Philadelphia Phillies Discussion Thread

[bsaza2358]

Howard locked in for 3 years and $54mm. I like the deal for both sides, and it means that Howard won't be locked in so long that his contract becomes an albatross. Pretty awesome overall.

[twista6002]

Yea I agree about Howard. I still want to see him raise his average though

[eaglesalltheway]

Howard locked in for 3 years and $54mm. I like the deal for both sides, and it means that Howard won't be locked in so long that his contract becomes an albatross. Pretty awesome overall.

I'm psyched, its kinda a big deal...

He could stand to raise his average, but I'm one of the people who really don't care he strikes out a lot. Its like many have said, no one would care as much if he grounded out or popped out, and its the equivalent of the same thing happening.

[twista6002]

LOL some guys are trying to tell me Burrell is better than Ibanez.

[eaglesalltheway]

LOL some guys are trying to tell me Burrell is better than Ibanez.

Haha, who in their right mind would even consider thinking that?

[twista6002]

Haha, who in their right mind would even consider thinking that?

That Broduer guy. I think he's just a Mets fan trying to reassure himself that his team may be better.

[bsaza2358]

I'm psyched, its kinda a big deal...

He could stand to raise his average, but I'm one of the people who really don't care he strikes out a lot. Its like many have said, no one would care as much if he grounded out or popped out, and its the equivalent of the same thing happening.

In terms of grounding out vs. K's: I really think that if he put the ball in play more, it would be better for the team. When you hit the ball as hard as he does, getting your bat on the ball and hitting it in play can really help. Even if it's a groundout, if you have a man on third, a grounder into that shift gets a run home. K's do nothing to put pressure on the D to make a play. They offer no chances to move runners along. They are the ultimate unproductive out. I'd love for Howard to cut his K's into the 125 range. That would mean a better contact % and likely a higher OBP. If Howard would do that, he'd be legendary.

[bsaza2358]

Ibanez is an upgrade over Burrell in the field (but admittedly not by that much). Both guys are below average LF's. Burrell's lack of speed was offset somewhat by his rocket arm (with accuracy). However, he was a negative impact in LF. At the plate, Burrell was good for .400 OBP, 25-30 HR and around 100 RBI. On the bases, he was terribly slow.

Ibanez is less of an OBP threat, but he has a stronger contact rate than Burrell. His average with RISP is much higher, and he put up strong numbers the last 3 years in Seattle, which is a pitchers park. He should expect a boost from CB. In the end, he will probably be a net positive for the team in 2009 with his fielding and overall hitting. In the end, I'd rather have Burrell for 2/$16mm than Ibanez for 3/$30mm. Matt Holliday is a FA after the season, and he is the perfect fit for the Phils. With Ibanez in the mix, that won't happen.

[Philliez01]

The one thing that I loved about Patty B was that while he was severely limited by his lack of athleticism; he never gave up on a ball. He was just painfully slow. Made Lieberthal look like Usain Bolt.

It's not the must ludicrous thing to say he's better than Ibanez, though I'd say Ibanez is the better ballplayer.

Regardless, I cannot WAIT till this season.

[twista6002]

I love listening to bickering of bitter Rays and Mets fans :)

[eaglesalltheway]

In terms of grounding out vs. K's: I really think that if he put the ball in play more, it would be better for the team. When you hit the ball as hard as he does, getting your bat on the ball and hitting it in play can really help. Even if it's a groundout, if you have a man on third, a grounder into that shift gets a run home. K's do nothing to put pressure on the D to make a play. They offer no chances to move runners along. They are the ultimate unproductive out. I'd love for Howard to cut his K's into the 125 range. That would mean a better contact % and likely a higher OBP. If Howard would do that, he'd be legendary.

I thought about that after I posted that, and i understand where your coming from. It does make a difference once you think about it more, but I'm still not gonna get upset.

[bsaza2358]

I'll take the production, but I'd prefer more balls in play because of the possibility of productive outs.

