Phillies Chat Archive

[thomeismyhomie]

There's no way we duplicate our shit performance with RISP next year. It's just not possible.

[DaveBrownisgod]

Davebrownisgod....I wish I knew the answer. JRoll just responded, simple as that. That's why we all appreciate him so much in a year of complete disappointment, he was a shining star. He literally saved our lineup there after Byrd was sent down. We all know how important it is to have a stable leadoff guy and JRoll stepped up bigtime. Give him a fresh start next season and watch that little bastard tear shit up.
I think he is going to without a doubt, hopefully Abreu and Thome will get tons of RBI's as a result. I think Rollins should have at least 150 runs next year.

[thomeismyhomie]

Ah....I meant JRoll the player. The last sentence...that was for you :p

[thomeismyhomie]

I think he is going to without a doubt, hopefully Abreu and Thome will get tons of RBI's as a result. I think Rollins should have at least 150 runs next year.
There's no reason why he shouldn't. I fully expect Bobby Abreu to be a top 5 MVP candidate next year.

[JRoll]

Ah....I meant JRoll the player. The last sentence...that was for you :p
Well I am kinda short, I'm only 66 inches, LOL.

[DaveBrownisgod]

There's no way we duplicate our shit performance with RISP next year. It's just not possible.
I said that after last season, and yet they found a way. But there really shouldn't be anywhere to go but up.

[JRoll]

I said that after last season, and yet they found a way. But there really shouldn't be anywhere to go but up.
Well this team always finds a way to surprise us, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

Yeah, thats short...but, I expect you to tear shit up next year!

[JRoll]

Yeah, thats short...but, I expect you to tear shit up next year!
Ahhh, you know I will. :p

[thomeismyhomie]

Only six months away...start training...lol

[thomeismyhomie]

Well this team always finds a way to surprise us, LOL.
We just have to keep that pitching staff healthy. I like what i heard from Wolf and Padilla, well about them, how they were going to use personal trainers this offseason and try and prevent the injuries better.

[DaveBrownisgod]

We just have to keep that pitching staff healthy. I like what i heard from Wolf and Padilla, well about them, how they were going to use personal trainers this offseason and try and prevent the injuries better.
I think Wolf will be all right, Padilla worries me. Wolf is not the natural ability Padilla has, I think he works his ass off, whereas from what I here Padilla is very bull headed and thinks his talent is going to carry him without going out of his way to improve himself. I hope that it was just a Joe Kerrigan conflict though.

[thomeismyhomie]

I think Wolf will be all right, Padilla worries me. Wolf is not the natural ability Padilla has, I think he works his ass off, whereas from what I here Padilla is very bull headed and thinks his talent is going to carry him without going out of his way to improve himself. I hope that it was just a Joe Kerrigan conflict though.
I'm just happy that we still have something from the Schilling deal left. I think it was Phila who spoke about the movement on Padilla's pitches. I think you're right Davebrown, that Padilla is bullheaded. Remember how many times Bowa got pissed at him cause he kept throwing fastballs?

[JRoll]

Who will be the next Phillies pitching coach?

[thomeismyhomie]

Who will be the next Phillies pitching coach?
Is Mesa retiring?

[JRoll]

Is Mesa retiring?
Please god no, not him! LOL. My guess is LA will be offered the job.

[thomeismyhomie]

Please god no, not him! LOL. My guess is LA will be offered the job.
Pretty tough to think of a pitching coach ya know? I'd take LA for sure, if he's interested.

[JRoll]

Pretty tough to think of a pitching coach ya know? I'd take LA for sure, if he's interested.
Maybe the Mets will fire their pitching coach :D

[thomeismyhomie]

Or maybe Mazzone will get tired of Cox's shit and we can get him a more comfortable bench to rock on.

[JRoll]

Or maybe Mazzone will get tired of Cox's shit and we can get him a more comfortable bench to rock on.
Damn, the NL East has 2 of the best pitching coaches in the league, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

Yeah, what are the odds we get the big fat shaft on that one?

[JRoll]

Yeah, what are the odds we get the big fat shaft on that one?
95% because we always get the shaft when it deals with talent.

[thomeismyhomie]

Well, you're right. But, talk to my buddy the Tigers fan. That team has watched more talent walk out of the door and become stars, than anybody else.

[JRoll]

Well, you're right. But, talk to my buddy the Tigers fan. That team has watched more talent walk out of the door and become stars, than anybody else.
How about the Expos, they have been a revolving door of talent.

[thomeismyhomie]

Yeah, but they dont even count as a team, even when they were in the league. But, you make a good point. If anyone would have ever been interested in them, they could have some rings by now.

[JRoll]

Yeah, but they dont even count as a team, even when they were in the league. But, you make a good point. If anyone would have ever been interested in them, they could have some rings by now.
Imagine if they could've kept some talent, what that rotation would look like.

[JLove22]

Or maybe Mazzone will get tired of Cox's shit and we can get him a more comfortable bench to rock on.
yeah, i can see how making the playoffs 13 yrs would get annoying

[thomeismyhomie]

ESPN had a thing on not too long ago and it named the All-Expos team. I shit when I saw all the names on it. Then they ran down the lineup for the 1994 strike team. Damn, they would have won it all.

