MLB Chatter 2008

[Neroon]

The Phillies seem to have flown under most people's radar, except for mimic's at least.

Seriously though, when the playoffs began I don't think very many people had them coming out of the NL. Of course, they still haven't. No offense intended to any Dodger fans. However, that "under the radar" result may have been a key reason for their success. There's less pressure. They do have strength in their fielding and pitching, which aids you particularly in the divisional 5-game series. So far, it's been a boon in the league series too.

 

[mimic]

The Phillies seem to have flown under most people's radar, except for mimic's at least.

Well, the entire ESPN staff with the exception of Rob Neyer said the Dodgers were hot, had Manny, and Howard wasn't hitting and so the Phils had no chance in the NLCS. The problems with that logic were manyfold: that the Phils were also hot, one extraordinary batter cannot carry a team all the way to the WS, and Howard being cold doesn't matter as much as you'd think when guys like Victorino and Brett Myers are hitting.

Also, the Phils have the attitude that they can win even if it's the ninth with two outs and their down by 5.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

To be fair, there really haven't been any exceptionally hot teams in the National League this year. Dodgers and Phillies both had been playing well before the post season started, the Brewers were stuggling until they fired their manager, and the Cubs are the Cubs. Phillies always had a shot in the NL.

EDIT: That was to Neroon

 

[Neroon]

Well, the entire ESPN staff with the exception of Rob Neyer said the Dodgers were hot, had Manny, and Howard wasn't hitting and so the Phils had no chance in the NLCS. The problems with that logic were manyfold: that the Phils were also hot, one extraordinary batter cannot carry a team all the way to the WS, and Howard being cold doesn't matter as much as you'd think when guys like Victorino and Brett Myers are hitting.

Even though I didn't go as far as the ESPN boys did, I still think that it was logical to pick the Dodgers for most of those reasons above. They were both hot over the last 1 1/2 months of the season, both going 18-8 since Sept 01. Most baseball people agree that Manny was the key difference for LA, as hitting averages went up significantly after he came to the team. It certainly was not the only reason for making the playoffs. However, add in that Manny is historically one of the most productive post-season players of all time. On top of that, Ryan Howard had been critical to Philly's success earlier, but not the last part. To their credit, they still won the division, but you can't forget how the Mets folded again.

Also, the Phils have the attitude that they can win even if it's the ninth with two outs and their down by 5.

That's extremely subjective. You can say it about several teams - except for the Cubs, though,

Don't get me wrong. I am very happy the Phillies made it, because I thought they played more than well enough to deserve it. Plus, in a way it was amusing to watch the Mets not make it after last year. No offense to Deadpool, of course. However, I just think that picking the Dodgers to beat the Phillies was very understandable. Perhaps not as prohibiyivrly as the ESPN gusy apparently felt, but it was still a sensible choice.

 

[mimic]

I don't buy the Mets folding as a reason for the Phils winning the division. The Mets never had a commanding lead for starters, and went 13-12 (.520) in September, slightly below their .549 average for the season. Win one more and they're at .560, which is above their seasonal average, and they still lose the division by one.

 

[Neroon]

I didn't say it was THE reason, but that's two years in a row now that they had so many opportunities to wrap it up down the stretch and didn't. The Phillies played great to wint it at the end, but the Mets still held the upper hand both seasons. They still had enough of a lead late enough in the season, that only a win or two and it's NY in the playoffs instead.

 

[Deadpool]

Manny is God. If Scott Boras didn`t want 5 years I would sign him for the Mets as soon as the season ended.

 

[Neroon]

Break out the champaign, mimic. It's looking more and more like Hamels is clinching it for ya!

 

[the_wildcard]

I'll be dammed if Pedro Feliz gets a ring.

 

[Neroon]

I'll be dammed if Pedro Feliz gets a ring.

Huh? Why say you that?

On a side note, there is one drawback of not seeing the Dodgers anymore in these playoffs: no more shots of Alyssa Milano like the one that just showed up on the screen.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

THE PHILLIES ARE NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS AND ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tom Servo]

CONGRATS PHILLIES!!!! Hopefully my Sox kick some Ray ass the next few days, and we can meet you for a duel!

 

[Neroon]

Major congrats to the Phillies on their VERY well-played series. When they needed pitching, they got it. When they needed hitting, they got it. When they needed fielding, they got it. Excellence exhibited in every phase of the game is the hallmark of a champion.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

It would be fun playing Boston. But it'll be fun watching the Phillies play anyone right now. I honestly can't believe I can even say "The Phillies are going to the World Series." I was 6 when I saw the Phillies last there. I don't think I fully understood what was going on, just the disappointment when it ended. Most of my life, I've watched the Phillies in the NL East basement. Going to Veterans Stadium in the late 90s and watch Doug Glanville, Mike Liberthal, and Scott Rolen.

Now things have changed so much. I loved watching those games, but the anguish of defeat (especially recently when we missed the playoffs by so many close margins in the last few years and the disappointing loss to the Rockies last season) has made this moment that much more special. This is just amazing

 

[Indysolo]

Hooray for the Phillies!

Neil - south Jersey native

 

[TK421]

Congrats. Phillies.

I myself sobbed uncontrollably.

 

[Tom Servo]

I just got back from partying on Broad street in Philly and despite being in Sox gear, it was a rocking good time!

 

[Scout101]

what percentage of Philly burns, would you say, if the Phillies blow their chance here? Not that the fans of Philly sports teams have anger issues, or turn on their team, or anything...

Phillies/Rays could be a pretty good WS matchup. Still rather it be the Red Sox, but unless they pull another ALCS out of their asses, it's not looking good...

 

[SmoothieX]

Congrats Phillies from a begrudging Mets fan.

They are a solid, deep, and balanced team. They'll be a tough opponent however the AL pans out.

 

[Tom Servo]

what percentage of Philly burns, would you say, if the Phillies blow their chance here? Not that the fans of Philly sports teams have anger issues, or turn on their team, or anything...

Phillies/Rays could be a pretty good WS matchup. Still rather it be the Red Sox, but unless they pull another ALCS out of their asses, it's not looking good...

I would say atleast 50%. They were so excited last night, and it will be really disappointing if they loose (except to the Red Sox...then it is glorious).