The timeline of key events in my life goes something like this:
August 30th 1983-born.
October 29th 2008-Phillies win the World Series.
That may be a bit simplistic and dramatic, as I chose to leave a few things in the middle. But mostly, I just cut out the losing. Lots of losing. The Phillies lost. The Eagles lost. The Flyers lost. The Sixers lost. A lot. Villanova lost. Basically, if I supported a sports team, doom was impending. Whether it was Ronde Barber or Craig Biggio or Petey Sessoms or Marty Brodeur or Ricky Manning or Joe Carter or...well you get the point. No matter who it was, someone dashed my dreams.
This was all worsened by the fact that the last Philadelphia professional sports season before my birth ended in the Sixers winning an NBA title. Since my birth, Philly went 0-98 over 25 seasons.
Then October 29th 2008 occurred, and it was over. We Won, and I was there. It only took the latest ending World Series game ever combined with the longest rain delay in baseball history, but we won. I walked from Citizens Bank Park to City Hall, watching thousands of people pour into streets in jubilation. It was, in a word, awesome.
Being unemployed throughout the baseball season resulted in me being more invested in this team than probably any other pro team in my lifetime. Most days were a wait until first pitch at 7 PM. I probably witnessed in person or on TV at least 90% of the games.
It led to the Phillies being the backdrop of the summer. You give me a Phillies game, I can tell you where I watched it, whether it be section 310, my living room in Manayunk, or the Borgata. My two strecthes down the shore were the backdrop for the 20 runs massacre in St. Louis and the Phillies inability to score runs against the Pirates. When you combine time spent reading about this year's Phillies, the time I invested in this team was monumental.
Having connected with this team like I did, I had all these fresh memories in my mind. It has occurred to me that I might forget some of these. Blessed with almost nothing but free time currently, I started collecting each player's signature 2008 moment, in my opinion, as well as random assorted thoughts about everyone who wore red pinstripes this season. It started as something just for me, but thought others may enjoy my ramblings.
From Hamels to Harman, Chase to Carpenter, what follows is roughly six thousand words on those thoughts and remembrances of our 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Damn that's fun to say.
Monday, November 24, 2008
My season at CBP
There was some serious discussion on getting a shore house or Sunday season tickets. Eventually the tickets won out, which turned out reasonably well. We had tickets in section 310, rows 5 and 6, seats 5-8. We sat next to a guy who looked exactly like Jerome Bettis, but he stopped showing up when it got too hot. Then too cold. The bus has a very small window for comfort apparently.
Our first game of the season was started by Jamie Moyer, leading Rush to comment that "I think he was a general during WWI". A middle aged man turned around and yelled, "Hey, there is nothing wrong with being in your forties". He then paused, looked directly at a woman no older than mid 30s and said, "This lady knows what I am talking about." It was fantastic and kicked off a season off tailgating at 10 AM on Sundays, ringing the bell, yelling at Taguchi, and winning Championships.
I attended 23 of the Phillies 88 home games this season, with the results to follow:
Date Result/Opponent Season Record
April 13th 6-5 L v CHI 0-1
April 20th 5-4 W v NYM 1-1
May 4th 6-5 W v SFO 2-1
May 18th 6-5 L v TOR 2-2
May 25th 20-5 W v COL 3-2
June 1st 7-5 W v FLA 4-2
June 18th 7-4 L v BOS 4-3
June 22nd 3-2 L v LAA 4-4
July 4th 3-2 W v NYM 5-4
July 6th 4-2 L v NYM 5-5
July 13th 6-3 W v ARI 6-5
July 27th 12-10 W v ATL 7-5
August 22nd 8-1 W v LAD 8-5
August 24th 5-2 W v LAD 9-5
August 26th 8-7 W v NYM 10-5
September 9th 10-8 L v FLA 10-6
September 14th 7-3 W v MIL 11-6
September 14th 6-1 W v MIL 12-6
-------------------------------------------
October 1st 3-1 W v MIL 13-6 (1-0)
October 2nd 5-2 W v MIL 14-6 (2-0)
October 9th 3-2 W v LAD 15-6 (3-0)
October 10th 8-5 W v LAD 16-6 (4-0)
October 27/29 4-3 W v TAM 17-6 (5-0)
From 5-5 to 17-6, the Phillies won 12 of the last 13 games I attended including the World Series clincher.
Our first game of the season was started by Jamie Moyer, leading Rush to comment that "I think he was a general during WWI". A middle aged man turned around and yelled, "Hey, there is nothing wrong with being in your forties". He then paused, looked directly at a woman no older than mid 30s and said, "This lady knows what I am talking about." It was fantastic and kicked off a season off tailgating at 10 AM on Sundays, ringing the bell, yelling at Taguchi, and winning Championships.
