I have been on hiatus for quite sometime on here. I would love to tell you that I was doing something dramatic like saving Mark Prior's career BUT unfortunately, I just had NOTHING. I had plenty of spare time as my summer vacation is winding down but I couldn't think of anything! Michael Vick, Tim Donaghy, the struggling NL Central, Barry Bonds, CA$HCAR, 'Roids were all interesting ideas BUT it would be beating a dead horse. So I decided to do an article like this. Don't know if I'll keep this up, but just testing something out. In light of all of those topics, I'm using an asterisk.
*You know irks me? In June, I wrote the first article in quite some time documenting Rick Ankiel's best impression of Roy Hobbs. Got one comment. If I could only have used my crystal ball and delayed that article by just two months, I'd be sitting pretty right now. But really, it is still an amazing journey. Even if Ankiel goes 0-for his next-9999, he still made it back. He wasn't irrelevant in MLB circles anymore. He wasn't that 20-year old kid who literally crashed and burned. He was Rick Ankiel again. Major props to him.
*Oh man, Danica Patrick is at it again. I've already wasted my time in two articles saying why I think she's not close to an elite driver but when do the excuses stop? Her first year was her rookie year and she was adapting. Her second year she was in inferior equipment. Now she's "getting used" to a new team. Next year, it's highly possible to see Sam Hornish and Dario Franchitti make the jump to NASCAR. That is her make or break year. Does she have to win in my eyes? No. I'd be more impressed by her finishing 3rd in the points.
*A common misconception here. Michael Vick isn't going to jail for dogfighting. He's going to jail for running an ILLEGAL gambling operation. It's highly similar to Rick Tocchett's "Operation Power Play" scenario and look at the differences. However, I am completely disgusted at what he did. It'll be hard for me to get the image of two dogs fighting out of my head when Outside the Lines showed that special.
*NASCAR's coverage is embarassing. It always has been, but here's a story that no one has talked about. Carl Long, a favorite of mine and an Underdog in the sport, may have secured a Busch Series ride with little-known team C2M Motorsports. Well he was working in the shop, alone, when he actually cut off a piece of his finger (nothing big, 1/8 of a finger) and drove himself to the hospital. He was back in shop the next day and drove in the Hooters Cup Series race at Bristol last weekend. Support Carl at http://www.carl-long.com
*If there is one QB I'm high on this year it is definitely JP Losman of the Bills. Losman dramatically improved his footwork, accuracy and mechanics last season. Pre-Draft, I told myself that he would be the best QB out of the 2004 class. Still may be hard to find out, but I can really see it happening. However if he has any chance of succeeding, he needs to have a #2 WR. Anyone! Roscoe Parrish has to step up his game.
*Tiki Barber always epitomized class to me when I would see him conduct himself. Now, I may be wavering on that opinion. He is part of the media so it's highly recommended he showcases his opinions but check out what Dan Benton, of AOL Sports heard on the the radio.
It was a constant barrage for almost two hours with Ronde making comments about Eli's "testes finally dropping" and Tiki adding that "Kerry Collins was a true leader," claiming the Giants "shouldn't have let him go." They also added that Eli's return-fire was "laughable" and that Tiki is part of the media now and it's his job to be controversial.
Do I see Eli as a special QB right now? Nah. But I feel rather bad for the man right now, though I don't see how Kerry Collins is borderline relevant considering he played in 2000. Like Benton said later on in the article, people forget that Barber was the marked man in Gotham with his fumbling woes.
*Jayson Werth is 9 for his last 9. I find it funny how sometimes it's not the Albert Pujols or the Johan Santanas that chase the records. Good for Werth.
*Clay Buchholz and Sean Masterson make Boston a permanent contender in the future. With Beckett, Dice-K and the knuckleball that is Tim Wakefield; this is a rotation that can literally keep you off balance. Let's add to the Rivalry as those Yankees have Ian Kennedy, Joba the Great and Phil Hughes; wow this is going to be great for years.
As I continue the four-part "Ode to Simmons" articles, I will now highlight the Philadelphia Phillies starting rotation. This will be the hardest part of this whole article as is there anyone good on the Phillies rotation? Probably not but still the show must go on and let's start the comparisions.
