" machine:
The Phutes can finally right the long festering wrong of drafting future superstar of the independent Northeast League Massachusetts Mad Dogs Jeff Jackson in 1989 and sign Frank Thomas the consensus choice of the Phillies scouting staff nixed for budgetary reasons.
To put that mother of all blunders in perspective the Phillies in the same draft passed on John Olerud, Jim Thome, Mo Vaughn and Jeff Bagwell who went on to amass 17 All-Star appearances, 4 MVP awards, 4 Gold Gloves, 1,806 career home runs and 6,133 RBIs.
If that doesn't make you hurl your beer nuts into the toilet like an Olsen twin watching her weight balloon to 50 lbs. the Phillies overlooked Tim Salmon, Denny Neagle, Ryan Klesko, Brian Giles, Trevor Hoffman, Brian Hunter, J.T.Snow, Eric Young and too many others to list in the same draft.
Proving the Phillies cheap ass penny pinching blows gaping 15 year holes in their ability to field the best team available and continues to do so today.
This info is taken from Kent Malmros' excellent article at:
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=20040518&content_id=745963&vkey=draft2004&fext=.jsp
In any event Sherman, Peabody & myself agree Bat Manuel situationally manages much better knowing he has a washed up hard slugging 1st sacker drafted in 1989 on the disabled list...

ed hardiman

12-09-2005, 04:30 PM

Something will happen.
No it won't.
No it didn't.
Nothing happened.
We didn't get a single starting pitcher.
Instead the blithering obvious script they follow every year was played out under the guise of "we're not paying those kind of salaries for pitching."
When have they?
The quote should be "we never pay for pitching" the only way the Phillies get a #1 or #2 starter is happenstance.
When that occurs much to Bill Giles horror they shovel them off for "Omaar Who the Hell is He?" rather than pay them.
In the Phillies executive cafeteria saying "pay market value" must be like dropping the "F" bomb in a church and surely results in much choking gasps, coughing, indignant staring and dropping of silverware.

ed hardiman

12-12-2005, 10:39 PM

Padilla given away for a minor league stiff to be named later?
For no better reason than the Phillies are too cheap to go to arbitration?
Does Billick really think we're too stupid to see the big picture?
How pitching rich are the Phutiles they can afford to get rid of the one position player they haven't acquired in either quality or quantity this offseason by design?
Trot out all the rule 5 draft relievers and worn out off season excuses you want the stench of this indifferent ownership is overwhelmingly putrid.

donzblock

12-13-2005, 04:14 AM

ed hardiman

12-13-2005, 10:41 AM

If you would drink that black coffee that the bartender has placed in front of you, you might be able to see on the TV the fat, smiling face of Sidney Ponson. Will this talented performer soon be wearing a Phillies' uniform? Will the Phillies have one large enough? Is there enough booze in your establishment to keep this very thirsty man happy?
Oh no!
You're playing the Sidney "the Aruban Urbina" Ponson card?
What a fat drunken useless lout he is and those are his strengths.
Even the Orioles gave up on him and they make the Phillies org look like the Yankees.
Campusano's would be guzzled dry in one evening by "Ponsoon" and spend the next week plastering the walls he punched...I'm buying the next round this pain is worse than cro-magnon dentistry.

ed hardiman

12-14-2005, 10:38 PM

Ed Wade is God

12-15-2005, 08:12 AM

Well the Phillies are doing nothing which is the off season activity they excel at.
Needless to say I'm at the edge of my seat to see what pile of steaming catcrap we get for Padilla from the equally talentless Rangers organization.

We should be getting Ricardo Rodriguez. He's 27 years old and he's pitched with Texas and Cleveland. Hasn't had much of a career, here's his stats http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=400156

Mr. Met

12-15-2005, 06:55 PM

What is the bar room consensus on Eude Brito and/or Robinson Tejeda?

johncap

12-15-2005, 07:12 PM

What is the bar room consensus on Eude Brito and/or Robinson Tejeda?
Wannabes. Tejeda was effective because he was unknown, a lot of smoke and mirrors. Let's put it this way, if either is in the rotation, you 'Ets fans have little to fear from your neighbors down I-95. They should both make the club in middle relief.

ed hardiman

12-15-2005, 11:04 PM

What is the bar room consensus on Eude Brito and/or Robinson Tejeda?
Front runners in the "Ooops We Didn't Get Any Starting Pitching Again this Offseason" sweepstakes.

ed hardiman

12-15-2005, 11:30 PM

Late breaking news:

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies outfielder Jason Michaels AKA "The White Urbina" was spared a trial and placed in a program for first-time utility outfielder offenders.

In a brief hearing mostly because his attention span is incredibly short Michaels was placed into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for first-time, non-violent professional athlete offenders better known as Caucasian Justice.

Assuming Michaels complies with the terms of the program, a big if with any drunken out of control professional athlete, the charges can be dropped and the record expunged.

Michaels was arrested July 3rd for punching Officer Timothy Taylor, wrestling him to the ground and ripping his shirt.
It took several officers to subdue him, according to police spokesman Cpl. Jim Pauley.

All of which Michael's attorney Barnaby C. Wittels characterized as a case of "boys will be boys."

In a related story several police officers wrestled Barnaby C. Wittels to the ground, punched him, and ripped his shirt.

Ed Wade is God

12-18-2005, 02:02 AM

Someone told me that in the Daily News it said the Phillies might use Cole Hamels as their 5th starter this year. I think it's a great idea. We've been hearing the hype for years, it's about time he pitches for the Phils. Who cares if he's injury prone and doesn't have a lot of minor league experience. He's probably the most talented pitcher in the organization. The Phillies don't have a strong rotation and with their bullpen they have no shot at the playoffs.

I'd like to see Gavin Floyd pitch a whole year in the rotation also. He started the year with a great game aganist the Cardinals, but after two bad starts he was moved to the bullpen, since there was such a logjam of talent in the rotation. He struggled in the minors and then was called up in September. They even hired Johnny Podres to be his mentor. It's time to stop messing with his head and just let him start. No more of this bullpen crap they did with Silva and Madson. They were star starting pitchers in the minors but in the majors they became relievers. Silva wasn't that good out of the bullpen, but is doing well as a starter in Minnesota. Madson is very erratic out of the pen, it would be interesting to see what he does as a starter (for more than one start).

By letting go of Wagner and signing Tom Gordon, by not getting a top of the line starting pitcher, by keeping Bell and Lieberthal, by not improving the bullpen, by keeping Manuel, the Phillies pretty much conceded the 2006 season. I'd like to see them develop some talent this year and play guys like Hamels, Floyd, Victorino, Carlos Ruiz in addition to Howard. It's time to stop throwing out crap like Bell, Lieberthal, Lidle and Cormier and believing these guys will lead us to the playoffs.

donzblock

12-21-2005, 01:04 PM

First it's Endy Chavez; now we learn that Sidney Greenstreet Ponson has been signed by the Cardinals (who have now done the Phillies two favors). Look for the Phillies to complete the deal by shipping Abreu and Burrell to the Cards. Now what was in the Cards that Sidney found appealing?

donzblock

12-22-2005, 03:56 AM

One of the flaws of Citizens Bank Park has been the plumbing, and reports out of Broad Street suggest that the Phillies did not think the park would have passed a perc test had Ponson been acquired. Now it is true that a perc test usually precedes the building of a park, but since the park has been sinking almost as fast as the Phillies, inspectors require an annual perc for CB, and they recommended a pass on Ponson.

As for Endy Chavez, whose absence of weight says all that needs to be said about him, apparently the Phillies did not offer him arbitration because they knew that Endy would command an enormous figure after the sterling stats he put up in 2005. Endy's banner year proved once again what a sharp eye former GM Ed Wade had for talent, and it is a shame that Giles' new austerity program made it impossible for the Phillies to sign him for 2006.

But at least we have the memories of Chavez: nobody can take them away from us. And as I sit here sipping my herbal tea that the versatile bartender just served me, I recall Chavez streaking to second base once so fast that nobody noticed he was buck naked until he was tagged out. And then there was the time Chavez struck out, but when the ball eluded the catcher, the savvy Endy remembered to run to first base. And he nearly made it. And does anybody recall the time when Manuel demonstrated his confidence in Endy by pinch hitting instead of pinch running him? Even though the move prevented the Phillies from scoring after the slow pinch runner wheezed into third, Chavez's speed nearly saved the day when he quickly whiffed but came oh so close to making contact with the ball.

Yes, just as Rick and Ilsa will always have Paris, we will always have the memories of Endy Chavez, and no matter which team he stars for in 2006, nobody can take away from us 2005, the year when Endy Chavez made his mark as a Phillie.

donzblock

12-23-2005, 05:22 AM

"Whither goest thou, Endy. Prithee whither?"

"Accompanied by tuba and zither,
Bequeathed by my sweet old mither,
I'm headed for lands known as 'thither'

Where baseball is played on the heather
To the crack of the bat and the leather
In rainy or dry kind of weather!"

ed hardiman

12-27-2005, 12:39 AM

donzblock

12-27-2005, 03:55 AM

I want to give thanks for the greatest gift of them all this year.
The only way Ed Wade can get near the Phillies is if he buys a ticket.
Next year I'm going to be extry good and hope a house driven by a girl named Dorothy drops on Bill Giles.
The next step would be to remove the smelly footwear from the corpse and consign to the fire. You don't want anyone walking in Giles' shoes.

ed hardiman

12-27-2005, 10:39 AM

The next step would be to remove the smelly footwear from the corpse and consign to the fire. You don't want anyone walking in Giles' shoes.
Nor would I want Herbert West to get hold of the corpse of Bill Giles...

ed hardiman

12-27-2005, 11:11 AM

Gillick...He plans to do more, with the hopes of bringing at least five more wins to a team that won 88 games last season.
I wonder why other teams want to win 100 games yet the Phillies only aspire to five?
Is 88 wins a take it for granted, money in the bank, why even bother, foregone conclusion guaranteed number of victories?

ed hardiman

12-28-2005, 12:27 PM

LP fan

12-28-2005, 04:26 PM

Ah another off season of discontent.
The Phillies have nearly completed their annual cycle of blockbuster lateral moves, inexplicably stupid moves and time honored cherished refusal to pay market value to bolster a sagging pitching staff.
Soon they'll be losing two out of three (or winning one out of three as Giles likes to positively think) to empty seats at Citizenless Ball Park as the stench of reality dissipates the heady perfume of denial wafting from the front office.
Meanwhile somewhere in the bowels of the earth Ed Wade is necromancing an army of David Bell's, Endy Chavez's, and Andy Ashby's from rotting corpses to return to his rightful place as slathering lapdog to FrankenGiles...

Ed, do you have Paint it Black rocking in your earphones while you post these thoughts?
How about the Thome trade? that wasn't a bad move...
and the phils still have Jimmy, Bobby, Chase with the new outfielder and the big stud at first....the plan is obviously to outslug the other guys at home....pitching aint gonna win for you in the new park, so. like the red sox two years ago, beat on 'em with the big sticks!
(I got sunshine, on a cloudy day....)

Christenson38

12-29-2005, 12:42 AM

nix this sorry error

ed hardiman

12-29-2005, 11:44 PM

Ed, do you have Paint it Black rocking in your earphones while you post these thoughts?
How about the Thome trade? that wasn't a bad move...
and the phils still have Jimmy, Bobby, Chase with the new outfielder and the big stud at first....the plan is obviously to outslug the other guys at home....pitching aint gonna win for you in the new park, so. like the red sox two years ago, beat on 'em with the big sticks!
(I got sunshine, on a cloudy day....)
First things first:
There's "no plan" there's never been "a plan" let alone "the plan" nor will repeated gruesome failure force any "planning" on Bill Giles and his Gang of Four...
The Thome trade was the indian summer of false hope...
Here's a phrase you might whisper as we fail to make the playoffs again in 2006:
"The bats go home the arms stay..."
You can't make the playoffs, win in the playoffs, or win the WS without pitching.
Can't be done.
Hasn't ever been done.
The Phillies have sat on their hands for the last 23 out 24 years because they won't pay the going rate for #1 or #2 starters consequently the only chance they have of winning it all is "mass extinction."
Can you buy a steak for a dollar at the Outback?
Nope.
Don't blame Outback for not charging the dollar you'd like to pay either they charge as much as they think people will pay and people pile into the place to pay it.
If you want steak at Outback you pay what the menu says.
The Phillies keep trotting out hamburger helper and calling it steak.*
I admire your misplaced optimism and encourage you to continue to trumpet the table scraps we get every year from the bats but like Jimmy Rollins tearing it up at the end of last season it doesn't balance the other side of the equation:
Constant failure = suspect pitching + suspect managing** + self delusional front office + cheap owners.

* Sil Campusano's .202 Club serves only Grade A Hamburger Helper substitute.

** You might also substitute: criminally stupid managing, infuriatingly inept managing, catcrap awful mismanagement, etc...

Mr. Met

12-30-2005, 07:26 AM

I've read recently that the last home-grown Phillies pitcher to win 20 games was Chris Short in '66. I think that says alot.

ed hardiman

12-30-2005, 09:13 AM

I've read recently that the last home-grown Phillies pitcher to win 20 games was Chris Short in '66. I think that says alot.
How about Schillling winning 82 games as well as three 20+ win seasons and 2 WS rings since 2001 when the Phillies gave him away for nothing because paying him fair market value was absolutely out of the question?
Is it fair to opine had the Phillies added Thome and a quality second starter to Schilling they might have won a WS rather than the Diamondbacks? A franchise that's won as many World Series in seven years as the Phillies have in one hundred.

What did we get in return?
How's this for a pile of steaming catcrap?
Wade and Monty should have been fired for this deal alone.

Omar Daal
Won 15 games for the Phillies in a season and a third before sinking into well deserved obscurity pitching his last wretched MLB game in 2003.

Nelson "the Brooklyn Flamethrower" Figueroa
Notched 4 forgettable wins over one season (2001) and an impressive 3 wins since then for Milwaukee and Pittsburgh.

Vincent Padilla
49 wins since 2001, 16 over the last 2 seasons what a stud. The latest victim of the Phillies off season lunatic Wheel of Fortune three card monte game. We know he's gone but for who? For what?

Travis Lee. Travis Lee. Travis Lee.
What can you say about the Phillies seeing potential in a guy who hit .230-something three seasons in a row before they even traded for him?
Another "Hard Hittin" Mark Whiten class stiff.
Even though he left an awful stench in Philly for two seasons (mercy killed by the Thome signing) he managed to notch Babe Ruth numbers compared to David "I suck" Bell.

ed hardiman

12-31-2005, 12:13 PM

For the 37th consecutive year, the Phillies will be reaching out to fans through the Winter Tour in January.
When last I checked a series of appearances at functions with ticket prices ranging from a low of $35 to $75 and an award ceremony in NY where Ryan Howard gets his ROY award is hardly reaching out...
But look if you shell out the big bucks, albeit for charity, you can get a "free" Pat Gillick or Bat Manuel autograph.
MLB wonders why the popularity of baseball is dropping like a stone.
Could it be baseball players like the world's oldest profession only ever do it for the money?
These greedy players and owners have driven a wooden stake into the heart of America's ex-favorite pastime.
How about reaching out to the fans with a tradition of excellence on the field, excellence in civic duty, excellence in behavior or is that too much to ask?
I don't see one single post from anyone in the Phillies organization on this website it speaks volumes to how shallow the real depth of their interest is in reaching out to fans.
Apparently they don't ever "Google" the Phillies or BF would pop right up at the top of the list.
Wouldn't the worst marketing department notice the team is disconnecting at an alarming rate?
If the most rabid, literate, and consistently accurate fans of the Phillies don't even rate a "you guys are nuts" occasionally what does an hour at the Deptford Mall mean?

donzblock

01-01-2006, 04:27 AM

The Phillies have a long tradition of reaching out--for the green in your wallet. And they offer in exchange an empty product that is described dishonestly. Their reach this year is going to have to be very long, I hope, and it would be wonderful if the Phillies came up empty-handed. The Philadelphia Empties: it has a certain ring to it. It could be shortened to the MTs, a logo that would fit nicely on the uniform. Or would that too closely resemble the Mets' logo?

ed hardiman

01-01-2006, 04:55 AM

...The Philadelphia Empties...
Their new team nickname?
The "No Deposit No Returns"

ed hardiman

01-01-2006, 10:58 PM

The starting eight and the pitchers for 2006:
SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Aaron Rowand
RF Bobby Abreu
LF Pat Burrell
1B Ryan Howard
2B Chase Utley
3B David Bell
C Mike Lieberthal
SP Cory Lidle
SP Jon Lieber
SP Brett Myers
SP Randy Wolf
SP Eude Brito
CL Tom Gordon
Seven weeks remain before catcher's gloves will pop for the first time under the Clearwater, Fla., sun, giving Gillick ample time to continue revising to ensure the Phillies get the five more wins he spoke of on the day he was hired.