[JRoll]

ESPN had a thing on not too long ago and it named the All-Expos team. I shit when I saw all the names on it. Then they ran down the lineup for the 1994 strike team. Damn, they would have won it all.
Imagine a pitching staff of Pedro, Vazquez, Pavano, Colon, and RJ, all former Expos.

[thomeismyhomie]

yeah, i can see how making the playoffs 13 yrs would get annoying
Just a pipe dream my man

[thomeismyhomie]

Imagine a pitching staff of Pedro, Vazquez, Pavano, Colon, and RJ, all former Expos.
The ace of the 94 staff was Ken Hill. Remember how good that guy was? Wait, you were 8, nevermind :p

[JRoll]

The ace of the 94 staff was Ken Hill. Remember how good that guy was? Wait, you were 8, nevermind :p
And to think he's not even in the top 5 of the best Expos pitchers.

[thomeismyhomie]

John Wetteland, he was their closer. That guy was awesome.

[JRoll]

John Wetteland, he was their closer. That guy was awesome.
Ugie too, he's still awesome, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

I like the little cocky ass slide step-fist pump he does when he K's someone. But he's no Carlos Perez(former Expo)

[JRoll]

I like the little cocky ass slide step-fist pump he does when he K's someone. But he's no Carlos Perez(former Expo)
Mota was with the Expos for a little too and so was Cormier.

[thomeismyhomie]

Mota? Really? I didnt know that.

[JRoll]

Mota? Really? I didnt know that.
'99-'01 he was with the Expos.

[thomeismyhomie]

By the way...where does it tell how many posts this board has, just out of curiosity?

[JRoll]

By the way...where does it tell how many posts this board has, just out of curiosity?
You have to go to the MLB Boards index to see it.

[Invader Newt]

to tell you how good Padilla's stuff is, there was a game early in the season where Padilla almost threw a no-hitter. He threw 101 piches ...90 of them were fastballs. If we weren't so stubborn and learned to rely more on his other pitches he'd be awesome casue his fastball would be that much better

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

Pedro Martenez was the #2 guy.

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

You have to be a gluten for punishment.

[thomeismyhomie]

to tell you how good Padilla's stuff is, there was a game early in the season where Padilla almost threw a no-hitter. He threw 101 piches ...90 of them were fastballs. If we weren't so stubborn and learned to rely more on his other pitches he'd be awesome casue his fastball would be that much better
You're right. I remember listening to that game. I also remember a game when he used his curveball very well and Harry Kalas was begging for him to continue it.

[thomeismyhomie]

You have to be a gluten for punishment.
JRoll! Attention JRoll! Come on man, do your job....lol

[JRoll]

JRoll! Attention JRoll! Come on man, do your job....lol
Sorry, I'm occupied by new arcade games on a different board where the link was posted in the OT forum, but the correct spelling is glutton.

[thomeismyhomie]

Sorry, I'm occupied by new arcade games on a different board where the link was posted in the OT forum, but the correct spelling is glutton.
I know...arcade-game-whore :p

[FlyEaglesFly]

i know he is vastly overpaid but i would love to have him he doesnt strike out he can hit top of the line up maybe



mike lieberthal
ryan howard
marlon byrd

for

jason kendell
tike redman

[DaveBrownisgod]

i know he is vastly overpaid but i would love to have him he doesnt strike out he can hit top of the line up maybe



mike lieberthal
ryan howard
marlon byrd

for

jason kendell
tike redman
It's not out of the question, up until I saw this and did some homework I had no idea that Kendall is going to make 2.5 million more than Lieby next year and 1 mill more than that in 06. The Pirates are looking to cut salaries, but they might want someone with a lower salary and a few years younger to take over at catcher, but Lieby is only guaranteed next year with a 1.25 buyout in 06 if not renewed, so maybe.

The only thing that would worry me is 10 million for a catcher that had 3 home runs last year, granted he batted .300 and stole a few bases. The other thing is IMO Wade thinks this team can win with the players he has, so I wouldn't be if he does nothing this offseason.

[asheylarry]

If they would have held on to guys they could have had an outfield of Moises Alou, Vlad, and Larry Walker.

[brgood]

Nice to see all the posts and its always good to know alittle bit about the individuals your chatting with online, not to much, but just enough to break the ice. I see the Phillies have started the interview process with Little, Baylor and Manuel out of those three Manuel is the likely candiate to replace Bowa. Grady Little and Manuel are two pretty laid back managers but if I had to choose between the two I would go with Manuel, The move that Little made in the ALCS with Pedro still tells me alot about him as a manager, everyone knew he was done but he was still left in the game, WHY? he had Williamson in the Pen ready to go and the guy was lights out in the postseason, but he kept Pedro in and look what happened. Manuel can come in here and hopefully relax the clubhouse a little bit, calm the guys down, let them play baseball and not worry about anything other than baseball. This team has holes to fill but bottom line is the nucleus of this team needs to play better next year under pressure in order to take that next step. Bowa was the guy who paid the price this year, it will be Wade the next year but the bottom line is the players need to perform on the field and they need to just go out and play baseball, yes we had injuries this year that killed us, but playoff caliber ball clubs overcome those and find a way to make it, we did not do that this season. We need first and foremost a guy that handles his clubhouse completly different than Bowa did because obviously that apporach did not work with this ballclub, there will be other candiates offered the job in the next several weeks but its more of the same, are we getting a manager who has won a World Series Title no we are not but we can have someone in place who will let this team relax and just play the game and Manuel can do that, is he the best candiate for the job I do not know the answer to that question but I imagine he is as good as we can get, Pinella is not available, nor is Joe Torre or Tony Larussa or any of the real great managers out there, We have to take what we can get and Manuel may be the best fit right now for this team.

