Okay, it's Saturday night and I just realized I hadn't finished these yet. But I'm tired and grumpy thanks to the Irish and their four-overtime loss. For the games where I can't come up with any witty analysis, I'll just remind you that the Phillies won the World Series.
Match-up: New York Jets (+5.5) @ Buffalo
Breakdown: No surprise that Brett Favre leads the league in interceptions. His three last week almost cost the Jets against Kansas City. This week they face a better defense on the road. Yikes.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
Match-up: Detroit (+12.5) @ Chicago
Breakdown: News that Daunte Culpepper took a physical in Detroit broke this week. And while he hasn't signed a contract yet, maybe his potential addition will light a fire under some Lions.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Detroit
Match-up: Jacksonville (-7.5) @ Cincinnati
Breakdown: T.J. Houshmandzadeh guaranteed the Bengals would win more than one game this season. How about winning one first?
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
Match-up: Baltimore (+1.5) @ Cleveland
Breakdown: Um, did you know that the Phillies won the World Series?
Straight Up: Cleveland
Against the Spread: Cleveland
Match-up: Green Bay (+5.5) @ Tennessee
Breakdown: I think the Titans are set up for a let down this week. They had a statement win over a division rival in front of a national audience on Monday. It's tough to get up like that twice in a short week.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Match-up: Tampa Bay (-8.5) @ Kansas City
Breakdown: The Bucs lost a game they easily should have won in Dallas last week. The Chiefs, meanwhile, made Brett Favre look like Tony Romo, picking him off three times. Back to normal this week, on both sides.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Arizona (-3.0) @ St. Louis
Breakdown: Kurt Warner returns to the turf that once housed his greatest show. Imagine if he had Boldin and Fitzgerald instead of Bruce and Holt? They would have scored 50 a game.
Straight Up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
Match-up: Houston (+4.5) @ Minnesota
Breakdown: Cole Hamels was the MVP, going 4-0 in the post-season with a 1.80 ERA.
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Minnesota
Match-up: Miami (-3.5) @ Denver
Breakdown: The Phillies went 11-3 in the playoffs, dispatching the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1, the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1, and the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1. They were a perfect 7-0 at Citizens Bank Park, a testament to all Phillies fans.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
Match-up: Atlanta (-3.0) @ Oakland
Breakdown: This game showcases the likely Rookie of the Year, and I'm not speaking of Darren McFadden.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
Match-up: Dallas (+9.0) @ New York Giants
Breakdown: It's one of the two times a year I'm a Giants fan!
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Match-up: Philadelphia (-6.5) @ Seattle
Breakdown: "World Champions...World f#$%&* Champions!" - Chase Utley
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Match-up: New England (+6.0) @ Indianapolis
Breakdown: If Monday's game in Tennessee was any indication, the Colts are done like dinner. Manning and his receivers aren't on the same page, they have no running game, and they are banged up on defense. The most telling sign was coach Tony Dungy actually speaking out this week, which is very uncharacteristic for him.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
Match-up: Pittsburgh (+2.0) @ Washington
Breakdown: The Steelers are 0-2 against the NFC East this season. There's no shame in losing to the Eagles and Giants, nor would there be in losing in D.C. They should still crush Dallas, though.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
Bye: Carolina; New Orleans; San Diego; San Francisco
Week 8: 8-6 (.571); 6-6-2 (.500)
2008-09 Season: 70-46 (.603); 58-53-5 (.523)
Lifetime Record: 1036-615-1 (.627); 820-797-35 (.507)
October 31, 2008
October 30, 2008
Destiny Ful-Philled
The New York Mets couldn't do it.
The Milwaukee Brewers couldn't do it.
The Los Angeles Dodgers couldn't do it.
The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't do it.
Mother Nature couldn't do it.
Bud Selig couldn't do it.
FOX couldn't do it.
William Penn couldn't do it.
There was no denying the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, truly a team of destiny. Come hell or high water (literally), this team was going to break the curse, end the city's championship drought, and parade down Broad Street with the Commissioner's Trophy in their possession.
They opened the season as the defending NL East champions, yet few gave them a shot to defend their crown. The Mets, featuring newly-acquired Johan Santana atop the rotation and an All-Star laden line-up were the class of the National League. Carlos Beltran told us as much. At season's end, the Phils were again winners of the East, the Mets three games back and out of the playoffs altogether.
The Brewers were supposed to be a tough out in the first round. CC Sabathia was the NL Cy Young favorite, and he could throw twice in a best-of-five series. Cole Hamels threw a gem in Game 1. Shane Victorino took Sabathia deep to left in grand fashion in Game 2. Jimmy Rollins led off Game 4 with a home run. The Philles advanced.
No way could the Phillies handle Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers. Joe Torre had been to the top of the mountain on more than one occasion. They swept the NL-best Cubs. Their rotation was deep and talented. Jonathan Broxton was better than Jonathan Papelbon, or so we were told. Hamels, again, set the tone early. Charlie Manuel's mother passed away on the morning of Game 2. Victorino mixed it up with Ramirez, Russell Martin, and Hideki Kuroda. Matt Stairs - MATT STAIRS?!? - hit a game-winning home run in Game 4 off of the unhittable Broxton. Another Rollins homer to open Game 5. The Phillies won the pennant.
The Tampa Bay Rays were an incredible rags-to-riches story. Long the doormat in the AL East, they won 97 games in the regular season and dispatched the defending world champion Boston Red Sox. They had speed. They had power. They had an awesome pitching staff, a rotation much deeper than that of the Phillies and a bullpen that could match up with anyone. Chase Utley homers in another Game 1 Hamels win. Game 3 is delayed 91 minutes due to rain, the Philles win it in the bottom of the ninth at 1:48 AM. Joe Blanton, 2-for-33 lifetime, closed his eyes, swung hard, and hit a back-breaking home run in Game 4.
The Game 3 rain delay was dwarfed in comparison to Game 5, when the skies opened up and threatend to rain on (or rain out) our parade. They tried to play through it with the Phillies holding a 2-1 advantage after five innings.
Commissioner Selig waited and waited for the perfect time to delay the game. It came, for him, in the form of a Carlos Pena single to score B.J. Upton in the top of the sixth. 46 hours later,
Game 5 commenced with Geoff Jenkins doubling into the gap and scoring on a Jayson Werth bloop single to center. Tampa tied it, the Phillies untied it. As they'd done 47 times before this season, they handed the ball to Brad Lidge.
Cue FOX's "Perfection" graphic. The Phillies were 79-0 when leading after eight innings. Lidge converted all 41 of his save chances during the regular season, six in the playoffs, and 49 straight overall. He's been automatic. He's been lights out. He's been perfect.
He still is.
The 25-year championship drought, the longest by far for a city with four professional sports teams, was over. "The Curse of William Penn" was lifted. The Phillies were world champions.
I've watched the ending about a hundred times by now. I watched it live and jumped so high when Carlos Ruiz snagged strike three I almost put a hole in my ceiling.
I dragged my six-year old son out of bed, carried him downstairs, rewound to the last pitch, squeezed him tightly and cried.
After a few Bacardi & Cokes, the first of which was consumed under the stars where my father resides, I watched it again. One more time. Just to make sure Eric Hinske still whiffed on the Lidge slider.
Destiny achieved. For a team. For a city. For the fans.
Forever.
We Win!!!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here's 8,000 words about the 2008 WORLD CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES!!!
October 28, 2008
Reign Delay
You didn't expect this to be easy, did you? Of course you didn't
We Philadelphia sports fans are notorious for many things, pessimism being one of them. We tend expect the worst, even in a seemingly favorable situation. I, myself, am guilty of seeing a silver lining and looking for clouds. From those clouds fell the rain that transformed the Citizens Bank Park infield into a quagmire, resulting in the first suspended game in World Series history.
As the tarp was being dragged across the infield, the collective air of discontent emanating from the nearly 46,000 water-logged Phillies fans could be felt from Independence Hall to Clearwater, Florida. We've waited long enough. This was the night the city's championship drought was going to end.
Ironic, isn't it?
Could they have stopped the game earlier? Of course. Should they have? Perhaps. Would the Phillies have been better served had they not started the game at all? Hard to say. One thing's for sure. There's no way Commissioner Bud Selig and the umpiring crew were going to call the game after five innings and the Phillies leading 2-1, declare the Phillies World Champions and present them with the trophy. They did the only thing they could given the conditions.
I actually think the suspension could work in the Phillies favor.
The third team involved in any sporting event - momentum - was clearly on the side of the Rays. The Phillies pushed two runs across in the bottom of the first, then fell into their all too familiar pattern of leaving runners on base. You could sense the Rays gaining confidence with every Phille runner stranded.
