Last night's Game Four loss to the Yankees was a painful one. When Pedro Feliz took Joba Chamberlain deep, tying the score at four in the eighth inning, things looked good for the Phillies. A scoreless ninth from rejuvenated closer Brad Lidge would set the stage for a walk-off victory. We've seem this remarkable team win games in this manner many times. But, after getting two outs, Lidge imploded, as we have also seen so many times, this season. The resulting three-run deficit was too much to overcome against Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera. A three games-to-one Series deficit may be even more difficult to overcome.
But, if we've learned anything about this Phillies ballclub, over the past two magical seasons, it's not to give up on them. No matter the circumstances. No matter the Win Expectancy. If there's a team capable of coming back from this deficit, it's the Phillies.
In fact, perhaps the Phillies have the Yanks right where they want them. With their ace, Cliff Lee, on the mound, opposed by A.J. Burnett (on short rest), a victory at home tonight is not out of the question. In Game Six, a rested Pedro Martinez, coming off his strong outing in Game Two, would (likely) be opposed by Andy Pettitte (on short rest). In a winner-take-all Game Seven, anything could happen. Perhaps BABIP would, finally, smile upon Cole Hamels, the Phillies' star-crossed southpaw. Maybe the Phils' bats would finally explode against C. C. Sabathia, once again pitching on short rest. This Series is far from over. Don't be surprised if the Phillies take the Yankees to the limit. As long as the Phillies have outs left, it is too soon to count them out.
Showing posts with label Harry Kalas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Kalas. Show all posts
Monday, November 2, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It's Not All Cole's Fault
Prior to Monday night's rain out, the truth about Cole Hamels was revealed. Some suspected that Cole's slow start was due to an undisclosed injury. Others believed his innings increase from 2007 to 2008 had Verduccified him. Still others believed that the pressure of being the last son of Krypton weighed too heavily upon the young southpaw. As it turns out, the truth was that all of the postseason, and post-postseason, responsibilities of Being Cole Hamels had set his training schedule weeks behind. Cole is (almost) Cole again, and expects to be back in form for his Thursday start against Milwaukee. Nothing to worry about, not even that soon-to-be-reduced ERA of 11.17.
Cole has learned from his mistakes, and won't repeat them during the next offseason. But Cole doesn't deserve all the blame for his poor start. None of us are blameless. Making certain these issues don't happen after 2009:WFC II will take a team effort, and not just from those who happen to be on the actual team. We all need to contribute.
One of the offseason concerns was balance. Cole was spread thin, while the other members of the rotation were grossly underutilized. For example, the Late Show with David Letterman. Couldn't that appearance have been delegated to Brett Myers? Myers could have engaged in combat with a gang of manatees, utilizing his boxing pedigree, as well as his dazzling repertoire of pitches. Wouldn't The Ellen Degeneres Show have been well-served with a Jamie Moyer appearance? Would you purchase an issue of Sports Illustrated, if the cover story was "The Fabulous New Life of Joe Blanton?" Of course, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES! For best results, we need to divide the offseason responsibilities.
Another issue was travel. Cole made numerous trips from Clearwater to the Northeast for a variety of functions. As a result, he would often go days between workouts. This wasn't fair to Cole, or to the City of Clearwater. These appearances should have been at a time and place of Cole's choosing. Why can't Comcast interview him in Clearwater for their team-sponsored shows? Why can't the Resorts Atlantic City fly their high rollers to Clearwater, to meet-and-greet Cole? Why does the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America feel a need to hold their Awards Banquet in New York? Florida is MUCH nicer in January, as well as in the other eleven months. Shouldn't the BBWAA be a little less focused on all the banquets, and more focused on updating their website and/or (correctly) inducting Bert Blyleven into The Hall of Fame? Obviously, these mistakes weren't Cole's fault.
Finally, there is the adoption issue. Cole spent a lot of time in the offseason working on adopting a child from Malawi. This is time that could have been spent training. Or relaxing. The solution here is rather obvious. Who wouldn't freely surrender their first-born to Cole? If you wouldn't, you're just not a good Phillies fan. If you wouldn't prefer to have your child raised by Cole and Heidi, well, you're probably just not that good of a parent.
Phillies host the Sabathia-less Brewers Tuesday. Jamie Moyer v. Manny Parra. The Phils get to .500 tonight. Lock it up.
Cole has learned from his mistakes, and won't repeat them during the next offseason. But Cole doesn't deserve all the blame for his poor start. None of us are blameless. Making certain these issues don't happen after 2009:WFC II will take a team effort, and not just from those who happen to be on the actual team. We all need to contribute.