Take it easy and let me know your thoughts?
Bgood

[thomeismyhomie]

Why didnt any of you guys jump on this one? Sorry man, but this is a joke, seriously. Jason Kendall is the last damn thing this team needs.

[JRoll]

Why didnt any of you guys jump on this one? Sorry man, but this is a joke, seriously. Jason Kendall is the last damn thing this team needs.
If we can't get Varitek, we should throw money at him, I'd like to keep Lieby, he was very solid at the end of the season.

[JLove22]

i hope we get varitek, he is good

[thomeismyhomie]

I'm ok with keeping Lieberthal. Varitek would be great but I dont see him leaving I guess. Getting Kendall would be pointless.

[thomeismyhomie]

I saw a headline that said he hit a homer in his first AFL game. What a stud.

[JRoll]

I saw a headline that said he hit a homer in his first AFL game. What a stud.
I changed my mind, if he can play the outfield, there is no way he should be traded

[thomeismyhomie]

I changed my mind, if he can play the outfield, there is no way he should be traded
Read the rep I just gave you...lol

[JRoll]

Read the rep I just gave you...lol
LOL, even if we could get Zito for Howard, I don't think it is worth it because we have 5 solid starters lined up if we sign Lidle. But, if we can get Zito without trading Howard, I say we go for it.

[thomeismyhomie]

LOL, even if we could get Zito for Howard, I don't think it is worth it because we have 5 solid starters lined up if we sign Lidle. But, if we can get Zito without trading Howard, I say we go for it.
JRoll you traitor! How could you say that?! Zito, we want Zito...lol. Seriously, I DO NOT want an outfield of Burrell, Abreu, and Howard though, under any circumstances. I want one of the D-Rays out there.

[JRoll]

JRoll you traitor! How could you say that?! Zito, we want Zito...lol. Seriously, I DO NOT want an outfield of Burrell, Abreu, and Howard though, under any circumstances. I want one of the D-Rays out there.
Gaithwright, Abreu, and Howard sounds good enough to me, I never said I wanted Burrell to start in the outfield, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

Gaithwright, Abreu, and Howard sounds good enough to me, I never said I wanted Burrell to start in the outfield, LOL.
But Burrell does flash the leather once in a while. If we could get the lineup rolling like they should, we can alleviate some of the pressure on him.

BTW....what no love? LOL

[JRoll]

But Burrell does flash the leather once in a while. If we could get the lineup rolling like they should, we can alleviate some of the pressure on him.

BTW....what no love? LOL
I have to spread it around first...rep whore :p

[JRoll]

Let me put it this way, would you rather have the bat of Howard, who played really well in September or the bat of Burrell, who can be inconsistent at times?

[thomeismyhomie]

Let me put it this way, would you rather have the bat of Howard, who played really well in September or the bat of Burrell, who can be inconsistent at times?
I take the glove, which is not decided yet anyways. It could be Howard just as easily. Both have power but our lineup should be able to score runs without either of them, especially if we get another speedster at the top.

[JRoll]

I take the glove, which is not decided yet anyways. It could be Howard just as easily. Both have power but our lineup should be able to score runs without either of them, especially if we get another speedster at the top.
IMO the upside of Howard is much greater because he is younger and looks like he has a better bat than Burrell, which will only get better under Manuel.

[thomeismyhomie]

I have to spread it around first...rep whore :p
http://www.freewebdesign.be/smileys/images/angels/angel_sm017.gif I am not a whore....dont you see the halo? Oops...lol

[thomeismyhomie]

We need some right handed pop though man. We got Abreu, Thome, Chase, and Howard.

[JRoll]

We need some right handed pop though man. We got Abreu, Thome, Chase, and Howard.
True, the NL needs the damn DH rule, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

True, the NL needs the damn DH rule, LOL.
Figures my 500th post would be bitching about Burrell seeings how thats pretty much all I have done for two years now. He needs to step it up next year and the team needs to keep it together and not fall apart.

[JRoll]

Figures my 500th post would be bitching about Burrell seeings how thats pretty much all I have done for two years now. He needs to step it up next year and the team needs to keep it together and not fall apart.
Well I'm almost at 700, so neener neener neener :p

[thomeismyhomie]

Well I'm almost at 700, so neener neener neener :p
Well, I cant catch up to you when it's just me and you going back and forth all night...lol

[JRoll]

Well, I cant catch up to you when it's just me and you going back and forth all night...lol
LOL, that's the way it should be. I've been registered for a month and you're catchin up to me.

[thomeismyhomie]

LOL, that's the way it should be. I've been registered for a month and you're catchin up to me.
What was this like a month ago? Has the number of members grown a lot?