B.J. Upton singled in the top of the sixth, and the unflappable Cole Hamels was, well, flapped. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe he was trying to make perfect pitches given the offense's inability to drive in runs. Maybe Hamels recalled Upton single-handedly tying game three with his speed. Either way, Hamels was distracted. After four throws to first, Upton easily stole second. The resurgent Carlos Pena scored him with a base hit.
With any luck, the stoppage in play slows Tampa's roll.
When the weather allows, the game will commence in the bottom of the sixth inning. Whenever the restart occurs, it's imperative for the Phils that they re-take the lead early. They'll lead off with a pinch-hitter for Hamels (So Taguchi, anyone?), then the top of the line-up with Rollins and Werth. If they can score a run or two in their half of the sixth, they'll be back in control.
Then it becomes a battle of the bullpens, and the Phillies relievers have been the strength of the team all season. Durbin and Eyre in the seventh, Romero and Madson in the eighth, Lidge in the ninth. That formula has carried the club this far. I see no reason to doubt them now.
Behold the power of positive thinking. It may not be the Philly fan way, but the other alternative hasn't worked for 25 years. Maybe its time for a change.
We Philadelphia sports fans are notorious for many things, pessimism being one of them. We tend expect the worst, even in a seemingly favorable situation. I, myself, am guilty of seeing a silver lining and looking for clouds. From those clouds fell the rain that transformed the Citizens Bank Park infield into a quagmire, resulting in the first suspended game in World Series history.
As the tarp was being dragged across the infield, the collective air of discontent emanating from the nearly 46,000 water-logged Phillies fans could be felt from Independence Hall to Clearwater, Florida. We've waited long enough. This was the night the city's championship drought was going to end.
Ironic, isn't it?
Could they have stopped the game earlier? Of course. Should they have? Perhaps. Would the Phillies have been better served had they not started the game at all? Hard to say. One thing's for sure. There's no way Commissioner Bud Selig and the umpiring crew were going to call the game after five innings and the Phillies leading 2-1, declare the Phillies World Champions and present them with the trophy. They did the only thing they could given the conditions.
I actually think the suspension could work in the Phillies favor.
The third team involved in any sporting event - momentum - was clearly on the side of the Rays. The Phillies pushed two runs across in the bottom of the first, then fell into their all too familiar pattern of leaving runners on base. You could sense the Rays gaining confidence with every Phille runner stranded.
B.J. Upton singled in the top of the sixth, and the unflappable Cole Hamels was, well, flapped. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe he was trying to make perfect pitches given the offense's inability to drive in runs. Maybe Hamels recalled Upton single-handedly tying game three with his speed. Either way, Hamels was distracted. After four throws to first, Upton easily stole second. The resurgent Carlos Pena scored him with a base hit.
With any luck, the stoppage in play slows Tampa's roll.
When the weather allows, the game will commence in the bottom of the sixth inning. Whenever the restart occurs, it's imperative for the Phils that they re-take the lead early. They'll lead off with a pinch-hitter for Hamels (So Taguchi, anyone?), then the top of the line-up with Rollins and Werth. If they can score a run or two in their half of the sixth, they'll be back in control.
Then it becomes a battle of the bullpens, and the Phillies relievers have been the strength of the team all season. Durbin and Eyre in the seventh, Romero and Madson in the eighth, Lidge in the ninth. That formula has carried the club this far. I see no reason to doubt them now.
Behold the power of positive thinking. It may not be the Philly fan way, but the other alternative hasn't worked for 25 years. Maybe its time for a change.
October 26, 2008
Palin Curse Lifted; Penn Curse Next?
Typically, I don't believe in curses, but the evidence in this case is pretty damning.
Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin (referred to as the "V-Pilf" in the locker room the other night) dropped the ceremonial first puck at the Flyers season-opener. The Flyers lost their first six games of the season.
On Friday night, the V-Pilf was in St. Louis, again to drop the puck in advance of the Blues game against the Los Angeles Kings. As the Blues were taking the ice, goaltender Manny Legace tripped on the carpet laid out for Palin to walk to center ice and strained his hip. He left the game after the first period, and the Blues were shutout 4-0.
The Flyers, meanwhile, went into the swamps of Jersey (where they hadn't won since 2004) and knocked off long-time nemesis Martin Brodeur and the Devils for their first win of the season. They also took the second half of the home-and-home series yesterday afternoon, with Jeff Carter scoring the OT winner.
Is it any surprise John McCain is trailing in the polls?
Speaking of lifting curses, the Phillies are now two wins away after last night's (this morning's?) 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the World Series.
Jamie Moyer, who had been rocked around the park in his first two post-season starts, threw a gem. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back-to-back home runs. Evan Longoria's deep fly ball came to rest in Pat Burrell's glove on the warning track in left. it seemed all the breaks were going our way.
Then the seventh inning started.
Moyer made a great play on a drag bunt by Carl Crawford, throwing Crawford out by a half a step. Only Crawford was called safe, another missed call by the umpires in this series. Of course, he came around to score as the Rays cut it to 4-3.
B.J. Upton walked in the eighth, stole second and third, and scored on Carlos Ruiz's errant throw to third. 4-4 in the ninth.
Lucky for the Phillies, Rays reliever Grant Balfour hit Eric Bruntlett, then uncorked a wild pitch. As Bruntlett hustled to second, the throw by catcher Dionner Navarro sailed into center field as Bruntlett scamperd to third. Two intentional walks loaded the bases with nobody out and brought the aforementioned Ruiz to the plate.
Ruiz atoned for his throwing error, hitting a chopper to third that Longoria flipped to the backstop as the Bruntlett scored the winning run.
The Phillies are two wins away from exorcising the evil spell posthumously cast on the city's sports franchises by founding father William Penn.
In 1983, the William Penn statue atop City Hall was the city's highest point. The skyscraper at One Liberty Place opened, and the city's championship drought began. When the Comcast Center, now the city's apex, was constructed, the architects affixed a William Penn figurine on the roof.
Rightfully returned to his perch atop the city, hopefully Billy Penn will witness the Phillies ascension to the top of the baseball world.
Let's hope they don't invite Palin to throw out the first pitch.
Republican VP Candidate Sarah Palin (referred to as the "V-Pilf" in the locker room the other night) dropped the ceremonial first puck at the Flyers season-opener. The Flyers lost their first six games of the season.
On Friday night, the V-Pilf was in St. Louis, again to drop the puck in advance of the Blues game against the Los Angeles Kings. As the Blues were taking the ice, goaltender Manny Legace tripped on the carpet laid out for Palin to walk to center ice and strained his hip. He left the game after the first period, and the Blues were shutout 4-0.
The Flyers, meanwhile, went into the swamps of Jersey (where they hadn't won since 2004) and knocked off long-time nemesis Martin Brodeur and the Devils for their first win of the season. They also took the second half of the home-and-home series yesterday afternoon, with Jeff Carter scoring the OT winner.
Is it any surprise John McCain is trailing in the polls?
Speaking of lifting curses, the Phillies are now two wins away after last night's (this morning's?) 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the World Series.
Jamie Moyer, who had been rocked around the park in his first two post-season starts, threw a gem. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard hit back-to-back home runs. Evan Longoria's deep fly ball came to rest in Pat Burrell's glove on the warning track in left. it seemed all the breaks were going our way.
Then the seventh inning started.
Moyer made a great play on a drag bunt by Carl Crawford, throwing Crawford out by a half a step. Only Crawford was called safe, another missed call by the umpires in this series. Of course, he came around to score as the Rays cut it to 4-3.
B.J. Upton walked in the eighth, stole second and third, and scored on Carlos Ruiz's errant throw to third. 4-4 in the ninth.
Lucky for the Phillies, Rays reliever Grant Balfour hit Eric Bruntlett, then uncorked a wild pitch. As Bruntlett hustled to second, the throw by catcher Dionner Navarro sailed into center field as Bruntlett scamperd to third. Two intentional walks loaded the bases with nobody out and brought the aforementioned Ruiz to the plate.
Ruiz atoned for his throwing error, hitting a chopper to third that Longoria flipped to the backstop as the Bruntlett scored the winning run.
The Phillies are two wins away from exorcising the evil spell posthumously cast on the city's sports franchises by founding father William Penn.
In 1983, the William Penn statue atop City Hall was the city's highest point. The skyscraper at One Liberty Place opened, and the city's championship drought began. When the Comcast Center, now the city's apex, was constructed, the architects affixed a William Penn figurine on the roof.
Rightfully returned to his perch atop the city, hopefully Billy Penn will witness the Phillies ascension to the top of the baseball world.
Let's hope they don't invite Palin to throw out the first pitch.