I attended 23 of the Phillies 88 home games this season, with the results to follow:
Date Result/Opponent Season Record
April 13th 6-5 L v CHI 0-1
April 20th 5-4 W v NYM 1-1
May 4th 6-5 W v SFO 2-1
May 18th 6-5 L v TOR 2-2
May 25th 20-5 W v COL 3-2
June 1st 7-5 W v FLA 4-2
June 18th 7-4 L v BOS 4-3
June 22nd 3-2 L v LAA 4-4
July 4th 3-2 W v NYM 5-4
July 6th 4-2 L v NYM 5-5
July 13th 6-3 W v ARI 6-5
July 27th 12-10 W v ATL 7-5
August 22nd 8-1 W v LAD 8-5
August 24th 5-2 W v LAD 9-5
August 26th 8-7 W v NYM 10-5
September 9th 10-8 L v FLA 10-6
September 14th 7-3 W v MIL 11-6
September 14th 6-1 W v MIL 12-6
-------------------------------------------
October 1st 3-1 W v MIL 13-6 (1-0)
October 2nd 5-2 W v MIL 14-6 (2-0)
October 9th 3-2 W v LAD 15-6 (3-0)
October 10th 8-5 W v LAD 16-6 (4-0)
October 27/29 4-3 W v TAM 17-6 (5-0)
From 5-5 to 17-6, the Phillies won 12 of the last 13 games I attended including the World Series clincher.
Catchers
A thirty three old rookie from South Dakota and the man who has the worst radio commercial of all time (Fastball. Slider. I know a sales pitch when I see it. Guh) held down the pitching staff for 161 games this year.
Carlos Ruiz
Chooch! My personal favorite Ruiz moment this season was during game 1 of the NLDS when I yelled “C’mon, Chooch!” and Rushir thought I was making a racist comment. Moving on. Carlos was, in a word, terrible in the regular season. His greatest moment probably came April 21st at Colorado, when his two run two out double with bases loaded gave the Phillies a 6-5 lead in a game they would win 9-5. I told you it was slim pickings. He did play an inning at third base against the Mets though, which was interesting.
However, come October a new Carlos Ruiz, dubbed “postseason ‘los” by Bobby Careless, appeared. He was suddenly an all-star catcher. He had the game winning RBI in TWO World Series games (1 and 3). I would say that 45-foot laser that won Game 3 was the best, especially since it started a dogpile in the middle of the living room at 2 AM. Vickery was involved. People were injured.
Chris Coste
Costie is a Hall of Fame level player according to Gor. Certainly a solid backup catcher. Coste’s moment of the regular season is also one of my favorite regular season moments. August 26th against the Mets, Phils fall behind 7-0 only to come roaring back to tie it in the 9th and win in the 13th. Coste drove in the winning run shortly after Ken woke up from his seat down the third base line. Fantastic game that Hewitt and I scalped tickets to.
Unfortunately postseason ‘los really limited his playoff opportunities. He did get a pinch hit in the Game 3 loss to LA, and became the first Phillie to DH in the World Series in 15 years.
Lou Marson
Lou Marson won an Olympic medal as the starting catcher for the US Olympic team in August. Hit his first major league home run in September. He won a World Series ring in October. Lou Marson is 22 years old and a future millionaire. God my life is aimless.
Lou’s moment of the regular season was undoubtedly his only appearance, on September 28th. In the final meaningless game of the season, Lou started and went 2-4 with a double and a HR. He didn’t appear on the playoff roster, but was the bullpen catcher and participated in every on field celebration. Sweet life, Lou.
Carlos Ruiz
Chooch! My personal favorite Ruiz moment this season was during game 1 of the NLDS when I yelled “C’mon, Chooch!” and Rushir thought I was making a racist comment. Moving on. Carlos was, in a word, terrible in the regular season. His greatest moment probably came April 21st at Colorado, when his two run two out double with bases loaded gave the Phillies a 6-5 lead in a game they would win 9-5. I told you it was slim pickings. He did play an inning at third base against the Mets though, which was interesting.
However, come October a new Carlos Ruiz, dubbed “postseason ‘los” by Bobby Careless, appeared. He was suddenly an all-star catcher. He had the game winning RBI in TWO World Series games (1 and 3). I would say that 45-foot laser that won Game 3 was the best, especially since it started a dogpile in the middle of the living room at 2 AM. Vickery was involved. People were injured.
Chris Coste
Costie is a Hall of Fame level player according to Gor. Certainly a solid backup catcher. Coste’s moment of the regular season is also one of my favorite regular season moments. August 26th against the Mets, Phils fall behind 7-0 only to come roaring back to tie it in the 9th and win in the 13th. Coste drove in the winning run shortly after Ken woke up from his seat down the third base line. Fantastic game that Hewitt and I scalped tickets to.
Unfortunately postseason ‘los really limited his playoff opportunities. He did get a pinch hit in the Game 3 loss to LA, and became the first Phillie to DH in the World Series in 15 years.
Lou Marson
Lou Marson won an Olympic medal as the starting catcher for the US Olympic team in August. Hit his first major league home run in September. He won a World Series ring in October. Lou Marson is 22 years old and a future millionaire. God my life is aimless.
Lou’s moment of the regular season was undoubtedly his only appearance, on September 28th. In the final meaningless game of the season, Lou started and went 2-4 with a double and a HR. He didn’t appear on the playoff roster, but was the bullpen catcher and participated in every on field celebration. Sweet life, Lou.
Infielders
Two MVPs, the best second baseman in baseball, Peter Happy, and Eric Bruntlett. What else do you need really?