[JRoll]

What was this like a month ago? Has the number of members grown a lot?
This board was non-existant, the Eagles board had 3 posters: me, JayGlo, and Phila because it was just created and I didnt start posting until about a week and a half after I registered.

[thomeismyhomie]

This board was non-existant, the Eagles board had 3 posters: me, JayGlo, and Phila because it was just created and I didnt start posting until about a week and a half after I registered.
Wow....so this board is taking off. Did you see the Dond post? It would be cool if he came here.

[JRoll]

Wow....so this board is taking off. Did you see the Dond post? It would be cool if he came here.
I know, we need Detto and Duck yet too, I saw TJD said he needs to remember his password, LOL.

[thomeismyhomie]

I know, we need Detto and Duck yet too, I saw TJD said he needs to remember his password, LOL.
I just read that. I called him a tease. What a punk....lol

[JRoll]

I just read that. I called him a tease. What a punk....lol
I'm just responding to this so you don't gain any posts on me, LOL.

But anyway, do some more recruiting of Duck, we need him over here.

[thomeismyhomie]

Me too.....I know LOL

[FlyEaglesFly]

i think we might actually be able to move him


the dodgers wanted charles johnson and if he was traded his 05 contract would have been worth 10 mil and lieby numbers were clearly better and he only was 7.5 next year and 1.25 mil buyout in 06 if not renewed (as someone pointed out in the kendell thread) and david ross and brent mayne didnt play very well after they moved lo duca


i think we need to get a new catcher lieby was a good catcher need he was here but i think our lineup needs a change maybe mike matheny or jason veritek would be a nice replacement



i know alot of people like lieberthal but he isnt a good catcher even joe kerrigen said it without actually saying it on dnl

[thomeismyhomie]

i think we might actually be able to move him


the dodgers wanted charles johnson and if he was traded his 05 contract would have been worth 10 mil and lieby numbers were clearly better and he only was 7.5 next year and 1.25 mil buyout in 06 if not renewed (as someone pointed out in the kendell thread) and david ross and brent mayne didnt play very well after they moved lo duca


i think we need to get a new catcher lieby was a good catcher need he was here but i think our lineup needs a change maybe mike matheny or jason veritek would be a nice replacement



i know alot of people like lieberthal but he isnt a good catcher even joe kerrigen said it without actually saying it on dnl
Fuck what Joe Kerrigan says. I don't necessarily think we need to move him this year, but we do need to find a replacement for him ASAP. We got rid of Estrada and catching prospects are tought to come by. My guess is we'll stick with him, then go after a FA next year.

[JRoll]

Fuck what Joe Kerrigan says. I don't necessarily think we need to move him this year, but we do need to find a replacement for him ASAP. We got rid of Estrada and catching prospects are tought to come by. My guess is we'll stick with him, then go after a FA next year.
I'm thinkin that Lieby is here for 2 more years before Jaramillo takes over.

[FlyEaglesFly]

he is a punk somedays he has no idea of who is pitching he makes to much money he was never clutch

he cant handle a pitching staff are you guys serious you see how matheny gets big hits thats not lieby just because he got big hits when it didnt matter and padded his stats please i


d take veritek or matheny or even todd pratt over this guy he is one of many problems this team needs to fix

[FlyEaglesFly]

i forgot to add that every year the phillies pitching staff era was over 4 and every year but 1 there era was over the nl average he is a joke



and who knows if jason jaramillo is gonna be good the phillies drafted him one 1 year in like draft 35 and he didnt sign

[PhilaVa]

i forgot to add that every year the phillies pitching staff era was over 4 and every year but 1 there era was over the nl average he is a joke



and who knows if jason jaramillo is gonna be good the phillies drafted him one 1 year in like draft 35 and he didnt sign

I think you are being too tough on Lieby, good pitchers and good pitching coaches make catchers look good, but bad pitching and a bad pitching coach, not even a good catcher can do anything about that. I point you to season 2003, Lieby was the only player on the team hitting at the begining of the season, my, how soon everyone forgets.

He'll be our catcher next year no matter how badly some people don't want him to be, hopefully a pitching coach with half a brain will be able to make this pitching staff perform.

[asheylarry]

I don't get the Burrell bashing. He's not the only guy who had a terrible year at the plate. I guess we should get rid of everyone not named Rollins or Abreu.

[JRoll]

I don't get the Burrell bashing. He's not the only guy who had a terrible year at the plate. I guess we should get rid of everyone not named Rollins or Abreu.
I'm not saying we should flat out get rid of Burrell but I think, if Howard can play the outfield. He should have a fair shot at it just like Burrell should and the best player should start in left, who IMO, will be Howard.

[PhilaVa]

I'm not saying we should flat out get rid of Burrell but I think, if Howard can play the outfield. He should have a fair shot at it just like Burrell should and the best player should start in left, who IMO, will be Howard.

JRoll, I'm not sure why you think Howard is so good. He has never played in the Majors and I find it highly doubt full he could beat Burrell in a position battle. Pat is one of the best feilding LF in the league and at the plate I would call them equals, and that's when Pats struggling.