October 24, 2008
The Week 8 Picks
Match-up: Tampa Bay (+2.5) @ Dallas
Breakdown: This is the only way I'm rooting for a Tampa team on Sunday.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Washington (-7.5) @ Detroit
Breakdown: This is the first Lions home game that hasn't been a sell-out in seven years. That says a lot about Detroit fans. They certainly deserve better than the Lions have given.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
Match-up: Buffalo (-1.5) @ Miami
Breakdown: I think it's safe to say the Bills are legitimate playoff contenders now, and may be the odds-on favorite to win the AFC East.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ New England
Breakdown: The Patriots looked like, well, like the Patriots on Monday with their 41-7 beat-down of the Broncos. The resurgent Rams come calling this week. Never thought I'd be saying that.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: St. Louis
Match-up: San Diego (-3.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: The game is being played in London, England and without Reggie Bush, which may actually benefit the Saints. How? Run the ball with Deuce McAllister, control the clock, and keep the Chargers offense on the sideline.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Kansas City (+13.0) @ New York Jets
Breakdown: It goes from bad to worse in Kansas City. Tony Gonzalez is disgruntled after not being traded. Larry Johnson is suspended after spitting a drink in some chick's face. And Brodie Croyle in injured and will miss the rest of the season. All of this overshadows Herm Edwards' return to the Meadowlands.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
Match-up: Atlanta (+9.0) @ Philadelphia
Breakdown: The Eagles are starting to get healthy, with Brian Westbrook and Kevin Curtis expected to return to the line-up. The run defense will need to be stellar against Michael "The Burner" Turner.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Match-up: Arizona (+4.0) @ Carolina
Breakdown: Remember last week's stat about west coast teams playing early on the East Coast? Same situation presents itself here. Plus, the Panthers have been very good at home this year.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ Baltimore
Breakdown: A couple of NFL officials visited Baltimore this week to address the "Bounty" talk that some members of the Ravens were peddling. I'd expect them to take out some anger on the Raiders.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
Match-up: Cleveland (+7.0) @ Jacksonville
Breakdown: Call me crazy, but I've seen some life from the Browns lately.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Cleveland
Match-up: Cincinnati (+9.5) @ Houston
Breakdown: On the contrary, the Bengals have never looked more pedestrian.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
Match-up: New York Giants (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh
Breakdown: The winner of this game will ascend to the top of everyone's power rankings. And the teams are similar in style. Should be a good one.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Seattle (+5.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: After sitting through the Seahawks game in Tampa last week, I was leaning towards the Niners in this one. Then the Mike Nolan firing happened. And as we've already seen in St. Louis and Oakland, a coaching change can energize a team.
Straight Up: San Francisco
Against the Spread: San Francisco
Match-up: Indianapolis (+4.0) @ Tennessee
Breakdown: So everybody's on the Titans bandwagon now. And everyone's convinced that the Colts are done. I'm playing a hunch on this one. Call it "Peyton's Last Stand."
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Bye: Chicago; Denver; Green Bay; Minnesota
Week 7: 10-4-0 (.714); 6-8-0 (.429)
2008-09 Season: 62-40-0 (.608); 52-47-3 (.525)
Lifetime Record: 1028-609-1 (.628); 814-791-33 (.507)
Breakdown: This is the only way I'm rooting for a Tampa team on Sunday.
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Washington (-7.5) @ Detroit
Breakdown: This is the first Lions home game that hasn't been a sell-out in seven years. That says a lot about Detroit fans. They certainly deserve better than the Lions have given.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
Match-up: Buffalo (-1.5) @ Miami
Breakdown: I think it's safe to say the Bills are legitimate playoff contenders now, and may be the odds-on favorite to win the AFC East.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
Match-up: St. Louis (+7.0) @ New England
Breakdown: The Patriots looked like, well, like the Patriots on Monday with their 41-7 beat-down of the Broncos. The resurgent Rams come calling this week. Never thought I'd be saying that.
Straight Up: New England
Against the Spread: St. Louis
Match-up: San Diego (-3.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: The game is being played in London, England and without Reggie Bush, which may actually benefit the Saints. How? Run the ball with Deuce McAllister, control the clock, and keep the Chargers offense on the sideline.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Kansas City (+13.0) @ New York Jets
Breakdown: It goes from bad to worse in Kansas City. Tony Gonzalez is disgruntled after not being traded. Larry Johnson is suspended after spitting a drink in some chick's face. And Brodie Croyle in injured and will miss the rest of the season. All of this overshadows Herm Edwards' return to the Meadowlands.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
Match-up: Atlanta (+9.0) @ Philadelphia
Breakdown: The Eagles are starting to get healthy, with Brian Westbrook and Kevin Curtis expected to return to the line-up. The run defense will need to be stellar against Michael "The Burner" Turner.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Match-up: Arizona (+4.0) @ Carolina
Breakdown: Remember last week's stat about west coast teams playing early on the East Coast? Same situation presents itself here. Plus, the Panthers have been very good at home this year.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ Baltimore
Breakdown: A couple of NFL officials visited Baltimore this week to address the "Bounty" talk that some members of the Ravens were peddling. I'd expect them to take out some anger on the Raiders.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
Match-up: Cleveland (+7.0) @ Jacksonville
Breakdown: Call me crazy, but I've seen some life from the Browns lately.
Straight Up: Jacksonville
Against the Spread: Cleveland
Match-up: Cincinnati (+9.5) @ Houston
Breakdown: On the contrary, the Bengals have never looked more pedestrian.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
Match-up: New York Giants (+3.0) @ Pittsburgh
Breakdown: The winner of this game will ascend to the top of everyone's power rankings. And the teams are similar in style. Should be a good one.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Seattle (+5.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: After sitting through the Seahawks game in Tampa last week, I was leaning towards the Niners in this one. Then the Mike Nolan firing happened. And as we've already seen in St. Louis and Oakland, a coaching change can energize a team.
Straight Up: San Francisco
Against the Spread: San Francisco
Match-up: Indianapolis (+4.0) @ Tennessee
Breakdown: So everybody's on the Titans bandwagon now. And everyone's convinced that the Colts are done. I'm playing a hunch on this one. Call it "Peyton's Last Stand."
Straight Up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Bye: Chicago; Denver; Green Bay; Minnesota
Week 7: 10-4-0 (.714); 6-8-0 (.429)
2008-09 Season: 62-40-0 (.608); 52-47-3 (.525)
Lifetime Record: 1028-609-1 (.628); 814-791-33 (.507)
October 23, 2008
Hockey Season in Underway...Someone Should Tell the Flyers
Happiest about the Phillies winning the National League and competing for a World Series championship? That would be the Flyers, who have stumbled out of the gate like a three-legged racehorse. With the city so engrossed in playoff baseball, few have noticed.
At present, the Flyers are the only team yet to record their first victory of the season. Last season's Eastern Conference finalist has collected only three of a possible twelve points, courtesy of overtime or shootout losses.
The perplexing thing is no one really saw this coming. Most of last season's team returned in tact. Team leader Mike Richards was installed as the new captain. And after establishing himself as a legitimate number one, goalie Martin Biron looked exceptionally sharp in camp and the pre-season.
Then the lights went on for real. An opening night loss to the Rangers in which the Flyers fell behind 4-0 in the first period was followed by a 5-3 home loss to Montreal.
A three-game road trip ensued, including a loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh in the waning seconds of overtime. They were never in the game against Colorado, then lost in overtime at the Shark Tank. Another OT loss to San Jose last night puts the Flyers at a very uninspired 0-3-3.
Ouch.
In hindsight, there were some warning signs. Late in the pre-season, defensemen Ryan Parent and Randy Jones, both expected to be among the team's top six blueliners, were lost to injury. Neither is expected back soon. The last exhibition game was a loss to the minor league affiliate Phantoms.
Biron's play has been particularly troubling. So much so that Anterro Niittymaki has started the last two games. Of course, he was chased in the first period last night.
So is it time to lay on the panic button? Not necessarily. Remember, this team endured a ten-game losing streak last February and righted the ship. And, there are still 76 games to play this year.
But they'd better get it figured out quick. Because win lose or draw, this Phillies playoff run will be over in a couple of weeks. And if the Flyers are still winless at that point in time, you'd better believe the people will notice.
At present, the Flyers are the only team yet to record their first victory of the season. Last season's Eastern Conference finalist has collected only three of a possible twelve points, courtesy of overtime or shootout losses.
The perplexing thing is no one really saw this coming. Most of last season's team returned in tact. Team leader Mike Richards was installed as the new captain. And after establishing himself as a legitimate number one, goalie Martin Biron looked exceptionally sharp in camp and the pre-season.
Then the lights went on for real. An opening night loss to the Rangers in which the Flyers fell behind 4-0 in the first period was followed by a 5-3 home loss to Montreal.
A three-game road trip ensued, including a loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh in the waning seconds of overtime. They were never in the game against Colorado, then lost in overtime at the Shark Tank. Another OT loss to San Jose last night puts the Flyers at a very uninspired 0-3-3.
Ouch.
In hindsight, there were some warning signs. Late in the pre-season, defensemen Ryan Parent and Randy Jones, both expected to be among the team's top six blueliners, were lost to injury. Neither is expected back soon. The last exhibition game was a loss to the minor league affiliate Phantoms.