Ryan Howard
Ryan was god awful for most of the year, and then got unbelievably hot in September. He led the majors in HRs and RBIs, and swung really, really hard the entire season. He finished second in MVP voting, and rumors have it he resembles a grandfather clock. Good for Ryan.
His greatest regular season moment happened in Atlanta, where the Phillies went 9-0 in 2008. On September 16th, in the team’s first game after sweeping Milwaukee to jump back into the race, the Phillies were playing their typical lackluster game against an inferior opponent. In a game they once lead 3-0, then trailed 7-4, RyHo laced a 2 out 2 run HR in the 8th to put the Phillies ahead for good 8-7. Something was happening here.
Ryan also struggled pretty badly early in the playoffs, and then broke out with 3 HRs in two days against Tampa, capped by his 2 HR, 5 RBI performance in Game 4 against Tampa.
Andy Tracy
Andy appeared in a close Sunday night game against the Dodgers on August 24th. I was unhappy about this, and voiced it to the entirety of section 310. That’s really all I remember this year about Andy Tracy. He had 4 PAs, 0 Hs, but did walk twice before injuring himself during one of those mighty plate appearances. He would never resurface, not in the regular season or playoffs. Enjoy the playoff share, Andy!
Chase Utley
Chutley is good at baseball. When they brought him up he couldn’t field the position or hit lefties so the Phillies played him behind Placido Polanco. He has since made the Phillies look foolish. He got robbed of the Gold Glove this season, but won a Silver Slugger and got some jewelry. He also a penchant for dropping F bombs while he is mic'd up. Most famously declaring the Phillies are World F'n Champions. More hilariously though was when he got booed during the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium and muttered "Boo? F you!". Chase is awesome.
On Sunday April 20th, Chase assured the Phillies would not be swept by the losers from Flushing by hitting two HRs and getting 4 RBIs in a 5-4 win. I was also very drunk this day, and Hoch stole some boxed wine. He also thought pork was chicken, but that’s a story for another day. As is “NEED HELP CALL THE POLICE”.
Chase, of course, had some pretty big playoff moments. My absolute favorite was his 2 run HR off Derek Lowe to tie Game 1 of the NLCS at two. It lead to a round of manhugs that almost led to missing the heroics two batters later. He also made that absurd defensive play to throw Bartlett out at the plate to end the top of the 7th in Game 5 against Tampa. And the double play against LA that kept the game in striking distance. Chase is good. And he wasn't even healthy.
Tadahito Iguchi
After being released by San Diego, Tad returned to the Phils for the September stretch. He went 2-8 at the plate, with both hits coming in that final game against the Nats. He was not eligible for the playoff roster.
Although it happened in 2007, let’s remember the main reason Tad was brought back. August 30th, 2007. My birthday. We got kicked out. Drinking in McFadden’s. Tad gets a hit. Rush headlocks Bruiser Flint.
Brad Harman
This Australian kid started a game for the World Series champions. It happened on April 25th, when Cholly decided Howard needed a day off. Chase played at first, and Harman started at second where he collected a hit, run and RBI as the Phillies beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh. I imagine Pittsburgh is a lot like Sydney. Or maybe the outback. Or it just sucks. Brad did not appear in the playoffs.
Mike Cervanek
Mike got his first major league hit August 6th during a beautifully pitched 5-0 win by Kyle Kendrick (seriously) against Florida. He then hovered around the bench the rest of the year making rare appearances, but leading Jack to wonder where he was whenever Taguchi hit. No playoffs.
Jimmy Rollins
The reigning MVP got hurt in April during some Jose Reyes base running douchebaggery and never seemed to get it going. However, he was still unquestionably the offensive spark of this team. If Jimmy hit, the Phillies scored. He said before the year they would 100 games, and they won 103. The second longest tenured Phillie was here for a lot of bad, and deserves all the good that is finally coming.
On July 22nd, in the Phils 100 game of the year with first place on the line, the Phillies crapped it up to the tune of 5-1 going to the 9th at Shea. Single. Single. Single. FC RBI. Double. Jimmy comes up with two on in a tie game and laces a double down the third base line. 7-5 lead, 8-6 win.
Jimmy ledoff both the clinching games against the Brewers and Dodgers with home runs. I don’t know which was better, I’ll let you pick.
Eric Bruntlett
Brunt also was a target of my displeasure this season. He just seemed so….useless. Everytime Cholly would send Burrell’s caddy to LF in the 7th inning my blood would boil. He was a terrible base runner, but was always used as a pinch runner. Now Rushir is talking about buying a Bruntlett jersey. It’s funny what winning does.
Brunt did have a knack of coming up biggest in our Sunday home games during the Rollins injury. He hit a HR against the Cubs April 13th and made a game saving defensive play in the 9th the 20th against the Mets. His best moment of the regular season also came during a Mets game I attended, during the frantic comeback from a 7-0 deficit. In the game that put the Phils back in first for a day, Brunt tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a two out double, which I also missed because I had to explain to a genius from North Jersey why the ivy at Wrigley was thicker than the Ivy at CBP.