SP-Jon Lieber: Well what would you call a middle-aged SP who gives up HRs as many times as the Jason McElwain story has been retold on ESPN? Jon Lieber is that man (though case could be made for Lidle) and while he's battled injuries throughout the season, he's not the ace that was destined to be this year. Lieber has a fastball tapping around 90, a decent breaking ball and a knack for giving up a LOT of HRs. A comparision is impossible to find almost, but hey, I think I got it: John Burkett
SP-Brett Myers: The Philadelphia Phillies best starting pitcher is without a doubt, Brett Myers. While he's domestic abuse charge is the most known thing about him, let's not forget that he does have a sub-4 ERA which is lower than most of the bullpen. Myers has a great fastball but an even better curveball and a slider, to my knowledge. Myers has come a long way after his first two seasons in which he struggled heavily. But with pitching coach Rich Dubee, it appears that he's turned the corner for good. The Comparision was hard this time around, but I settled for: Derek Lowe
SP-Cory Lidle: I guess I have to give Lidle credit here, he's lasted the entire season so far in the rotation. Nothing great, yet nothing poor; Lidle doesn't have dominating stuff, yet can still get you out. Granted, pitching about 6 innings per start is not really worth a "Wow!" factor but his 4.91 ERA does not get him off the hook in my eyes. Lidle is also being discussed as trade bait, and while he's not like him now, this guy was similar to him (without the success) in BOS: Bronson Arroyo pre-2004
SP-Cole Hamels: I still like what I see out of Hamels as he's still adjusting to the major leagues. It takes time for some people and I would rather see him gain confidence up here, then lose it at Scranton. He's showcased his dominant change-up and good fastball but still needs to learn how to pitch a curveball to a major league hitter. He can be great, but let's not give him the title of the "Next Christy Matthewson" quite yet, he's still got a way to go. The Comparision: Inconclusive
The other members of the rotation are also inconclusive as we don't know what Randy Wolf will be like it when he returns on the 30th. Madson is dreadfully inconsistent and Mathieson needed more than two starts to find out what he's really worth.
The second chapter of my "Ode to Bill Simmons" continues in this article. Basically, all I am doing is comparing the current Phillies roster with the Red Sox that Simmons loved (and at times hate). I feel the same way about the Phillies, except there is the whole "playoff" scheme and it's similar to the Red Sox World Series drought. Of course, the Phillies avoid the playoffs like audiences avoided "Ishtar" (see Simmons has the Shawshank Redemption, I have Ishtar?!?! What kind of inspiration is that?). Part Two will compare the Phillies outfield and bench to the Bo Sox of '04 and earlier.
RF-Bobby Abreu: Though sometimes I hope the Phillies drop his large salary, Abreu is as solid and consistent as they come. He's got an unbelieveable blend of speed, power and unbelieveable arm strength (sounds eerily like Vince Young), and is probably the most patient batter in baseball right now as his walks (83) and OBP (.477) indicate. But he still has this whole "wallphobia" deal that has plagued him since he became a Phillie. Also on the downside is his power since the magical Home Run Derby of 2005, Abreu has 8 HRs which considering he hit 41 in one night, is below subpar (think Mickelson at 18). The Comparision is hard because right now he is looking like Troy O'Leary, but before this year he was: A Poor Man's Manny Ramirez (with more glove)