Biron's play has been particularly troubling. So much so that Anterro Niittymaki has started the last two games. Of course, he was chased in the first period last night.
So is it time to lay on the panic button? Not necessarily. Remember, this team endured a ten-game losing streak last February and righted the ship. And, there are still 76 games to play this year.
But they'd better get it figured out quick. Because win lose or draw, this Phillies playoff run will be over in a couple of weeks. And if the Flyers are still winless at that point in time, you'd better believe the people will notice.
October 21, 2008
The W.W.W. - Week 7
Wow!
Steven Jackson - Remember when Jackson held out most of training camp bargaining for a new contract? Well, he got it, and Sunday he started making it pay off. Jackson ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns in St. Louis' 34-14 dismantling of what's left of the Dallas Cowboys (more on them shortly).
Calvin Johnson - How's this for a stat line: 2 catches, 154 yards, one TD. His touchdown grab covered 96 yards. Unfortunately, it was only good for six points, and the Lions fell short again.
Sebastian Janikowski - The one-time date-rapist booted a franchise-record 57-yard field goal in Oakland's 16-13 overtime win against the Jets, the first for interim coach Tom Cable.
WTF?
Kellen Winslow - Winslow returned to the Browns line-up after being hospitalized with swollen nuts, or what he called "a staph infection." Upon returning, he voiced his displeasure with the treatment he received from the organization and was subsequently suspended for a game without pay. That's what happens when you bite the hand that feeds.
Jeremy Shockey - Apparently a course in respecting authority isn't offered at "The U," because another former Miami Hurricane ran off at the mouth this week. Saints TE Jeremy Shockey, back from hernia surgery, played a really bad game, then alluded to the fact that he was actually injured in training camp and was misdiagnosed. Yeah, that was the problem.
The National Football League - It came to light this week that Steelers WR Hines Ward has been fined twice this season. What for, you ask? For blocking guys a little too hard. Sorry, but I was under the impression that blocking and tackling were a part of the game. One of the reasons Ward has been successful in the league despite his slight stature is his toughness. Did the fines change him? Not if you ask Keith Rivers. The Bengals linebacker is out for the season with a broken jaw, courtesy of a textbook block by Ward.
Wait & See...
San Francisco 49ers - The NFL is a copycat league, and given the success of the Rams under new coach Jim Haslett (wins over Washington and Dallas) and Tom Cable and the Raiders (1-1 so far), the Niners have parted ways with Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary. Will the move spark the 49ers?
How 'bout them Cowboys?
I subscribe to dictionary.com's word of the day, and try to use some of them in everyday conversation. I don't know, maybe it makes me feel smart. Anyway, one of their recent words was schadenfreude, which loosely means finding satisfaction in the misfortune of others. Well, I'm enjoying the implosion of "America's Team." I'm looking forward to Mount T.O. erupting, which should happen any day now.
World Series Prediction
What do you think? Phillies in six.
Steven Jackson - Remember when Jackson held out most of training camp bargaining for a new contract? Well, he got it, and Sunday he started making it pay off. Jackson ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns in St. Louis' 34-14 dismantling of what's left of the Dallas Cowboys (more on them shortly).
Calvin Johnson - How's this for a stat line: 2 catches, 154 yards, one TD. His touchdown grab covered 96 yards. Unfortunately, it was only good for six points, and the Lions fell short again.
Sebastian Janikowski - The one-time date-rapist booted a franchise-record 57-yard field goal in Oakland's 16-13 overtime win against the Jets, the first for interim coach Tom Cable.
WTF?
Kellen Winslow - Winslow returned to the Browns line-up after being hospitalized with swollen nuts, or what he called "a staph infection." Upon returning, he voiced his displeasure with the treatment he received from the organization and was subsequently suspended for a game without pay. That's what happens when you bite the hand that feeds.
Jeremy Shockey - Apparently a course in respecting authority isn't offered at "The U," because another former Miami Hurricane ran off at the mouth this week. Saints TE Jeremy Shockey, back from hernia surgery, played a really bad game, then alluded to the fact that he was actually injured in training camp and was misdiagnosed. Yeah, that was the problem.
The National Football League - It came to light this week that Steelers WR Hines Ward has been fined twice this season. What for, you ask? For blocking guys a little too hard. Sorry, but I was under the impression that blocking and tackling were a part of the game. One of the reasons Ward has been successful in the league despite his slight stature is his toughness. Did the fines change him? Not if you ask Keith Rivers. The Bengals linebacker is out for the season with a broken jaw, courtesy of a textbook block by Ward.
Wait & See...
San Francisco 49ers - The NFL is a copycat league, and given the success of the Rams under new coach Jim Haslett (wins over Washington and Dallas) and Tom Cable and the Raiders (1-1 so far), the Niners have parted ways with Mike Nolan and replaced him with Mike Singletary. Will the move spark the 49ers?
How 'bout them Cowboys?
I subscribe to dictionary.com's word of the day, and try to use some of them in everyday conversation. I don't know, maybe it makes me feel smart. Anyway, one of their recent words was schadenfreude, which loosely means finding satisfaction in the misfortune of others. Well, I'm enjoying the implosion of "America's Team." I'm looking forward to Mount T.O. erupting, which should happen any day now.
World Series Prediction
What do you think? Phillies in six.
October 18, 2008
The Week 7 Picks
Match-up: San Diego (+1.0) @ Buffalo
Breakdown: I head a stat this week that west coast teams are 16-48 in road games starting at 1:00 EST (10:00 Pacific). Plus, the Chargers have been Jekyll and Hyde all season.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
Match-up: Minnesota (+3.0) @ Chicago
Breakdown: Redemption game for Lovie Smith and the Bears following last week's last second collapse in Atlanta. Minnesota's Brad Childress remains on the hot seat despite a two game Viking winning streak. A loss this week could signal the end for Childress.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
Match-up: Pittsburgh (-9.5) @ Cincinnati
Breakdown: If Carson Palmer was playing, I'd think about taking the Bengals and the points. But it's Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for Cincinnati.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Tennessee (-8.0) @ Kansas City
Breakdown: OK, show of hands, who had Tennessee as the last unbeaten team this year? This one looks like a kicking contest, something along the lines of 16-9 Titans.
Straight Up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Kansas City
Match-up: Dallas (Off) @ St. Louis
Breakdown: There's no spread due to Tony Romo's uncertain playing status. I hope he plays. The guy can't hold on to the ball with ten good fingers. Why would he with a cast on his hand?
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
Match-up: Baltimore (+3.0) @ Miami
Breakdown: When do we say the Dolphins aren't a fluke and may not be that bad? I'd say a win over Baltimore this week should do it.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
Match-up: San Francisco (+10.5) @ New York Giants
Breakdown: The Giants should be pissed coming off their first loss of the season. And there's that whole west coast team playing early in the east thing.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Match-up: New Orleans (+3.0) @ Carolina
Breakdown: Just as I was starting to do a 180 on Carolina, they go to Tampa and lay an egg. So I'm back to thinking they're not that good. So I guess I've done a 360?
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Detroit (+9.5) @ Houston
Breakdown: Boy, the Lions look awful. They just traded Roy Williams. Their starting QB was either benched or injured (depending on who you ask). And his replacement took a safety last week when he ran out the back of the end zone, and not by design.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
Match-up: Indianapolis (-1.0) @ Green Bay
Breakdown: The Colts appear to be back, but I think they'll miss Joseph Addai. I'm playing a hunch on this one.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Match-up: New York Jets (-3.0) @ Oakland
Breakdown: It's the home debut for new Raider coach Tom Cable!!! Please try to contain your excitement.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
Match-up: Cleveland (+7.5) @ Washington
Breakdown: The Browns finally showed signs of life on Monday night. I could see them flat-lining this week in D.C.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
Match-up: Seattle (+10.5) @ Tampa Bay
Breakdown: Jeff Garcia is back at the top of the Bucs QB depth chart, and I think they're better for it. Seattle, on the other hand, will have to choose between Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye. See where this is headed?
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Denver (+3.0) @ New England
Breakdown: Check your defense at the door. Neither of these teams can stop anybody, so it looks like a shoot-out. With that in mind, I feel better about Jay Cutler than I do Matt Cassel. Not sure the home-field advantage is enough to sway me on this one.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Bye: Arizona; Atlanta; Jacksonville; Philadelphia
Week 6: 9-5-0 (.643); 9-5-0 (.643)
2008-09 Season: 52-36-0 (.591); 46-39-3 (.541)
Lifetime Record: 1018-605-1 (.627); 808-783-33 (.508)
Breakdown: I head a stat this week that west coast teams are 16-48 in road games starting at 1:00 EST (10:00 Pacific). Plus, the Chargers have been Jekyll and Hyde all season.