His job as Burrell’s caddy led directly to him scoring two of the most memorable runs in Phillies history, as he scored the walk off run in World Series Game 3 and the winning run in Game 5. Eric Freakin Bruntlett.
Pedro Feliz
My fondest memory of Pedro this season is, when after hearing me yell Pete Happy at every opportunity this season, Hewitt asks me why I call him that. This happened in September. 2008 Season Tickets really were the gift that kept on giving.
Pete, despite having a mediocre season, fielded 3rd base well and had a knack for big hits. His PH HR won the April 20th Mets game. He had a fabulous game August 24th against the Dodgers, however. The Phillies were sleep walking through this game, trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th. After a leadoff Victorino single, a bunt, a K, and the before mentioned Andy Tracy walk, Petey strutted to the plate and laced a game tying single. This sent the Sunday night game into extras, pleasing the unemployed amongst us. Pedro came up in the 11th after a Cole Hamels PH appearance (oh, Uncle Cholly) and hit a walk off 2 out 3 run HR.
Pete also got a single in the bottom of the seventh against Tampa in Game 5. It scored a run. Turned out to be pretty important, methinks. All this time waiting for a championship, and Feliz drives in Bruntlett to get it done.
Greg Dobbs
Dobber led the league in PHs, which is pretty impressive because he started a lot of games. He was the only .300 hitter on the roster, mostly because he almost never hit against a lefty. On July 26th at CBP vs the Braves, Cole Hamels took a 3-0 lead into the 4th where he promptly gave up 9 runs. Of course. This being a Saturday 4 PM start and me being at the height of Phillies related frustration, I turned off the game and began drinking. Due to my morbid curiosity, I flipped the game back on about an hour later and two pitches before Dobbs hit a Blaine Boyer pitch into the seats with two outs and two on, putting the Phillies ahead 10-9. That would be the final score. Never a doubt, Harry.
Dobbs had a mediocre playoff, collecting two hits in Game 2 against the Dodgers, helping to set up the classic Brett Myers at bats.
Ryan Howard
Ryan was god awful for most of the year, and then got unbelievably hot in September. He led the majors in HRs and RBIs, and swung really, really hard the entire season. He finished second in MVP voting, and rumors have it he resembles a grandfather clock. Good for Ryan.
His greatest regular season moment happened in Atlanta, where the Phillies went 9-0 in 2008. On September 16th, in the team’s first game after sweeping Milwaukee to jump back into the race, the Phillies were playing their typical lackluster game against an inferior opponent. In a game they once lead 3-0, then trailed 7-4, RyHo laced a 2 out 2 run HR in the 8th to put the Phillies ahead for good 8-7. Something was happening here.
Ryan also struggled pretty badly early in the playoffs, and then broke out with 3 HRs in two days against Tampa, capped by his 2 HR, 5 RBI performance in Game 4 against Tampa.
Andy Tracy
Andy appeared in a close Sunday night game against the Dodgers on August 24th. I was unhappy about this, and voiced it to the entirety of section 310. That’s really all I remember this year about Andy Tracy. He had 4 PAs, 0 Hs, but did walk twice before injuring himself during one of those mighty plate appearances. He would never resurface, not in the regular season or playoffs. Enjoy the playoff share, Andy!
Chase Utley
Chutley is good at baseball. When they brought him up he couldn’t field the position or hit lefties so the Phillies played him behind Placido Polanco. He has since made the Phillies look foolish. He got robbed of the Gold Glove this season, but won a Silver Slugger and got some jewelry. He also a penchant for dropping F bombs while he is mic'd up. Most famously declaring the Phillies are World F'n Champions. More hilariously though was when he got booed during the Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium and muttered "Boo? F you!". Chase is awesome.
On Sunday April 20th, Chase assured the Phillies would not be swept by the losers from Flushing by hitting two HRs and getting 4 RBIs in a 5-4 win. I was also very drunk this day, and Hoch stole some boxed wine. He also thought pork was chicken, but that’s a story for another day. As is “NEED HELP CALL THE POLICE”.
Chase, of course, had some pretty big playoff moments. My absolute favorite was his 2 run HR off Derek Lowe to tie Game 1 of the NLCS at two. It lead to a round of manhugs that almost led to missing the heroics two batters later. He also made that absurd defensive play to throw Bartlett out at the plate to end the top of the 7th in Game 5 against Tampa. And the double play against LA that kept the game in striking distance. Chase is good. And he wasn't even healthy.
Tadahito Iguchi
After being released by San Diego, Tad returned to the Phils for the September stretch. He went 2-8 at the plate, with both hits coming in that final game against the Nats. He was not eligible for the playoff roster.
Although it happened in 2007, let’s remember the main reason Tad was brought back. August 30th, 2007. My birthday. We got kicked out. Drinking in McFadden’s. Tad gets a hit. Rush headlocks Bruiser Flint.
Brad Harman
This Australian kid started a game for the World Series champions. It happened on April 25th, when Cholly decided Howard needed a day off. Chase played at first, and Harman started at second where he collected a hit, run and RBI as the Phillies beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh. I imagine Pittsburgh is a lot like Sydney. Or maybe the outback. Or it just sucks. Brad did not appear in the playoffs.