CF-Aaron Rowand: Who could forget his unbelieveable catch on May 11 in which he suffered a broken nose after running into a wall? Apparently, Philly (and myself) haven't forgotten either as we still cheer him even though he is batting a Burrell-like .232 since he's returned to action. Rowand never quits as he always goes the extra length to catch a ball in right-center field that Abreu is avoiding. He can come up with a clutch hit, but once his average returns to the .280-.290 area, he will be embraced here. The Comparision? Oy vey, this is tough. The Comparision makes sense just because he's attitude (never say never) and grit got him to this and not his play: Johnny Damon (Attitude and Glove)
LF-Pat Burrell: I still like him a bit, but as you can tell by my comment about him in Rowand's scouting report, he is the most inconsistent player on the team. He still has great power and a freak arm, but he strikes out too many times. He gets in horrible slumps and appears to put a lot of pressure on himself in the batter's box. He makes dumb errors occasionally but when he strikes out, it can destroy the rest of his game. He's a headcase to himself and the comparision I am making is not because he's a jerk or anything, but you never know which Pat Burrell will show up in the first inning: Carl Everett
The Bench
OF-Shane Victorino: I will admit at first that I was a bit skeptical of former GM Ed Wade when he picked Victorino out of the Rule 5 Draft from the Dodgers. Wade saw great speed and raw potential but at the time his glove and bat were often questioned. Victorino responded by playing admirably in Triple-AAA Scranton (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong but won Internationl League MVP as well) and made the team out of spring training this year. Victorino has kept up as the team's utility outfielder (playing RF, CF and LF) and has come up big when needed. His average at .277 is decent for a player of his caliber and I still believe he can improve. His glove is great and wait did I say "come up big when needed". That sounds an awful lot like; Dave Roberts (for now)
O####avid Dellucci: Again, I will admit that Dellucci is better than a fourth outfielder (he'll start if/when Abreu/Burrell departs) and though a tad old (32) he is going to be awfully hard to keep with his .315 average. He's got a good amount of pop (6 HRs) and he is right now the only Phillie hitting the ball (take away Chase). He probably won't be in a Phillie uniform next season, but I like this player. His numbers if he stays on the bench will be high (in limited at-bats) but his knack for hits and getting HRs reminds me of: Bill Mueller
C-Sal Fasano: He may not exactly be Joe Mauer in terms of athleticism or Victor Martinez in power, but Fasano is approaching cult status here similar to Randy Wolf's Wolf Pack. Though not as clever and witty, Fasano's fan club is called "Sal Pals" and you gotta love it when 20 or so men and women, where Fu Manchus. His average is low as his power but he gets the Comparision of fellow backup and cult hero; Doug Mirabelli
C-Chris Coste: A journeyman but alas there is no close comparision to a 33-year old journeyman who played for the first time at the MLB level this season. He's played well too, shockingly; I like him but the only Comparision I can think of is; Adam Hyzdu (without the absurd high school and minor league stats)
IF-Abraham Nunez': After a good year in '05 with St. Louis, Abraham Nunez has not flourished at all while riding the pine. Batting below the mendoza line, Nunez has been a huge disappointment and Gillick may have #### up here. Since I have to make a Comparision, he gets; Damian Jackson
That concludes Part Two as Chris Roberson and Carlos Ruiz are too incomplete
Before writing this piece in my blog, we need a prologue. Just recently, I completed reading Bill Simmons book "Now I Can Die In Peace" and considered it to be a great book. That book inspired me to look at the Philadelphia Phillies squad and see if I can find any similarities to the Red Sox team and players to see if the Phillies have hope. I went to Citizens Bank Park for the atmosphere and it's non comparable to Fenway. I will now rundown the Phillies lineup and see if I can find the similarities, if any. The Starting Infied will be discussed first, followed by the Outfield/Reserves and the Pitching.