One of the offseason concerns was balance. Cole was spread thin, while the other members of the rotation were grossly underutilized. For example, the Late Show with David Letterman. Couldn't that appearance have been delegated to Brett Myers? Myers could have engaged in combat with a gang of manatees, utilizing his boxing pedigree, as well as his dazzling repertoire of pitches. Wouldn't The Ellen Degeneres Show have been well-served with a Jamie Moyer appearance? Would you purchase an issue of Sports Illustrated, if the cover story was "The Fabulous New Life of Joe Blanton?" Of course, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES! For best results, we need to divide the offseason responsibilities.
Another issue was travel. Cole made numerous trips from Clearwater to the Northeast for a variety of functions. As a result, he would often go days between workouts. This wasn't fair to Cole, or to the City of Clearwater. These appearances should have been at a time and place of Cole's choosing. Why can't Comcast interview him in Clearwater for their team-sponsored shows? Why can't the Resorts Atlantic City fly their high rollers to Clearwater, to meet-and-greet Cole? Why does the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America feel a need to hold their Awards Banquet in New York? Florida is MUCH nicer in January, as well as in the other eleven months. Shouldn't the BBWAA be a little less focused on all the banquets, and more focused on updating their website and/or (correctly) inducting Bert Blyleven into The Hall of Fame? Obviously, these mistakes weren't Cole's fault.
Finally, there is the adoption issue. Cole spent a lot of time in the offseason working on adopting a child from Malawi. This is time that could have been spent training. Or relaxing. The solution here is rather obvious. Who wouldn't freely surrender their first-born to Cole? If you wouldn't, you're just not a good Phillies fan. If you wouldn't prefer to have your child raised by Cole and Heidi, well, you're probably just not that good of a parent.
Phillies host the Sabathia-less Brewers Tuesday. Jamie Moyer v. Manny Parra. The Phils get to .500 tonight. Lock it up.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Phils Fall on Kalas Tribute Night
The Phillies had Friday's night game against the Padres under control. Several times. They lead 5-0 after one inning (88.8% Win Expectancy), and 7-1 after four innings (96.1% WE), with ace Cole Hamels on the mound. The Phils had a 7-5 lead after seven (86.0% WE), with Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge rested, and ready to close out the game. But Madson (-.546 WPA) turned the 7-5 advantage into an 8-7 deficit, a deficit from which the Phillies could not recover. The come-from-ahead loss on Harry Kalas Tribute Night dropped the Phils to 4-5.
The night started very well for the Phillies. The team paid tribute to Kalas in a variety of ways. Kalas' autograph was displayed on the field, which has reduced the collectible value of the field, but looks splendid. Kalas' three sons threw out the first pitches, to John Kruk, Mike Schmidt, and Jimmy Rollins, respectively. Schmidt looked like he could be the right-handed bat the club has been looking to acquire. After a moment of silence, Kane Kalas sang the National Anthem, holding the note on the word "free" longer than a typical Scott Eyre appearance. During the anthem, Jimmy Rollins (white loafers) and Chase Utley (blue sportcoat) held some of Kalas' signature apparel. There was no commentary during the top of the first inning, marking the finest performance of Phillies analyst Chris Wheeler's career. Kalas favorite Chase Utley blasted a three-run homer in the bottom of the first, and the Phils jumped to a 5-0 lead after an inning.
Cole Hamels, though his command and velocity were improved from his putrid 2009 debut, surrendered five runs (including three home runs) over six innings. Philadelphia has allowed a universe-leading twenty-three homers this season. Raul Ibanez (3 for 3, triple, two walks, .162 WPA), Chris Coste (2 for 4, two doubles, .90 WPA), and Pedro Feliz (2 for 3, one walk, .38 WPA) lead a fourteen-hit attack, but the Phillies' strong offense failed to outpace their poor pitching. San Diego #2 starter/basketball center Chris Young was roughed up, allowing seven runs, on nine hits and two walks, in three and two-thirds innings. The Padres bullpen, however, held the Phils scoreless on four hits, with closer Heath Bell picking up his sixth save.
The Phillies have spent most of the season coming back from early deficits, but they couldn't hold on tonight, when they finally had an early lead of their own. The Phillies haven't looked anything like the WFC so far. The emotional effects of the past two weeks' events may be a factor, but the Phils need to start picking up some wins now, as their schedule only gets harder.
Brett Myers faces the Padres' Shawn Hill on Saturday night at CBP, as Myers attempts to get the Phils back to .500, as well as to increase the value of his free agent contract.