Mike Cervanek
Mike got his first major league hit August 6th during a beautifully pitched 5-0 win by Kyle Kendrick (seriously) against Florida. He then hovered around the bench the rest of the year making rare appearances, but leading Jack to wonder where he was whenever Taguchi hit. No playoffs.
Jimmy Rollins
The reigning MVP got hurt in April during some Jose Reyes base running douchebaggery and never seemed to get it going. However, he was still unquestionably the offensive spark of this team. If Jimmy hit, the Phillies scored. He said before the year they would 100 games, and they won 103. The second longest tenured Phillie was here for a lot of bad, and deserves all the good that is finally coming.
On July 22nd, in the Phils 100 game of the year with first place on the line, the Phillies crapped it up to the tune of 5-1 going to the 9th at Shea. Single. Single. Single. FC RBI. Double. Jimmy comes up with two on in a tie game and laces a double down the third base line. 7-5 lead, 8-6 win.
Jimmy ledoff both the clinching games against the Brewers and Dodgers with home runs. I don’t know which was better, I’ll let you pick.
Eric Bruntlett
Brunt also was a target of my displeasure this season. He just seemed so….useless. Everytime Cholly would send Burrell’s caddy to LF in the 7th inning my blood would boil. He was a terrible base runner, but was always used as a pinch runner. Now Rushir is talking about buying a Bruntlett jersey. It’s funny what winning does.
Brunt did have a knack of coming up biggest in our Sunday home games during the Rollins injury. He hit a HR against the Cubs April 13th and made a game saving defensive play in the 9th the 20th against the Mets. His best moment of the regular season also came during a Mets game I attended, during the frantic comeback from a 7-0 deficit. In the game that put the Phils back in first for a day, Brunt tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a two out double, which I also missed because I had to explain to a genius from North Jersey why the ivy at Wrigley was thicker than the Ivy at CBP.
His job as Burrell’s caddy led directly to him scoring two of the most memorable runs in Phillies history, as he scored the walk off run in World Series Game 3 and the winning run in Game 5. Eric Freakin Bruntlett.
Pedro Feliz
My fondest memory of Pedro this season is, when after hearing me yell Pete Happy at every opportunity this season, Hewitt asks me why I call him that. This happened in September. 2008 Season Tickets really were the gift that kept on giving.
Pete, despite having a mediocre season, fielded 3rd base well and had a knack for big hits. His PH HR won the April 20th Mets game. He had a fabulous game August 24th against the Dodgers, however. The Phillies were sleep walking through this game, trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the 9th. After a leadoff Victorino single, a bunt, a K, and the before mentioned Andy Tracy walk, Petey strutted to the plate and laced a game tying single. This sent the Sunday night game into extras, pleasing the unemployed amongst us. Pedro came up in the 11th after a Cole Hamels PH appearance (oh, Uncle Cholly) and hit a walk off 2 out 3 run HR.
Pete also got a single in the bottom of the seventh against Tampa in Game 5. It scored a run. Turned out to be pretty important, methinks. All this time waiting for a championship, and Feliz drives in Bruntlett to get it done.
Greg Dobbs
Dobber led the league in PHs, which is pretty impressive because he started a lot of games. He was the only .300 hitter on the roster, mostly because he almost never hit against a lefty. On July 26th at CBP vs the Braves, Cole Hamels took a 3-0 lead into the 4th where he promptly gave up 9 runs. Of course. This being a Saturday 4 PM start and me being at the height of Phillies related frustration, I turned off the game and began drinking. Due to my morbid curiosity, I flipped the game back on about an hour later and two pitches before Dobbs hit a Blaine Boyer pitch into the seats with two outs and two on, putting the Phillies ahead 10-9. That would be the final score. Never a doubt, Harry.
Dobbs had a mediocre playoff, collecting two hits in Game 2 against the Dodgers, helping to set up the classic Brett Myers at bats.
Outfielders
The Phillies outfield was a grab-bag. Some people hit (Burrell, Werth) while some did not (Taguchi, Jenkins). Some won Gold Gloves and stole bases (Victorino) while some ran slower than I did (Burrell). It was a strange grouping of a nationalities and personalities that was quite successful.
Pat Burrell
The longest tenured Phillie. The most booed Phillie. Pat always declared his love of playing here, and no one could ever figure out why. Gillick tried trading him for Rodrigo Lopez, but Burrell invoked his no trade clause.
Pat, his wife, and Elvis Burrell led the parade down Broad Street. Crazy Days.
Grebe’s favorite player had a good season, hitting 33 HRs and carrying the team with Utley during the Howard slump in April and May. On May 2nd the Phillies and Giants went to extras. The Giants got one in the top of the tenth, and it didn’t look good. Chase singled between strikeouts by Werth and Howard making Pat the winning run. Pat blasted a Brian Wilson pitch out of the yard, and the Friday Night crowd went home happy.
Pat had quite a few moments in the playoffs. His Game 4 HR against the Brewers put the game out of reach. His double was responsible for the winning run in Game 5 against Tampa. But his moment of the post season was during Game 1 when his 6th inning homer put the Phillies ahead 3-2. CBP was a happy place, and that would prove to be the game's winning run. Thanks, Pat.