1B-Ryan Howard: After the loss of Jim Thome to the White Sox, a new HR hitter has been blessed to come to Philly. With 28 HRs and 71 RBIs, Ryan Howard's numbers are freakishly similar to Thome and David Ortiz. The 1B is going to the ASG and will participate in the Home Run Derby (presented by Century 21) against Big Papi. He also gets a hushed (well by Philly standards) reaction when his at-bat is up. The Comparsion is simplistic: David Ortiz
2B-Chase Utley: If I had to pick one player on the Phillies as my favorite, it is 2B Chase Utley. His numbers .307/16/51 are impressive by 2B standards and is hard-nose style of play is welcomed in Philly. A breath of fresh air, an improving glove and an even better bat; Utley deserved the starting nod for the ASG. While he does not have the popularity in Philly that Nomar Garciaparra had in the Boston (when he was healthy before the media and him feuded), Utley still has similar style of play to the player formerly known as NOOOOMMAAARRRR! The Comparision?: Nomar Garciaparra
SS-Jimmy Rollins: Jimmy Rollins has been the starting SS for the Phillies for the past four years. He has matured into a great fielder and a demon on the basepaths. But the average needs to creep up a little bit as .256 ain't going to help out this desperate team. A fan favorite, Rollins 38-game hitting streak was the biggest story coming into the season but as it ended, apparently the consistency went away with it too. Rollins fielding and baserunning are great but the hitting needs to improve. So as for now, his Comparision isn't impressive but respectable: Pokey Reese
3B-David Bell: Yes, he's still playing in the MLB if you have forgotten. Bell is a steady defender, at times a clutch hitter but mostly the average player the Phillies love. Dependable fielder, low average and HR totals is what Bell earns. But he can turn in a highlight reel play (against David Wright earlier in the year, perhaps?) every once in a while. I like him, but some fans are booing him when there is a runner on first with 1 out, in the last inning, trailing by one. You can guess what happens. The Comparision, is hard to make so I am going to find a Red Sox player of the early 00s: A better Jose' Offerman
C-Mike Lieberthal: I personally still love the guy but the fans unfortunately have given up on him. Face it, the value of a 34-year old C is nill and no one wants to see him anymore. He was once a .300 hitter who could hit 20 in a season. I miss the old Lieberthal, the leader, instead of the new one who bats .250 and is more injury-prone than most. His catching is even going downhill fast, it's like an aging RB. The Comparision?: Scott Hatteberg, when he started for Boston
In my 15 years of existence on this planet (15th birthday is on June 24, you're all invited!), I have seen crushing defeats to the Colts, Phillies, Sixers/Pacers, Jeff Gordon and the Flyers. For the former three, there was a tough rebuilding mode that was hard to ####. The Colts struggled with George, had a bit of glory with Harbaugh and found success with Manning. The NBA teams were always a consistent team but did not win the big game (well, the Pacers did but I was a Sixers fan there) and the Flyers were just always good but never great.
Now about them Phillies, they were horrible from about 1994-2000. Then in 2001, Larry Bowa took the helm of the team and lit a fire under their belly. They got into the playoff picture that year and appeared to be missing a big bat/leader to help them make it. Jim Thome was supposed to be that guy and was for his small tenure ('cept 2005) but there was one problem; we didn't make the playoffs! Millwood was supposed to be the ace of a club that had developed quality starters in Randy Wolf, a young Brett Myers and a solid future with Gavin Floyd and a closer in Jose' Mesa. But still that anti-Phillie barrier would still not crack. Then Mesa wore on too long and we gave up Class-A dominator Taylor Buccholz for one of the best closers in the game, Billy Wagner. That's when I felt the time was now, but injuries again plagued the team and we just missed the playoffs. Last year, the team under the calm Charlie Manuel was looking like THE SEASON! After July, the team started to quiet down causing Wagner to call out the team during the ASG. But he was right, they did give up but Wagner's challenge appeared to create some "I gotta prove this and that," and ultimately Jimmy Rollins had a real hot bat and the Phillies missed the playoffs by guess this, 1 game.
Now when I finally counted out the Phillies to miss out on the playoffs, they do start playing with a chip on their shoulder. Brett Myers is continuing his 2005 success and Cole Hamels looks like a future ace. Gavin Floyd is slowly starting to turn the corner and Jon Lieber just pitched a gem. Cory Lidle is going through a small stage of inconsistency though and Randy Wolf will be around ASG. The bullpen is still the weakest part with Tom Gordon and Rheal Cormier playing above expectations as of now. But Geoff Geary, Ryan Madson and Ryan Franklin have to perform better in long-relief in order for this team to be complete.
Offensively, it appears the Phillies are mechanically sound. Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard are the top HR threats for the team and Chase Utley, Aaron Rowand, and when he played Mike Lieberthal () turned out to be good (.300) hitters in the young season. Jimmy Rollins, unfortunately, has hit a wall after the conclusion of his unbelieveable hitting streak. Shane Victorino has played amazingly when called upon and still watch out for Bobby Abreu once he finds his stride.