Pretty good rotation four solid 13 game winners I see 75 wins tops...
Gordon should be fine as a closer because the Phillies won't get past the sixth inning with a lead very often...
But how can you count on Wolf?
He's coming off surgery and only given the Phil's 100 innings and 5.5 wins two years in a row...
Kind of makes you wonder how Padilla got tagged as inconsistent and Wolf didn't.
Bell inexplicably starting yet another season at 3rd sack is Giles bitch slapping the fans while spitting in their mouths.
Every game Bell starts is a joke.
Anybody that pays for a ticket to see Bell start is being robbed.
I defy anyone to name a less qualified starting 3rd sacker in MLB.
The first priority of this off season should've been deadwood like Bell getting the broom...
Nuff said.

ed hardiman

01-04-2006, 01:05 AM

"Whither goest thou, Endy. Prithee whither?"
Endy Chavez aka the Valencia Bomber has landed on his feet for those New York Metropolitans.
He inked a one-year Major League contract.
Chavez, 27, appears (NB: the illusory aspects of Endy's game invariably exceed reality) to provide better defense and greater speed than Tike Redman, the outfielder the Mets purchased from the Pirates in November.
Which begs the question:
How catcrap awful is Tike?

In related news Michael Tucker the once and future joke on Ed Wade remains a free agent.

Starting Arm Josh Fogg (39-42) over the last 4 seasons remains a free agent if the Phillies sign him it would finally give us a measured dollop of revenge for the Bucs stealing Bob Walk from us...
Not to mention all the bad puns his last name could fuel in the Daily News headlines...

Androctus

01-04-2006, 03:06 PM

Starting Arm Josh Fogg (39-42) over the last 4 seasons remains a free agent if the Phillies sign him it would finally give us a measured dollop of revenge for the Bucs stealing Bob Walk from us...
Not to mention all the bad puns his last name could fuel in the Daily News headlines...

"Sex Scandal Reveals the Bat in the Fogg"

LP fan

01-04-2006, 03:28 PM

Pretty good rotation four solid 13 game winners [QUOTE I see 75 wins tops
Gordon should be fine as a closer because the Phillies won't get past the sixth inning with a lead very often...
But how can you count on Wolf?
He's coming off surgery and only given the Phil's 100 innings and 5.5 wins two years in a row...
Kind of makes you wonder how Padilla got tagged as inconsistent and Wolf didn't.
Bell inexplicably starting yet another season at 3rd sack is Giles bitch slapping the fans while spitting in their mouths.
Every game Bell starts is a joke.
Anybody that pays for a ticket to see Bell start is being robbed.
I defy anyone to name a less qualified starting 3rd sacker in MLB.
The first priority of this off season should've been deadwood like Bell getting the broom...
Nuff said.

That lineup ( the first 6 hitters ) , even with Bell and Lieberthal, is going to score enough runs to win more than 85 games..... if Gillick gets a good arm or two, it will mean 90+ (barring injuries of course), and if he upgrades at 3rd and catcher, a pennant is on the way - only question, what is there available to make that kind of a trade?

ed hardiman

01-05-2006, 03:37 AM

That lineup ( the first 6 hitters ) , even with Bell and Lieberthal, is going to score enough runs to win more than 85 games..... if Gillick gets a good arm or two, it will mean 90+ (barring injuries of course), and if he upgrades at 3rd and catcher, a pennant is on the way - only question, what is there available to make that kind of a trade?
The fault's not in the lineup it's in the pitching.
It's all about season series pitching matchups.
They pitched their guts out last year in that pennant race do you think backline pitchers having career years is a given?
Besides don't you remember the number of 2 or 3 run leads given right back the next inning by the Phillies pitching?
Who do we have to trade for 1 good arm let alone 2?
Abreu has been dangling like a pinata since October.
No takers.
Lieby, (who deserves better as a .275, 20 box of waffles per season catcher than to be lumped in the same sentence or thought as the wafer thin talent of Dave Bell), has such a ridiculously heavy back loaded contract (thanks to Der Bungle) nobody wants him.
Plus I've the feeling Giles head would explode before he would eat two contracts in the same season.
Which means like Chase Utley last year Carlos Ruiz wrongly rides the pine until the lights blink on in Monty & Manuel's heads.
And Bell? He isn't worth circus peanuts.
Look at the Braves they win because their pitching is deep not like the shallow kiddie pool here in Philly.
That's why they don't care what position player or bat if you will goes, it's all about the arms.

ed hardiman

01-05-2006, 03:32 PM

Philadelphia- The Phillies signed Ryan Franklin...The 32-year-old became a free agent when Seattle -- Philadelphia general manager Pat Gillick's old team -- declined to offer him a contract by the Dec. 20 deadline. He was 35-50 with a 4.34 ERA in six seasons with the Mariners, including a 12-31 mark over the past two years. Last season was particularly difficult for Franklin, as he went 8-15 with a 5.10 ERA. It also included a 10-day suspension for violating baseball's steroids policy.
Incredible.
Simply putrid.
Our very own washed up decrepit Palmerio Class puffy juice head.
Merry Christmas little Timmy.
Everytime you think you're standing on the firm bedrock of Phillies ineptitude the bottom drops out.
Did Gillick suffer severe head trauma after the Thome deal?
35-50? 12-31? 8-15?
A 5.10 ERA?
Steroids?
What direction does Gillick see this guy heading?
More to the point why do they refuse to get anybody with an upside because of imaginary budget concerns yet happily flush millions down the drain on washed up "never were's" like Franklin & Fasano?

LP fan

01-05-2006, 09:18 PM

Even I can't find anything good to say about this one....its unbelievable....
incomprehensible

ed hardiman

01-06-2006, 03:06 AM

Even I can't find anything good to say about this one....its unbelievable....
incomprehensible
You said it all.

Androctus

01-06-2006, 06:23 AM

There are no words. I am still aghast at hearing this on the radio this morning for a second I was almost exicted "the Phils have signed a new starting pitcher..." Yes! Yes! "32 year old Ryan Franklin of the Seattle Mariners..." Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! @#$!%@#$!$@#!%& I still dont beleive it this must be some kind of joke. But since its not it must be said this is the most steaming hot load of dogdoo that could possibly be laid on Philly baseball fans to accept this mess as to somehow be confused with a positive thing. They could sign any kid from Babe Ruth league and I'd be happy. It doesnt even rate the use of the treasured phrase "catcrap". We have to invent new adjectives for this one, this makes me want to go out and buy a Mets hat.

Ravenlord

01-06-2006, 06:28 AM

dude gave up 28 homers in 190.2 IP (1.32 HR/) in Seattle. a 1.52 HR/9 on the road. he should be fighting hard with Eric Milton for the home runs allowed title next year.

ed hardiman

01-06-2006, 07:37 AM

There are no words..."the Phils have signed a new starting pitcher..." Ryan Franklin It doesnt even rate the use of the treasured phrase "catcrap".
I never imagined a sub-catcrap dimension existed in major league baseball until now...

Androctus

01-06-2006, 07:43 AM

I never imagined a sub-catcrap dimension existed in major league baseball until now...Well, it seems they are now taking applications for one. My vote goes to "pussypoo"

ed hardiman

01-06-2006, 08:12 AM

dude gave up 28 homers in 190.2 IP (1.32 HR/) in Seattle. a 1.52 HR/9 on the road. he should be fighting hard with Eric Milton for the home runs allowed title next year.
You dare to contradict El Gillick with actual facts when discussing Franklinstein?
The Sage of Patterson Avenue© clearly wanted a pitcher whose achievement matched Sal Fasano's potential.
Here now the low lights from the press conference:
"...the pitcher who lost 31 games over the past two seasons, more than any other Major Leaguer over that span."
How they managed to snag the #1 rated worst pitcher in MLB is still amazing. He's the Roger Clemens of losing.
"I think Ryan pitched better than his numbers dictated..."
How much better? I hope he really means only a dog could smell the difference.
"From my standpoint, he's going to pitch a heck of a lot better than the 15-loss season..."
It's hard to imagine what his standpoint is when he pitches a heck of a lot worse.
"I know in the steroid situation, a lot of people don't know exactly how it came about, and you don't know if they were taking them or not..."
Well actually they either inject or ingest them it's no big mystery then a drug test exposes them as the chemical frauds they are.
"I don't want to say I wore out my welcome in Seattle, but I was ready to move on..." No really?
I hear they have a movie deal lined up tentatively titled:
"Michael Tucker the Pitcher"

ed hardiman

01-06-2006, 08:14 AM

Well, it seems they are now taking applications for one. My vote goes to "pussypoo"
Sounds like a gross porno website...lol

LP fan

01-06-2006, 05:17 PM

Now Gillick should be quick to snap up Palmeiro, before somebody else does; then Howard could be broken in slowly and learn how to play first base from the bench....

donzblock

01-06-2006, 05:42 PM

Now Gillick should be quick to snap up Palmeiro, before somebody else does; then Howard could be broken in slowly and learn how to play first base from the bench....
is it my imagination, or has the Franklin deal brought you, LP fan, to your senses?

ed hardiman

01-07-2006, 04:28 AM

Outfielder Josh Kroeger was claimed off waivers by the Phillies from Arizona, Vice President & General Manager Pat Gillick announced today.
Kroeger, 23, hit .261 last year with 14 home runs, 62 RBI and 17 stolen bases for triple-A Tucson. A left-handed batter, he finished the season with a nine-game hitting streak, batting .429 (15-35) during the streak.
Originally selected by Arizona in the fourth round of the 2000 draft, Kroeger has appeared in 22 major league games, all with the Diamondbacks in 2004. In limited play, he hit .167 (9-54) with two RBI.
With the acquisition of Kroeger, the Phillies are now at 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Another crafty move by the The Sage of Patterson Avenue©...

donzblock

01-07-2006, 06:17 AM

Reportedly, at the airport, Gillick greeted the newest Phillie with the words, "Surely you Josh."

ed hardiman

01-07-2006, 08:20 AM

Reportedly, at the airport, Gillick greeted the newest Phillie with the words, "Surely you Josh."
I've waited a lifetime to accuse you of having a punny intellect...

donzblock

01-07-2006, 08:36 AM

Gillick clearly has his eye on the prize. The moves he is making should reassure those who imagined he was trying to be only competitive. The team the Phillies field in 2006 will not even be that. Does anybody detect any differences between Gillick and his predecessor?

ed hardiman

01-07-2006, 08:50 AM

ed hardiman

01-08-2006, 03:00 AM

Faced with a chance of being traded to the Phillies Miguel Tejada chose certain doom by staying with the equally catcrap awful O's.
No doubt the thought of competing with David Bell intimidated him.
VP of Orioles Baseball Operations Jim Duquette told the AP:
"We're elated that he's chosen to stay. We're all committed to improving the team, and it's easier to do it with Miguel than without him."

donzblock

01-08-2006, 04:07 AM

It seems likely that if Tejada were being traded to a contender, he would have agreed to play third. Rodriguez did not object to such a move with the Yankees. From Tejada's point of view, not agreeing to play third makes perfect sense. Besides, the Orioles just might contend; the Phillies have already been eliminated.

Ed Wade is God

01-09-2006, 12:36 AM

I saw some footage on the news of workers moving back the left field wall at CBP. It's pretty pathetic when a stadium renovation is the biggest upgrade your team made to its pitching staff.

donzblock

01-09-2006, 03:41 AM

I saw some footage on the news of workers moving back the left field wall at CBP. It's pretty pathetic when a stadium renovation is the biggest upgrade your team made to its pitching staff.
Just a theory, but perhaps the wall is being moved back to create additional room to accommodate the Phillie pitchers when the opposing teams bury them. Franklin, in particular, will require a large plot.

ed hardiman

01-09-2006, 03:51 AM

Gillick has done everything humanly possible to repackage the same old pile of catcrap pitching into a shiny new pile.
I'm sick and tired of negativety so I'm going LP:
"The Phillies in 2006 offer us our best chance in years to finish last."

philsphan

01-09-2006, 03:58 PM

the team isnt much worse than last years and we missed postseason by 1 game

we just gotta make one big trade

LP fan

01-09-2006, 08:00 PM

The phils need to make some more moves to solidify last place....
as it stands now, they're a lock to finish ahead of both the marlins ( total team is pretty much decimated ) and the nats ( pitching aint any better, and offense is much worse )

so, don't think Gillick will be standing pat yet....

KingJ

01-09-2006, 08:05 PM

the nats ( pitching aint any better, and offense is much worse )

How so? Pitching ain't any better is arguable, but offense much worse is not. We let go of Vinny Castilla, Brad Wilkerson, Termel Sledge, Junior Spivey, and Preston Wilson (all had bad seasons with us) and gained Alfonso Soriano. If you add up the other five's 2005 numbers in a Nats uniform and compare that to Soriano's numbers as a Ranger, it all looks about the same. It ain't pretty, but it works.

Loaiza and Carrasco are off to bad careers in the American League where they have sucked before and we get a potentional 2nd starter in Ortiz and an improving John Patterson.

Philly will probably finish in front of us, but it won't be solidified.

LP fan

01-09-2006, 08:13 PM

I was comparing the nats to the phils......

the nats offense doesnt measure up to...Rollins, Utley, Abreu, Howard, Burrell, Rowand

Vidro is always hurt, Schneider is a defensive catcher - less offense than most catchers, Johnson is good at first, but always spends time on the DL, don't really know whos in the outfield besides Guillen, maybe Soriano, but is he gonna be happy there? and the shortstop is brutal, while the 3rd baseman will be a good one, but needs to a few years to get there

Pitching... Loaiza is gone... he gave them a lot of innings; Armas has never lived up to potential, Patterson can be great, but is fragile..not really sure about the others they are planning to use...maybe the guy from San Diego might do well, but who knows,.. this staff is about on par with the phils...

LP fan

01-09-2006, 08:15 PM

sorry, which Ortiz did they get? didn't know about that...

KingJ

01-09-2006, 08:19 PM

sorry, which Ortiz did they get? didn't know about that...

Ramon Ortiz. He had a great career with the Angels, but became a loser free agent after giving up 40 HRs a season in that launching pad of a ballpark in Cincinatti. He should cool down in to the 3.00 ERAish in Washington...that's what Loaiza did when he came to DC.