[eaglesalltheway]

You know what I'm getting at, I just don't obess about his K numbers, and I think few fans here do...

[bsaza2358]

I get upset when he K's with 1 out and men on second and third when a grounder to the right side would score the run outright.

[eaglesalltheway]

I get upset when he K's with 1 out and men on second and third when a grounder to the right side would score the run outright.

But there's just as many times where he jacks a ball, never to be heard from again! haha.

[bsaza2358]

That would likely be incorrect. Statistically, he struck out 4x as many times as he homered.

[twista6002]

Eh I'm suck of these punk ************* in the off topic baseball thread. I've never ever seen a champion get so disrespected.

According to them, I'm a radical homer for saying the defending champs might be the best team in baseball, Joe Blanton isn't bad and our overall pitching isn't bad. Oh yea and somehow it makes me not able to use proper grammar or spell.

Jackasses

[bsaza2358]

Have you ever considered that they're messing with you to get a reaction rather than just really thinking that? You're over-reacting, but you're also heavily overrating guys like Blanton.

[eaglesalltheway]

That would likely be incorrect. Statistically, he struck out 4x as many times as he homered.

Yeah I know, I just love how Howard can beat the **** out of a baseball. I know he strikes out ~200 times per year, and is averaging ~50 Homers a year, but I was just making a point about how exciting it is whenever he gets ahold of one.

[twista6002]

Have you ever considered that they're messing with you to get a reaction rather than just really thinking that? You're over-reacting, but you're also heavily overrating guys like Blanton.

Bunch of New York shitheads I shouldn't have expected anything better. I go to school with a lot of those types of clowns. They joke like that but as soon as I make a jab at the Giants they get even more bitter and defensive than I was. And you can look through my quotes, I never said Blanton was great, I never even said he was good. I said he's not bad and fits the role of a 3/4 starter very well. I mean if a team wins 12 of 16 games he starts he's obviously doing something right.

[eaglesalltheway]

Bunch of New York shitheads I shouldn't have expected anything better. I go to school with a lot of those types of clowns. They joke like that but as soon as I make a jab at the Giants they get even more bitter and defensive than I was. And you can look through my quotes, I never said Blanton was great, I never even said he was good. I said he's not bad and fits the role of a 3/4 starter very well. I mean if a team wins 12 of 16 games he starts he's obviously doing something right.

Its a lot easier to jus tlet things go and let them think whatever they want, as opposed to flipping out.

[bsaza2358]

The fact that you flip out gives them an opportunity to push you more. I know for a fact that they were just trying to get a reaction out of you, and they succeeded.

You have to watch your language, Twista.

[twista6002]

Sigh I guess you guys are right.

Anyways, who's pumped for ST?

[eaglesalltheway]

I am I heard something that Chase Utley practiced or did something major in terms of hsi recovery yesterday. I heard it as I was waking up this morning, so I didn't catch it, but I know it was good news, and I am pumped nonetheless.

[twista6002]

I am I heard something that Chase Utley practiced or did something major in terms of hsi recovery yesterday. I heard it as I was waking up this morning, so I didn't catch it, but I know it was good news, and I am pumped nonetheless.

Still looks like he'll be back around early June at the earliest :(

[eaglesalltheway]

Still looks like he'll be back around early June at the earliest :(

We've got enough depth in the infield that we'll do better than treading water until he returns...

[twista6002]

We've got enough depth in the infield that we'll do better than treading water until he returns...

Yea but it'll hurt because I like Bruntlett off the bench. Our best PH as far as I'm concerned. Iguchi and Giles are alright. I actually want to see Jason Donald get some time.

Right now our order should go:
1. Rollins
2. Werth
3. Ibanez
4. Howard
5. Victorino
6. Feliz
7. Donald
8. Ruiz

and when Utley comes back, put him 3rd, Ibanez 5th and scoot everyone down a spot

[eaglesalltheway]

Yea but it'll hurt because I like Bruntlett off the bench. Our best PH as far as I'm concerned. Iguchi and Giles are alright. I actually want to see Jason Donald get some time.