As you can tell, pain runs deep inside a Phillies fan. I normally don't mention a team I like as "we", but this pain hurts enough it almost feels like it is our fault. But get this, this hurts me so much but it could be worse, just ask any Cubs, Tigers, Royals fans! Get ready Philadelphia Phillies fans/supporters/haters this could be the year that we are all proven wrong and most of us be happy! Maybe the memorable Aaron Rowand catch has jacked up this team even more!
What's on the plate next for Underage Blogging by Philliez01? I'm drawing an article for the coming College Football Season and prospects to watch, as well as an NFL article.
We all are obviously here for one reason, to express our love for what we love; sports. We also want to meet people that share what we love, I've met some great people here who love sports and are not afraid to showcase their opinions. But when I was writing my mega fantasy football series, the question dawned at me; why do we love sports?
Yeah, good question, why do we love sports? Is it because of the joy it brings? How about watching the team you loved for so many years become one of the best (White Sox fans)? Or is it just because we can watch it and relax from everyday troubles?
I don't have the answer why the world has fallen in love with the sport. It's not an easy answer, though, I do know why I love my sports and there is not one single reason. Why do I watch the Indianapolis Colts? I've been a fan during the Jeff George, Jimmy Harbaugh and now the Peyton Manning days. I remember the 3-13 season of 1998 to the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. While I can't remember much of the George days, it must have been painful to watch. Now, why do I enjoy the Colts? Easy, I've fallen in love with the team, I want my wife's hair dyed white and my hair blue on the day we get married. Though that's a long way from now (I have to find someone willing to first) but it goes to show the lenghts people go for sports.
Why do I like the 3 Philly teams (Phills, Sixers, Flyers)? They are hometown and I have an affliation with each of them. The Phillies have been inconsistent since '93, but it's fun having that feeling each year thinking; "This has to be the year". The Phillies have brought in Kevin Millwood, David Bell, Jim Thome, Billy Wagner and Jon Lieber in the last few years and you are always thinking that, "This is the year". But when September comes, the choking begins and we prepare for our year in 2006.
So what about the Flyers and Sixers? I was suffering during the lockout days and even though my favorite NHL player, John LeClair, is now gone, I still love this team. Peter Forsberg is great to have and Simon Gagne has been a favorite the past 3 seasons. We always feel the need that we have to have a good goalie. Hextall was great, John Vanbiesbrook was good at times, then came Brian Boucher/Roman Cechmanek and Jeff Hackett who did not provide the long-term spark we needed. Robert Esche seemed like "The One" but now Antero Niittymakki is the one who needs it.
So why do we love sport? You are the one who has to answer that question but while some may be front runners, we are all a part of the Best Damn Sports Nation (sorry jbold)!
After moving to South Jersey (aka Eagles Country) when I was 1, from Richmond, Indiana I have found out a few things. That these fans love their teams through thick and thin and they are just a tad bit extreme about it too. Philadelphia fans (Eagles, Sixers, Flyers, Phillies) are infamous for their actions that include BUT not limited to:
Urinating on Santa Claus, Throwing batteries at JD Drew, Booing Drew and Scott Rolen excessively and being hostile enough for there to be a courthouse underneath the stadium. I have lived here for 13 years, my family are huge Steelers fans and I am a Colts fan. But we do love our Phillies, Sixers and Flyers enough to be allowed to exist in this area.
At the school I go to, I could show my baby pictures in front of the RCA Dome, my birth certificate and my retro Jimmy Harbaugh jersey but I would still be considered a front-runner. The reasoning, "no one ever liked the Colts, before". This year, I did one thing that has welcomed me in this hostile environment and that is keeping my mouth shut. When the Colts were undefeated, I wore my Peyton Manning jersey twice and kept out of eyesight. But my friend Alex, born in Oklahoma, has worn a throw back Chad Hutchinson Cowboys jersey (They made those?) and a Julius Jones jersey quite a few times. I have seen him get insults (nothing extreme just like "you loser") and made fun of especially when the Cowboys got blown out by the 'Skins two weeks ago. Of course, he has had a good year considering the Cowboys now have a better record than the Eagles and have a shot at playoff berth.