LP fan

01-09-2006, 08:30 PM

ed hardiman

01-09-2006, 10:08 PM

the team isnt much worse than last years and we missed postseason by 1 game we just gotta make one big trade
Would that trade be Bill Giles for a sack of steaming catcrap?
Because that's the only trade that will win us the World Series.
As for missing the post season by one game my Dad has a great saying:
"When jumping across the Grand Canyon whether you miss by an inch or a mile the fall will still kill you."

ed hardiman

01-09-2006, 10:47 PM

Well, there is potential there for a good rotation, but there is also a lot of question marks:
1) has Patterson become a great pitcher, or will he revert to the form of the 5 previous seasons before last year?
2) is Livan going to be ok after the arthroscopic surgery?
3) how much will RFK help Lawrence and Ortiz?
4) will Armas finally overcome his shoulder problems?
if the answer is yes to all of these, then, hell ya, thats a very good staff..
but all the stars have gotta align, and somebody's got to drive in some runs in that big park for the nats..so they can win some of those 4-3,3-2,2-1 games
Living here in Gnatsville USA I can tell you three major advantages the Gnatties have over the Phillies which are key, huge, incredibly important:

1. No owner. Consequently you don't have the franchise being piledriven into the ground by a short sighted, cheap, knucklehead.

2. Frank Robinson. I watch game after game where he makes the right moves at the right times. He has the entire team on the same page. David Bell would not start at 3rd sack four years in a row. Look at the 3rd sackers under Robinson's tenure:
Tatis hit .238 the first year Robinson managed, he was riding pine playing part time the next season splitting 3rd sack with three other players.
The following season Tony Batista hit .241 with 32 boxes of waffles and 110 babybacks it was so long Tony hello Vinny Castilla.
Notice Robinson didn't keep trotting out a corpse like the the Ol' Dinger who wouldn't start at AAA at his age and numbers?

3. Chad Cordero. "The Chief" 23 years old and a flamethrower closer. A real closer. Someone should point out to the Phillies you don't have to keep a pitcher in the minors til he's a billion years old and you don't trot out a fossil and say it's an improvement because you were too cheap to sign the real thing.

ed hardiman

01-10-2006, 08:07 AM

Through his agents, Tejada signaled to the Phillies that he would have played third base for only one season, then exercised his right to demand a trade. For that, the Phillies would have parted with right fielder Bobby Abreu? Didn't make sense.
Here's a tip of the ol' cap to the The Sage of Patterson Avenue© because even if he knew that was a stone cold certainty
Eddie "small berries" Wade would've pulled the trigger figuring Miggy would learn to love it here like Rolen & Ashby did...besides look at the money he'd save Boss Hogg Giles by ditching the rest of Abreu's contract and if Miggy excercised his trade option why it'd be like killing two birds with one stone...so Wade would've seen it as a no brainer win-win deal more than likely he'd wet himself just thinking about it. Giles patting him on his head or maybe even ruffling his hair affectionately saying you're like the son I never had Eddie now go mix me another mint julep.
I think Rollins would make a better 3rd sacker than Tejada anyway...which reminds me "A-Gonz" is still available I'll bet he'd play 3rd sack...

LP fan

01-10-2006, 09:38 PM

I think Rollins would make a better 3rd sacker than Tejada anyway...which reminds me "A-Gonz" is still available I'll bet he'd play 3rd sack...

Don't even think of messing with Jimmy's mojo, man....
He be the man at short...period.

ed hardiman

01-11-2006, 12:06 AM

...Jimmy's mojo...
J Roll's mojo?

Ed Wade is God

01-11-2006, 12:52 AM

J Roll's mojo?

:in my best Austin Powers voice: yeeaahhhhhh babay

ed hardiman

01-11-2006, 09:11 AM

:in my best Austin Powers voice: yeeaahhhhhh babay
Ruh-Roh...

philsphan

01-11-2006, 02:16 PM

yeah jimmy could play 3rd fine but coming off of a great season do you think hes gonna wanna be told to play third becaus tejada shook his head at it

ed hardiman

01-11-2006, 06:28 PM

yeah jimmy could play 3rd fine but coming off of a great season do you think hes gonna wanna be told to play third becaus tejada shook his head at it
I think Rollins is a vacuum cleaner so it isn't he couldn't play 3rd sack which is also less stressful situationally and should increase his production...
The overall fact remains for whatever reason no team is developing big stick 3rd sackers in any quantities.
That doesn't excuse the Phillies recalcitrance over four freakin' years to convert any position player who could hit better than .248 and 10 boxes of waffles per and send Bell packing to Japan...

Mr. Met

01-11-2006, 07:05 PM

Kinda quiet in P-town fellas. Hey, isn't Benjie Molina still out there throwing darts at pictures of his agent? Wonder what his price is these days? :cool:

ed hardiman

01-11-2006, 09:15 PM

PHILADELPHIA -- Barstool pugilist extraordinaire Cole Hamels spearheads the fly-specked list of 18 non-roster players invited to Spring Training with faint hopes of making the Phillies MLB roster.
A moth eaten motley assortment whose average age of 29 and bedrock tenure in the minors speaks volumes of man's inability to know when it's time to hang up the ol' cleats.
Charlie Manuel and 22 instructors, including HOF greatest 3rd sacker of all time Mike Schmidt, will tiptoe through these hoary mutts hoping to the next Felipe Crespo or Joe Roa.
Here are your 2006 Phightin Phutiles NRSTCI*

Cole Hamels (P)
Phightin' fans can only hope he brawls as effectively as he did before being detoured by freak injuries.
So far Boy Blunder's career highlight consists of self injuring his back falling off a barstool.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Look for two or three A's in his near future.

Gio Gonzalez (P)
TDPTBNL** in the Thome deal. A true stud let's all fall on our knees and beg God to smite anyone in the Phillies who suggests burying him alive in the catcrap awful farm system also known as the 7th circle of pitching hell.
Jimmy the Greek says:
The Phillies staff sucks he makes the show.

Ryan Cameron (P)
Cameron, 6-5-19 saves-2.55 ERA for Reading in 2005. fanned 99. The Phillies need relievers but it's a long way between AA and the show.
Jimmy the Greek says:
A long shot but the stars are aligned. If he pops the mitt and gets it done he has a 30% chance of making the show otherwise he's Scranton bound.

Clay Condrey (P)
Condrey 7-8-4.15 ERA in Scranton spent four days with the Phillies last season, but didn't appear in a game.
Jimmy the Greek says:
The ship has sailed. Won't have to pack for Philly this year at all.

Jeremy Cummings (P)
Cummings, 29 looked good in the Cards AA and improved in their AAA system he will obviously be ruined by the Phillies farm system so this may be our best look.
Jimmy the Greek says:
75:1 he makes the show. Scrantonize him.

Aquilino Lopez (P)
Why do the Phillies like him? He pitched for five different teams in 2005, including the Phillies. 5 teams can't be wrong. For the Phightin's Lopez went 0-1 with a 2.16 ERA. He struck out 22 in 16 2/3 innings in 10 of his 11 MLB appearances to date.
Jimmy the Greek says:
He makes the show because this is the kind of mutt who keeps talent rotting down on the farm.

Travis Minix, (P)
May well be your last chance to see Minix before shuttling between Reading and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre turn him into a bitter failure. Pitched well at both levels.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Give the kid a shot.

Aaron Myette, (P)
pitched in three games for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Pacific League in Japan, where he went 0-0 with a 20.77 ERA.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Ack...'Nuff said.

Brian Sanches (P)
Reliever with Scranton went 5-3-3.69 ERA in 51 games the southpaw held hitters to a .212 average.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Has that middle inning relief look. Bet the ranch & the dog on him starting the season in Philly.

Matt White (P)
28, made one start in August for Washington and lost, allowing four runs in four innings. So if he pitches 200 innings lemme algebrize...um...
4(IP)=4(HR) so then 200(IP)=X(HR) solve for X. (IP) cancels (IP)...check...(HR) cancels (HR)...got it. So X must be...Wow he sucks.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Small potatos. No shot.

Jason Jaramillo (C)
a second-round pick in 2004 switch-hitter hit .304 & eight boxes of waffles in 119 class A games.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Even if he pastes the crap out of the ball the inexplicable signing of Sal Fasano means Jason's AA bound.

Tim Gradoville (C)
Career highlight? Appearing in games for both Reading & Scranton in 2005 on the same day. This year? Disappearing after spring training.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Yes we have no Fasano's...

Dusty Wathan (C)
Must be some sort of mistake. Maybe they mean his son. In what seems a trend in his 12 year career Wathan has spent the last three seasons buried in Cleveland's AAA team.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Cannon fodder.

Peter Bergeron (OF)
A 28 yr old who hit .226 over four seasons with the Expo's before dropping like a stone to AA last season.
A real head scratcher.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Endy Chavez-size my fries please. Give this kid bus fare back to the indy Atlantic League.

Shawn Garrett (OF/1B)
Hit .295-17 boxes of waffles-82 RBIs in 131 games for Triple-A Sacramento. Has that utility smell.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Gat has a wafer thin shot. Hope he likes kilbasa.

Chris Coste, (3B)
32 year old minor leaguist coming off a career year. Who cares? 3rd sack is looking like the Pet Semetary in spring training. So old he might make Bell look spry.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Next.

Bobby Scales, (IF)
Scales hit .274-14 boxes of waffles in 120 games, playing second base, third base and left field.
Jimmy the Greek says:
Age unknown if he's under 28 he might be the next Tomas Perez class player. At the very least he should make Bell sweat.

Joe Thurston, (IF)
Over the last 3 years appeared in 37 games in the Majors, all with the Dodgers, hitting .275. 26 years old and a true minor league star.
Jimmy the greek says:
Yawn.

The real outrage?
Once again Buzz Hannahan (2B) the best name in the organization is uninvited. Incredible! We're pulling for you Buzz. After all if Bell can hit .240 and make the team why can't you?

*NRSTCI: non roster spring training camp.
**TDPTBNL: the dreaded player to be named later
Special thanks to Ken Mandel reporter for MLB.com & the Phillies website who had the herculean task of digging all of this up and putting a positive spin on it.

ed hardiman

01-11-2006, 11:13 PM

Any bullpen that loses Wagner is bound to have some dropoff, but the Phillies have tried to stave off a precipitous decline with a few additions.
"...precipitous decline.." that's a good thing right?

donzblock

01-12-2006, 04:27 AM

Is Shawn Garrett related to former Met 3rd baseman Wayne? Wayne was the David Bell prototype.

ed hardiman

01-13-2006, 02:07 AM

The Phillies Winter Off Broadway Production of "Something Schilling This Way Comes" got off to a rousing start.

The star of the performance Brett Myers got a raise from the peanuts the Phillies had been paying him.

Was it recognition for three consecutive seasons where he pitched 173-208 innings? Was it for striking out 143, 116, or 208 batters? Was it for winning 38 games over that span?*

Absolutely not. It was a simple case of fending off arbitration.

Didn't they learn anything from the contract fiasco's that drove Schilling out of here? Sometimes even when a player or his agent are dumber than a sack of hammers you should let your own long term self interest take precedence over your short-sighted unmitigated greed.

Instead of thinking long term (Myers is a free agent in 2008 and arbitration eligible for the next two seasons) those cheap ******** have started down the same road with Myers that lost them Schilling.

How can Junior say something this stupid and keep his job. I think it's rubbing salt in the wound:

"As always, we are pleased to have signed Brett to a fair deal. Brett had a solid year in 2005 and we're hopeful he will step up even further in 2006."
Assistant General manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Here's a thought he's 25, reasonably healthy, and your best young pitcher why not sign him to a long term deal that shows him and other players you don't need a gun to your head to build a winning team.

*Phun Phillies Phact:
Schilling didn't win his 38th game until he was 28 and had been in the league 7 seasons.
While Myers has already won 42 in four MLB seasons.

ed hardiman

01-14-2006, 11:38 PM

The Phillies Winter Tour in January is almost here. I can't wait!

5 of 13 events I can't even attend a whopping 40%.

2 are best described as pay per view costing $35 dollars or more think of it as Phillies lap dancing for charity.

1 takes place at a Sixers game. Hey Dad gimme 40 bucks so Tom Gordon can wave from a luxury box in my direction.

2 mirror Wal Mart's fair labor practices as players bartend at CBP's McFadden's for 45 whole minutes. I'm all for certain players, managers & owners learning alternative job skills but does slopping suds really count as an appearance?

3 count 'em 3 occur at malls:

Harrisburg, who drives that far to see 2 out of 3 players who never played a single game in a Phillies uniform?

Scranton, see the turnpike-be the turnpike. I wouldn't push a shopping cart an extra aisle to meet Abraham Nunez in a supermarket.

Lima, unfortunately they'll be taping a TV show but afterwards I can get player autographs while listening to intelligent fans scream at Gillick:

"What the F*!# were you thinking signing Franklin?

"Bell sucks!"

"Fasano? Fasano?"

"Way to pooch Wagner."

"Oh my God it's Ed Wade! He has a gun! Run Pat! Run!"

Ed Wade is God

01-15-2006, 12:11 AM

Will Jason Michaels be at McFadden's?

philsphan

01-15-2006, 08:11 AM

Will Jason Michaels be at McFadden's?
sorry to say no, michaels will be wrestling on WWE

donzblock

01-15-2006, 09:17 AM

I can still see Michaels wrestling with a fly ball before knocking it into the seats with some sweet chin music. The batter got credit for the homer, but Michaels did all the hard work: another excruciating reversal for the Heartbreak Kid.

ed hardiman

01-15-2006, 09:41 AM

ed hardiman

01-15-2006, 09:53 PM

"I think people get misperception what professional athletes stand for. Basically, when they go to a baseball game or a football game, they want to get autographs and sometimes we are not available to sign, and its because we are working. And in that scenario, people begin to believe that, that guy's cocky and he should give back by signing autographs."
Way to be Cory.
I agree.
When you're "working" amassing God only knows how many Cy Young Awards, so many Cy Young's Awards I've lost count in a career spanning six teams in eight years, why bother showing simple courtesy to the people responsible for your being grotesquely overpaid beyond reason to play a child's game.
Is it really so annoying the three times in eight years somebody actually requested your autograph to graciously comply and not let it gnaw at your guts?

Androctus

01-16-2006, 06:19 AM

John Kruk never balked at signing a plastic cup full of beer for lucky fans.

ed hardiman

01-17-2006, 06:17 AM

John Kruk never balked at signing a plastic cup full of beer for lucky fans.
Congratulations you've won a small Crisco frozen Pop for saying the magic words beer & Kruk.
Crisc-O-Pop® the frozen lard-tastic taste treat you can eat...this month's featured small desert at Sil Campusano's .202 Club
Bobby A-boohoo is upset he's dangling like a pinata? I didn't think him capable of feelings. Soon the bats will be swinging in Clearwater and the Incredible Blank Man™ will begin slugging his way out of Philly.
Hoping to capitalize on his sizzling .243 exit in 2005 that won him the hearts and minds off countless legions of SABRE devotees Bobby will no doubt occasionally flash glimpses of a nascent facial expression to the delight of his fans.
"Abreu's greatest asset -- or shortcoming -- is that he shows zero emotion when he plays..."
Ken Mandel / MLB.com
Meanwhile Jason Michaels inked his contract and avoided arbitration. Now let's hope he can learn to avoid other things like bar brawls, punching cops or better yet start hitting like Mickey Mantle so we can all admire his drinking. Your choice Jason.

Androctus

01-17-2006, 06:40 AM

Congratulations you've won a small Crisco frozen Pop for saying the magic words beer & Kruk.
Crisc-O-Pop® the frozen lard-tastic taste treat you can eat...this month's featured small desert at Sil Campusano's .202 Club
I hereby nominate Crisco Frozen Pop (or Crisc-O-Pop) from this day forward to be synonymous with "Box of Waffles" based on its singular catchiness.