Right now our order should go:
1. Rollins
2. Werth
3. Ibanez
4. Howard
5. Victorino
6. Feliz
7. Donald
8. Ruiz

and when Utley comes back, put him 3rd, Ibanez 5th and scoot everyone down a spot
My personal favorite off the bench is Coste, but since I played Catcher, I am partial to them, but Coste has good enough power and is really, really clutch.

[bsaza2358]

All I've heard around the news is that Utley should be back by the end of Spring Training, then he'll play opening day or soon after. Where's the reports otherwise?

[eaglesalltheway]

All I've heard around the news is that Utley should be back by the end of Spring Training, then he'll play opening day or soon after. Where's the reports otherwise?

Who knows, twista said it, haha.

[Philliez01]

Yea but it'll hurt because I like Bruntlett off the bench. Our best PH as far as I'm concerned. Iguchi and Giles are alright. I actually want to see Jason Donald get some time.

Right now our order should go:
1. Rollins
2. Werth
3. Ibanez
4. Howard
5. Victorino
6. Feliz
7. Donald
8. Ruiz

and when Utley comes back, put him 3rd, Ibanez 5th and scoot everyone down a spot

Iguchi is okay, taking away the .232 average and him currently signed to a Japanese team.

If Utley misses any time this year, it would be the same way that Lidge missed time this year. A series or two at most, I would believe. If that's the case, Bruntlett and Giles/Cairo (hell even Dobbs can play 2B if memory serves) would suffice for the minimal amount of time Utley would be out. Then Cairo/Giles would be DFA'ed. Seems pretty safe to me.

If he is out until June, like you said, then Donald would be okay to bring up.

[gameplaya2435]

On Meet the Phillies a week or so ago, Charlie said he should be ready for opening day if all continues to go well.

[bsaza2358]

Who knows, twista said it, haha.

And we all know what that means...

[Philliez01]

On Meet the Phillies a week or so ago, Charlie said he should be ready for opening day if all continues to go well.

Sounds very good to me.

[eaglesalltheway]

And we all know what that means...

It should be taken with a grain of salt. I heard Utley is fielding balls, and will start swinging in 3 days, and Feliz hasn't done either yet, and he's not supposed to miss major time. Either way, I'm wasn't worried about it before and won't be worried about it until there is a need to worry.

[bsaza2358]

Feliz is noted as way behind. Likelihood of Bruntlett/Dobbs working in there (maybe Nomar if they sign him) is high. He'll be back and in there eventually.

[eaglesalltheway]

Feliz is noted as way behind. Likelihood of Bruntlett/Dobbs working in there (maybe Nomar if they sign him) is high. He'll be back and in there eventually.

Yeah, I was just bringing that up because a lot of people were expecting Feliz to be back around opening day, and Utley is ahead of Ruiz, so I think Utley won't be out more than a week or two at the very worst.

[twista6002]

Apparently, Kendrick is the favorite to win the 5th spot. How long will it be until Carrasco is the 5th starter? I'm saying by Mother's Day at the latest.

[eaglesalltheway]

Apparently, Kendrick is the favorite to win the 5th spot. How long will it be until Carrasco is the 5th starter? I'm saying by Mother's Day at the latest.

I'll say June (early-mid). Bsaza will tell you I like Kendrick, we've had our debates about it before, and I think he'll be fine there, I just think the club will want to get Carrasco up in the bigs and Kendrick will do what Madson did and go to the BP. I don't think he will be as effective there as Madson is though...

[twista6002]

3 years from now our rotation should be something like
Hammels-Myers-Carrasco-Happ-Drabek with Marson catching

But how do you guys feel the outfield will look in a few years?

Michael Brown and Dominic Taylor both have epic potential but with Victorino and Werth only 1 spot is available.