Though, 1 thing I love about this area is that these are diehard fans but no matter what, they are always at their teams side. They will cheer for Koy Detmer rather than go to the Patriots or Colts bandwagon and enjoy victory there. They will buy Greg Lewis jerseys (yes I saw one) rather than now wear a TO jersey. Heck, Philly fans would rather behead their pets than just once cheer for the Cowboys, Giants, Braves, Devils or Celtics.
All in all while they are diehard fans that take themselves to the extreme, I respect these people. When the Colts play the Eagles and if the Eagles win, I will take a lot of abuse but in the end, I would do the same thing if we would switch sides. Yes, I am a proud Phillies fan, Flyers fan and a Sixers fan, these people do have my respect. How many other cities would embrace Allen Iverson after his "practice, we talkin' 'bout practice" speech and boo Kobe Bryant if he said the same thing. While they are hostile, there are no fans like Philadelphia fans.
When the Philadelphia Phillies announced that former GM Ed Wade was fired, I among many Phillies fans were estatic. Who would the new GM be, Theo Epstein, Jim Bowden? Nope, neither, but we did hire the 68-year old Pat Gillick, a former GM to the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and the Seattle Mariners. Gillick has a proven track record with 2 World Series Championships and 5 Division Titles with the Blue Jays and help guiding the Mariners to a MLB record-tying 116 wins in the 2001 campaign. But Gillick was given the nickname "Stand Pat" by critics who said that he did not make the moves beneficial to his teams success at the trade deadline.
Now, "Stand Pat" has made some moves ranging from high-brow to under-the-radar. His biggest move is arguably the Jim Thome trade in which he traded the popular 1st baseman and cash to the reigning champion Chicago White Sox in exchange for CF Aaron Rowand and 2 minor-league players. Considering where Thome's value was after missing a majority of the 2005 season due to injuries, Gillick deserves to be applauded for this move as the Phillies do fill the gap in center field previously vacated by the Jason Michaels-Kenny Lofton platoon. Also, Gillick picked up reliever Chris Booker in the Rule 5 draft out of Kansas City, this move is definitely under-the-radar but who knows what Booker could turn out into.
But the worst move he might have made is one he did not accomplish and that was signing closer Billy Wagner. Wagner, 34, was coming off a season in which he had 38 saves (7th in the NL) and an All-Star appearance. Wagner went to divisional rivals, the New York Mets for a 4-year deal worth $47 million. Gillick did act fast but with a depleted closer's market this year, he signed Tom "Flash" Gordon to a 3-year deal. Gordon, 38, who has been a set-up man to Yankees closer Mariano Rivera for the last 2 seasons. Gordon also has a good track record but the Phillies could be seeing another Jose Mesa here.
Gillick recently traded starting pitcher Vincente Padilla to the Texas Rangers for Ricardo Rodriguez. This trade appears to mark the beginning of reliever Ryan Madson's starting pitching role and leaves a small gap in the bullpen which could be filled by Braden Looper, who the Phillies are actively into. But the pitching is weak and with a few question marks at the end of the rotation, the Phillies are going to need stellar years from Jon Lieber, Brett Myers and Cory Lidle to remain in the wild card chase. Also, the bullpen is questionable with the inconsistent Rheal Cormier, the dreadfully inconsistent Geoff Geary and Gordon. Julio Santana, who the Phillies recently signed, may add depth to this 'pen. Will Gillick push the Phillies over the hump?
I am Joe D, and would love to be in sports in any capacity. I am a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, Flyers, Sixers and the Indianapolis Colts. I run my own sports message boards that I encourage you all to join!
My message boards:
http://z14.in visionfree.co m/Sports_Net/ index.php?act =idx
) turned out to be good (.300) hitters in the young season. Jimmy Rollins, unfortunately, has hit a wall after the conclusion of his unbelieveable hitting streak. Shane Victorino has played amazingly when called upon and still watch out for Bobby Abreu once he finds his stride. 