Do I have a second?

ed hardiman

01-17-2006, 11:15 AM

I hereby nominate Crisco Frozen Pop (or Crisc-O-Pop) from this day forward to be synonymous with "Box of Waffles" based on its singular catchiness.
Do I have a second?
So moved...

ed hardiman

01-18-2006, 02:46 AM

"I want to go to the playoffs and help this team win a World Series. Records are nice, but I want to win...It was a sour feeling knowing we won but didn't make the playoffs."
Finally a player who says what fans think. When Monty & Giles read that quote you have to wonder if they'll get it.

donzblock

01-18-2006, 04:18 AM

Finally a player who says what fans think. When Monty & Giles read that quote you have to wonder if they'll get it.
Monty and Giles have been in the business long enough to know that they don't have to get anything when it comes to putting a winning team on the field. They will not do so; they are not motivated to do so; they don't know how to do so. Declining attendance might motivate them to sell. That is the only thing they will get. It behooves every Phillie fan to stay away from CB Park. Empty seats and coffers ought to humiliate management. Forget bobbleheads, dolls, and other promos; let the food rot in Luzinski's and Kalas' restaurants: stay the hell out of South Philly.

ed hardiman

01-19-2006, 11:41 PM

...the Phillies' desire for a backup capable of playing 55-75 games brought them to journeyman Sal Fasano, who rejoined the Major League ranks last season for the first time since 2002....
The Phillies off-season maneuvering is like watching in horror as the most inept magician in the world announces:
"For my next trick I will plunge this honey covered baby in a bucket of angry fire ants."

What better way is there for Carlos Ruiz to break in as catcher than splitting duty with Mike Lieberthal?
Ruiz will be 27 this season what the hell are they thinking with their farm system anymore?
The average age of the AAA Red Baron's players:
Catchers: +25
Pitchers: +27
Infielders: +28
Outfielders: +29
They're going to need walkers by the time they reach the major's.

Androctus

01-20-2006, 06:39 AM

ed hardiman

01-20-2006, 08:28 AM

Ruiz would be an excellent bridge between Leavemall and Jaramillo but I didnt even see his name on the list of spring training invitees...Instead they brought in Fasano, when a sound strategy would be to bring up Ruiz and let him build some value.
The organization seems to put too much weight in "Big League Experience"
I assume you mean "Japanese Big League Experience"
Ruiz is currently on the Phillies roster as 3rd catcher behind Sal Fasano.
What I don't understand is why annoint Fasano backup rather than let spring training decide it?

ed hardiman

01-20-2006, 09:04 AM

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will make a special appearance at the National Constitution Center Community Volunteer Fair on Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event is free.

Reeling from a series of stinging rebukes published in the Phillies Barstool the Philadelphia Phillies are scrambling to repair their badly tattered image.
The Barstool exposed the Phillies 2006 Winter Tour as a handful of appearances scheduled so far away from Philadelphia you'd visibly age before reaching them only to discover the players involved weren't even Phillies in 2005.
The free event is an obvious attempt to spin doctor fans and curry favor after idiotically assuming the price of the privilege to meet Phillies players in the majority of appearances should exceed $35.
Bill Giles & David Montgomery refused comment for this story.
"We applaud this knee jerk reaction."
Blondie Purcell
Phillies Barstool Operating Partner

ed hardiman

01-21-2006, 09:33 AM

The condition of the Phillies' pitching staff is still a concern to Gillick, who believes the team needs another starter or two.
He does?
I thought Ryan Franklin was Sandy Koufax reincarnate.
If Josh Fogg who inexplicably won 40 games in 4 years with the catcrap lousy 70 wins a season Pirates isn't considered "cheap" enough to sign where does that leave the penurious Phillies?
The money saved not signing Wagner went right into Giles pocket while we get the soft soap from Gillick.
It isn't just plain starters the Phillies need it's a #1 ace.
If Gillick had any nuggets he'd announce he was willing to pay Clemens anything he wanted.
At the very least that might scare Giles into allowing him to sign Jeff Weaver.

philsphan

01-21-2006, 10:41 AM

ed, thanks alot for the news about chase utley.
i went to the constitution center center and got an autograph and picture with him. it was great

Ed Wade is God

01-21-2006, 02:26 PM

He does?
I thought Ryan Franklin was Sandy Koufax reincarnate.
If Josh Fogg who inexplicably won 40 games in 4 years with the catcrap lousy 70 wins a season Pirates isn't considered "cheap" enough to sign where does that leave the penurious Phillies?
The money saved not signing Wagner went right into Giles pocket while we get the soft soap from Gillick.
It isn't just plain starters the Phillies need it's a #1 ace.
If Gillick had any nuggets he'd announce he was willing to pay Clemens anything he wanted.
At the very least that might scare Giles into allowing him to sign Jeff Weaver.

This is how desperate we've become for starting pitching, that fans want Jeff Weaver and Josh Fogg. Phillies have enough 3rd and 4th starters, if Gillick can't trade for an ace then there's no use of settling for another middle or bottom of the rotation guy like Ryan Franklin (oops, too late). I'd rather see Hamels and Floyd given a chance to develop, than see Josh Fogg go 11-13 with 4.50 ERA on team that finishes in 3rd place. No way Clemens would come here, no matter how much money the Phils threw at him, he's only going to pitch for the Yankees or Astros.

donzblock

01-21-2006, 06:41 PM

According to Glen Macnow on WIP this afternoon, Ed Wade appeared this week at a dinner honoring Skip Wilson, a baseball coach at Temple, and made a snide reference to fireedwade.com. He said that people who hated him could access the site by typing in getalife.com, and if that didn't work, Wade haters should try Idontgiveadamn.com. Arrogant Eddie appears to be his usual self. He is still humorless, smug, and completely devoid of honesty and self-awareness. The Phillies should not have canned him since he continues to be the perfect Phillie. But it is nice to know that Eddie was aware of fireedwade.com.

Ed Wade is God

01-21-2006, 10:28 PM

Yeah, I saw the clip a bunch of times on Comcast Sportsrise. Typical Ed Wade crap. Why was he MC of the ceremony anyway? Skip Wilson was a great baseball guy, Ed Wade is Ed Wade.

ed hardiman

01-21-2006, 11:12 PM

ed, thanks alot for the news about chase utley.i went to the constitution center and got an autograph and picture with him. it was great
Fantastic! Tip O' the Cap to Chase Utley for volunteering for a good cause and thanks for letting everybody know what a good guy he is.

ed hardiman

01-21-2006, 11:34 PM

This is how desperate we've become for starting pitching, that fans want Jeff Weaver and Josh Fogg. Phillies have enough 3rd and 4th starters, if Gillick can't trade for an ace then there's no use of settling for another middle or bottom of the rotation guy like Ryan Franklin (oops, too late). I'd rather see Hamels and Floyd given a chance to develop, than see Josh Fogg go 11-13 with 4.50 ERA on team that finishes in 3rd place. No way Clemens would come here, no matter how much money the Phils threw at him, he's only going to pitch for the Yankees or Astros.
I agree!
You can't fault a guy for dreaming about a rocket...
You and I both know Ol' Competitive Giles won't stand for developing a staff for the long haul.
Or even spending a thin dime on a frontline staff.
I simply picked the two best remaining free agents that met the Phillies strict criteria: cheap and cheaper.
The Phillies sit on players so long in the minors they should call Scranton the "Rip Van Winkles"...how can they maintain a player at 27-30 just isn't quite ready to start yet?
We both agree, so what if Hamels, Floyd, or Gonzalez get shelled their first season?
But the Phillies Brass are such singular gutless weasels if a young pitcher wins one and then gets roughed up they blast his sorry ass right back to the minors.
Turns 'em all into head cases.
So you're right but it ain't gonna happen.

Ed Wade is God

01-22-2006, 12:30 AM

ed hardiman

01-22-2006, 12:34 AM

I forgot to mention that when they showed the clip on CSN, they also mentioned that he's now working for the San Diego Padres as a scout. Pardon me but omg, lol, haha, lmao, rofl, roflmao, bwahahahaha, muahahahahah, wtf
When they said scout did they differentiate whether or not it was cub or boy?

Androctus

01-23-2006, 06:32 AM

When they said scout did they differentiate whether or not it was cub or boy?No actually he's convinced the Padres to abandon their latin american ties to be the first to start recruiting in the middle east. Wade has his eyes on some pretty explosive prospects.... look for the "Hit and Run" and the "Suicide Squeeze" to take on new meaning in San Diego this year. That Wade - he's a wild and crazy guy.

ed hardiman

01-23-2006, 07:34 AM

No actually he's convinced the Padres to abandon their latin american ties to be the first to start recruiting in the middle east. Wade has his eyes on some pretty explosive prospects.... look for the "Hit and Run" and the "Suicide Squeeze" to take on new meaning in San Diego this year. That Wade - he's a wild and crazy guy.
Thanks for making me spit coffee all over myself...the vision of fans picking bits of the 3rd sack coach out of their hair...priceless.

ed hardiman

01-23-2006, 07:55 AM

The Indians' tentative plan to trade outfielder Coco Crisp to the Red Sox and reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Phillies could hinge on whether Red Sox reliever Guillermo Mota passes the Indians' physical, FOXSports has learned...Rhodes posted a 2.08 ERA and held opponents to a .206 batting average in 47 appearances last season, but allowed 11 of 25 inherited runners to score and missed most of the final two months due to a bereavement leave, his knee injury and a personal matter. With the Phillies, he would be reunited with general manager Pat Gillick, for whom he previously pitched with the Orioles and Mariners...Rhodes,at 36 is the oldest player in the deal.
Gillick's high school reunion from hell continues with a deal sending Jason "100 Hours of Community Service" Michaels to the Injun's who are making the trade so they can acquire 22 year old 3rd sacker prospect Andre Marte because:
"The Indians currently lack a quality third baseman in their farm system, and the position generally is difficult to fill through free agency or trades."
FOXSports
Sound familiar?
Instead we get another self-imploding washed up reliever to fill the "Todd Worrell Head Case" slot left inexplicably open since last season...
Why didn't we send the Sox Michaels for Marte and throw in Franklin as a bonus?
Meanwhile Gillick is rapidly turning the Phillies into the Cryptkeepers.
"Is this a team that can win the division and the World Series right now? I would probably say no."
Nuff said.

donzblock

01-23-2006, 10:55 AM

As was pointed out on WIP this morning, if the deal hinges on what the Phillies do with Michaels, then they have leverage. If they use that leverage to get nothing better than Arthur Rhodes, then the Phillies are throwing in still another towel from their huge collection.

ed hardiman

01-24-2006, 03:26 AM

The deal between the Indians and Red Sox, as well as the Phillies piece, has been widely speculated in local news outlets for the past few days. If a deal is consummated, it would guarantee Ryan Madson's switch to the starting rotation.
Are the Phillies too stupid to realize giving Michaels away for one of three busted up flat broke relievers is not the only way to make Madson a starter?
Wouldn't another way be to make him a starter and not make a catcrap useless trade?
Are we the only ones who see the Phillies burning while Nero Giles fiddles?

Androctus

01-24-2006, 06:23 AM

In my mind this tells me Gillick is oficially done dealing this offseason. I have not seen the deal is officially done, but I'd bet it is, all but on paper. So with Madsen in starting row, that leaves one spot open for like 8 guys to compete for in spring training, and they'll hold the job just till Wolf comes back and they'll ruin the lucky lottery winner again by demoting back to the minors. So the search for starting pitching is over. So the big upgrade this year is Rowand - and is he really going to be a large imporvement over Lofton & friends this year? Enough for the five more wins Gillick promised? And is just five more enough? I don't think so, this year. The Mets may have raised the price of victory some, and I don't expect this year will see the Braves on top of the division when the smoke clears.

ed hardiman

01-24-2006, 12:52 PM

Phillies fans can say that general manager Pat Gillick hasn't done enough yet to make this team a World Series contender.
"...get nothing better than Arthur Rhodes, then the Phillies are throwing in still another towel from their huge collection.
"...with Madson in starting row, that leaves one spot open for like 8 guys...they'll hold the job just till Wolf comes back and they'll ruin the lucky lottery winner again by demoting back to the minors.
The Phillies have rolled the Trojan Horse of defeat to the gates of CBP.
Gillick by any standard made a great trade for Rowand.
Nevertheless he dithered the rest of the off-season away in a series of incomprehensible moves best described as Virtual Senility:

--Signed Tom "Flush" Gordon (RP):
Is inking a 3 year deal with a 38 yr. old non-closer smarter than offering 33 yr. old real-closer Billy Wagner a 4 year deal?
The Mets did simple math better than the Phillies in this deal.
Grade: F-
Could be the exact reason the Phillies fail to win 72 games in 2006.

--Signed Abraham Nunez (IF):
Just what the Phillies need to improve 3rd sack, a 30 year old .248 lifetime hitter with no pop in his stick.
Wait isn't that Dave Bell?
Grade: F-
Bell flatlined in 2005.
Might be a nice guy but 3rd sack isn't a Miss Congeniality contest.

--Signed Ryan Franklin (SP):
Hands down single biggest waste of money since Danny Tartabull.
Catcrap awful.
Should not under any circumstance make the roster with all the young arms the Phillies are ruining in the minors.
Grade: M-
The only player in the history of sports to take steroids and not enhance his performance.
Call this "One too many tequila shooters at the Winter Meetings" and release him.

--Signed Julio Santana (RP):
What's Gillick thinking here?
Santana's 6 teams into a career best described as "putrid."
A Michael Tucker class relief pitcher.
Grade: F-
Just what the Phillies need for the 2006 season-45 innings of mediocrity.

--Signed Sal Fasano (C):
For who? For what? Why sign a 4th string catcher?
Grade: F-
One word: Utley!
How can these nimrods forget the 2005 lesson learned of playing a younger better player?
Does the name Carlos Ruiz ring a bell?
Bueller? Bueller? Anybody?
At the very least re-sign Pratt. Doh!

Overall Grade: F-
At least Phillies fans don't need country music to cry in their beers.

donzblock

01-24-2006, 03:59 PM

The Phillies have rolled the Trojan Horse of defeat to the gates of CBP.
Gillick by any standard made a great trade for Rowand.
Nevertheless he dithered the rest of the off-season away in a series of incomprehensible moves best described as Virtual Senility:

--Signed Tom "Flush" Gordon (RP):
Is inking a 3 year deal with a 38 yr. old non-closer smarter than offering 33 yr. old real-closer Billy Wagner a 4 year deal?
The Mets did simple math better than the Phillies in this deal.
Grade: F-
Could be the exact reason the Phillies fail to win 72 games in 2006.

--Signed Abraham Nunez (IF):
Just what the Phillies need to improve 3rd sack, a 30 year old .248 lifetime hitter with no pop in his stick.
Wait isn't that Dave Bell?
Grade: F-
Bell flatlined in 2005.
Might be a nice guy but 3rd sack isn't a Miss Congeniality contest.

--Signed Ryan Franklin (SP):
Hands down single biggest waste of money since Danny Tartabull.
Catcrap awful.
Should not under any circumstance make the roster with all the young arms the Phillies are ruining in the minors.
Grade: M-
The only player in the history of sports to take steroids and not enhance his performance.
Call this "One too many tequila shooters at the Winter Meetings" and release him.

--Signed Julio Santana (RP):
What's Gillick thinking here?
Santana's 6 teams into a career best described as "putrid."
A Michael Tucker class relief pitcher.
Grade: F-
Just what the Phillies need for the 2006 season-45 innings of mediocrity.