Straight Up: Buffalo
Against the Spread: Buffalo
Match-up: Minnesota (+3.0) @ Chicago
Breakdown: Redemption game for Lovie Smith and the Bears following last week's last second collapse in Atlanta. Minnesota's Brad Childress remains on the hot seat despite a two game Viking winning streak. A loss this week could signal the end for Childress.
Straight Up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Chicago
Match-up: Pittsburgh (-9.5) @ Cincinnati
Breakdown: If Carson Palmer was playing, I'd think about taking the Bengals and the points. But it's Ryan Fitzpatrick under center for Cincinnati.
Straight Up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Tennessee (-8.0) @ Kansas City
Breakdown: OK, show of hands, who had Tennessee as the last unbeaten team this year? This one looks like a kicking contest, something along the lines of 16-9 Titans.
Straight Up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Kansas City
Match-up: Dallas (Off) @ St. Louis
Breakdown: There's no spread due to Tony Romo's uncertain playing status. I hope he plays. The guy can't hold on to the ball with ten good fingers. Why would he with a cast on his hand?
Straight Up: St. Louis
Against the Spread: St. Louis
Match-up: Baltimore (+3.0) @ Miami
Breakdown: When do we say the Dolphins aren't a fluke and may not be that bad? I'd say a win over Baltimore this week should do it.
Straight Up: Miami
Against the Spread: Miami
Match-up: San Francisco (+10.5) @ New York Giants
Breakdown: The Giants should be pissed coming off their first loss of the season. And there's that whole west coast team playing early in the east thing.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Match-up: New Orleans (+3.0) @ Carolina
Breakdown: Just as I was starting to do a 180 on Carolina, they go to Tampa and lay an egg. So I'm back to thinking they're not that good. So I guess I've done a 360?
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Detroit (+9.5) @ Houston
Breakdown: Boy, the Lions look awful. They just traded Roy Williams. Their starting QB was either benched or injured (depending on who you ask). And his replacement took a safety last week when he ran out the back of the end zone, and not by design.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
Match-up: Indianapolis (-1.0) @ Green Bay
Breakdown: The Colts appear to be back, but I think they'll miss Joseph Addai. I'm playing a hunch on this one.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Match-up: New York Jets (-3.0) @ Oakland
Breakdown: It's the home debut for new Raider coach Tom Cable!!! Please try to contain your excitement.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
Match-up: Cleveland (+7.5) @ Washington
Breakdown: The Browns finally showed signs of life on Monday night. I could see them flat-lining this week in D.C.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
Match-up: Seattle (+10.5) @ Tampa Bay
Breakdown: Jeff Garcia is back at the top of the Bucs QB depth chart, and I think they're better for it. Seattle, on the other hand, will have to choose between Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye. See where this is headed?
Straight Up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Denver (+3.0) @ New England
Breakdown: Check your defense at the door. Neither of these teams can stop anybody, so it looks like a shoot-out. With that in mind, I feel better about Jay Cutler than I do Matt Cassel. Not sure the home-field advantage is enough to sway me on this one.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
Bye: Arizona; Atlanta; Jacksonville; Philadelphia
Week 6: 9-5-0 (.643); 9-5-0 (.643)
2008-09 Season: 52-36-0 (.591); 46-39-3 (.541)
Lifetime Record: 1018-605-1 (.627); 808-783-33 (.508)
October 16, 2008
Phillies Baseball: All About Family
"...and the Philadelphia Phillies are going to the World Series!"
I've waited 15 years to hear those words. As the final out came to rest in the mitt of Carlos Ruiz, there were a million thoughts running through my mind.
I thought about the 1983 World Series, and being disappointed but learning that, in sports and in life, you can't win 'em all. What a valuable lesson for an 8-year old.
I thought about some of my all-time favorite Phillies - Juan Samuel, Charlie Hayes, Steve Jeltz, Bob Dernier, Rick Schu, Joe Lefebvre - who may not have been legends but were the guys I emulated while swinging a wiffle bat in my backyard.
I thought about some of my all-time favorite Phillies - Juan Samuel, Charlie Hayes, Steve Jeltz, Bob Dernier, Rick Schu, Joe Lefebvre - who may not have been legends but were the guys I emulated while swinging a wiffle bat in my backyard.
I thought about all of those bad Phillie teams that filled the days and nights of summer while the city was counting down the days to Eagles training camp.
I thought about 1993 and sitting with my sister and what seemed like a hundred more Phils fans in the TV lounge of Beck Hall at Kutztown University, watching Mitch Williams strike out Atlanta's Bill Pecota to clinch the pennant and the ensuing celebration.
I thought about last season and being in New York for my brother's wedding in late September and revelling in the Mets collapse. It really had nothing to do with this year, but it's a fond memory anyway.
I remembered how last year's team seemed happy just to make the playoffs and not surprisingly was swept by the Colorado Rockies.
I can still tell you where I was when Joe F. Carter did what he did in 1993, a crushing blow since I was so sure we were going to win.
Through it all, I thought about my father and grandfather, both die hard Phillies fans who were watching from the best seats in the house, high above Chavez Ravine, no doubt pushing Nomar's Garcia-pop-up down into Ruiz's glove.
Grandpop always called them "bums," yet he watched every game. I couldn't understand why he'd keep watching if he hated them. Eventually I learned "bums" was a term of endearment. He didn't hate them at all. He loved them. Maybe they weren't the best team in the league, but they were his team. They were our team.
Dad took my family and me to Spring Training in Clearwater, where we met Lee Elia and sat behind the dugout, trailing the likes of Von Hayes and Ozzie Virgil up and down Florida's gulf coast. We watched so many games together, I couldn't begin to count them.
Himself a coach, he was always teaching me about the game. Never make the first or last out of an inning at third base. Always take a 3-0 pitch. Make sure to hit your cut-off man. Most of all, he taught me about the concept of a team, and about working hard, playing together, and believing in each other.
He would have loved the 2008 Phillies. They play the game the right way fundamentally. They've bought into the concepts of team and hard work.
What struck me about the post-game last night was how the celebration was kind of subdued, and how many of the players in their interviews mentioned that there was still work to be done. There were still games to play. They hadn't accomplished anything yet.
Dare I say this is a team of destiny.
How else can you explain Brett Myers going 3-3 in the NLCS after only recording four hits in 58 regular season at-bats? Or 40-year old Matt Stairs, who looks like a beer-league softballer, crushing a game-winning home run that may not have landed yet. When Charlie Manuel's mother passed away on the morning of Game 2 of the NLCS, the team picked him up. Shane Victorino's grandmother passed that evening. The team rallied around him, as a strong family should.
In speaking with my brother and sister today, it seemed we all had thoughts about Dad and Grandpop and 1993 and parades. In short, it was all about the Phillies. And all about family.
October 14, 2008
The W.W.W. - Week 6
Wow!
Arizona Cardinals - Up ten with less than five minutes to go, the Cardinals tried like hell to cough one up against the Dallas Cowboys. Marion Barber took a little swing pass 70 yards for a score when the entire Cards defense forgot how to tackle. Then Ken Whisenhunt called a timeout as his team was blocking what would have been the game-tying field goal only to watch the ball sail through the uprights the second time around.
Dennis Green's "we let 'em off the hook" press conference had to be ringing the ears of Cardinals fans.
How did Arizona respond in overtime? Quite well, actually. Sean Morey knifed through the line seemingly untouched and blocked Mat McBriar's punt, breaking the punter's foot in the process. Monty Beisel recovered for the game-winning touchdown, the first contest in league history to end under such circumstances.
WTF?
Lovie Smith - The Bears took a 20-19 lead with 11 seconds to play against the Falcons in Atlanta. Lovie Smith ordered the dreaded squib kick, giving the Falcons decent field position, needing only a field goal to win the game.
Guess what happened?
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, who should be reading the fine print in his contract and planning how to spend his rookie of the year bonus, completed an out-pattern to Michael Jenkins setting up the game-winning Jason Elam field goal.
In his post-game presser, Smith said if he had it to do over, he would have kicked the ball deep. You think?
Wait & See...
Dallas Cowboys - The aforementioned McBriar injury (broken foot, out for the season) may be the least of their concerns. QB Tony Romo will miss up to a month with a broken finger, which means Dallas' turnover margin may actually improve. Rookie RB and return man Felix Jones will miss at least two weeks with a partially torn hamstring. Convicted felon Adam "Pitfall" Jones predictably fought his own personal bodyguard and has been suspended for at least four games.
Jerry Jones left his plastic surgeon's office immediately and traded for Detroit WR Roy Williams but indicated that he had no plans to add a QB, meaning this receiver will self-destruct in about seven days...
Christmas in October
Thanks to wins by the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams over the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins, respectively, the Eagles gained a game on the entire NFC East.