So Taguchi
So, So Taguchi. Apparently Taguchi means horrific in Japanese. So was the original Burrell caddy, however a couple errors led to him taking a seat in Charlie’s dog house, and it was Bruntlett’s time to shine. There was a Sunday Taguchi ninth inning meltdown in section 310. He failed miserably and the randoms in the section soon all agreed with the lunatic in row 5.
A year after leading the league in pinch hits, So managed all of one in 2008. But it was a big one. During the comeback at Shea, So accidentally slapped a 3-2 pitch the other way, tying the game at 5. Thanks, Pedro Feliciano for hitting So’s bat!
So was a predictable 0-4 in the playoffs. His greatest October moment came when he PH for Hamels in Game 1 against the Dodgers. The toddler sitting behind us, after hearing Taguchi announced and my predictable ranting about his use, turns to his father and says “Taguchi? But daddy, he’s horrible!” Yes, he is son. Yes he is.
TJ Bohn
Bohner also had an appearance as the Burrell caddy when JRoll got hurt and Cholly decided he couldn’t waste So’s bat. Sigh. Bohn did nothing of note, and rarely hit. Due to his Burrell caddy status, the Phillies were 12-2 in games he appeared, which is something. He also had some great facial hair. No playoffs.
Shane Victorino
Shane O-Mac! He’s Hawaiian! He has a really strong arm! On June 6th the Phillies were in Atlanta and I was in Phoenixville because Sands was home. I wish he would have stayed in the Delta, because I missed the end of this game and Shane’s finest regular season moment during the car ride home.
Lidge was struggling for one of the few times early in the year, and when Yuniel Escobar singled with runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs it appeared as Bradley had blown his first save in Philly. However while Escobar was clapping his hands celebrating down the first base line, Shane was charging. He threw a rocket to the plate, beating Henry Blanco. Phils win.
He also hit a huge two out eight inning PH homer against St. Louis in a game that will be mentioned a few more times. It made a 2-2 game 5-2 at a time when scoring runs seemed impossible.
When the Phillies fell behind 1-0 in Game 2 of the NLDS, well, at least it was only Game 2. But then in the bottom of the second, people started getting on base. The Phillies tied the game, and the mighty CC Sabathia walked the pitcher and Rollins with two outs to load the bases. Victorino hit a 1-2 pitch a line to the left field seats, and CBP was pandemonium. His Game 4 NLCS performance was also great, but the slam was something special.
Greg Golson
Gholston, as Jack likes to call him, is a former first round pick who can’t hit, as evidenced by his 0-4 4 Ks day to close the regular season. Greg can run though. Greg can run really fast. On September 22nd against Atlanta, Golson pinch ran in 2-2 game in 8th after a Dobbs leadoff single. A pickoff attempt dribbled past the first baseman and Greg flew around the bases to third, where he would eventually score the winning run. A Burrell bomb would make the final 6-2, but Golson’s speed started the rally and Jack wanted to see Gholston in every game from that point on. No playoffs.
Jayson Werth
This season we learned Jayson’s mom was an Olympian, and she is still really attractive. He also learned that, if given the chance, he can be a very capable starter. Oh, we also found out Werthless (another Jack favorite) can rake. He made that quite clear May 16th against Toronto when he hit 3 homers, including a grand slam, while driving in 8 runs during a 10-3 Phillies win.
Werth’s moment of the playoffs occurred when he hit a rocket of a blooper about 110 feet just over Iwamura’s head in the first inning of part 2 of Game 5 of the World Series, putting the Phillies ahead 3-2. He also hit a HR in Game 4 against Tampa and ran around first with his fist up in the air. Personally, it was that moment I began to consider the possibility of winning the World Series.
Chris Snelling
Snelling continues the Phillies rare use of Aussies but frequent use of Gillick Seattle castoffs. Chris gave a fantastic interview after hitting a ninth inning leadoff home run on April 15th to make the score 3-1 Houston. This was a genius inning.
Snelling HR.
Chutley HBP.
Howard K.
Burrell HR ties it 3.
Jenkins reaches on a passed ball K.
Petey walk off double.
That about sums up the entire season, doesn’t it? The reliance on homeruns, Chase getting hit, Jenkins striking out, and Feliz walks off.
Jack, Rush, and I just caught the end of it while leaving the Flyers win over Montreal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semis. Snelling also had a 10th inning leadoff double in the game Victorino won with the outfield assist against Atlanta. Those were Snelling’s only two hits the season. Chris earned his playoff share despite not appearing in the playoffs.
Geoff Jenkins
Geoff Jenkins was putrid this year. There is no way around it. He is overpayed, and his career is clearly on the downside. The conundrum here is Geoff Jenkins was the first person out of the dugout during every celebration. He was the first person in the dugout congratulating someone after a big hit. His excitement during his one big hit this season was clearly visible. I HATED Jenkies all year. Now I kind of like him. Apparently these are the problems associated with winning a title--it becomes harder to hate someone who will be an 8 million dollar albatross next year.