--Signed Sal Fasano (C):
For who? For what? Why sign a 4th string catcher?
Grade: F-
One word: Utley!
How can these nimrods forget the 2005 lesson learned of playing a younger better player?
Does the name Carlos Ruiz ring a bell?
Bueller? Bueller? Anybody?
At the very least re-sign Pratt. Doh!

Overall Grade: F-
At least Phillies fans don't need country music to cry in their beers.
That's how many nails in Gillick's coffin? When does the casket go underground?

donzblock

01-25-2006, 03:48 AM

Androctus

01-25-2006, 06:18 AM

Apparently he also was crying he couldnt trade Abreu because discussions on certain Phillies chatboards were devaluing the golden glover.

And how about this rumored Piazza deal? Would such a move have any value other than a gimmick to promote fan interest in a hometown favorite?

Jake83

01-25-2006, 06:23 AM

With Weaver's emotional makeup and how baseballs fly out out your new ballpark I wouldn't really want to place Jeff Weaver on the Phillies

ed hardiman

01-25-2006, 09:40 AM

Apparently, the Rhodes deal has been put on hold because one of the players in the Red Sox-Indians' deal flunked his physical. Gillick told the press that when the window opens, you have to take advantage of that. If he meant jump out, I agree. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Pat spent about 5 minutes elaborating on the window metaphor. Apparently local reporters are not up on their figurative language. Apparently it was also easier for Gillick to explain how windows work rather than how Rhodes will.
Christmas came early for Phillies fans.
Meanwhile Piazza's a real head scratcher it makes me think there's some sort of carbon monoxide leak in the Phillies front office.
Do we really need a washed up "me ball" catcher on this team?
Piazza's probably the only guy in America who doesn't think T.O. is a greedy-stupid-narcissist.

ed hardiman

01-25-2006, 09:44 AM

With Weaver's emotional makeup and how baseballs fly out out your new ballpark I wouldn't really want to place Jeff Weaver on the Phillies
How dare you disparage the badly damaged goods we've pinned our flickering free agent leftover's hope on.
I hope you're happy.
Thanks to you and your uncalled for accurate appraisal and doubtless true prediction of his ability to launch 'em out of CBP, kids all over the Delaware Valley are taking down their Jeff Weaver altars...

ed hardiman

01-25-2006, 08:10 PM

Bell didn't help his situation by committing a few key errors that wound up costing the Phillies a few games. Still, Bell returns to finish the fourth and final year of the $17.5 million deal he signed in November 2002.
The right-handed batter was deadly against southpaws in 2005, but alarmingly anemic versus righties, batting just .199.
I think what he's trying to say is Endy Bell is only here because Der Bungle gifted him with a fat long term contract. Hopefully Gillick won't fall under the Ol' Dinger's spell and grant him a long term extension.
...The Phillies official also said Philadelphia has had conversations with Mike Piazza's agent, Dan Lozano. Piazza,...would serve as a backup to Mike Lieberthal and also could play first base against some left-handed pitchers, allowing Ryan Howard to get time off.
It's good to see the Phillies are bound and determined to bury Carlos Ruiz alive with a washed up egotistical maniac.
Somebody stop the Gillick I want to get off.

Androctus

01-26-2006, 06:57 AM

Apparently Gillick has tested positive for illegal deal-enhancing drugs. These drugs alter the mental state to make every trade feel like you're stealing Bube Ruth from the Red Sox. Look for ryan Franklin to start in right field next year, after they trade Bobby Abreu to get Kevin Millwood back. For his offense, Pat Gimmick will be sentenced to a lifetime contract extension, and press coverage already served.

Meanwhile Ed Wade continues his trek across the Arabian Desert, touting prospect Yusef al-Jahim Samir, star outfielder for the Damascus Destroyers. Says Wade "This guy has an arm like a Scud missle. You should see him picking off guys rounding third....he's like a sniper out there..."

More on the Ed Wade Crusade to come...

ed hardiman

01-26-2006, 09:43 AM

More on the Ed Wade Crusade to come...
We want to caution the children at home:
Pursuing the career of Ed "Jihad" Wade through the Middle East is strongly discouraged.
Remember Androctus is a professional on a closed course.
Please do not attempt this without proper head gear & adult supervision.
You have to wonder if Der Bungle has all of Gillick's press clippings scotch-taped to his refrigerator door with Gillick's head neatly cut out of each photo and replaced by a B&W photocopied picture of Wade flashing his trademark lopsided "hurry-up & take the picture before I drool" seven dwarf grin...

ed hardiman

01-26-2006, 12:05 PM

Another Phillies Barstool "Phillies" in the Blank Game...

Recently at a Reading, Pa. $50 a handshake charity banquet Phillies front office personel, managers and players said the following:

As usual, Manuel created a stir when he demanded that the crowd _ _ _ on the count of three.
"Good, I feel at home now" joked Manuel...
A: Boo...
B: Hiss...
C: Give him a standing ovation for announcing his retirement...

Gillick asked when the team would acquire a No. 1 pitcher _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his desire to continue to tinker.
A: reiterated...
B: repudiated...
C: chugged chicken croquet gravy directly out of the gravy boat and mumbled what sounded like...

Rowand when asked what qualities his former White Sox teammates exhibited during their World Series championship run said:
"We had 25 guys pulling for _ _ _ _ _ _ _ goal."
A: the same...
B: the opposite...
C: Ed Wade not becoming the White Sox GM. Winning the World Series was nice and all but avoiding Wade at all costs was always our number one...

Correct Answers:
Like the Phillies off season acquisitions there are no wrong answers just wrong outcomes.

Source: Ken Mandel/MLB/Phillies website

Ed Wade is God

01-26-2006, 03:20 PM

I might be a sucker, but I believe Gillick has a plan. His first year his main goal is cleaning up the mess Wade left behind since making the playoffs is too much of a reach. By the end of the 06 season Thome, Lieby, Bell, Perez, and some other studs will be gone. I also have a hunch that he's going to fire Manuel, Dancy and Dubee at the end of this season (or at least he should). Gillick might be old and past his prime in GMing, but he's had enough success to know that those coaches are are crap.

I don't blame Gillick for losing Wagner, that all falls on the shoulders of ownership. I want to believe that the ridiculous Tom Gordon signing is just a stopgap for 2006 so we end up winning 76 games instead of 66 or 67 if someone in house became our closer like Padilla or Robinson Tejada. The Nunez signing wasn't that bad. Gillick knew he couldn't move Bell for a sack of ****, so he got Nunez to help out. It's an improvement over Perez and Ramon Martinez. The pitching market was so weak and overpriced that Gillick stayed away from it. There wasn't anything too special to be had anyway, but I'm disappointed he couldn't make a trade. He pretty much conceded the 2006 season when he rounded out the rotation with Ryan Franklin. I like the idea of giving Madson a shot, but having Franklin take up another guys spot is unacceptable. Haha I bet you're waiting for me to put a positive spin on the Fasano and Julio Santana signing.

I believe the 2006 offseason will be one of the best in Phillies history. A new manager will be hired, along with a new third base coach (but keep Milt Thompson at first, he's cool) and pitching coach. The Phillies will also acquire a top of the rotation starter and a good third baseman to complement the move of Tom Gordon going to a set up role and having (insert a good closer here that we'll get in a trade) close games.

philsphan

01-26-2006, 07:13 PM

why dont we sign alex gonzolez to play third, then trade bell for a warm six pack

donzblock

01-27-2006, 04:19 AM

Androctus

01-27-2006, 07:28 AM

I might be a sucker, but I believe Gillick has a plan. His first year his main goal is cleaning up the mess Wade left behind since making the playoffs is too much of a reach. I don't think it should be that much of stretch based on the recent string of near misses...everyone down to the bums on the street seem to know what the missing pieces are...why not just get them? Theres always some blockage. With Wade it was always economics "The economy wasn't "right" for making such a deal at this time", or the other team wants too much of our overvalued future...

By the end of the 06 season Thome, Lieby, Bell, Perez, and some other studs will be gone. I also have a hunch that he's going to fire Manuel, Dancy and Dubee at the end of this season (or at least he should). Gillick might be old and past his prime in GMing, but he's had enough success to know that those coaches are are crap. Agreed. But the fans are not stupid. If the goal in '06 is to restructure, why dont they just please come out and say so?

Think about this always frustrates me, because it reminds me too much of the management where I work - Anyone with a pulse could probably do better, and maybe even some who are already dead.

ed hardiman

01-27-2006, 12:55 PM

Pat Gillick web chatting with alleged fans who lobbed him softball questions on the Phillies website:

On the Ol' Dinger:
we are hopeful that Bell will return to his production of 2004.

On Cole Hamels making the roster:
No. He will probably begin the season at either Reading or Scranton.

On the mythical 5 win goal:
We probably have not added five more wins yet.

On Jeff Weaver, Josh Fogg or Kevin Brown:
We have no interest in any of them.

On Ryan Franklin's contribution (non-steroidal):
10-12 wins.

On why Franklin is "the man" while glossing over his PEDtastic 2005 season:
Six hundred innings over the past three seasons...experience and a healthy arm.

On Tom Gordon's season:
Forty saves.

On his relentless efforts to bury Carlos Ruiz alive by signing corpses like Fasano & talking to Piazza:
Ruiz will be competing for the backup catcher's position in Spring Training, and if he is not successful, he will be playing the season at Scranton.

On signing this message board's favorite machete wielding arsonist-attempted murderer:
Right now, Urbina is indisposed.

On the number of wins he expects for the Phillies in 2006:
Ninety wins, plus...

Plus...severe head trauma to find ninety wins barely plausible let alone possible...preliminary analysis indicates it may have been Ruben Amaro, Jr. who did the actual typing for Gillick given the number of times "Gillick is down I'm in charge until he comes out of the coma" was entered by mistake.

Ed Wade is God

01-27-2006, 05:23 PM

I think it was Jody MacDonald who said yesterday that the Phillies will acquire some significant players during spring training when injuries will require other teams to go shopping for players like Gold Glover Abreu.

But are we in the 2006 off season right now? Or will the upcoming months of October, November, and December constitute the 2006 off season? Either way, I believe your optimism is misguided. As long as a Montgomery and a Giles occupy seats in the front office, Gillick will not be able to make enough moves to make this team a contender for the World Series.

The most significant move the Phillies can make is to sell this team.

I know it's not the 2006 offseason. I was stating the plan I believe Gillick has to bring this team into the playoffs. It doesn't matter that the time I'm talking about is over a year away because barring an incredible overachievement from the pitching staff, this team won't do much in the regular season.

I think the season will be entertaining even if they are losing. The lineup is pretty strong from 1-7 so there's going to be a lot of 11-10 defeats because the feared duo of Rhodes N' Gordon won't be able to get the job done.

ed hardiman

01-27-2006, 08:30 PM

Thank God we gave Michaels up for a 37 year old set up guy to compliment Flush Gordon. Wasn't the real lesson of Jack & the Beanstalk your gold isn't safe if a sociopathic midget gets his hands on a family cow he can trade for a magic bean?

donzblock

01-28-2006, 04:28 AM

I know it's not the 2006 offseason. I was stating the plan I believe Gillick has to bring this team into the playoffs. It doesn't matter that the time I'm talking about is over a year away because barring an incredible overachievement from the pitching staff, this team won't do much in the regular season.

I think the season will be entertaining even if they are losing. The lineup is pretty strong from 1-7 so there's going to be a lot of 11-10 defeats because the feared duo of Rhodes N' Gordon won't be able to get the job done.
Gillick has no plan to bring the Phillies into the playoffs. Gillick is just playing the role of GM so that he can collect a fat paycheck and rebuild a pension that was severely depleted by the Enron disaster. Every move he makes moves the Phillies sideways or lower. Even the Thome deal added nothing to the team. I'm putting most of the blame on ownership, but if Gillick had as much integrity as we would like him to have, he would not be working for the Phillies.

ed hardiman

01-28-2006, 08:03 AM

...integrity...
There's a word that sends Phillies front office weasels scrambling for a dictionary.

ed hardiman

01-28-2006, 11:35 PM

You don't need big egos and big names to win as a team
No you don't but you do need pitching.

ed hardiman

01-29-2006, 12:17 PM

Bill Giles announced today he's hired ghost writer Ned Wade to ink his autobiography:
"Singing 'Pennies From Heaven' While Phillies Fans Burn in Hell."

Wade has also penned:
"Middle Finger, A Pitch for the Fans" with Andy Ashby.
"7 Highly Ineffective Habits of Rotten Pitchers" with Omar Daal.
"Eleven Million-Nine Wins" with Kevin Millwood.
"Mickey, Desi & the Ducey-68 Unforgettable Victories" with Terry Francona.
"Don't Call Me Almeric- the Midre Cummings Story"

Wade asked why in an eight year career none of his books have reached number one on the NY Times bestsellers list pointed out his readers fall in the demographic that's willing to wait for the movie.

"My writing style is very competitive. Every year I try to field the goodest verbs affordable that put me in a position to be competable at the end of the season."
Was I the only one who noticed Wade's mustache kept falling off?

sadiemae

01-29-2006, 07:31 PM

ed hardiman

01-29-2006, 08:48 PM

FOXSports-Mike Piazza has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Padres, which includes an $8 million mutual option for 2007.
There's the best off-season non-move the Phillies have made.
Piazza, noted for his reliance on the law of averages to throw baserunners out, will once again switch oceans in an attempt to con another MLB team into paying his ego to play one more season of me ball.
Meanwhile Lance Parrish refused comment on being nearly let off the hook as the biggest free agent bust signed as a catcher by the Phillies.

ed hardiman

01-29-2006, 09:01 PM

They say Rowand is a hard-nosed ball player who will do anything to win. Anything but get on base I guess. He's a .260 hitter, who last season had 30 walks. That's THIRTY. Vlade Guerrero walks more by accident. And Rowand is also good for 100 plus Ks without the power trade-off.
I'm guessing this post isn't a ringing endorsement.
Given Gillick's other less than explicable moves to further weaken the Phillies is it any surprise?

Androctus

01-30-2006, 06:39 AM

I'm guessing this post isn't a ringing endorsement.
Given Gillick's other less than explicable moves to further weaken the Phillies is it any surprise?Well, not weaker if you consider 1) Ryan Howard has the potential to match Thome's power numbers at first, and (2) Rowand could be the best center fielder the Phils have had since the Lofton/Michaels platoon way back in '05.

ed hardiman

01-30-2006, 10:19 PM

Well, not weaker if you consider 1) Ryan Howard has the potential to match Thome's power numbers at first, and (2) Rowand could be the best center fielder the Phils have had since the Lofton/Michaels platoon way back in '05.
Howard forced Gillick's hand, Gillick's willingness to bench Howard in favor of Thome was his stated position 'til the catcrap hit the fan and scared Giles with visions of an empty CBP.
How does the declining hitting of Rowand strengthen the Phillies?
If his numbers "average" (which is not a given) those posted over the last 2 seasons it's not equal to a healthy Thome as unlikely a scenario as that is.
But Thome meant sitting Howard.
If Thome takes the DL again this year (which is even money) then anything Rowand does is a plus.
I like the 2 pitching prospects Gillick got in the deal which the always hoodwinked Wade would've never gotten.
It remains to be seen if they can get out of the seventh circle of pitching hell farm system with their skills intact.
Has it been that long since Lofton/Michaels?
It seems like only last season...

Androctus

01-31-2006, 06:22 AM

The only thing for sure is that nothing's for certain, and the only thing we have to fear is success itself.

As far as the seventh circle goes its hard to come up from the abyss with studs like Ryan Franklin throwing party balloons up in the big show.