[JRoll]

JRoll, I'm not sure why you think Howard is so good. He has never played in the Majors and I find it highly doubt full he could beat Burrell in a position battle. Pat is one of the best feilding LF in the league and at the plate I would call them equals, and that's when Pats struggling.
I just think we need to find a place for him in the lineup because he looks like he's ready for the major leagues from what I saw of him in September.

[asheylarry]

I just think we need to find a place for him in the lineup because he looks like he's ready for the major leagues from what I saw of him in September.
Unless he can play CF or 3B, I honestly don't see a place for him in the lineup.

[thomeismyhomie]

Unless he can play CF or 3B, I honestly don't see a place for him in the lineup.
If he can play left, Burrell will have to get his shit together. But, I agree with Phila, I take Burrell's D over Howards bat right now.

[PhilaVa]

If he can play left, Burrell will have to get his shit together. But, I agree with Phila, I take Burrell's D over Howards bat right now.

Here is something I really don't get. Howard hasn't done anything with his bat in the Majors, where are you guys getting that he has a better bat then Burrell?

The only thing I can see happening if Howard is successful is Abreu moving to center, or Burrell being traded, Howard wouldn't beat him out for that spot, he is not that good.

[thomeismyhomie]

Here is something I really don't get. Howard hasn't done anything with his bat in the Majors, where are you guys getting that he has a better bat then Burrell?

The only thing I can see happening if Howard is successful is Abreu moving to center, or Burrell being traded, Howard wouldn't beat him out for that spot, he is not that good.
Geez, you know...lol...I knew when I posted that, that I should go back and make it clear that I DO NOT think Howard has a better bat than Burrell. I knew you were going to call me on that one. By the way, are you new to these boards? I'm Thomeismyhomie, nice to meet ya. That's JRoll over there....he's a rep-mod-whore....lol

[Nittany Tar Heel]

Just a pipe dream my man
They traded Pedro for Pavano...so you can't count both.

There are alot of those type of situations with the Expos...that's why those lists are always misleading.

They would have won it all in '94 though...they were stacked.

[Nittany Tar Heel]

Imagine a pitching staff of Pedro, Vazquez, Pavano, Colon, and RJ, all former Expos.
Quote the wrong post there....oops

[Domino427]

Well first off, I don't think you can give a fair judgement of Howard yet...good or bad. We just havent seen enough of him. His bat is good, and his fielding may be fine. After all, we were quite unsure about Burrell when he first moved there, weren't we?

Honestly, Burrell has more natural talent. If he could get his shit together and hit .285 with 35+ HR we'd be fine. But if he keeps hitting .260 with 25 HR, somethin needs to be done. I haven't completely thrown in the towel on the guy yet, but we can't sit around waiting forever. We were just one productive player away from making a major push last year.

Howard has one of the fastest bats i've ever seen. He could do a lot of damage, especially in our park. He looked very good while he was up, and if he can play at least a respectable LF, I say see if we can trade Burrell. I'm sure theres a pissed-off, high salary CF/C/P out there who needs a change of scenery. You just never know.

[Invader Newt]

while i won't go as far as to say Howard has a better bat, not yet. I will say that howard has a better swing and a better approach to hitting. They both strike out alot but Howard has a short quick swing and burrell has this awkward lunging monster of a "I will hit the ball to the moon or i won't hit it" swing. Howard also seems to have a better idea of the strike zone, but who can really tell with the limited time he was up.

Burrell to his credit turned himself into one of the best defensive left fielders in baseball. He has a great accurate arm and he learned to make up for the ground he can't cover in the outfield by taking good routes to balls. That being said there is nothing that suggests Howard can't do the same, nothing of course suggests he can but lets see.

I would have no problems keeping burrell in the lineup even with his current production. give back the time he missed due to injury and his numbers look something like .260 28-30 HR 90-100 RBI, thats not bad especially if Thome rebounds from what was definately an off year for him. But the key in my mind is Burrell needs to figure out that he doesn't need to smack the ball 800 feet every time he swings. At citizens bank park where line drives become home runs Burrell could hit 60 if he tried to line the ball every time instead of trying to hit some mammoth upper deck home run. Part of the realization will be abandoning the rediculous swing he has. If he doesn't figure it out i'd take Howard in left, if he does figure it out i'll take burrell and a pitcher for Howard

[dond]

about who should be the Phils next pitching coach, I vote for, The Jersey Devil, he's known everything that has been done wrong with the Phils staff for years. Figure with him at the helm the Phils would have four 20 game winners and a fresh bullpen because he would leave the starters in long enough so they wouldn't be cheated out of any wins. Hope everyone knows I'm being satirical here.

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

How about Damian Miller as a FA to split time with Lieberthal, if we can't dump him. I know he's a good pitchers-catcher, so maybe he would be an alternative to what we have. Another name I would love to see here is Mike Redmond from the Marlins. Like Miller, it's provided that we can't get rid of Lieby and to split time with him. Also: Mike Matheny,

[dond]

No way the Phils take on Kendalls salary. End of story.