Arizona Cardinals - Up ten with less than five minutes to go, the Cardinals tried like hell to cough one up against the Dallas Cowboys. Marion Barber took a little swing pass 70 yards for a score when the entire Cards defense forgot how to tackle. Then Ken Whisenhunt called a timeout as his team was blocking what would have been the game-tying field goal only to watch the ball sail through the uprights the second time around.
Dennis Green's "we let 'em off the hook" press conference had to be ringing the ears of Cardinals fans.
How did Arizona respond in overtime? Quite well, actually. Sean Morey knifed through the line seemingly untouched and blocked Mat McBriar's punt, breaking the punter's foot in the process. Monty Beisel recovered for the game-winning touchdown, the first contest in league history to end under such circumstances.
WTF?
Lovie Smith - The Bears took a 20-19 lead with 11 seconds to play against the Falcons in Atlanta. Lovie Smith ordered the dreaded squib kick, giving the Falcons decent field position, needing only a field goal to win the game.
Guess what happened?
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, who should be reading the fine print in his contract and planning how to spend his rookie of the year bonus, completed an out-pattern to Michael Jenkins setting up the game-winning Jason Elam field goal.
In his post-game presser, Smith said if he had it to do over, he would have kicked the ball deep. You think?
Wait & See...
Dallas Cowboys - The aforementioned McBriar injury (broken foot, out for the season) may be the least of their concerns. QB Tony Romo will miss up to a month with a broken finger, which means Dallas' turnover margin may actually improve. Rookie RB and return man Felix Jones will miss at least two weeks with a partially torn hamstring. Convicted felon Adam "Pitfall" Jones predictably fought his own personal bodyguard and has been suspended for at least four games.
Jerry Jones left his plastic surgeon's office immediately and traded for Detroit WR Roy Williams but indicated that he had no plans to add a QB, meaning this receiver will self-destruct in about seven days...
Christmas in October
Thanks to wins by the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams over the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins, respectively, the Eagles gained a game on the entire NFC East.
October 10, 2008
Uncle Miltie was a Phillies Fan
Perhaps you've heard the legend of Hollywood's "Mr. Television," Milton Berle, and his, how should I put this, "gift that kept on giving." It has been rumored that people would challenge Berle to contests to see who was more gifted, if you will. Berle would always triumph, not by unwrapping the full package but simply by pulling out just enough to win.
Which is basically what the Phillies offense has done throughout these playoffs.
They beat Milwaukee 3-2 in Game 1 of the NLDS with all three runs coming in the third inning.
The next night, they scored five in the second off Brewers Ace CC Sabathia and won 5-1.
Last night they bombed two home runs in a 3-run sixth en route to a 3-2 victory over the Dodgers.
In fact, the Phillies have scored runs in multiple innings only once in their five post-season games. Yet they're 4-1 in the playoffs.
They're pulling out just enough to win.
Much of the credit belongs to the pitching staff. Cole Hamels has been sensational in his two October starts - 15 IP; 8 H; 2 ER; 17 K; 1.20 ERA. Hamels and the Citizens Bank Park architects (who planned the high wall in center field that prevented Manny Ramirez's tape-measure shot from exiting the confines of the diamond) kept the Dodgers in check last night until the offense had its inning.
Don't get me wrong. If the Phillies can keep winning games in this fashion, then so be it. I just hope they can dip into the offensive reserves if the situation warrants.
Which is basically what the Phillies offense has done throughout these playoffs.
They beat Milwaukee 3-2 in Game 1 of the NLDS with all three runs coming in the third inning.
The next night, they scored five in the second off Brewers Ace CC Sabathia and won 5-1.
Last night they bombed two home runs in a 3-run sixth en route to a 3-2 victory over the Dodgers.
In fact, the Phillies have scored runs in multiple innings only once in their five post-season games. Yet they're 4-1 in the playoffs.
They're pulling out just enough to win.
Much of the credit belongs to the pitching staff. Cole Hamels has been sensational in his two October starts - 15 IP; 8 H; 2 ER; 17 K; 1.20 ERA. Hamels and the Citizens Bank Park architects (who planned the high wall in center field that prevented Manny Ramirez's tape-measure shot from exiting the confines of the diamond) kept the Dodgers in check last night until the offense had its inning.
Don't get me wrong. If the Phillies can keep winning games in this fashion, then so be it. I just hope they can dip into the offensive reserves if the situation warrants.
October 9, 2008
The Week 6 Picks
Please ignore the intermittent Phillies updates in between games, as I'm knee deep in Game 1 right now. [1-0 Dodgers, at present.]
Match-up: Cincinnati (+5.5) @ New York Jets
Breakdown: Big news in Jets camp from the bye week? Brett Favre stuffed a dead animal in teammate Eric Barton's locker. Got to love the camaraderie of the locker room.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
[Pat Burrell leads off the second inning with a single.]
Match-up: Chicago (-3.0) @ Atlanta
Breakdown: I'm guessing the young Falcons carry the momentum of last week's statement win in Green Bay into this one and upset Chicago.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
[Jayson Werth grounds into a double play. None on, two outs.]
Match-up: Baltimore (+4.0) @ Indianapolis
Breakdown: Luck was a huge factor for both teams last week - good for Indianapolis, bad for Baltimore. The karma will even up this week.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
Match-up: Carolina (+1.5) @ Tampa Bay
Breakdown: Sure, I'll take the Panthers and a point and a half against the Jeff Garcia and the Bucs.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
[Uh-oh. Manny's up again.]
Match-up: Detroit (+13.0) @ Minnesota
Breakdown: The Vikings stole one from the Saints on Monday. Not sure why I like Detroit and the points, maybe the short week for Minnesota?
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Detroit
Match-up: St. Louis (+13.5) @ Washington
Breakdown: The Rams have had more coaches this season (2) than they do wins (0). The dominance of the NFC East continues.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
[Whew. Ramirez popped out. Two on, two out in the third.]
Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: The Saints wasted an amazing individual performance by Reggie Bush on Monday. Bush returned punts 64 and 71 yards for touchdowns and almost broke a third. New Orleans shouldn't need that much to beat the Tom Cable's Raiders.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Miami (+3.0) @ Houston
Breakdown: Sage Rosenfels is out, Matt Schaub is back in for Houston. That doesn't take away the sting of last week's come from ahead loss. A win might, though.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
[Still 1-0 Dodgers after three. The Fightins have to start hitting. Tim McCarver is a douche bag.]
Match-up: Jacksonville (+3.5) @ Denver
Breakdown: The Jaguars couldn't cash one in against a depleted Steelers team in a game they had to have. My guess is the loss sends them into a downward spiral.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
[Sacrifice fly by Blake Dewitt. 2-0 Dodgers. Crap.]
Match-up: Dallas (-5.0) @ Arizona
Breakdown: Hope the Cowboys spring for a nice hotel room for Adam "Pitfall" Jones.
Straight Up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
Match-up: Philadelphia (-5.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: Donovan McNabb is embarrassed by the Eagles' play over the last two weeks. As he should be. So should Andy Reid. And Marty Mornhinweg. And the receivers. Oh, and thanks to the Daily News for pointing out that the Birds could have taken Felix Jones in the first round instead of trading down. Like I needed to be reminded of that.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
[Something is clearly wrong with Chase Utley. 2-0 Dodgers, end of four. Not nervous - yet.]
Match-up: Green Bay (+2.0) @ Seattle
Breakdown: Remember how hot the Packers were at the start of the season? Three straight losses have them road dogs in Seattle, where lame duck Mike Holmgren appears to have lost his team.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
[Another freakin' ground out? Could we hit a ball out of the infield tonight, please? 2-0 L.A. Bypassing nervousness, skipping right to anger.]
Match-up: New England (+5.0) @ San Diego
Breakdown: Sooner or later, the Chargers have to get their collective heads out of their backsides and play to they ability. This week with the Patriots in town would be a good time to start.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
[Thank you, Carlos Ruiz! One on, two out in the fifth.]
Match-up: New York Giants (-7.5) @ Cleveland
Breakdown: The Browns will need to do something to justify the multiple national television appearances bestowed upon them. Giving the defending champs a game would suffice.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: Cleveland
[And Hamels is aboard. Two on, two out. Come on, J-Roll!]
Bye: Buffalo; Kansas City; Pittsburgh; Tennessee
[Fly out to end the inning. Still down two, and it's getting late early.]
Week 5: 8-6-0 (.571); 7-5-2 (.583)
2008-09 Season: 43-31-0 (.581); 37-34-3 (.521)
Lifetime: 1009-600-1 (.627); 799-778-33 (.507)
[Nice double play, Rollins to Utley to Howard. 2-0 after five and a half. I've gotta go cheer 'em on.]
Match-up: Cincinnati (+5.5) @ New York Jets
Breakdown: Big news in Jets camp from the bye week? Brett Favre stuffed a dead animal in teammate Eric Barton's locker. Got to love the camaraderie of the locker room.
