King Cole Sharp; Phightin’s remain 1/2 game out in NL Wild Card Race. Old Guy Curse Hopefully Broken.
August 31, 2006
They seem do this every year, right around this time. They tantalize their long suffering fan base with streak after streak , only to come up just short. While not altogether in control of their own destiny, the Phils have, without a doubt, the easiest remaining schedule of the serious wild card contenders. The catch, though, is that there are two perennial Phillie killers left to play: the Marlins and the Astros. Last season, the Phillies finished a game out of the wild card race behind eventual NL pennant pinchers Houston. The Phils played six game against the ‘Stros last season, losing all six, a few in typical Phillies fashion (I still have nightmares of Biggio taking Satan Billy Wagner yard in the ninth). During their final series of the 2004 season against the Nats, the Phils did their job, sweeping the Nats, but also needed a Houston loss to the Cubs to force a one game playoff. The Astros won. The Phils set up tee times. Old Guy Phillie Killer Number 1.
The Marlins, who have 2 World Series titles in their 13 history, which, incidentally, is one more that the Phillies have in their 123 years, are surging right now. Backed by brilliant young starting pitchers, NLROY candidate Dan Uggla and Joe Girardi’s inspired management, the Fish were on a nine game tear until the Cards put the kibosh on their run last night with a 13-6 victory. The Phils have ten games left against the Marlins, who are 2 1/2 games out of the NLWC lead but have a history of killing October baseball in Philadelphia. And that brings us to Old Guy Phillie Killer Number 2: Jeff Conine.
This team scares me.
The Marlins road to their second World Series title in 2003 when through South Philly. Since the Braves were on track to win their 720th NL East title, the Fish and the Phils were both fighting for a wild card spot. During that season, Conine, now a Phightin’, hit .324 with three taters and 11 RBIs against the Phillies, which helped the Marlins edge the Phils for the NLWC. Old Guy Phillie Killer indeed.
So, with Conine now a Phillie and only a three game set against Houston next week, the Phillies can inch closer to their first post season appearance since the Broad Street Bellies made it to the World Series in 1993. The future is in their young hands. Their young, non-arthritic hands.
Pinkston and Koy out. Feeley back in. Earth Reverses Rotation.
August 30, 2006
The Eagles FO continues to slash and burn the roster, cutting longtime roster stalwarts Todd Pinkston, Koy Detmer and Koy Detmer’s neck beard. In turn, the Birds brought back 2003 miracle man AJ Feeley who was cut by the Chargers, effectively killing Timmy Chang’s chances of making the 53 man. I like Chang and think he will make a fine QB someday. I’m hoping he makes great strides on the practice squad and doesn’t take any cues from Andy Hall, making routine DUI’s as part of his practice regiment.
Ryan. Howard. is. a. BEAST.
Last night, with yours truly in attendance, Howard tied the Phillies franchise record for homeruns with 48. This is no small feat considering the Phillies have been around for a million 123 years and the man he tied was Michael Jack Schmidt (I’m saying it in Harry Kalas’ voice as I type this) arguably the greatest Phillie ever and the greatest to play the hot corner in baseball history.
Howard’s tater in the sixth was a moonshot. We were down the right field line up in the nosebleeds, surrounded by the salt of the Earth (Phils Phans) when Rhyno connected. Everyone knew instantly. Majestic. Really.
Congrats, Ryan. You, Chase and Cole are going to bring this team a championship.
Todd Pinkston was given permission by the eagles FO to seek a trade. With the arrival of Donte’ Stallworth this shouldn’t come as much of a shock, unless you were counting on Pinkston being cut (Admit it. I know I was).
Pinkston, another fan favorite whipping boy because of his reluctance to go across the middle (or lose balls in the lights; depends on who you believe) has not been the most productive wide receiver. According to the Inky, “Pinkston, 29, has three years left on his contract. He is scheduled to make $1.48 million this season, $1.68 million next season, and $1.9 million in 2008. The story on ESPN.com said that three teams have expressed an interest in Pinkston, who has 184 career catches for 2,816 yards and 14 touchdowns.” That’s alot of money for not so many yards or TD’s. Good luck StinkyPants. Not many will miss you.
20.42 and Climbing. Maybe.
August 29, 2006
Perhaps one of the more interesting features of Todd Zolecki’s Phillies Report is the ever changing percentage the Phillies have of making the playoffs according to Baseball Prospectus. I’m not sure what those stat geeks use to determine this number (see chart at left. What the hell is that?). All I know is that I’m pretty sure it’s either completely arbitrary or based on some type of Good Will Hunting combinatronic formula. Either way, it makes me feel better .
“20.42 The percent chance the Phillies have of making the postseason, according to Baseball Prospectus. They had a 15.21 percent chance last week and a 6.85 percent chance two weeks ago.”-Todd Zolecki. Phillies Report. Philadelphia Inquirer. 8/29/06
Eagles continue to loot N.O., one year after the fact
August 29, 2006
After acquiring defensive end Darren Howard as a free agent from the New Orleans Saints to boost the Eagles woeful pass rush, Banner and the Boys made a move for Donte’ Stallworth, a five year veteran wide out. A first round pick out of Tennessee, Stallworth brings speed and experience to a young, unproven wide receiver corps. Not too tough, though, to bring experience to a group of wide receivers led by second year man Reggie Brown and training camp wunderkind Hank Baskett. The Eagles sent fan favorite whipping boy Mark Simoneau and a conditional draft pick to the Saints. God forbid David Akers ends up on the IR again. Not sure anyone on the 53 man can kick soccer style extra points as proficiently as Sim.
A look at Stallworth’s numbers last season with the Saints:
RECEIVING Year Team G GS No Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ FD 2005
New Orleans Saints 16 13 70 945 13.5 43 7 16 1 50