[dond]

The only players on this team that came close to playing up to expectations were Rollins, Abreu, Milton, Polanco and probably Bell. Madson wasn't expected to contribute. The rest of the team had horrible years. Thome was the biggest culprit. HR's when games were out of reach, K's whenever he was needed. He's been getting a free ride. If Millwood, Wolf, Myers, Padilla, Wagner, Burrell, Thome, Byrd, Worrell, Leiberthal etc. had done the jobs they were being paid to do the Phils would be in the playoffs and Wade and Bowa would be lauded by all. Pathetic bunch of coddled whinners, blaming the manager for their failure to perform. Typical of todays society, it's always someone elses fault, no one takes responsibility for their own actions. I would have loved to see some of these guys step forward and say, "Hey, I stunk this year and left the fans, my teammates and the manager down. But it's easier to blame Bowa because he put to much pressure on them. Arnold said it best, the're a bunch of "girlie men

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

These are just some very early ideas I'm throwing out.

C: Mike Matheny, Mike Redmond, Damian Miller

Analysis: I would put Varitek up their if I thought they could move Lieberthal. Getting one of these solid players would hopefully mean that Lieberthal couldn't get enough ABs to vest his 06' option. I think it's time to dump Pratt, not because I don't like him, but is he capable of 200+ ABs.

CF:Carlos Beltran, Danny Bautista, Marquis Grissom

Analysis: I expect a CF to come via trade because the FA crop is weak outside of Beltran(low chance) and J.D. Drew(snowball's chance). Bautista is more of a RF, but could play CF in the small park.

SP: Matt Clement, Derek Lowe, Carl Pavano

Analysis: I look for another trade here. Forget Pedro, go after someone from this group. They all have a higher then 1.4 Ground Ball to Fly Ball ratio, which you need for this park. I know these names aren’t much, but look at teams like Atlanta, St. Louis, and Minnesota, and how they picked up pitchers that had only mild success, and made them into good players.

RP: Ramiro Mendoza, Scott Williamson, Chad Bradford, Danny Patterson, Scott Schoeneweis

Analysis: Williamson speaks for himself, and the Phillies were interested in Mendoza his last time on the market. The last three guys are ground ball pitchers who I think could be effective here.

Bench: Ricky Ledee, Desi Relaford

Analysis: There are so many bench guys around so I just throw out a couple of former Phils.

This is just some names I think could help.

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

Yeah, they stunk, but just because a skunk stinks doesn't mean rotten cheese doesn't. That means that just because the players stunk, doesn't excuse Bowa's poor performance. Changes have to be made. Thome spent most of the year injured, not that it doesn't excuse his poor performance.

[Domino427]

I also dont see us having anyone split time w/lieberthal, considering that he's gettin paid so much. That's a lot to pay a guy to play part-time.

I'd love to see us get Varitek. Then, if we could move Lieberthal, it'd work out alright.

And if we can't...keep him. Lieby was one of our better players the last month or so. The guy just had a rough start...it happens. He'll be fine next year, especially w/o Bowa.

[JLove22]

yeah, i think we have much bigger holes to fill than at catcher

[thomeismyhomie]

about who should be the Phils next pitching coach, I vote for, The Jersey Devil, he's known everything that has been done wrong with the Phils staff for years. Figure with him at the helm the Phils would have four 20 game winners and a fresh bullpen because he would leave the starters in long enough so they wouldn't be cheated out of any wins. Hope everyone knows I'm being satirical here.
Dude, Dond, you get rep points for this one man.

[thomeismyhomie]

Hey. Thome did step forward and take some responsibility so back off him. The team as a whole, stunk, but i look forward to them turning it around as a group.

[FreezeC2]

Miami Herald
Oct. 9, 2004



MIAMI - Five veterans of Cuba's national series and a member of the country's national junior program are in Miami after the largest mass desertion of baseball players since Fidel Castro's revolution.

The six players, all reportedly under the age of 24, arrived in the Keys a week ago after spending two days at sea. They are infielder Yunel Escobar Almenares, pitchers Yamel Guevara, Jose Angel Cordero Valdez, Rafael Galbizo Figueroa and outfielders Yoel Perez Mendieta and Yoan Limonta Zayas.

Of the six, Guevara, a 21-year-old right-hander, likely will draw the most interest from major-league scouts. He went 10-0 with a 2.06 ERA in helping Havana's Industriales to the 2002-03 Cuban championship and has a 17-2 lifetime regular-season record. Teammate Escobar, 21, hit .317 that year in 63 at-bats and has a .270 lifetime average in three seasons, and Limonta hit .250 in 28 at-bats. Cordero, who pitched in league play for the Metropolitanos, reportedly possesses a 95-mph fastball.





Any play CF? :D

[asheylarry]

Any one of those catchers would be a solid addition to the 25 man roster. Bautista is the only guy you listed in CF that I could see the Phils going after. He's a solid player but seems to be injury prone. Hopefully they can fill this hole through a trade. Those starters are average, but they are ground ball pitchers and right now this team only has one of them. Maybe they could resign Lidle and sign one of those three, or not resign Lidle and sign two of those three. I'd love to have one of those relievers, other than Mendoza, take the place of Hernandez in the pen. Unfortynately, I don't think this team is going to be making many moves via free agency and expect any player acquisitions to be made through trades.

[Hey Look Its Chase Utley!]