[tjsunstein]

3 years from now our rotation should be something like
Hammels-Myers-Carrasco-Happ-Drabek with Marson catching

But how do you guys feel the outfield will look in a few years?

Michael Brown and Dominic Taylor both have epic potential but with Victorino and Werth only 1 spot is available.

I like both Brown and Taylor but I think some random prospect makes it.
I pray to god we get a vet to mesh into that rotation if that's the way it plays out.

[twista6002]

I like both Brown and Taylor but I think some random prospect makes it.
I pray to god we get a vet to mesh into that rotation if that's the way it plays out.

What's wrong with Hamels-Myers-Carrasco-Happ-Drabek?

The only real flaw could be Myers and he's a different man since his demotion regardless of what people in the off topic forum think.

[eaglesalltheway]

I like both Brown and Taylor but I think some random prospect makes it.
I pray to god we get a vet to mesh into that rotation if that's the way it plays out.

By then both Mayers and Hamels will be established veterans, I don't think it will be a huge deal, especially if Moyer sticks around long enough to make an impact on the younger guys... But that rotation would be absolutely loaded with talent, as would the outfield.

[bsaza2358]

3 years from now our rotation should be something like
Hammels-Myers-Carrasco-Happ-Drabek with Marson catching

But how do you guys feel the outfield will look in a few years?

Michael Brown and Dominic Taylor both have epic potential but with Victorino and Werth only 1 spot is available.

Let's look at this logically: Ibanez is 37 and is locked into a 3 year deal at okay money.

Werth has what? 2 years left on his deal?

Victorino is probably the mainstay out of the group, as he is due for a long term deal eventually.

Given that, I'd say there are 1-2 spots available long term. Werth is pretty cheap in salary, and Ibanez can probably be moved in his walk year if the Phils eat some salary. Fact is that both Brown and Taylor are AT LEAST 2 years away, probably 3. Their development coincides pretty well with the expiration of the Ibanez deal and perhaps the erosion of Werth's actual value to the franchise.

[eaglesalltheway]

Let's look at this logically: Ibanez is 37 and is locked into a 3 year deal at okay money.

Werth has what? 2 years left on his deal?

Victorino is probably the mainstay out of the group, as he is due for a long term deal eventually.

Given that, I'd say there are 1-2 spots available long term. Werth is pretty cheap in salary, and Ibanez can probably be moved in his walk year if the Phils eat some salary. Fact is that both Brown and Taylor are AT LEAST 2 years away, probably 3. Their development coincides pretty well with the expiration of the Ibanez deal and perhaps the erosion of Werth's actual value to the franchise.
Well then the timing seems pretty good for the Phils, fortunately:D. I don't know much about the Phils prospects except for the big name ones, but I plan on going to a bunch of AAA games this season and will elarn more about some of them at least...

[twista6002]

Apparently the Mayberry kid is tearing it up. I think Golson might turn out okay, but if the Mayberry kid is who the Rangers thought he was when they drafted him, he'll be good.

However, it does raise some flags that he couldn't mash despite being a 1st round pick of the Rangers. Maybe a change of scenary is best for him.

Time for me to start being a Mayberry homer :D

[bsaza2358]

I'm happy to welcome Mayberry into the fold. If he can help the team in any role, I'm good with that.

[eaglesalltheway]

Realistically, what are the Phisl chances of repeating this year. I personally think they got better, though only marginally. The Mets improved themselves a bit, but they're kind of like the Cowboys, they need a real leader, and are kind of front runners. The Braves improved themself, spent a lot of money. I'm not really too concerned about the Marlins or Nationals (especially). Barring a flood of injuries, what do you say the chances of a repeat are? I'd say they are better than last year, but pretty low, like 15% max.

[bsaza2358]

You have to look at the real contenders in the NL: Phils, Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers are probably the big guns, with the Braves and maybe a healthy Cards team pushing for serious contention. Maybe you can throw in Arizona. The Cubs are better, the Dodgers are better, the Mets are marginally better, and the Braves are much better. The Nats and Marlins aren't pushovers, but they're certainly not awful. I think the 15-20% likelihood is the Phils even winning the NL again.