The night started very well for the Phillies. The team paid tribute to Kalas in a variety of ways. Kalas' autograph was displayed on the field, which has reduced the collectible value of the field, but looks splendid. Kalas' three sons threw out the first pitches, to John Kruk, Mike Schmidt, and Jimmy Rollins, respectively. Schmidt looked like he could be the right-handed bat the club has been looking to acquire. After a moment of silence, Kane Kalas sang the National Anthem, holding the note on the word "free" longer than a typical Scott Eyre appearance. During the anthem, Jimmy Rollins (white loafers) and Chase Utley (blue sportcoat) held some of Kalas' signature apparel. There was no commentary during the top of the first inning, marking the finest performance of Phillies analyst Chris Wheeler's career. Kalas favorite Chase Utley blasted a three-run homer in the bottom of the first, and the Phils jumped to a 5-0 lead after an inning.
Cole Hamels, though his command and velocity were improved from his putrid 2009 debut, surrendered five runs (including three home runs) over six innings. Philadelphia has allowed a universe-leading twenty-three homers this season. Raul Ibanez (3 for 3, triple, two walks, .162 WPA), Chris Coste (2 for 4, two doubles, .90 WPA), and Pedro Feliz (2 for 3, one walk, .38 WPA) lead a fourteen-hit attack, but the Phillies' strong offense failed to outpace their poor pitching. San Diego #2 starter/basketball center Chris Young was roughed up, allowing seven runs, on nine hits and two walks, in three and two-thirds innings. The Padres bullpen, however, held the Phils scoreless on four hits, with closer Heath Bell picking up his sixth save.
The Phillies have spent most of the season coming back from early deficits, but they couldn't hold on tonight, when they finally had an early lead of their own. The Phillies haven't looked anything like the WFC so far. The emotional effects of the past two weeks' events may be a factor, but the Phils need to start picking up some wins now, as their schedule only gets harder.
Brett Myers faces the Padres' Shawn Hill on Saturday night at CBP, as Myers attempts to get the Phils back to .500, as well as to increase the value of his free agent contract.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Phillies Rained Out, Kalas Tributes Continue
Wednesday night's Phillies-Nationals game was postponed due to rain, as baseball fans everywhere continued to pay tribute to former Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas. The game was not immediately rescheduled. (A glance at the Phillies and Nats respective 2009 schedules doesn't seem to show any concurrent off-days preceding, or following, the remaining Phillies dates at Nationals Park. They may have to schedule a split-admission doubleheader, with Saturday, May 16th looking like the best option. Might be a good day for a Carlos Carrasco or J.A. Happ start...)
Reflection upon the incredible career of Kalas continued Wednesday. Remembrances were shared in the newspapers, as well as throughout the blogosphere. Fans flocked to the Mike Schmidt statue at CBP, leaving flowers and other Kalas mementos. The Phillies organization announced a number of the touching tributes they have planned for Friday night's game, the first at CBP since Kalas' passing. For the remainder of the season, the Phillies players will wear a black "HK" patch on their uniforms, over their hearts. On Friday night, Kalas' sons will throw out the first ball, with his son Kane to sing the National Anthem, after a moment of silence. The Phillies' broadcast booth will been named after Kalas, a billboard honoring Harry will be on the outfield wall, and Harry's signature "Outta Here" call will play over the speakers, accompanying every Phillies home run. Throughout the homestand, the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be at half-mast, a video of Harry singing "High Hopes" will play during the seventh-inning stretch, and Harry's signature will displayed on the field. During the first half-inning of the television broadcast, there will be no commentary. It will be a classy tribute for one of the classiest Phillies of all-time.
As a result of the rain out, the Phillies were unable to take part in MLB's Jackie Robinson celebration, in which all MLB players wear Robinson's number forty-two for the day. (This is a fitting tribute, though it is mildly disconcerting when every Phillies batter comes to the plate wearing Don Carman's (lifetime BA: .057) number.) On April 22nd, 1947, the Phillies played Robinson's Dodgers, and embarrassed MLB with their behavior. April 22nd, 2009, might be a good day for the Phillies to honor Robinson, by wearing his number. Hopefully, the Phillies will find an opportunity to honor Robinson later in the season.
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel announced that Wednesday night's starter, Joe Blanton, will move back to Thursday night, and that ace Cole Hamels will get the ball on Friday night. It seems appropriate that Hamels will be the starter on the night of the Kalas Tribute. Unfortunately, despite the consecutive days off, the schedule doesn't seem conducive to skipping Chan Ho Park's turn in the rotation. Brett Myers, Park, and Jamie Moyer will, likely, follow Hamels in the series against San Diego, each pitching on six days of rest. (Though the Phillies could use Moyer on Sunday, on five days rest, and Park Monday, on seven days rest, making Park available to be used in relief on Thursday or Friday.)