As far as center field goes anybody that can run out there everyday would be an improvement. I've never been a fan of platoon situations, all they do is remind fans you were too cheap (or stupid) to get an everyday player. Lofton actually did a good job last year, but I dont think he played enough, and whenever he was in the lineup, should have been leading off.

Could have sworn I saw Gillick pulling off the old Jedi mind trick in a press conference after the Rhodes deal:

Gillick: (waves hand) "We don't need any more starting pitching"
Press: "We don't need any more starting pitching"

Gillick:"This is the team you were looking for"
Press:"This is the team we were looking for"

Gillick:"Now I can go about my business"
Press:"He can go about his business...."

Gillick:"Play Ball"
Press:"Play ball...Play ball...."

The Farce can be a powerful influence on the weak minded.

Wheres Judway when you need him.

donzblock

01-31-2006, 06:35 AM

Boo! Boo! Boo! That's all you guys ever do. Here Gillick does great things and you boo! A true fan cheers. No matter what his team does, a true fan cheers. I've been cheering myself hoarse all winter. The Phillies are really trying. I'll cheer anybody who tries even if he slits his throat while doing it. Do you think players like to hear boos? You wanta boo, boo me! I'm leaving. I'll be back next year. Go ahead. Boo! --Judway
The really good things in life you have to wait for. Judway is like that rare flower in the dessert that blooms magnificently, briefly, and usually unseen once every decade.

ed hardiman

01-31-2006, 09:12 PM

I found a website that lists sports blogs as opposed to hosting them and on it was a list of weblogs devoted to specific MLB teams and the total number of posts written to date. I found it interesting and thought you might also:
Team Name (Total # of web blogs)(Total # of posts)
Boston Red Sox (113)(11358)
Chicago Cubs (122) (11082)
New York Mets (82) (9598)
New York Yankees (71) (5250)
Washington Nationals (26) (3958)
Seattle Mariners (34) (3639)
Oakland Athletics (18) (3636)
Cincinnati Reds (17) (3103)
Atlanta Braves (25) (2978)
San Francisco Giants (25) (2952)
Philadelphia Phillies (33) (2905)
Minnesota Twins (26) (2753)
Pittsburgh Pirates (20) (2366)
Annaheim Angels (16) (2258)
Chicago White Sox (42) (2130)
Milwaukee Brewers (14) (2043)
San Diego Padres (9) (1845)
Cleveland Indians (19) (1806)
Kansas City Royals (24) (1701)
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (14) (1511)
St. Louis Cardinals (24) (1511)
Florida Marlins (9) (1432)
Baltimore Orioles (27) (1223)
Detroit Tigers (24) (1208)
Texas Rangers (7) (712)
Toronto Blue Jays (10) (341)

ed hardiman

02-01-2006, 01:12 AM

I had a dream of Bill Giles as a decrepit T-Rex scavenging in the gloaming of the Cretaceous with Dave Montgomery and Pat Gillick as his spindly useless arms and Bat Manuel as his tail.
Flashing teeth mottled red with blood and pieces of Ed Wade snap at a screeching Ruben Amaro, Jr.-headed Pterodactyl and then Spielberg yells cut and we all go to a deli and have real corned beef on rye with pickle slices that make the potato chips soggy with pickle juice which I really hate but that's beside the point...

Ashburn1

02-01-2006, 03:49 PM

Imapotato

02-01-2006, 07:11 PM

Gillick got something for Thome

That is pretty good...I can't believe they didn't resign Lofton to a one year deal

ed hardiman

02-02-2006, 12:32 AM

Ed, you should have a blog- The Phillies Barstool. The stuff you post on here is great. Even more people should be reading it.
Thank You. The credit for the Barstool rests solely on and reflects the continuing gracious contributions of some of my favorite and insightful diehard Phillies fans opining on topics large and small:
The great Don Block; poet laureate of those Brooklyn Nine...
Androctus the Munificent...
Ed Wade is God (really he is)...
runningshoes53 aka the thrilla...
John"nite"cap...
Imapotato the Moderato...
Mr. Met
and lest we forget...LP
and many others I've not listed who make this thread an institution of higher sarcasm.
Welcome to the Barstool...we'll save a seat for you...and your next 4 oz. warm beer is on the house...

ed hardiman

02-02-2006, 12:42 AM

Gillick got something for Thome
That is pretty good...I can't believe they didn't resign Lofton to a one year deal
Boy you said a mouthful...
I hope Rowand thrives from the change of scenery and it was a monster deal if only one of the two pitchers pan out.
If both pan out it'll be outright thievery, the baseball equivalent of the Herschel Walker deal the Cowboys rode to 3 Super Bowls thanks to the incredibly stupid Vikings.
Getting out from underneath the back end of Thome's deal like that was simply slicker than anything Wade would've concocted.
It was butta.
I can't complain about Lofton in good conscious because except for the age related fragility he smacked the catcrap out of the ball and swiped some canvas.
When you look at the logjam of Phillies coming up that are 18-22 you have to wonder if Gillick figures things will get better next year whether he does anything or not.
At least they have some 3rd sackers hitting A-AA this year.
Though paying Bell 4.5 million smackers per for .240-something & 10 boxes of waffles is simply infuriating.

ed hardiman

02-03-2006, 02:50 PM

Welcome to the dog days of February.

The lull before the dull.

As our thoughts turn from Urbina hand crafting a shiv for his new home to contemplating a magical summer of Tom Gordon demonstrating the ill effects of mass and velocity on another pillow he tosses blowing a save we should stop to scrape the off-season from our shoes.

Like a lizard regenerating a torn tail Giles neatly severed Wade and grew a Gillick.

Have things changed for the better?

✓Bell still turning our stomachs at 3rd sack.
✓No frontline pitching.
✓Thome gone for Rowand.
✓Michaels gone for snot.
✓Ruiz buried alive.
✓Three words-Ruben Amaro, Jr.
✓Lose Arbuckle lose the best talent scouting/draft/farm system director the Phillies have had since the Pope.

The mythical blockbuster Gillick keeps alluding to is hogwash let's do the math:

A team with compelling motivation to deal a quality starter for Abreu-sorry to float your name again Bobby I know it hurts the feelings we can't ascertain you even possess from your somnambulant play-would've done so by now.
+
The good ship lollipop false hope of a spring training freak injury creating a gaping hole in a team that would in turn be stupid enough to trade a frontline legitimate #1 who isn't a bazillion years old or upwardly mobile young #2 for Abreu is a steaming pile of catcrap.
=
Outfielders are pennies on the dollar to replace why would any team throw filet mignon at a hamburger helper problem?

We hope Pat enjoys his cup of cheesesteak in Philly on his way to the next Giles class owner that buys into the patina of his fading glory days.

Saying this team isn't a contender isn't insight it's obvious.

It's also just as obvious doing nothing of value won't add any either.

johncap

02-03-2006, 06:33 PM

✓Lose Arbuckle lose the best talent scouting/draft/farm system director the Phillies have had since the Pope.

Hep (sic) me understand exactly what it is that Fatty has accomplished since he's been here. This is an urban legend from where I sit.

Howard was an ACCIDENT. They had NO idea what they had in him.

The pitching, a ton of highly touted can't misses, have ALL missed.

I'll give you Chase Utley, but tell me who scouted him and HE gets credit.

ed hardiman

02-03-2006, 08:46 PM

Hep (sic) me understand exactly what it is that Fatty has accomplished since he's been here. This is an urban legend from where I sit.
Howard was an ACCIDENT. They had NO idea what they had in him.
The pitching, a ton of highly touted can't misses, have ALL missed.
I'll give you Chase Utley, but tell me who scouted him and HE gets credit.
I'll take Chase and raise you-Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Brett Myers, Scott Rolen, Johnny Estrada, Carlos Ruiz, Randy Wolf, Adam Eaton and Ryan Madson. He also had the Phillies draft Eric Valent & J.D. Drew.
Currently in the system there are talents like Bourn, Hamels, Floyd, Mathieson, Jaramillo, Roberson, etc.
Have you forgotten the glowing toxic waste dump the farm system was through he 80's up til Arbuckle arrived?
Since the farm system routinely produced no one of any MLB caliber whatsoever you have to recognize Arbuckle has had a profound impact.
Read the bottom paragraph of post #58 in this thread on Jeff Jackson getting picked in '89 over Frank Thomas and about 3 dozen other all-stars and good players for some really horrific perspective on pre-Arbuckle draft day decisions.
Arbuckle has never been part of the problem.
Think of it this way, if these are his results under Giles what would he accomplish with a real baseball organization?

johncap

02-04-2006, 08:44 AM

I'll take Chase and raise you-Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Brett Myers, Scott Rolen, Johnny Estrada, Carlos Ruiz, Randy Wolf, Adam Eaton and Ryan Madson. He also had the Phillies draft Eric Valent & J.D. Drew.
Currently in the system there are talents like Bourn, Hamels, Floyd, Mathieson, Jaramillo, Roberson, etc.
Have you forgotten the glowing toxic waste dump the farm system was through he 80's up til Arbuckle arrived?
Since the farm system routinely produced no one of any MLB caliber whatsoever you have to recognize Arbuckle has had a profound impact.
Read the bottom paragraph of post #58 in this thread on Jeff Jackson getting picked in '89 over Frank Thomas and about 3 dozen other all-stars and good players for some really horrific perspective on pre-Arbuckle draft day decisions.
Arbuckle has never been part of the problem.
Think of it this way, if these are his results under Giles what would he accomplish with a real baseball organization?
Sorry, I don't see it. To praise him because his predecessor was totally inept (and the Phillies refused to invest in the farm system monetarily) is like saying Manuel is a better manager than Francona (literary license allowed me to ignore Bowa in between) because he had a better record. It seems to be a matter of which is worse rather than which is better.

When at least of the few of these prospects make it to the majors and actually play, then praise Fatty. At this point he's far more hype, ala Abreu, than success.

BTW, I doubt I'd include Drew in your argument for a number of reasons....

ed hardiman

02-04-2006, 05:18 PM

Sorry, I don't see it. To praise him because his predecessor was totally inept (and the Phillies refused to invest in the farm system monetarily) is like saying Manuel is a better manager than Francona (literary license allowed me to ignore Bowa in between) because he had a better record. It seems to be a matter of which is worse rather than which is better.
When at least of the few of these prospects make it to the majors and actually play, then praise Fatty. At this point he's far more hype, ala Abreu, than success.
BTW, I doubt I'd include Drew in your argument for a number of reasons....
13 guys who are starters in the majors in 12 years?
Name one decade in a hundred when that happened for the Phillies?
Arbuckle was the director of scouting and player development and responsible for the farm system which is light years beyond what it ever was who else do you attribute it too? Amaro?
You're entitled to your opinion and it has merit but I respectfully disagree...
As for Drew it was cheap ass Swill Giles who pooched Drew cause he didn't want to pay the going rate for a number 1 draft pick 2 years in a row.
The exact same reason we don't have a number #1 starter in Philly.

johncap

02-04-2006, 11:03 PM

13 guys who are starters in the majors in 12 years?
Name one decade in a hundred when that happened for the Phillies?
Arbuckle was the director of scouting and player development and responsible for the farm system which is light years beyond what it ever was who else do you attribute it too? Amaro?
You're entitled to your opinion and it has merit but I respectfully disagree...
As for Drew it was cheap ass Swill Giles who pooched Drew cause he didn't want to pay the going rate for a number 1 draft pick 2 years in a row.
The exact same reason we don't have a number #1 starter in Philly.
First off I completely disagree with everything you contend. In the '60s the Phillies produced starters that I can't even count that John Quinn peppered both leagues with in the search for the perfect 35 year old (in a time when 35 was OLD for a bseball player). This carried over into the '70s, which to be honest fits your original premise that Fatty is the best farm director since Owens, however Green actually was in between.

In the end, I'm not impressed with the production of either the scouting department in finding talent or the farm system developing it, which IS, by the way, the responsibility of the farm director, way above finding talent. They NEVER develop players they draft and often those same players blossom elsewhere. To wit, Eric Valent (no star to be sure) but John Vukovich told me two years after they drafted him he'd never play in the majors. He called him a "piss ant". All this vaunted pitching talent we keep hearing about (and getting revised lists of) never seems to materialize even if to be used as trade bait.

No, I'm not impressed. And me thinks that's why he gets tastes but no cigar. He's serviceable. I HAD high hopes for him 6- 7 years ago but he's stagnated under the weight of the Phillies corporate identity.

ed hardiman

02-05-2006, 12:26 AM

First off I completely disagre with everything you contend. In the '60s the Phillies produced starters that I can't even count that John Quinn peppered both leagues with in the search for the perfect 35 year old (in a time when 35 was OLD for a bseball player). This carried over into the '70s, which to be honest fits your original premise that Fatty is the best farm director since Owens, however Green actually was in between.
In the end, I'm not impressed with the production of either the scounting department in finding taslen or the farm system developing it, which IS, by the way, the responsibility of the farm director, way above finding talent. They NEVER develop players they draft and ofetn those same players blossom elsewhere. To with, Eric Valent (no star to be sure) but John Vukovich told me two years after they drafted him he'd never play in the majors. He called him a piss ant. All this vaunted pitching talen we keep hearing about (and getting revised lists of) never seems to materialize even if to be used as trade bait.
No, I'm not impressed. And me thinks that's why he gets tastes but no cigar. He's serviceable. I HAD high hopes for him 6- 7 years ago but he's stagnated under the weight of the Phillies corporate identity.
Well said.
Our opinions vary but I think they cover all the ground in between.
I think the Phillies have institutionalized failure to an incomprehensible degree.

ed hardiman

02-05-2006, 01:06 AM

2006 Phillies promotion and event schedule
The Highlights Include:
Kid's Opening Day
Tenatively entitled: You're Never Too Young to Learn How to Lose.
Rooftop Thursdays
Where despondent fans throw themselves off the roof of the Food Distribution Center after listening to a mechanical bull spout mechanical bullflop the Phillies are 5 players away from going to the World Series.
Player Bobble Figurines
To compliment David Bell bobbling chances at 3rd sack.
Phanatic Jersey Give Away
Since no player will allow his name or likeness associated with the Phillies this season the Phanatic shirts are as completely useless as a day-glo green novelty tie.
Minor League Games
Because qualitatively without frontline pitching that's what you're getting for the price of admission.
Family Fist Fight Nights
(aka Fistavus or Fistival)
Does daddy have a glass jaw? Now kids will find out in a wholesome setting. Watch Mommy throw an uppercut as you bite into a Hatfield Phillies Frank®.

Full Schedule:

Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day:
0-1 was never so much fun!
Monday, April 3, 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis Cardinals)

Citizens Bank Businessperson's Specials:
Cut work or school and get drunk on last season's leftover warm beer:
Thursday, April 6, 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis Cardinals)
Thursday, April 27, 3:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
Wednesday, May 31, 1:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
Thursday, June 15, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
Thursday, July 27, 1:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Monday, July 31, 1:05 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)

Rooftop Thursdays:
Drunks and heights does it get any better?
Every Thursday it's an exclusive party on the rooftop in Ashburn Alley for college students and young adults. Screw the old guys and gals! Tickets $12 include food and drink specials, Mechanical Bull and Surfing Contests, and more.

Kid's Opening Day/Ryan Howard Rookie of the Year Growth Chart:
Supersize your kid against the guy who launched Thome to the White Sox!
Saturday, April 8, 3:05 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Kids won't want to miss this! Features plenty of fun, festivities and prizes...plus a unique growth chart giveaway for children 14 and under showcasing 2005 NL Rookie of the Year Ryan Howard.