Once you get to the World Series, the AL contenders: Yankees, Red Sox, Tampa, White Sox, Twins are probably the only teams with a realistic shot. The AL West is really dicey, but maybe you could argue for Seattle, as the Angels lost a lot this offseason. Right now, the Yanks are the faves because of their talent upgrades, and a healthy Sox team is dangerous. Tampa was young last year and could get even better, which is nuts. I don't see the White Sox or Twins really making it.

Overall, I have to put the Phils' likelihood of repeating at 5% or worse. 5% really isn't bad on opening day. Last year, I would have put our chances at less than 1%.

[eaglesalltheway]

That 15% was really the ultimate overstatement. (meaning the most I could se someone saying) If I would put the chances anywhere, I'd have to agree and say like 5-8%.

[ljk2171]

My personal favorite off the bench is Coste, but since I played Catcher, I am partial to them, but Coste has good enough power and is really, really clutch.

I agree with you on most Eagles matters, but have to disagree here. I like Coste, he's a great story. However he is an average defensive catcher at best, batted .167 in the playoffs over the past 2 years and hit .239 the second half of the season last year. Also in 2007 he batted almost 100 points lower in the second half, I think he is one of the players we can really upgrade, classic Philly player, but sometimes that's just not enough.

[eaglesalltheway]

I agree with you on most Eagles matters, but have to disagree here. I like Coste, he's a great story. However he is an average defensive catcher at best, batted .167 in the playoffs over the past 2 years and hit .239 the second half of the season last year. Also in 2007 he batted almost 100 points lower in the second half, I think he is one of the players we can really upgrade, classic Philly player, but sometimes that's just not enough.

He isn't a great defensive catcher, but he is solid. Like you said he is average. Considering how many at bats he had, he won us, or at least contributed to winning a lot of games for the Phils in his time. I agree we can upgrade the position, and Marson will do that. My consolation prize though will be watching Coste down in AAA, which I can see all the time if I want.

And your right, we need to stop agreeing on things, its getting a little weird, haha.

[twista6002]

Our best PH is easily Dobbs

[eaglesalltheway]

Our best PH is easily Dobbs

No doubt, Dobbs was among league leaders for pinch hitters last year if I remember correctly, plus he is a good player in his own right

[twista6002]

I always liked Dobby, I like Bruntlet too. I wish I could grow a beard like that

[eaglesalltheway]

I always liked Dobby, I like Bruntlet too. I wish I could grow a beard like that

I can!!!:D except mine is a little rounder, due to my face... Just imagine that smiley dude with a full beard...

[twista6002]

I almost wish that Punk'd thing was real and Kendrick went to Japan. The kid is a loser

[eaglesalltheway]

What's with the hate on Kendrick? He's solid in a rotation in that 4 or 5 spot, and he is bettling for 5 right now, which is fine. He doesn't have crazy velocity, but he is pinpoint accurate when he's on and has enabled the Phils to win in more of his starts than he has lost. He's young and sems like a decent human being, who is an overall solid pitcher. I'm perfectly fine with him in the rotation...

[bsaza2358]

Kendrick is no better than a #5 SP in the NL. He has okay control and okay stuff, but his overall mix and inability to strike guys out means that he has to get by pitching to contact. In CB Park, that is quite risky. I don't see him as part of the Phils future rotation, but he might be servicable here and there in 2009.

[eaglesalltheway]

Kendrick is no better than a #5 SP in the NL. He has okay control and okay stuff, but his overall mix and inability to strike guys out means that he has to get by pitching to contact. In CB Park, that is quite risky. I don't see him as part of the Phils future rotation, but he might be servicable here and there in 2009.

I like Kendrick, but if what I hear about Carrasco is true, I am all in favor of him in the #5 spot over Kendrick. I just don't know what happens to Kendrick once Carrasco takes over. I don't know if he'd be a great fit in the BP, would they send him down to AAA, trade him, release him?