The Phillies hit 113 homers at Citizens Bank Park this season, and 102 on the road. They scored 424 runs at home, and 416 on the road. Pitchers had a 4.31 ERA at home and a 4.61 ERA on the road. They allowed 115 homers at home, and 99 on the road.

They still need groundball pitchers, because they have a very good Infield, and an average outfield(depending on CF).

[thomeismyhomie]

The Phillies hit 113 homers at Citizens Bank Park this season, and 102 on the road. They scored 424 runs at home, and 416 on the road. Pitchers had a 4.31 ERA at home and a 4.61 ERA on the road. They allowed 115 homers at home, and 99 on the road.

They still need groundball pitchers, because they have a very good Infield, and an average outfield(depending on CF).
Great stats. I thought it was hilarious how much Bowa went on and on about how many homers we were going to hit once "the weather got wamrer." We went through a stint where the ball was flying out of the yard but it certainly calmed down.

[PhilaVa]

Looks like the Yankees Farm System is starting to develop again...

http://wingheads.com/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

[PhilaVa]

I wonder if this was true, if TJD would complain about himself for leaving the pitcher in too long or taking him out to early. FIRE TJD!

http://wingheads.com/html/emoticons/cool.gif

[PhilaVa]

Hey. Thome did step forward and take some responsibility so back off him. The team as a whole, stunk, but i look forward to them turning it around as a group.

I agree with everything said here, the players did not perform but we can't fire them, something had to be done to change things, this is how professional sports work whether we like or not, we are stuck with guys like Burrell. Like they said in Rudy, I'd like to put Bowas heart in some of these players, they all could have learned something from Bow, I do not think they did, that's the problem.

[PhilaVa]

2004 Phillies Minor League Team Results
Scranton WB Red Barons (AAA) 69-73 - 4th in North Division

Reading Phillies (AA) 64-77 - 4th in Southern Division

Clearwater Threshers (A) 30-36 - 4th in West Division

Lakewood Blueclaws (A) 39-30 - 3rd in Northern Division

Batavia Muckdogs (A) 28 -46 - 4th in Pinckney Division

Gulf Coast Phillies (R) 36 - 24

[brgood]

Hey there guys.

I thought I would post something here before I rack out for the day, been a very long few days out here. I saw that the Phillies are bringing in Baylor, Little and Manuel for an interview this week, if I have to choose out of one of those three I go with Manuel and make sure I pick up a guy to be the pitching coach who can mentor some of the young arms we might have in the rotation, a guy who has been around the block and is a respected pitching coach with some real results over the last ten years. I think you guys are right in your assetment for what this team needs, first and foremost I would go after a starter, I would not resign Milton but would resign Millwood and hope to get his mechanics straigtened out next year but I would only resign him for three to four million less than what I paid him this year for a one year deal with an option for next year. I would love to have Barry Zito throwing for the Phillies next year, his value is at an all time low and the kid is still young and has great stuff he just needs a change of scenery is all. I would love to sign Carlos Beltran but we all realize this is more than likely not going to happen so we need to get some one to fill that hole via a trade ie Mark Kotsay A's. Kotsay is one of the better defensive center fielders in the game, he is a quality glove in center and the kid gets on base. He is going to hit you between 15 and 20 home runs per year but more importantly he helps out the outfield defensively which is something we really need. I send Jason Michaels to Winter Ball to work on his outfield skills and have Gary maddox try to help him out with overall positioning in CF and how to get a proper jump on the ball, the kid showed us this year that he can be a decent ballplayer but while his bat may be something special his defense in CF is a liability and he needs to ensure he comes to spring training next year improved defensively. I agree that Lieberthal needs traded but who is going to take on that contract next season, The Dodgers desperatly need a catcher and for one or two of there young arms I would deal him in a heartbeat. That being said the one free agent I would love to see end up in a Phillies uniform is Jason Varitek, he brings things to the clubhouse that cant be measured in stats. The guy is a leader and he is vocale, he knows how to handle a pitching staff and we need an emotional leader IE like DUTCH in the clubhouse. Varitek would fit in nicely with this team next year. I would also like to see a backup catcher brought in because I believe Pratt needs replaced with someone who is not only younger but in the worst case scenario can come in and play everyday if our starter goes down. Pratt I dont think can handle the strains of 200 at bats let alone a whole year. Our Bullpen is set for next season so long as Wagner resigns which I believe he will, we pick Up FROD's option and Worrell's and hope Cormier decides not to retire. Let Roberto Hernandez walk and Todd Jones. Telemaco is used for long relief. Our rotation looks like Millwood, Zito, Liddle, Wolf, Floyd assuming that Padilla is packed in a deal for Zito, either Padilla or Wolf does it really matter, Offensively I would like to see some new guys on the bench next season, Thomas Perez is a nice utility player and I would try and bring back Ledee for another bat on the bench but with Michaels as your forth outfielder for next year he is not going to get many at bats. I also believe it is in the Phillies best interests to bring back Polanco as a super utility guy, who can spell utley, Thome and Bell and also kept around just in case Bell reverts back to his old self. I see a trade with the A's as solving two major problems for this team, one it gives us a legitimate number one starter something we have not had since Curt Schilling was traded to Arizona, number two it solves our problems in CF. The package it would take would be something along the lines of Burrell or Howard and Padilla or Wolf and a couple prospects, we very well may have to eat some of Burrell's contract to trade him because I would rather keep Howard and trade Pat if he shows he can patrol LF in the winter leagues. Then you go after Varitek and use the money we are saving from not signing Milton to a eight million plus deal. Thome is a quiet leader, Varitek will kick this team in the ass when they need it. I like this team for next year, if they can relax they can be counted on to at least compete for a Wild Card, the Braves will always be there, lets face it 13 years and counting is not a fluke, they always seem to have two individuals who at the forefront Leo and Bobby, it starts at the top and Bowa showed this team they can win now we need a guy to take them over the hump and push us into the postseason next year. Let me know your thoughts?