Underlining Jenkies uselessness this season was his biggest moment being an error. On May 4th, a game started by Hamels and Lincecum was 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth. After two outs and Howard and Burrell walks, the San Fran second baseman graciously decided to not field Jenkins’ grounder allowing the Phils to walk off despite Hewitt’s assurance Jenkins would not come through (I suppose he was right). This was much to the chagrin of Giants rookie Brian Bocock, who’s supporters we met in the parking lot that morning.
Jenkies playoff moment was without question his leadoff double in Game 5 Part 2. It took a crowd that wasn't sure quite how to act and sent it into pandemonium. It probably made him worth the 7 million he made this year. Not so sure about the 8 million next year, though.
Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs was acquired on August 31st, meaning he was eligible for the playoff roster by a day. On September 9th in a loss to Florida, he got his first hit as a Phillie, an RBI single. This game was more memorable for being Krazy K’s last start of the season as well as being the day Rushir ate 8.5 hot dogs and quit during the 9th in protest. It was also the last Phillie loss I attended in 2008, but I digress. Matt also hit solo homers late in games the Phillies were well ahead in.
Game 4 of the NLCS was not going particularly well. The Phillies had blown an early lead and the Dodgers bullpen was in the game and cruising. Somehow RyHo got a single off a seemingly unhittable lefty and Shane tied the game at 5 with a wall scraping home run, leading to me taking off the hood I had been hiding under and beginning to run around the living room. Tucci was scared. A few batters latter Stairs worked a 3-1 count against Jonathan Broxton. I mentioned to Jack that if Broxton throws one of those 100 MPH fastballs down the middle, Stairs would hit into the Pacific. Off the bat it was clear that was exactly what happened. This one scarred Tucci, I am afraid.
Matt Stairs, Philadelphia legend.
Pat Burrell
The longest tenured Phillie. The most booed Phillie. Pat always declared his love of playing here, and no one could ever figure out why. Gillick tried trading him for Rodrigo Lopez, but Burrell invoked his no trade clause.
Pat, his wife, and Elvis Burrell led the parade down Broad Street. Crazy Days.
Grebe’s favorite player had a good season, hitting 33 HRs and carrying the team with Utley during the Howard slump in April and May. On May 2nd the Phillies and Giants went to extras. The Giants got one in the top of the tenth, and it didn’t look good. Chase singled between strikeouts by Werth and Howard making Pat the winning run. Pat blasted a Brian Wilson pitch out of the yard, and the Friday Night crowd went home happy.
Pat had quite a few moments in the playoffs. His Game 4 HR against the Brewers put the game out of reach. His double was responsible for the winning run in Game 5 against Tampa. But his moment of the post season was during Game 1 when his 6th inning homer put the Phillies ahead 3-2. CBP was a happy place, and that would prove to be the game's winning run. Thanks, Pat.
So Taguchi
So, So Taguchi. Apparently Taguchi means horrific in Japanese. So was the original Burrell caddy, however a couple errors led to him taking a seat in Charlie’s dog house, and it was Bruntlett’s time to shine. There was a Sunday Taguchi ninth inning meltdown in section 310. He failed miserably and the randoms in the section soon all agreed with the lunatic in row 5.
A year after leading the league in pinch hits, So managed all of one in 2008. But it was a big one. During the comeback at Shea, So accidentally slapped a 3-2 pitch the other way, tying the game at 5. Thanks, Pedro Feliciano for hitting So’s bat!
So was a predictable 0-4 in the playoffs. His greatest October moment came when he PH for Hamels in Game 1 against the Dodgers. The toddler sitting behind us, after hearing Taguchi announced and my predictable ranting about his use, turns to his father and says “Taguchi? But daddy, he’s horrible!” Yes, he is son. Yes he is.
TJ Bohn
Bohner also had an appearance as the Burrell caddy when JRoll got hurt and Cholly decided he couldn’t waste So’s bat. Sigh. Bohn did nothing of note, and rarely hit. Due to his Burrell caddy status, the Phillies were 12-2 in games he appeared, which is something. He also had some great facial hair. No playoffs.
Shane Victorino
Shane O-Mac! He’s Hawaiian! He has a really strong arm! On June 6th the Phillies were in Atlanta and I was in Phoenixville because Sands was home. I wish he would have stayed in the Delta, because I missed the end of this game and Shane’s finest regular season moment during the car ride home.
Lidge was struggling for one of the few times early in the year, and when Yuniel Escobar singled with runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs it appeared as Bradley had blown his first save in Philly. However while Escobar was clapping his hands celebrating down the first base line, Shane was charging. He threw a rocket to the plate, beating Henry Blanco. Phils win.
He also hit a huge two out eight inning PH homer against St. Louis in a game that will be mentioned a few more times. It made a 2-2 game 5-2 at a time when scoring runs seemed impossible.
When the Phillies fell behind 1-0 in Game 2 of the NLDS, well, at least it was only Game 2. But then in the bottom of the second, people started getting on base. The Phillies tied the game, and the mighty CC Sabathia walked the pitcher and Rollins with two outs to load the bases. Victorino hit a 1-2 pitch a line to the left field seats, and CBP was pandemonium. His Game 4 NLCS performance was also great, but the slam was something special.