[bsaza2358]

Carrasco is like a poor man's Hamels. He doesn't have as much of a killer instinct, he's a righty, and his stuff isn't quite as good. However, when he's on, he looks like a #2 SP. The key for Carrasco is consistency. Not sure he has it yet.

[eaglesalltheway]

Carrasco is like a poor man's Hamels. He doesn't have as much of a killer instinct, he's a righty, and his stuff isn't quite as good. However, when he's on, he looks like a #2 SP. The key for Carrasco is consistency. Not sure he has it yet.

Do you think he will be up in the bigs this season, because from what I've hear if he isn't up right away we should expect him with the Phils around or before the All-Star break...

[bsaza2358]

He will be up, but I think he starts in AAA to show he can consistently nail his pitches. No need to crush his confidence and our bullpen if he's not going to be sharp all the time.

[eaglesalltheway]

He will be up, but I think he starts in AAA to show he can consistently nail his pitches. No need to crush his confidence and our bullpen if he's not going to be sharp all the time.

Then I will be able to give you guys updates, because I plan on seeing a bunch of Iron Pigs games this year! I wish I would have gone to more games last year, then I could be able to better understand the Phillies' future. But I plan on making up for it this year. Since tickets are cheap and my evenings and weekends are pretty much open, I'll probably see at least half of their home games this season...

[Fly_EaglesFly]

Kendrick's win total last year was skewed big time because of his run support. how many times did the phils win 12-7 games where he gave up 5 or 6 runs and got the win. i dont see him as the #5 this year, i think Haap/park will fill that role and kyle will either be optioned to AAA or put in the pen

[bsaza2358]

Kendrick doesn't get guys out consistently enough to be in the pen. I think he gets optioned or traded. Park or Happ will start the year as the #5 SP, but Carrasco should get the call long term.

[eaglesalltheway]

Kendrick doesn't get guys out consistently enough to be in the pen. I think he gets optioned or traded. Park or Happ will start the year as the #5 SP, but Carrasco should get the call long term.

That is one thing I agree on 100%. He just doesn't have the velocity or the mentality to make up for lack of velocity to be successful in the pen. So I guess i should expect to see some of Kendrick this season for the Iron Pigs...if he isn't traded...

[bsaza2358]

Cole Hamels has left Phillies camp and is flying to Philadelphia to have his sore elbow examined Tuesday by team doctors.
The Phillies were already taking things slow with Hamels this spring because he threw a career-high 227 1/3 innings last season before tossing another 35 frames in the playoffs. "We do not think it is serious, at least at this time," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "We did do a physical on him before we ended up finalizing the multiyear deal with him and felt comfortable with the diagnostics and such. But he's had a little persistent soreness and we want to be cautious about it and have him checked out." Hamels has a history of elbow problems, which makes this news especially concerning for the 25-year-old ace

FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHK

[bsaza2358]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2009/news/story?id=3984854

Link to the story.

[eaglesalltheway]

Well, they don't think its serious now, I just hope it stays that way. It would be tough to lose him for any extended amount of time...

[bsaza2358]

Agreed. He is getting soreness after he throws an inning, but when he throws, it doesn't hurt more or less. Not sure what that is, but with the workload from last year, it is a huge concern. Hamels isn't exactly the picture of health. He has arm troubles and back troubles, and the kid is only 25...

[eaglesalltheway]

I like that they are being cautious. I mean its only spring, we are going to need him for the season, especially the second half and crunch time...

[bsaza2358]

Phils demoted Kendrick to AAA and will play out the battle between Happ and Park. Marson and Brad Harman were sent to AA camp.

[eaglesalltheway]

Doesn't seem like anything too surprising. I guess the Phils are satisfied with the catcher depth for now...