Take it easy
BRG
Camp Freedom Iraq

[thomeismyhomie]

Hey man, great to hear from you! Whew....you had a lot on your mind huh? :) First and foremost, your comments about Varitek are right on. I like the Dutch reference. I say no to Millwood though and trading Padilla. IMO, the trade lies in the hands of Tampa Bay. Stay safe and keep in touch.

[dond]

I posted earlier that Bowa was not blameless and a change needed to be made. My point was that players make the manager look good. Managers win or lose very few games in MLB. With that said, however, Bowa took all the heat. Buck stops at the top. But equal blame needs to be spread out among a pitching coach, who did not get along with his staff. front office overvaluing talent, players who didn't perform up to expectations, a third base coach , who is clueless, a hitting coach who couldn't get across the concept of situational hitting, a scouting system who has no position players in the minors, etc. I bleed red and white and have for 50 years, but this team has far more problems then just Bowa. A change should have been made in July. In my opinion it wouldn't have made any difference. The way this team hits with RISP, the meltdown of the starting pitchers and the injuries doomed this team from the beginning. The difference is, we would be blaming someone else instead of Bowa.

[kwahraps]

No way the Phils take on Kendalls salary. End of story.
They would if Oliver Perez is included in the deal.

The Dodgers have stated that they will take Kendall's contract, but only if Perez is included.

Why wouldn't the Phillies contemplate that deal? Send Lieberthal and Howard to the Pirates for Kendall and Perez. The Pirates save money, get a good catcher, and while they lose a top pitching prospect, they gain a top batting prospect.

I would even include Utley to push this deal through. Re-sign Polanco, and you've just improved your ball club tremendously.

[kwahraps]

[QUOTE=dond]I posted earlier that Bowa was not blameless and a change needed to be made. My point was that players make the manager look good. Managers win or lose very few games in MLB. [QUOTE]

Phil Garner is certainly trying his best. 8)

The team is dysfunctional, at best. Let's see, last two World Series teams had Pete Rose and Lenny Dykstra. What do we have now??? No life, no energy, and to quote Major League 2, "No marbles." The team has taken on the personality of the GM.

I still remember the articles from last year by Donellon, Hoffman, Conlin, etc. that basically stated that any failure in the 2004 season would rest squarely on Larry Bowa, giving the organization a free pass until 2005. Which brings up an interesting scenario . . . .

Does the organization think they're going to get 3,000,000 fans in 2005?
Will they cut payroll if they anticapte a poor fan turnout?
How will they justify not increasing payroll by 10% to just over $100 million??
Ed Wade seems to be always on the phone . . . will anyone listen?

[Domino427]

Hope things are going well for you over there. Keep up the good work! I did see a lot about your post that I liked, although I'd have to say no Millwood. If he would sign for like 5 mil, then maybe, because with a good pitching coach, we'd be fine...but he'd also have to get in better shape because he looked BAD last year. All in all, a pretty good assessment.

[thomeismyhomie]

They would if Oliver Perez is included in the deal.

The Dodgers have stated that they will take Kendall's contract, but only if Perez is included.

Why wouldn't the Phillies contemplate that deal? Send Lieberthal and Howard to the Pirates for Kendall and Perez. The Pirates save money, get a good catcher, and while they lose a top pitching prospect, they gain a top batting prospect.

I would even include Utley to push this deal through. Re-sign Polanco, and you've just improved your ball club tremendously.
Where did you come from? Good to see ya here man. You raise an interesting point. Perez is the real deal and it would definitely take alot to pry him away. I mean, look what it cost just to get Benson. I know that during the offseason, peoples prices will be lower, but it would be tough. I still stand by us sending Howard to Tampa.

[PhilaVa]

Where did you come from? Good to see ya here man. You raise an interesting point. Perez is the real deal and it would definitely take alot to pry him away. I mean, look what it cost just to get Benson. I know that during the offseason, peoples prices will be lower, but it would be tough. I still stand by us sending Howard to Tampa.

Pirates aren't goign to let Perez go...they aren't smart but they ain't that stupid.

[thomeismyhomie]

Pirates aren't goign to let Perez go...they aren't smart but they ain't that stupid.
I agree Phil. I'm not sure how is contract works but he won't leave until he's a FA and costs to much. That or they'll trade him at the deadline of that season.

[HamelsToe]

I just got done reading most of this

Looks like there will be some great discussion this season