Straight Up: New York Jets
Against the Spread: New York Jets
[Pat Burrell leads off the second inning with a single.]
Match-up: Chicago (-3.0) @ Atlanta
Breakdown: I'm guessing the young Falcons carry the momentum of last week's statement win in Green Bay into this one and upset Chicago.
Straight Up: Atlanta
Against the Spread: Atlanta
[Jayson Werth grounds into a double play. None on, two outs.]
Match-up: Baltimore (+4.0) @ Indianapolis
Breakdown: Luck was a huge factor for both teams last week - good for Indianapolis, bad for Baltimore. The karma will even up this week.
Straight Up: Baltimore
Against the Spread: Baltimore
Match-up: Carolina (+1.5) @ Tampa Bay
Breakdown: Sure, I'll take the Panthers and a point and a half against the Jeff Garcia and the Bucs.
Straight Up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
[Uh-oh. Manny's up again.]
Match-up: Detroit (+13.0) @ Minnesota
Breakdown: The Vikings stole one from the Saints on Monday. Not sure why I like Detroit and the points, maybe the short week for Minnesota?
Straight Up: Minnesota
Against the Spread: Detroit
Match-up: St. Louis (+13.5) @ Washington
Breakdown: The Rams have had more coaches this season (2) than they do wins (0). The dominance of the NFC East continues.
Straight Up: Washington
Against the Spread: Washington
[Whew. Ramirez popped out. Two on, two out in the third.]
Match-up: Oakland (+7.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: The Saints wasted an amazing individual performance by Reggie Bush on Monday. Bush returned punts 64 and 71 yards for touchdowns and almost broke a third. New Orleans shouldn't need that much to beat the Tom Cable's Raiders.
Straight Up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Match-up: Miami (+3.0) @ Houston
Breakdown: Sage Rosenfels is out, Matt Schaub is back in for Houston. That doesn't take away the sting of last week's come from ahead loss. A win might, though.
Straight Up: Houston
Against the Spread: Houston
[Still 1-0 Dodgers after three. The Fightins have to start hitting. Tim McCarver is a douche bag.]
Match-up: Jacksonville (+3.5) @ Denver
Breakdown: The Jaguars couldn't cash one in against a depleted Steelers team in a game they had to have. My guess is the loss sends them into a downward spiral.
Straight Up: Denver
Against the Spread: Denver
[Sacrifice fly by Blake Dewitt. 2-0 Dodgers. Crap.]
Match-up: Dallas (-5.0) @ Arizona
Breakdown: Hope the Cowboys spring for a nice hotel room for Adam "Pitfall" Jones.
Straight Up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
Match-up: Philadelphia (-5.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: Donovan McNabb is embarrassed by the Eagles' play over the last two weeks. As he should be. So should Andy Reid. And Marty Mornhinweg. And the receivers. Oh, and thanks to the Daily News for pointing out that the Birds could have taken Felix Jones in the first round instead of trading down. Like I needed to be reminded of that.
Straight Up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
[Something is clearly wrong with Chase Utley. 2-0 Dodgers, end of four. Not nervous - yet.]
Match-up: Green Bay (+2.0) @ Seattle
Breakdown: Remember how hot the Packers were at the start of the season? Three straight losses have them road dogs in Seattle, where lame duck Mike Holmgren appears to have lost his team.
Straight Up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
[Another freakin' ground out? Could we hit a ball out of the infield tonight, please? 2-0 L.A. Bypassing nervousness, skipping right to anger.]
Match-up: New England (+5.0) @ San Diego
Breakdown: Sooner or later, the Chargers have to get their collective heads out of their backsides and play to they ability. This week with the Patriots in town would be a good time to start.
Straight Up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
[Thank you, Carlos Ruiz! One on, two out in the fifth.]
Match-up: New York Giants (-7.5) @ Cleveland
Breakdown: The Browns will need to do something to justify the multiple national television appearances bestowed upon them. Giving the defending champs a game would suffice.
Straight Up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: Cleveland
[And Hamels is aboard. Two on, two out. Come on, J-Roll!]
Bye: Buffalo; Kansas City; Pittsburgh; Tennessee
[Fly out to end the inning. Still down two, and it's getting late early.]
Week 5: 8-6-0 (.571); 7-5-2 (.583)
2008-09 Season: 43-31-0 (.581); 37-34-3 (.521)
Lifetime: 1009-600-1 (.627); 799-778-33 (.507)
[Nice double play, Rollins to Utley to Howard. 2-0 after five and a half. I've gotta go cheer 'em on.]
October 7, 2008
The W.W.W. - Week 5
Wow!
Ben Roethlisberger - His numbers may not have been the best of the other quarterbacks in the league, but the Steelers were down to their fourth-string running back (Mewelde Moore) and a guy they just pulled out of his ex-girlfriend's closet (Najeh Davenport). They were playing against a motivated Jaguars defense in Jacksonville. And on top of it all, Roethlisberger was playing with a sprained throwing shoulder. Despite absorbing countless big hits, Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns in a 26-21 Steelers win.
WTF?
Sage Rosenfels - With about five minutes to go in the game and the Texans leading Indianapolis 27-10, Houston's back-up quarterback was destined for Wow! status. Then he decided to channel John Elway from Super Bowl XXXII and lunge forward at the end of a scramble. He got spun around like a helicopter, and his fumble was returned for a Colts touchdown. Another Rosenfels fumble turned into seven more Indianapolis points. When the dust settled, the Colts were ahead 31-27. I guess that's why Rosenfels is a back-up.
Wait & See...
Brian Westbrook - West might as well take up permanent residence here. He returned from his ankle injury only to break two ribs in the first quarter against the Redskins. He says he's playing this week. The team says his status is uncertain. As we all know, the Eagles are a completely different team without Westbrook, and they can ill-afford another loss.
Ben Roethlisberger - His numbers may not have been the best of the other quarterbacks in the league, but the Steelers were down to their fourth-string running back (Mewelde Moore) and a guy they just pulled out of his ex-girlfriend's closet (Najeh Davenport). They were playing against a motivated Jaguars defense in Jacksonville. And on top of it all, Roethlisberger was playing with a sprained throwing shoulder. Despite absorbing countless big hits, Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns in a 26-21 Steelers win.
WTF?
Sage Rosenfels - With about five minutes to go in the game and the Texans leading Indianapolis 27-10, Houston's back-up quarterback was destined for Wow! status. Then he decided to channel John Elway from Super Bowl XXXII and lunge forward at the end of a scramble. He got spun around like a helicopter, and his fumble was returned for a Colts touchdown. Another Rosenfels fumble turned into seven more Indianapolis points. When the dust settled, the Colts were ahead 31-27. I guess that's why Rosenfels is a back-up.
Wait & See...
Brian Westbrook - West might as well take up permanent residence here. He returned from his ankle injury only to break two ribs in the first quarter against the Redskins. He says he's playing this week. The team says his status is uncertain. As we all know, the Eagles are a completely different team without Westbrook, and they can ill-afford another loss.
October 4, 2008
The Week 5 Picks
Match-up: Washington (+6.0) @ Philadelphia
Breakdown: Westbrook or not, the Eagles need to win this one. One can only hope the playcalling reflects that urgency.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Match-up: Kansas City (+9.5) @ Carolina
Breakdown: KC stunned Denver last week because the Broncos can't stop the run. No such problem for the Carolina Panthers.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
Match-up: Tennessee (-3.0) @ Baltimore
Breakdown: The Ravens were a little unlucky in the Pittsburgh loss on Monday. Sometimes these things snowball.
Straight up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Tennessee
Match-up: Chicago (-3.5) @ Detroit
Breakdown: The players, coaches, and especially fans should be happy now that Matt Millen is out of the office. Will that translate into better play. I think so.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Detroit
Match-up: Indianapolis (-3.0) @ Houston
Breakdown: An emotional opening day in Houston, as the Texans have been displaced since Hurricane Ike tore a hole in the roof at REliant Stadium.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Match-up: Atlanta (Off) @ Green Bay
Breakdown: Even if Aaron Rodgers plays, I think Green Bay will try to run the ball a lot against the 24th ranked Falcons run defense.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Match-up: San Diego (-6.5) @ Miami
Breakdown: At 2-2, it appears as though the Chargers have righted the ship after their heartbreaking 0-2 start.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
Match-up: Seattle (+7.0) @ New York Giants
Breakdown: Shame the Seahawks won't be able to take advantage of Plaxico Burress' one-game suspension.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Match-up: Tampa Bay (+3.0) @ Denver
Breakdown: I haven't been sold on this Broncos team all season. They've gotten lucky breaks and have had problems stopping the run. Earnest Graham and the Bucs can control the clock with the run game and keep the Broncos high-powered offense on the sideline.