[bsaza2358]

The Phils have 3 MLB catchers who are good enough. Neither Coste nor Ruiz is a great hitter, but both are acceptable. Paulino is a much better hitter, but I think his ability to work with pitchers is a little less than the other 2. Still think Paulino's stick will get him the job over Coste.

[eaglesalltheway]

The Phils have 3 MLB catchers who are good enough. Neither Coste nor Ruiz is a great hitter, but both are acceptable. Paulino is a much better hitter, but I think his ability to work with pitchers is a little less than the other 2. Still think Paulino's stick will get him the job over Coste.

That is the main reason I assume Marson is not sticking around for now, in order for him to come up, one of these threee would have to be demoted, probably Coste, unfortunately. But the team is shaping up to be dangerous again this year, and I like it. The future is looking good...

[bsaza2358]

Fact remains that Marson is the future. However, the Phillies are pretty good at present. Catchers who can hit okay and who play decent D are at a premium. I expect Paulino or Coste to get traded at some point this year. Not sure exactly where they will go, but I expect it to happen. KC is a distinct possibility, for instance. The Phils will have to clear out room for Marson at some point. His mix of skills is impossible to keep down (if he is what people say he is).

[eaglesalltheway]

Fact remains that Marson is the future. However, the Phillies are pretty good at present. Catchers who can hit okay and who play decent D are at a premium. I expect Paulino or Coste to get traded at some point this year. Not sure exactly where they will go, but I expect it to happen. KC is a distinct possibility, for instance. The Phils will have to clear out room for Marson at some point. His mix of skills is impossible to keep down (if he is what people say he is).

Agreed, honestly, with the three we have already, this move doesn't surprise me. But I do also expect to see him shortly up with the Phils every day...

[luckyjackaubrey]

My Condolences on the passing of Harry Kalas.

[eaglesalltheway]

My Condolences on the passing of Harry Kalas.

Mine as well, I'm glad for his sake he was able to witness the World Series win, but it is sad to see him go. I was getting choked up at times during the game yesterday, and watching and listening to Wheels, I could tell he was too. He really touched a lot of people in this world and was a truly excellent human being from all accounts that I've heard. You can tell that he was loved accross the whole spectrum of people in Philadelphia, and across the country, but Philadelphia especially. All the people whose lives he touched are better off for it, no matter how little. I'm glad I was around to watch him and listen to him. I will remember Harry Kalas for as long as I live, and my best wishes go out to his family.

[Dr. Greenthumb]

Wow were some people really saying Burrell is better than Ibanez?

[eaglesalltheway]

Wow were some people really saying Burrell is better than Ibanez?

Well right now, its pretty obvious who is better. Ibanez has made some great plays in Left Field and is hitting HRs and RBIs. He seems to be fitting in with the team well, which is very important.

[eaglesalltheway]

OK, so the decision to not sign Burrell, and then signing Ibanez... I'd say that was a smart move...

[bsaza2358]

I never said that the Phils shouldn't sign Ibanez, and I didn't even push too hard to keep Burrell around. I was worried about Ibanez's age (37 now) and the length of the contract. He has proven himself worth it so far, but it's a long season. The guy should start the all star game. Amazing first half so far...

[eaglesalltheway]

I never said that the Phils shouldn't sign Ibanez, and I didn't even push too hard to keep Burrell around. I was worried about Ibanez's age (37 now) and the length of the contract. He has proven himself worth it so far, but it's a long season. The guy should start the all star game. Amazing first half so far...

Never meant it like that if thats how you took it. I meant it more in a way to describe how happy I was about Ibanez's success. He has slowed down a bit, but he is still outperforming Burrell and is a better fielder. The only thing I can see where Burrell is better than him is in arm strength.

[bsaza2358]

Arm strength means absolutely nothing if you don't get to the ball. Burrell was clearly the worst fielding OF in the league from 2006-2008. Ibanez alone has been a huge improvement in the field, plus his hitting has been sick. Not as many K's, and he's thriving. Obviously, he can't keep this up all year, but he'll have a ton of opportunities and will be a key for the team in 2009. My big issue is whether the deal will be worth it at the end of the contract...

