Archive for March 26th, 2011

30 in 30 Recap

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on 30 in 30 Recap | Filed in General

I know a lot of people don’t get the MLB Network, so I figured I’d give a general recap of the show. If you did record it or want to see it on your own, DO NOT go past here. Only go past the jump if you want to know what was said. (more…)

Phillies on MLB Network

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Phillies on MLB Network | Filed in General

Double dose of Phillies today. They are scheduled to air today’s Phillies-Blue Jays game at one o’clock. Later this evening at 10 p.m., the debut of the Phillies edition of 30 Clubs in 30 Days. Set your DVRs now!

A “Living Legend” Retires

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on A “Living Legend” Retires | Filed in General

The last great major league hugger?

Yesterday afternoon, Mike Sweeney signed a one-day contract with the Kansas City Royals so that he could retire a part of the organization that drafted him 20 years ago. Mike Sweeney came onboard with the Phillies when Ryan Howard rolled his ankle and will probably be best known for his positive attitude and super great hugs in the dugout.  I hope Sweeney remembers his time in Philly not just for getting him to the playoffs for the first time in his career, but for the love the fans showed him. For many of you that also frequent the Phillies Message Board, you’ll remember the small, but vocal, amount of people who were saying that Sweeney deserved to be on the Phillies bench in 2011.

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Sweeney left the game a 5-time All-Star and the inspiration for the Mike Sweeney Award. It is awarded to the player with the Kansas City organization that best represents the Royals both on and off the field.

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The Second Lefty

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on The Second Lefty | Filed in General

One of the things the Phillies said they needed heading into 2011 was a second reliable left handed reliever. Depending on who you talk to, it might be the first reliable lefty too. J.C. Romero is probably written in as the lefty specialist for the 7th or 8th inning. While the starting pitchers are expected to go deep into every game, there will always be a need to have relievers at the ready. The idea of the second lefty is good for games where the starter is lifted in 6th or 7th inning or the game goes into extra innings.

For the last couple of seasons, Antonio Bastardo was my choice to be that guy. He had tremendous success at all levels of the minor leagues. However, when he goes up against major leaguers, he seems to lose focus and is prone to get hit. Mike Zagurski was “that guy” before Bastardo, but lost his spot when he tore his hamstring. Going under the presumption that both Bastardo and Zagurski are facing the same quality hitters, Zagurski has been far and away the better pitcher.

  • Bastardo – (6 Games) 7 Ks, 3 BBs, and 1.35 ERA over 6.2 IP
  • Zagurski – (8 Games) 12 Ks, 1 BB, and 1.08 ERA over 8.1 IP

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Lack of Respect or just Overhype?

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | Comments Off on Lack of Respect or just Overhype? | Filed in General

I am trying to be a little versatile and go beyond my sports boundaries. Today, I want to talk about basketball. I like the concept of the game. I can enjoy it on the college level. I have enjoyed what the 76ers have done this year. I think Doug Collins has done a sensational job with this team. I think with a little more talent, this team could make a name for themselves. The fact that they are currently the number six seed in the Eastern Conference is really telling about the quality of teams in the NBA. (more…)

Countdown to Opening Day: 6 Days

March 26th, 2011 by Mike H. | 1 Comment | Filed in General

Any day now, the prognosticators will be sure to start handing out their predictions for the season. I can’t wait. You can almost guarantee that a good 75% of them will pick the Braves to win the NL East as all the injuries are coming down on the Phillies in Spring Training. To me, that’s a good thing. Let everyone think the Braves are the team to beat. Let the Braves heads get a little big and little full of themselves. Truth of the matter is, the question marks in Atlanta are just as big a concern as the health concerns in Philly. New Manager? Unproven closer(s)? Will the real Nate McLouth please stand up? Can Chipper be healthy for a whole season? Will Uggla’s offense outweigh his defense? Enough with the Braves though, on to the countdown. (more…)

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