Southwest Airlines Schedule Magnets:
Trinkets for the natives. Sorry we ran out of smallpox infected blankets.
All fans receive a Phillies 2006 schedule magnet
Sunday, April 9, 1:35 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Tuesday, April 18, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals).

Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Dates:
$1 dog days are back and green food never tasted so yum-yum diarrhea good!
Sunday, April 9, 1:35 p.m. (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Wednesday, April 19, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
Monday, April 24, 7:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
Monday, May 29, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
Tuesday, July 4, 3:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres)
Monday, September 4, 3:05 p.m. (Houston Astros)

College Night at the Phillies:
Stupid fans pay more!
Bring your college I.D receive a $4 discount.
College nights include:
Wednesday, April 19, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
• Also Hatfield Dollar Dog Day.
Thursday, April 20, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
• Also: fans 15 and over receive the fun and trendy McDonald's Jimmy Rollins Knit Beanie Hat giveaway.
• Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a mechanical bull competition.
Wednesday, April 26, 7:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
Thursday, April 27, 3:05 p.m. (Colorado Rockies)
• Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a surfing contest.
Thursday, May 4, 7:05 p.m. (Atlanta Braves)
• Also Rooftop Thursday: For $12, college students can party on the rooftop of Ashburn Alley, which includes a surfing contest.

Women's Softball Celebration:
No Bowling League Night?
Saturday, April 22, 7:05 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
Members of the professional softball league, National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), will sign autographs, give softball tips and participate in a special pre-game ceremony. All softball players, coaches and their families will receive a special ticket discount for that night.

Citizens Bank Phanatic Birthday/Phanatic Jersey:
Hey when are you give out shirts I'd wear like: Giles Must Go!
Sunday, April 23, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
The Phanatic's birthday bash is back with mascots from all over the country attending! Guests 14 and under receive a Phanatic jersey.

Teacher Appreciation Night:
I Need Don Block to supply a suitable quip for this space.
Friday, May 5, 7:05 p.m. (San Francisco Giants)
The Phillies salute teachers for their hard work and dedication. Ten teachers will be selected as Delaware Valley Teacher All-Stars and honored pre-game. Teachers and their families receive a special ticket discount to the game.

Mother's Appreciation/Breast Cancer Awareness Night/Ladies Tote Bag:
We all got 'em. We all love 'em. Mom's!
Sunday, May 7, 8:05 p.m. (San Francisco Giants, ESPN telecast)
All mothers will be honored with a special pre-game tribute. All women 15 and over receive a chic pink tote bag.

WB Mason Delivery Truck:
This is a stretch. WB who?
Saturday, May 20, 7:05 p.m. (Boston Red Sox)
A great collectible for kids 14 and under.

Phillies Phestival for ALS:
A good cause.
Monday, May 22
Join the Phillies for this annual benefit for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Features player autograph signing, specialty photo booths, live and silent auctions and family games.

Minor League Games at Citizens Bank Park:
See players who can't dog it and sleep walk through a game in right field.
Monday, May 15, 7:05 p.m.
Lakewood BlueClaws vs. Delmarva Shorebirds
Monday, June 12, 7:05 p.m.
Reading Phillies vs. Altoona Curve.

Collectible Bobble Figurines:
Damn I want them both!
It's a bobble head and figurine rolled into one; available to all fans. Collect them both:
• Chase Utley Bobble Figurine, Friday, May 26, 7:05 p.m. (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Ryan Howard Bobble Figurine, Wednesday, July 26, 7:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Be a Phanatic About Reading Literacy Night/Book Drive/Celebrity Readers:
Boy they really rub the stupid fans nose in it this year luckily stupid people usually have poor reading skills.
Tuesday, May 30, 7:05 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
All students, teachers and their families participating in the Phillies Be a Phanatic About Reading program will receive a special ticket discount. Students selected as Most Outstanding and Most Improved Readers will be honored pre-game. A book drive to benefit Philadelphia Reads will take place and there will be celebrity readers in the Phanatic Attic.

Modell's Sporting Goods Kids Run the Bases:
You can only hope they don't pass steroids out first.
This popular promotion allows kids 14 and under to find out what it's like to be a Major League player and run the bases after the game.
• Sunday, May 28, 1:35 p.m. (Milwaukee Brewers)
• Tuesday, July 4, 3:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres), Also Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Day
• Thursday, July 27, 1:05 p.m. (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
• Monday, September 4, 3:05 p.m. (Houston Astros) - Also Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Day

Sound of Philadelphia Celebration:
This better mean the Phillies give Gamble & Huff the props they deserve.
Tuesday, June 13, 7:05 p.m., (New York Mets)
In celebration of Black Music Month, the Phillies will host this special event featuring musical performances before and during the game.

Father's Appreciation Day/Men's Baseball Cap:
Give Dad a two-fer he'll enjoy-a free cap and an infuriating one run loss!
Sunday, June 18, 1:35 p.m. (Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Fathers will be honored with a special pre-game tribute. Plus, men 15 and over receive a trendy baseball cap.

Independence Blue Cross Fireworks Shows:
Where do you think your health care premiums go? Up in smoke. That's where!
Wednesday, July 5, 7:05 p.m. (San Diego Padres)
Friday, July 7, 7:05 p.m. (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Two nights of the ultimate fireworks show you might as well go you're already paying for it!

Turkey Hill Picnic Bag:
I thought Yogi Bear was the last person who gave a rat's ass about picnics.
Sunday, July 9, 1:35 p.m. (Pittsburgh Pirates)
A unique giveaway for guests 14 and under.

Aaron Rowand Player T-Shirt:
If we're lucky Aaron will pull a Rolen and refuse to play.
Sunday, July 30, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
This red name and number t-shirt is for guests 14 and under.

Phillies Wall of Fame Night/Wall of Fame Photo Card Set:
Before the rumors fly. Once again the Phillies will pass over the Big Toe, Danny Tartabull.
Friday, August 11, 7:05 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds)
A former Phillies star will be inducted into the team's Wall of Fame pre-game. All fans receive a photo card set featuring players inducted in the Wall of Fame, located in Memory Lane (Ashburn Alley) and sponsored by the Philadelphia Zoo.

Alumni Night:
Just a thought: Lenny Dykstra-free alcohol. Do the math. Bring the kids.
Saturday, August 12, 7:05 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds)
Alumni from the tri-state area will participate in a special pre-game ceremony and greet fans at the entrance gates.

Phillies Player Cap:
Finally a tribute to Sal Fasano!
Sunday, August 13, 1:35 p.m. (Cincinnati Reds)
Children 14 and under receive a baseball cap featuring a current player.

PAL Media Softball Game:
You're damn skippy I'd pay to see Leslie Gudel throw a brushback pitch.
Monday, August 14, 7:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
Watch your favorite media celebrities (newspaper and radio vs. TV) compete during the annual Police Athletic League softball game, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Citizens Bank Pride of the Phillies Print:
If the Phillies had any sense they'd send me this and the bobbleheads so I don't kill them all season. Extortion? Let's just call it "protection."
Thursday, August 17, 1:05 p.m. (New York Mets)
The series continues with this new edition print; for all guests.

Phillies Back-to-School Gift:
Boy it really pays to be under 14. Is that inches or feet?
Sunday, August 20, 1:35 p.m. (Washington Nationals)
Get ready for school with a special gift for children 14 and under.

Fan Appreciation Day:
aka Suckers Day: Another season-We didn't make the playoffs-Thanks!
Sunday, September 24, 1:35 p.m. (Florida Marlins)
Prizes and festivities! All the leftover crap we didn't give away all season long because of lousy attendance.
Now do you understand how the Dutch bought Manhattan Island for $24 worth of beads and blankets?

johncap

02-05-2006, 10:27 AM

johncap

02-05-2006, 10:28 AM

Now do you understand how the Dutch bought Manhattan Island for $24 worth of beads and blankets?
Geez, all these giveaways that I won't be there for because they don't have any pitching!

Androctus

02-06-2006, 06:37 AM

I see the "Meet the Phillies" broadcast aired on Sunday before the annual tidal wave that is the Superbowl. Ratings show all of 6 people tuned in for a total of 23 minutes during the one hour program, one of which, admittedly, was me. Long enough to see Charlie Manual admire the shape of Pat Gillick's skull, and hear a barrage of the same double-talk that made Wade so popular. Manual declares that Bell is still our starting 3rd sacker, and to remember that even though he was just awful last year, two years ago he was mediocre. John Marzano declares the season success rests directly on the shoulders of Ryan Howard. What a great thing to say to a kid going into his first full season.

My favorite moment - seeing a ten year old ask Gillick "Are you still going to try to trade Bobby Abreu for a starting pitcher?"

There goes the next Bill Conlin...

ed hardiman

02-06-2006, 12:40 PM

...Manual declares that Bell is still our starting 3rd sacker, and to remember that even though he was just awful last year, two years ago he was mediocre.
My favorite moment - seeing a ten year old ask Gillick "Are you still going to try to trade Bobby Abreu for a starting pitcher?"
There goes the next Bill Conlin...
Brilliant review.
I hear if you replay the show frame by frame in super-slo-motion you can see Ed Wade standing behind Gillick holding his own head like a bowling ball right before the first commercial break.
Did they get a shot of spittle flying out of Gillick's mouth when he screamed "Get that punk kid out of here before he wakes Bobby up and hurts his feelings?"

ed hardiman

02-06-2006, 01:10 PM

The Philadelphia Inquirer took the long route to get where the rest of us at BBF are on Cole Hamels:
10 starts in 2 years.
Dreadful.
Right where you expect him to be in the meat grinder of pitching, the Phillies farm system.

Androctus

02-06-2006, 01:31 PM

Did they get a shot of spit flying out of Gillick's mouth when he screamed "Get that punk kid out of here before he wakes Bobby up and hurts his feelings?"Followed by: "Look you little brat! When I get my hands on you...."

I think this same kid asked Manual two questions later who he thought the team to beat in the NL east would be (bright kid) to which Bat replied the following:

"Well, dat NL east, be dat, um shiggum, man upside down flub wonder Mets, aaaand fliugum sheooo dissum Braves we werun for teh yoogum fliggle homina homina homina..."

ed hardiman

02-06-2006, 03:53 PM

Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi has banned goatees, mustaches or beards when players begin reporting for spring training Feb. 18.
Girardi stated regulating follicular activity is the missing component to the Fish winning the division in 2006.

In related news the Phillies announced:

"Pat Gillick, in the off chance the Marlins latest harebrained policy has any validity, ordered the head of Ruben Amaro, Jr. shaved until further notice."

Androctus

02-06-2006, 04:10 PM

"Pat Gillick, in the off chance the Marlins latest harebrained policy has any validity, ordered the head of Ruben Amaro, Jr. shaved until further notice."Which in turn revealed Amaro's scalp to be a clear water-filled glass dome, with naught but a solitary goldfish swimming within..

Only 32 posts to go to tie the illustrious "Bobby Abreu...Gold Glove Award" thread for longest all time.

ed hardiman

02-07-2006, 05:06 AM

"...As he has done all winter, Manuel performed stand-up comedy..."
As he does all summer though frequently performing some of his funniest stuff sitting down...

ed hardiman

02-07-2006, 11:57 PM

In a game of confuse a cat with fans the Red Sox and Phillies signed identically named Shortstops.

There is of course a gaping qualitative difference the Red Sox signed the All Star Gonzalez and in what comes as no surprise the Phillies opted for the non All Star.

The Red Sox signed 29 year old SS Alex Gonzalez, who batted .264 last season in Florida playing 130 games for the Fish smacking 5 boxes of waffles and 45 babybacks along the way.

The Phillies inked 33 year old SS Alex Gonzalez who stroked a respectable .269 with 9 Crisco-Pops and 38 babybacks in 109 games.

A-Gonz also spent last season in Florida albeit in the black-hole of Tampa Bay also known as the place where Kevin Stocker's career went to die so we could steal Bobby Abreu.

On the down side A-Gonz is a .244 career hitter over 11 seasons which fits the left side of the infield ineptitude at the plate established by David "Uh-Oh" Bell & continued by Abe "A-Nez" Nunez.

Let's mathificate.
A-Gonz played 98 games at third base last season for Tampa Bay.
A-Nez notched 98 games at third for St. Louis.

Divide that by David Bell playing 150 games hitting .248, with 10 boxes of waffles and 81 babybacks.

This equation kind of sticks a big-ass-fork in David Bell playing a whole hell of a lot of 3rd sack in 2006. Which is a good thing.

A-Gonz can also play both corners and the middle infield giving Tomas Perez's prospects of sticking with the Phightin's in 2006 the distinct odor of burnt toast.

The Barstool feels vindicated we pointed out early-on the glaring need for the Phillies to add a player like A-Gonz just so we could say "A-Gonz" as many times as possible to amuse ourselves during this upcoming season to forget. Being able to say A-Nez and A-Gonz is an added bonus.

Androctus

02-08-2006, 06:35 AM

What exactly is the Phils love affair with guys who hit .240?

In other trade rumors: Abreu and Gavin Floyd to the White Sox for Jermaine Dye and Jose Contreras? Anybody else hear this? Apparently the Phils have no comment and the Sox aren't exactly denying it, and the deal has too many pieces that fit.

ed hardiman

02-09-2006, 12:51 AM

The Phillies spring training production of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" began in earnest today.

Charlie Manuel summed up David Bell's precarious position now that they've signed not one but two guys to replace him:

"Third base is Bell's job to lose..."
Survey says: What the last three stink bomb seasons didn't count towards his overall score?

"He's a professional, and he's not going to give his position up lightly."
Survey says: You might want to hold off on signing any long term apartment leases in Philadelphia Dave.

"He's going to fight for his job."
Survey says: It's all over throw a bucket of water on him it's a TKO in the first round.

"If somebody is struggling and somebody else is swinging good, that's how the game is played."
Survey says: Struggling? How about dead on the table with a do not resuscitate at 3rd sack order?"

Buh-Bye Dave.

The recent signing reunites A-Gonz with general manager Pat Gillick, whose theme of acquiring washed up Blue Jays & Mariners continues to defy logic...

Meanwhile courtesy of the Phillies website:
2006 Projected batting order
1. SS Rollins:
2. CF Rowand:
3. 2B Utley:
4. RF Abreu:
5. LF Burrell:
6. 1B Howard:
7. 3B A-Gonz or A-Nez
8. C Lieberthal:

Projected rotation
1. Lieber
2. Myers
3. Lidle
4. Franklin
5. Madson

Projected bullpen
Closer: Gordon
RH setup man: TBA
LH setup man: Rhodes

Barstool Projected Order:

1. Rollins
2. Abreu
3. Utley
4. Howard
5. Burrell
6. Rowand
7. A-Gonz or A-Nez
8. Lieberthal

Projected Starters

Do we have a #1 or #2 starter yet?
3. Myers
4. Lieber
5. Lidle
6. Madson
7. Franklin

Closer: Who cares won't need him.

Androctus

02-09-2006, 06:47 AM

Maybe they should just abandon 3rd base and go with two shortstops.

Ed Wade is God

02-09-2006, 09:54 PM

Maybe if A-Gonz, D-Bell, and A-Nez skill sets were combined into one player then maybe the Phillies would have a decent third baseman. I heard Manuel wants to do a third baseman by committee where Bell plays the first three innings, then Gonzalez plays the middle, and Nunez comes into finish the game. Manuel wants to prove he is a baseball genius and I think this idea would solidify him as one.

ed hardiman

02-10-2006, 12:27 AM

"...In order for that to happen, the Phillies have to find a way to secure five more wins, a statement Pat Gillick said on the day he was hired as the team's general manager. And it starts with pitching..."
If the media has a single shred of credibility left it should absolutely crucify the Phillies for this vomitus assertion when they tank at the end of this season.