[eaglesalltheway]

Arm strength means absolutely nothing if you don't get to the ball. Burrell was clearly the worst fielding OF in the league from 2006-2008. Ibanez alone has been a huge improvement in the field, plus his hitting has been sick. Not as many K's, and he's thriving. Obviously, he can't keep this up all year, but he'll have a ton of opportunities and will be a key for the team in 2009. My big issue is whether the deal will be worth it at the end of the contract...

I agree, but when Pat did get to the ball, he had a cannon, and remember he was in contention for leading baseball in outfield assists last year. Raul fields the position better by far, but his arm just isn't as good as Pat's. It isn't bad, just average. Ibanez is a more complete player alltogether, and right now, with how he's played so far, his arm strength is on of the few flaws in his game.

I've seen Phillies jerseys with Ibanez's nuber, but instead of saying "Ibanez", they say "Raaaauuuuuuuuulll". It fills up the whole back of the jersey, and I can't see why anyone would get that over "Ibanez".

[bsaza2358]

I don't care about arm strength that much. Fact is that Burrell's lack of range cost more runs than his arm saved. I'm much happier with Ibanez overall in the field. His torrid hitting is a bonus.

[eaglesalltheway]

I don't care about arm strength that much. Fact is that Burrell's lack of range cost more runs than his arm saved. I'm much happier with Ibanez overall in the field. His torrid hitting is a bonus.

No doubt at all, I was just saying that one area Burrell has the advantage is in arm strength. I agree Ibanez's range is better than what we had with Burrell. It was just one of Ibanez's flaws in his game, and since we already have Victorino, who has great range and a great arm, it isn't absolutely necessary that Ibanez have it. I'm just so pumped about Ibanez right now that I'm looking for things that will help us as fans better realize what he is, because I don't think any of us expect him to keep up what he has done on offense.

[bsaza2358]

Very few players are capable of an entire season like Ibanez is putting up. He has always hit well with RISP, but his BA overall is way above his career average. CB is helping his power #'s, but a lot is just he is locked in and put in favorable situations. The guy is just awesome.

[eaglesalltheway]

He is easily outperforming what I expected from him so far. Perhaps it is a case of him trying to impress the new fans, combined with a streak he is on, but he is beginning to slow down a bit, and perhaps we will be seeing more of what we should expect from him, in terms of batting.

[eaglesalltheway]

One thing I like about this team, ever since about 3 years ago, we almost always have someone hot offensively. Howard will be exploding for a while, then tail off, in which case we'll have Utley pick up the slack, and when neither of them are hitting extremely well, Rollins will pick up his game and do well. Even Vicotrino will step up, though he won't have the power of the others usually. And with Ibanez this year, he has been picking it up for most of the start of the season, with Howard still doing well. Ibanez is beginning to tail off, but Howard seems like he is primed for a hot streak right now.

[eaglesalltheway]

Anyone lese who saw the game think Dobbs' hit in the 11th should have been a homer? Or at least reviewed...?

[eaglesalltheway]

I went to the Phils/Nats game yesterday. I was sitting near the top of the Left Field foul pole, but when Howard sent that 2 run shot, it was obvious it was not your normal Howard Home Run. We were on the second row of the Third level of the stands, and the ball was about 10 feet below our level at its highest point. Then we saw it land in the second deck in almost stragith away center, and it seemed like no one near us realized just how huge that HR was. I thought maybe I imagained it, but when I got home ESPN was showing that HR was one of only two measured HRs to apex at 172 vertical feet or more (forget their exact wording), so now I feel less potentially crazy...

[Morton]

Howard's juicing, he's gotta be.

[eaglesalltheway]

Howard's juicing, he's gotta be.

Until there is proof, I'm taking the stance I have with everyone, and assuming/hoping they're not.

[eaglesalltheway]

Howard signed a 5 year, 125 mil extension, figured its worth mentioning...