On Thursday, Joe the Lumber will be opposed by Kingdom of the Netherlands/Nationals starter Shairon Martis. Martis is, perhaps, best-known for his no-hitter against Panama in the 2006 WBC. However, Martis skipped this year's tournament, putting his loyalty for the Nats over that for The Kingdom. The Phillies have been held scoreless (in five and two-thirds innings, by Jair Jurrjens) this season, by MLB pitchers who chose Spring Training with their club, over WBC action for The Kingdom. Expect this streak to end Thursday night.
Reflection upon the incredible career of Kalas continued Wednesday. Remembrances were shared in the newspapers, as well as throughout the blogosphere. Fans flocked to the Mike Schmidt statue at CBP, leaving flowers and other Kalas mementos. The Phillies organization announced a number of the touching tributes they have planned for Friday night's game, the first at CBP since Kalas' passing. For the remainder of the season, the Phillies players will wear a black "HK" patch on their uniforms, over their hearts. On Friday night, Kalas' sons will throw out the first ball, with his son Kane to sing the National Anthem, after a moment of silence. The Phillies' broadcast booth will been named after Kalas, a billboard honoring Harry will be on the outfield wall, and Harry's signature "Outta Here" call will play over the speakers, accompanying every Phillies home run. Throughout the homestand, the Phillies flag in Ashburn Alley will be at half-mast, a video of Harry singing "High Hopes" will play during the seventh-inning stretch, and Harry's signature will displayed on the field. During the first half-inning of the television broadcast, there will be no commentary. It will be a classy tribute for one of the classiest Phillies of all-time.
As a result of the rain out, the Phillies were unable to take part in MLB's Jackie Robinson celebration, in which all MLB players wear Robinson's number forty-two for the day. (This is a fitting tribute, though it is mildly disconcerting when every Phillies batter comes to the plate wearing Don Carman's (lifetime BA: .057) number.) On April 22nd, 1947, the Phillies played Robinson's Dodgers, and embarrassed MLB with their behavior. April 22nd, 2009, might be a good day for the Phillies to honor Robinson, by wearing his number. Hopefully, the Phillies will find an opportunity to honor Robinson later in the season.
Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel announced that Wednesday night's starter, Joe Blanton, will move back to Thursday night, and that ace Cole Hamels will get the ball on Friday night. It seems appropriate that Hamels will be the starter on the night of the Kalas Tribute. Unfortunately, despite the consecutive days off, the schedule doesn't seem conducive to skipping Chan Ho Park's turn in the rotation. Brett Myers, Park, and Jamie Moyer will, likely, follow Hamels in the series against San Diego, each pitching on six days of rest. (Though the Phillies could use Moyer on Sunday, on five days rest, and Park Monday, on seven days rest, making Park available to be used in relief on Thursday or Friday.)
On Thursday, Joe the Lumber will be opposed by Kingdom of the Netherlands/Nationals starter Shairon Martis. Martis is, perhaps, best-known for his no-hitter against Panama in the 2006 WBC. However, Martis skipped this year's tournament, putting his loyalty for the Nats over that for The Kingdom. The Phillies have been held scoreless (in five and two-thirds innings, by Jair Jurrjens) this season, by MLB pitchers who chose Spring Training with their club, over WBC action for The Kingdom. Expect this streak to end Thursday night.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Phils Win One for Harry
The Phillies faced some trying circumstances Monday, as they took on the Nationals. Playing a game less than three hours after the passing of their friend, broadcasting icon Harry Kalas. Facing a Washington team playing their home opener, desperate for a victory after starting the 2009 season with six straight losses. But the Phillies overcame these difficulties, in posting a 9-8 victory. Harry would have been pleased.
Phillies starter Jamie Moyer was largely ineffective, allowing four runs in six innings. He permitted eight hits and two walks, finishing with a WPA of -.100 for the day. Clay Condrey and Brad Lidge each gave up two-run homers. However, the Phillies offense (HRs by Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez) combined with the Nats defense (three errors, leading to three unearned runs) to give the Phils the win. Howard, Jayson Werth, and Ibanez each had two hits, with Howard (.284) and Pedro Feliz (.168) posting the highest WPAs. The Phillies' victory was almost secondary, considering the tragic events that transpired before the game.
