In the past few years, the Philadelphia Phillies have been the "crown jewel" of the National League East. Like the Cincinnati Reds of the 1980s and the Atlanta Braves of the 1990s, the Phillies have dominated the 2000s with great hitting, excellent pitching, and a World Series championship in 2008. Last year's lineup of Rollins, Victorino, Werth, Howard, Polanco, Ibañez, Utley and Ruiz had all-star talent full of power and speed . Pitchers like Oswalt, Hamels and Halliday provided consistency and sharpness. Despite Werth going to the Nationals and Utley starting the season with injuries, their lineup remains pretty stable and promises to provide some excitement this year. I'm a little apprehensive though, because these guys aren't getting any younger and they seem to be plagued with injuries. If Spring Training is any indication of their up-and-coming talent though, then they should once again have a good season. In yesterday's game, they beat the Minnesota Twins 6-3, and not one of their stars from last year was in the lineup. Wilson Valdez and Delwyn Young went 2 for 3, and Josh Barfield and Michael Martinez went 3 for 4. I wish the Phillies good luck this season; I just wish their fans (and their mascot) weren't so obnoxious! (I know what you're thinking, Philly fans: "If your team was any good, you'd be obnoxious too!". Yes, you're probably right!)
Also yesterday, Mariano Rivera made his 2011 Spring Training debut with the Yankees by pitching one inning and striking out everyone. Whatever, Mo - you just don't get old, do you? Why don't you ever suck?
In Nationals news, they sent last year's first-round draft pick, Bryce Harper, to the Minors. "Tommy," the new morning "radio personality" on KEY103 was like "Wasn't he supposed to be real good or something? Why'd they send him to the minors?" Tommy, don't try to sound like a baseball fan, when clearly you are not. Not many first-round draft picks go straight to the Majors (Jim Abbott comes to mind, but he had college and Olympic experience). Bryce is 18; let him spend some time in the Minors! He'll be up soon enough, because they don't want him to become an over-paid minor-leaguer. We may even go watch him play this season, since he's been assigned to nearby Hagerstown.
Off to a funeral soon, so I must wrap this up. The days are getting longer, so get out there and enjoy them!
Dear Philly Fan:
ReplyDeleteIt's true I'm afraid, you're starting to get more than a little obnoxious. I only say this as a friend. Oh, you're not "Yankee obnoxious", and far from "Red Sox obnoxious", but you know, you're kind of approaching "Obnoxious Braves Tomahawk Chop" obnoxiousness, and that should be a warning to you. And this year, when you sell out Nationals Stadium when your team plays, remember that you're a guest. Otherwise you'll have to be sent home (hopefully with another loss).
Signed,
Not a Philly Hater, But Not Quite a Fan Either