Like Dorothy clicking her heels together and repeating "There's no place like home" the Phillies hope repetition is a palliative alternative to fans for a quarter-century of failure.

Imapotato

02-10-2006, 01:19 AM

Here's the thing about David Bell, Alex Gonzalez and Abraham Nunez

David Bell although some say horrible...hit .400 with a .461 OBP and .593 SLG vs LH pitching, he is also a horrible night time player, hitting .271 in day games

Gonzalez will most likely play 3rd vs RH pitchers and in day games...since he hits lefties well, but shows more power against RHers and he plays better in night games and is really subpar when the sun is out (.212 BA)

Nunez is not starting material but can sub at 3rd, SS and 2b against RHers and Matt Kata can start 2b against LHers to give Utley a break

Tomas Perez will still be the PH because with RISP Perez hit .280 with 22 RBI in 53 Abs

Overall good signings by Gillick, but I am not sure Manuel has the IQ to play them as I just stated

Androctus

02-10-2006, 06:37 AM

...Matt Kata can start 2b against LHers to give Utley a break...I'm not the manager obviously but I disagree entirely with the philosophy of sitting Howard and Utley against lefties. The lineup right now is decidedly left hand-heavy, which os another reason the Contreras/Dye for Abreu/Floyd deal makes sense on another level is that it bring more balance to a roster which right now really only features Burrell, Rowand and (*gasp*) David Bell from the right side. Let them guys hit, they'll be fine. Or go and get them some better lineup protection. Too early in their carreers to attach them with the "can't hit lefty" stigma.

ed hardiman

02-12-2006, 07:22 AM

Stop the Gillick I want to Get Off Dept:
The Phillies, seeking a backup outfielder, have contacted free agent B.J. Surhoff to gauge his interest. Surhoff turns 42 in August.
For those of you wondering why B.J.?
Why not the Mummy for instance?
Welcome to the latest chapter in The Over the Gillick Gang Rides Again.
Surhoff signed as a free agent with Gillick in 1996 and played for him the entire time Pat was GM in Baltimore.
On the plus side:
Surhoff isn't entirely gruesome averaging 95 games, 93 hits, .287, 6 boxes of waffles and 41 babybacks over the past 3 seasons with those hapless Baltimore Oh-No's.
On the down side:
Why in God's green earth won't the idiot Phillies give those AB's to one of their young fielders?
Stop robbing the Pet Sematary, Pat.
Phillies Alumni Notes
Ricky Bottalico, Terry Mulholland, Brandon Duckworth, Eric Valent, Reggie Taylor, Bobby Estallela, and Desi Relaford...all share one thing in common this spring season they are non-roster invitees.
If baseball is the endless summer of our youth then the price we pay is the small reminder time robs us all.

ed hardiman

02-14-2006, 10:22 AM

"If I'm living in the past, I'm not doing anything today..."
Bat Manuel kicks off spring training with a kung fu-ism.

The latest power of positive thinking craze to sweep der Phibbles?
April is a must win month.
There's some cutting edge imagineering for you.

Gillick the Once and Future GM.
The Inky and Daily News continue to reveal all aspects of Pat Gillick past, present, and future to an annoying extreme.

Walking 50 minutes a day has led our plucky GM to presciently observe:
"You have to be careful," Gillick said. "You could be thinking about a trade and get knocked over by a truck."

Good stuff.
Look both ways before crossing the street.

Gillick's best line in the Inky?
"I can throw rocks better than I can shoot, so I throw rocks."
A quote Charles Kuralt used from Gillick's father who as a sheriff of 35 years never fired his weapon.

Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love Pat.
I can't swear about the efficacy of our rock throwing but give us a Duracell and we can hit anything.

Still no frontline pitching acquisitions for those of you scoring the pre-season at home.

Imapotato

02-14-2006, 11:30 AM

I'm not the manager obviously but I disagree entirely with the philosophy of sitting Howard and Utley against lefties. The lineup right now is decidedly left hand-heavy, which os another reason the Contreras/Dye for Abreu/Floyd deal makes sense on another level is that it bring more balance to a roster which right now really only features Burrell, Rowand and (*gasp*) David Bell from the right side. Let them guys hit, they'll be fine. Or go and get them some better lineup protection. Too early in their carreers to attach them with the "can't hit lefty" stigma.

No, no

I didn't mean sit Utley against every lefty

I meant when he has a day off and a LHer is pitching Kata is a better option then the others

Androctus

02-15-2006, 07:06 AM

No, no

I didn't mean sit Utley against every lefty

I meant when he has a day off and a LHer is pitching Kata is a better option then the othersNo I understand, but management seems to like to take that scenario to the next level, you know. Bottom of the ninth, two on, two out, down by one...They're bringing in a lefty, lets pinch hit for Ryan Howard here...

More news from the "Meet the Phillies" program, I actually found one of the other six people who tuned in and caught rollins in the first half, who was asked by Micael Barkhan (sp?) that he drew x amount of walks last year, any plans to take more free passes? To which the reply "No. Walks are not an option" was heard to the amazement of many. By comparison, Rowands comments on timidity in the field - I might run into a wall, I might run through a wall. I might even run over my teammates - understandably drew a lot more applause.

ed hardiman

02-15-2006, 07:03 PM

...Walks are not an option...
The way I see it that meshes well with the Phillies philosophy "Winning isn't everything."
And no that isn't a shortened version of Lombardi's creed...

Imapotato

02-17-2006, 02:43 PM

Please don't buy into the Walks are everything hype

I am sick of that philosophy in baseball...it is boring and not as effective as saying "The more you get on base, the more you score" Well tell that to the teams who lead the league in LOB...

Do you not see the high K totals as well? Theory is one thing...playing baseball is another...which is why ballplayers laugh at Sabermatrics

They said Scott Posednik was a bad player, didn't walk enough, stolen bases are the second most overrated stat next to RBI...yet he comes over to the White Sox and help them win a World Series

On the Field>then Moneyball theories

Someone has got to hit them in...and no...no team will ever have .480 OBP guys 1-6 in the lineup but thats the OBP theory

If Rollins hits .330 with a .380 OBP .480 SLG and steals 15-4 SB%...I'll take that over .270 .420 OBP .420 SLG and 35-20 SB%

Rollins has gap power and I'd rather see him on second or 3rd with a double or triple then on 1st and have 2 of the next 3 guys WHIFF with him still on 1st

ed hardiman

02-17-2006, 04:46 PM

Daulton is convinced that the day of reckoning is coming. Specifically, on Dec. 21, 2012, at 11:11 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time, he told the Daily News that the chosen will simply vanish from this plane of existence.
OK so that means the Phillies will still be here, right?

Imapotato

02-18-2006, 11:00 AM

lol

But then again aren't the Chosen meant to suffer so they can experience Heaven?

If so we are all going up baby!

I love how the date keeps getting bumped up to the end of the world...what a way to never get proven wrong

Androctus

02-20-2006, 06:48 AM

sadiemae

02-20-2006, 05:45 PM

"Well tell that to the teams who lead the league in LOB"

Many times the teams which score the most runs are also among the leaders in LOB. In order to be left on base, you must get on base. More on runners base mean more opportunities to score. More runners on base, whether driven in or not, means more plate appearences, which means more plate appearences for a team's best batters.
Batters, like Rowand, who walk only 30 Xs a season and bat .260 are making tons of outs.

johncap

02-20-2006, 09:10 PM

Boy, am I glad I'm so bored with baseball as to not have gotten involved in this super boring debate earlier.

ed hardiman

02-21-2006, 07:39 AM

Boy, am I glad I'm so bored with baseball as to not have gotten involved in this super boring debate earlier.
Ok Johncap, you may find discussing walks less than "exciting" and perhaps there's validity to your statement but when an entire Phillies forum gives Dutch a pass for going suicide cult on us you have to wonder what exactly will pique their interest to the level of debate.
Not one single person suggested chipping in and buying a cheese log from Hickory Farms and sending it to Dutch with a nice note saying:
"Please stop being crazy."

johncap

02-21-2006, 08:01 AM

Ok Johncap, you may find discussing walks less than "exciting" and perhaps there's validity to your statement but when an entire Phillies forum gives Dutch a pass for going suicide cult on us you have to wonder what exactly will pique their interest to the level of debate.
Not one single person suggested chipping in and buying a cheese log from Hickory Farms and sending it to Dutch with a nice note saying:
"Please stop being crazy."
I'd rather debate the virtues of Hickory Farms mall pseudo-delicacies than whether a team that leads the league in LOB does it because they're good at getting on base or because they're inept at getting runners home! :clapping

Androctus

02-22-2006, 06:36 AM

Ok Johncap, you may find discussing walks less than "exciting" and perhaps there's validity to your statement but when an entire Phillies forum gives Dutch a pass for going suicide cult on us you have to wonder what exactly will pique their interest to the level of debate.
Not one single person suggested chipping in and buying a cheese log from Hickory Farms and sending it to Dutch with a nice note saying:
"Please stop being crazy."What if he's right? Hey if my truck can travel through the fifth dimension then anything's possible. When the world dematerializes on that day, we'll see whos crazy.

Dutch is the true prophet. Just don't draw any cartoons of him.

ed hardiman

02-22-2006, 09:10 PM

What if he's right? Hey if my truck can travel through the fifth dimension then anything's possible. When the world dematerializes on that day, we'll see whos crazy.
Dutch is the true prophet. Just don't draw any cartoons of him.
Good Lord, you were the drunk who hit and ran the group who sang #1 hits like "Up, Up and Away?"

Androctus

02-23-2006, 06:27 AM

Good Lord, you were the drunk who hit and ran the group who sang #1 hits like "Up, Up and Away?"I was not drunk! I only had two beers. My Zero Time Reference Generator had hiccuped and I temporarily was at the mercy of a strong Space/Time flux subcurrent. Besides, no one can prove it was me, I was invisible at the time.

ed hardiman

02-23-2006, 09:10 AM

I was not drunk! I only had two beers. My Zero Time Reference Generator had hiccuped and I temporarily was at the mercy of a strong Space/Time flux subcurrent. Besides, no one can prove it was me, I was invisible at the time.
I have forwarded my plans for the Popeil Flux Capacitor.
I have discovered how to render myself virtually invisible for this experiment to succeed I will now ask the audience to close their eyes.
People camped out to get Phillies tickets?
There's a perfect example of irony.

Androctus

02-23-2006, 11:25 AM

I have forwarded my plans for the Popeil Flux Capacitor.We were going to use an early prototype in the next generation of Harry Potter toys, but some of the children in the first test group - err, I mean some of the "Test Animals" in the first group vanished and still have not rematerialized yet. We hope to have all the bugs worked out by the next movie.

People camped out to get Phillies tickets?I have not heard this - is this true? I find it hard to determine which story is more unbeleivable....

ed hardiman

02-23-2006, 05:14 PM

We were going to use an early prototype in the next generation of Harry Potter toys, but some of the children in the first test group - err, I mean some of the "Test Animals" in the first group vanished and still have not rematerialized yet. We hope to have all the bugs worked out by the next movie.
I have not heard this - is this true? I find it hard to determine which story is more unbeleivable....
Without a doubt fake time travel is the more likely of the two scenarios but my buddy saw video on the local news of knuckleheads camping out for tickets.
Which makes Giles less likely to ever acquire frontline pitching.
Why bother?

Androctus

02-24-2006, 06:42 AM

I saw Conlin talking about this on Comcast on Wednesday I think, but passed it off, it just sounded so ludicrous. But last night it came up again on Eskin's radio show.....its just the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. Conlin made acomment, and I agree that if this happens ALOT of fans will just stop tuning in. Eskin hinted last night that the move is not set in stone yet, I can only hope that's true. Heard some spring training scuttlebut on Eskin too more on that in a minute.

At any rate its unfortunate in a way for the Phils to have such a cornerstone in Kalas, because his shoes will be impossible to fill, and Wheels doesn't even resemble one stitch on Harry the K's wingtips. Everyone knows Harrys trademark "Outta Here!" But to me the only thing that stands out in Wheeler's repitoire is his derisive "now see... I knew that was going to happen" right after something blows up. I'm sure Kalas is just thrilled about spending six innings with Wheels, makes me wonder just whose wife Chris has naked pictures of to deserve being presented to paying fans for nine innings at a time. Well, I always have the option of turning down the TV and turning up the radio. My e-mail is already out.

Anyway the blip from Florida concerns Gavin Floyd, who is trying to compete for a starting job this year. But he says its not the fifth spot he's after - he wants the number one job, the same one right now Bret Myers thinks he occupies. I like the kid's mindset, and I hope management keeps an open mind about their staff, cause I'd really feel better seeing Floyd or someone younger in the rotation and Franklin sitting in the pen.

bhss89

02-25-2006, 02:08 PM

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5340822?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49

He's come such a long way.

sadiemae

02-26-2006, 09:35 PM

the popular Andersen would be relegated to the dead-end of radio only

Why is radio a dead-end. I may be a minority, but I listen more than watch, while in my car, walking my dog, or hanging out on the patio with a bottle of Rolling Rock.
BTW, I heard Gordon will wear 45 to honor Tug McGraw. Gordon said when he was a kid and saw the Phillies on TV his father would say,"son, that's Tug McGraw."

ed hardiman

02-28-2006, 04:05 PM

...Bell historically hasn't had much luck in Spring Training, and this year is no exception. In addition to the elbow soreness, the veteran took a bad-hop throw off his face during cutoff drills earlier in camp.
Great!
Now he's a "three tool" 3rd sacker they'll never get rid of him:
decent glove-no bat-all face.
I guess we'll be able to tuck memories of Bell bare-facing line drives this season next to Schmidt bare-handing them.

Androctus

03-01-2006, 06:08 AM

Great!
Now he's a "three tool" 3rd sacker they'll never get rid of him:
decent glove-no bat-all face.I assume your discussing the quality of the actual glove he uses?
I guess we'll be able to tuck memories of Bell bare-facing line drives this season next to Schmidt bare-handing them.One can only hope. They need to do something to boost interest in the hot corner over there. Maybe they'll put together a video montage to show between innings, "Bell's Greatest Hits" - Not talking off his bat either.

ed hardiman

03-01-2006, 10:18 AM

I assume your discussing the quality of the actual glove he uses?
I will admit last year Bell coughed up a few tasty hairball losses with errors.
But who among us hasn't made a mistake that cost the Phillies a pennant or wild card?
OK that's a bad question because only Bell and Manuel come to mind.
One can only hope. They need to do something to boost interest in the hot corner over there. Maybe they'll put together a video montage to show between innings, "Bell's Greatest Hits" - Not talking off his bat either.
How about a postgame show called "Face to Base" or "Is Your Baseball Mitt Smiling or Is That Your Face Catching Another Screaming Line Drive?"
Finally, where the hell has everyone gone Androctus?
Are we the last two left?
And why did I use a quote box for that question?<Gasp> Soon I'll be referring to myself in the 3rd, 4th, or 7th person:
"Ed Hardiman will think the Phillies stink because Ryan Franklin didn't get better from taking steroids he got worse."

Androctus

03-01-2006, 02:22 PM

fo shizzznat it sho got quiet in here.

ed hardiman

03-01-2006, 10:27 PM

Just think when the Phillies start the following group of guys as pitchers we'll be headed in the right direction:

Myers
Madson
Floyd
Haigwood
Gonzalez

Not that I think Lieber and Lidle are terrible but wasting these guys as part time starters, middle relievers or in the minors is incomprehensible.
Use this season to figure out how to slot them and hand them the ball.