The Phillies broadcasters paid tribute to their fallen colleague throughout the game, as they interspersed play-by-play with Kalas memories and anecdotes. Prior to the game, the Phillies players shared some cigarettes in the dugout, in memory of Kalas' fondness for a post-game (and a pregame, or two) smoke. When Victorino hit his home run, the Phillies' first since Kalas' passing, he pointed to the broadcaster's booth. It was fitting that Jamie Moyer, who grew up listening to Harry, as did so many of us, was the winning pitcher.
Tuesday's WFC visit to the White House has been canceled, so Barack, Bo, and Kumar will have to wait to meet the World Champs. Tuesday will be another day of tributes to Harry Kalas. A day to read other fans' thoughts, to reminisce about our favorite Harry calls, and to watch clips of his greatest moments. Harry had a lifetime of greatest moments. We were all very fortunate to be able to share them with him.
Phillies starter Jamie Moyer was largely ineffective, allowing four runs in six innings. He permitted eight hits and two walks, finishing with a WPA of -.100 for the day. Clay Condrey and Brad Lidge each gave up two-run homers. However, the Phillies offense (HRs by Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez) combined with the Nats defense (three errors, leading to three unearned runs) to give the Phils the win. Howard, Jayson Werth, and Ibanez each had two hits, with Howard (.284) and Pedro Feliz (.168) posting the highest WPAs. The Phillies' victory was almost secondary, considering the tragic events that transpired before the game.
The Phillies broadcasters paid tribute to their fallen colleague throughout the game, as they interspersed play-by-play with Kalas memories and anecdotes. Prior to the game, the Phillies players shared some cigarettes in the dugout, in memory of Kalas' fondness for a post-game (and a pregame, or two) smoke. When Victorino hit his home run, the Phillies' first since Kalas' passing, he pointed to the broadcaster's booth. It was fitting that Jamie Moyer, who grew up listening to Harry, as did so many of us, was the winning pitcher.
Tuesday's WFC visit to the White House has been canceled, so Barack, Bo, and Kumar will have to wait to meet the World Champs. Tuesday will be another day of tributes to Harry Kalas. A day to read other fans' thoughts, to reminisce about our favorite Harry calls, and to watch clips of his greatest moments. Harry had a lifetime of greatest moments. We were all very fortunate to be able to share them with him.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Thank you, Harry.
Harry Kalas, the Voice of the Phillies, passed away today, at the age of seventy-three. Harry had collapsed in the Phillies broadcast booth at 12:30pm, and died at 1:20pm. He had been with the Phillies since 1971.
I've spent my entire life listening to Harry call Phillies games. As a youngster, I listened to him on WCAU 1210 from my radio. Later, I was fortunate enough to be able to watch him broadcast games on cable, MLB.TV, and MLB Extra Innings. He was the voice of my childhood. He was the constant in my life as a Phillies fan.
I'm shocked that he is gone. I'm saddened that I will never hear him call a Phillies game again. I'm disappointed that he didn't get to visit the White House with the WFC. I'm frustrated that we will never be able to celebrate Harry's memorable career with him, in a massive retirement ceremony at CBP.
But I feel privileged to have been able to hear him on thousands of Phillies broadcasts. I feel honored to have heard him voice so many great moments in Phillies history. Mike Schmidt's 500th home run. The great teams of the 70s. 1983. 1993. I'm glad that he got to enjoy the 1980 and 2008 World Championship seasons. I'm pleased that he was able to take part in the WFC Parade, and the WFC Ring Ceremony. And I'm happy that he is reunited with Whitey now.
Thanks for everything, Harry. YOU are the man.
I've spent my entire life listening to Harry call Phillies games. As a youngster, I listened to him on WCAU 1210 from my radio. Later, I was fortunate enough to be able to watch him broadcast games on cable, MLB.TV, and MLB Extra Innings. He was the voice of my childhood. He was the constant in my life as a Phillies fan.
I'm shocked that he is gone. I'm saddened that I will never hear him call a Phillies game again. I'm disappointed that he didn't get to visit the White House with the WFC. I'm frustrated that we will never be able to celebrate Harry's memorable career with him, in a massive retirement ceremony at CBP.
But I feel privileged to have been able to hear him on thousands of Phillies broadcasts. I feel honored to have heard him voice so many great moments in Phillies history. Mike Schmidt's 500th home run. The great teams of the 70s. 1983. 1993. I'm glad that he got to enjoy the 1980 and 2008 World Championship seasons. I'm pleased that he was able to take part in the WFC Parade, and the WFC Ring Ceremony. And I'm happy that he is reunited with Whitey now.
Thanks for everything, Harry. YOU are the man.
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