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Buffalo (+1.0) @ Arizona
Breakdown: A few weeks ago, there was a spread that made no sense, yet I coulnd't pull the trigger and lost. So here's undefeated Buffalo, everybody's darling through the first month of the season, getting a point on the road in Arizona against a Cardinals team down one of its best players, WR Anquan Boldin. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? I don't think so.
Straight up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
Match-up: New England (-3.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: Boy, have the Patriots fallen off the radar, or what? Last year they're all we heard about. This year, they're, dare I say, irrelevant?
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
Match-up: Cincinnati (+17.0) @ Dallas
Breakdown: Do you realize that Terrell Owens, Adam "Pac Man" Jones, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, Cedric Benson, and Chad Ocho Cinco will all be in the stadium this week? With that many thugs on the same field, it's like a remake of "The Longest Yard." Or a Miami-Florida Stae game.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
Match-up: Pittsburgh (+4.0) @ Jacksonville
Breakdown: The identity of the Jaguars a year ago was based on running the ball, playing good defense, and not forcing QB David Garrard to win games with his arm. That formula isn't working out well so far.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Minnesota (+3.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: Move over, Scott Linehan and Lane Kiffin. Brad Childress could be joining you on the unemployment line very soon.
Straight up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Bye: Cleveland; Oakland; New York Jets; St. Louis
Week 4: 9-4-0 (.692); 8-5-0 (.615)
2008-09 Season: 35-25-0 (.583); 30-29-1 (.508)
Lifetime: 1001-594-1 (.628); 792-773-31 (.506)
Breakdown: Westbrook or not, the Eagles need to win this one. One can only hope the playcalling reflects that urgency.
Straight up: Philadelphia
Against the Spread: Philadelphia
Match-up: Kansas City (+9.5) @ Carolina
Breakdown: KC stunned Denver last week because the Broncos can't stop the run. No such problem for the Carolina Panthers.
Straight up: Carolina
Against the Spread: Carolina
Match-up: Tennessee (-3.0) @ Baltimore
Breakdown: The Ravens were a little unlucky in the Pittsburgh loss on Monday. Sometimes these things snowball.
Straight up: Tennessee
Against the Spread: Tennessee
Match-up: Chicago (-3.5) @ Detroit
Breakdown: The players, coaches, and especially fans should be happy now that Matt Millen is out of the office. Will that translate into better play. I think so.
Straight up: Chicago
Against the Spread: Detroit
Match-up: Indianapolis (-3.0) @ Houston
Breakdown: An emotional opening day in Houston, as the Texans have been displaced since Hurricane Ike tore a hole in the roof at REliant Stadium.
Straight up: Indianapolis
Against the Spread: Indianapolis
Match-up: Atlanta (Off) @ Green Bay
Breakdown: Even if Aaron Rodgers plays, I think Green Bay will try to run the ball a lot against the 24th ranked Falcons run defense.
Straight up: Green Bay
Against the Spread: Green Bay
Match-up: San Diego (-6.5) @ Miami
Breakdown: At 2-2, it appears as though the Chargers have righted the ship after their heartbreaking 0-2 start.
Straight up: San Diego
Against the Spread: San Diego
Match-up: Seattle (+7.0) @ New York Giants
Breakdown: Shame the Seahawks won't be able to take advantage of Plaxico Burress' one-game suspension.
Straight up: New York Giants
Against the Spread: New York Giants
Match-up: Tampa Bay (+3.0) @ Denver
Breakdown: I haven't been sold on this Broncos team all season. They've gotten lucky breaks and have had problems stopping the run. Earnest Graham and the Bucs can control the clock with the run game and keep the Broncos high-powered offense on the sideline.
Straight up: Tampa Bay
Against the Spread: Tampa Bay
Match-up: Buffalo (+1.0) @ Arizona
Breakdown: A few weeks ago, there was a spread that made no sense, yet I coulnd't pull the trigger and lost. So here's undefeated Buffalo, everybody's darling through the first month of the season, getting a point on the road in Arizona against a Cardinals team down one of its best players, WR Anquan Boldin. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? I don't think so.
Straight up: Arizona
Against the Spread: Arizona
Match-up: New England (-3.0) @ San Francisco
Breakdown: Boy, have the Patriots fallen off the radar, or what? Last year they're all we heard about. This year, they're, dare I say, irrelevant?
Straight up: New England
Against the Spread: New England
Match-up: Cincinnati (+17.0) @ Dallas
Breakdown: Do you realize that Terrell Owens, Adam "Pac Man" Jones, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, Cedric Benson, and Chad Ocho Cinco will all be in the stadium this week? With that many thugs on the same field, it's like a remake of "The Longest Yard." Or a Miami-Florida Stae game.
Straight up: Cincinnati
Against the Spread: Cincinnati
Match-up: Pittsburgh (+4.0) @ Jacksonville
Breakdown: The identity of the Jaguars a year ago was based on running the ball, playing good defense, and not forcing QB David Garrard to win games with his arm. That formula isn't working out well so far.
Straight up: Pittsburgh
Against the Spread: Pittsburgh
Match-up: Minnesota (+3.0) @ New Orleans
Breakdown: Move over, Scott Linehan and Lane Kiffin. Brad Childress could be joining you on the unemployment line very soon.
Straight up: New Orleans
Against the Spread: New Orleans
Bye: Cleveland; Oakland; New York Jets; St. Louis
Week 4: 9-4-0 (.692); 8-5-0 (.615)
2008-09 Season: 35-25-0 (.583); 30-29-1 (.508)
Lifetime: 1001-594-1 (.628); 792-773-31 (.506)
Brett Myers 2.0
For only the second time in the history of the franchise, the Phillies have opened up a 2-0 lead in a playoff series, thanks in large part to costly Brewer errors, a gem hurled by Cole Hamels in Game 1, and timely Phillie hits in Game 2. But they wouldn't be where they are without last night's outstanding performance from their enigmatic Opening-Day starter Brett Myers.
The same Brett Myers who was almost run out of town on a rail when he was accused of domestic violence in Boston in 2006.
The same Brett Myers who was closing games for the 2007 Phillies.
The same Brett Myers who verbally sparred with the media, including his regrettable "retard" comment made after blowing a save last year.
The same Brett Myers who was optioned to the minors after struggling as a starter through April, May, and June.
Myers threw seven innings of two hit ball, surrendering two runs while striking out four. Perhaps more impressive was the way Myers reacted in the face of early adversity. Myers loaded the bases and walked in a run in the first, the 32nd first-inning run allowed by Myers this season. Erratic as he has been at times, it wouldn't have been surprising to see Myers try to make a perfect pitch and give up a bases-clearing double putting the Phils in an insurmountable hole.
Instead, Myers buckled down and induced an inning-ending 1-2-3 double play, which set the stage for Shane Victorino's heroics.
He also gave the Brewers fits at the plate, extending the second inning with a walk after an nine-pitch battle with Milwaukee ace CC Sabathia in advance of Victorino's grand slam. He came back with a ten-pitch at bat off Sabathia, who could ill-afford so many pitches throwing on three days' rest.
There's really no way to quantify what changed for Myers. Was he more prepared for the playoff stage after having played in the post-season last year? Was he hurt at the beginning of this season, as speculated in some circles? Did he rediscover his mechanics during his stint on the farm? Hard to say. All I know is, the Brett Myers who pitched the Phillies to a lead in this series had a different air about him, an air of unwavering confidence.
So maybe he's not the same Brett Myers after all.
The same Brett Myers who was almost run out of town on a rail when he was accused of domestic violence in Boston in 2006.
The same Brett Myers who was closing games for the 2007 Phillies.
The same Brett Myers who verbally sparred with the media, including his regrettable "retard" comment made after blowing a save last year.
The same Brett Myers who was optioned to the minors after struggling as a starter through April, May, and June.
Myers threw seven innings of two hit ball, surrendering two runs while striking out four. Perhaps more impressive was the way Myers reacted in the face of early adversity. Myers loaded the bases and walked in a run in the first, the 32nd first-inning run allowed by Myers this season. Erratic as he has been at times, it wouldn't have been surprising to see Myers try to make a perfect pitch and give up a bases-clearing double putting the Phils in an insurmountable hole.
Instead, Myers buckled down and induced an inning-ending 1-2-3 double play, which set the stage for Shane Victorino's heroics.
He also gave the Brewers fits at the plate, extending the second inning with a walk after an nine-pitch battle with Milwaukee ace CC Sabathia in advance of Victorino's grand slam. He came back with a ten-pitch at bat off Sabathia, who could ill-afford so many pitches throwing on three days' rest.
There's really no way to quantify what changed for Myers. Was he more prepared for the playoff stage after having played in the post-season last year? Was he hurt at the beginning of this season, as speculated in some circles? Did he rediscover his mechanics during his stint on the farm? Hard to say. All I know is, the Brett Myers who pitched the Phillies to a lead in this series had a different air about him, an air of unwavering confidence.
So maybe he's not the same Brett Myers after all.
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