Greg Golson
Gholston, as Jack likes to call him, is a former first round pick who can’t hit, as evidenced by his 0-4 4 Ks day to close the regular season. Greg can run though. Greg can run really fast. On September 22nd against Atlanta, Golson pinch ran in 2-2 game in 8th after a Dobbs leadoff single. A pickoff attempt dribbled past the first baseman and Greg flew around the bases to third, where he would eventually score the winning run. A Burrell bomb would make the final 6-2, but Golson’s speed started the rally and Jack wanted to see Gholston in every game from that point on. No playoffs.
Jayson Werth
This season we learned Jayson’s mom was an Olympian, and she is still really attractive. He also learned that, if given the chance, he can be a very capable starter. Oh, we also found out Werthless (another Jack favorite) can rake. He made that quite clear May 16th against Toronto when he hit 3 homers, including a grand slam, while driving in 8 runs during a 10-3 Phillies win.
Werth’s moment of the playoffs occurred when he hit a rocket of a blooper about 110 feet just over Iwamura’s head in the first inning of part 2 of Game 5 of the World Series, putting the Phillies ahead 3-2. He also hit a HR in Game 4 against Tampa and ran around first with his fist up in the air. Personally, it was that moment I began to consider the possibility of winning the World Series.
Chris Snelling
Snelling continues the Phillies rare use of Aussies but frequent use of Gillick Seattle castoffs. Chris gave a fantastic interview after hitting a ninth inning leadoff home run on April 15th to make the score 3-1 Houston. This was a genius inning.
Snelling HR.
Chutley HBP.
Howard K.
Burrell HR ties it 3.
Jenkins reaches on a passed ball K.
Petey walk off double.
That about sums up the entire season, doesn’t it? The reliance on homeruns, Chase getting hit, Jenkins striking out, and Feliz walks off.
Jack, Rush, and I just caught the end of it while leaving the Flyers win over Montreal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semis. Snelling also had a 10th inning leadoff double in the game Victorino won with the outfield assist against Atlanta. Those were Snelling’s only two hits the season. Chris earned his playoff share despite not appearing in the playoffs.
Geoff Jenkins
Geoff Jenkins was putrid this year. There is no way around it. He is overpayed, and his career is clearly on the downside. The conundrum here is Geoff Jenkins was the first person out of the dugout during every celebration. He was the first person in the dugout congratulating someone after a big hit. His excitement during his one big hit this season was clearly visible. I HATED Jenkies all year. Now I kind of like him. Apparently these are the problems associated with winning a title--it becomes harder to hate someone who will be an 8 million dollar albatross next year.
Underlining Jenkies uselessness this season was his biggest moment being an error. On May 4th, a game started by Hamels and Lincecum was 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth. After two outs and Howard and Burrell walks, the San Fran second baseman graciously decided to not field Jenkins’ grounder allowing the Phils to walk off despite Hewitt’s assurance Jenkins would not come through (I suppose he was right). This was much to the chagrin of Giants rookie Brian Bocock, who’s supporters we met in the parking lot that morning.
Jenkies playoff moment was without question his leadoff double in Game 5 Part 2. It took a crowd that wasn't sure quite how to act and sent it into pandemonium. It probably made him worth the 7 million he made this year. Not so sure about the 8 million next year, though.
Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs was acquired on August 31st, meaning he was eligible for the playoff roster by a day. On September 9th in a loss to Florida, he got his first hit as a Phillie, an RBI single. This game was more memorable for being Krazy K’s last start of the season as well as being the day Rushir ate 8.5 hot dogs and quit during the 9th in protest. It was also the last Phillie loss I attended in 2008, but I digress. Matt also hit solo homers late in games the Phillies were well ahead in.
Game 4 of the NLCS was not going particularly well. The Phillies had blown an early lead and the Dodgers bullpen was in the game and cruising. Somehow RyHo got a single off a seemingly unhittable lefty and Shane tied the game at 5 with a wall scraping home run, leading to me taking off the hood I had been hiding under and beginning to run around the living room. Tucci was scared. A few batters latter Stairs worked a 3-1 count against Jonathan Broxton. I mentioned to Jack that if Broxton throws one of those 100 MPH fastballs down the middle, Stairs would hit into the Pacific. Off the bat it was clear that was exactly what happened. This one scarred Tucci, I am afraid.
Matt Stairs, Philadelphia legend.
Starters
Cole Hamels was injury prone. Brett Myers was a headcase. Jamie Moyer was too old. Joe Blanton wasn't good enough. Adam Eaton and Kyle Kendrick do suck. They are World Champions.
Cole Hamels
I love Cole Hamels. I'm not ashamed to admit. I admired him from afar when he was putting up other wordly numbers in Clearwater and Reading as the Phillies sent scrubs to the mound. He is probably my favorite Phillie off all-time, which is saying something since he has only been here three years. He is also married to a Playboy cover girl. Cole runs good.
Much like Chase Utley, Cole Hamels is simply good at baseball. There isn’t much more to say about it than that. If the Phillies would have scored runs for him this year, he probably would have been in the running for Cy Young. He led the league in IPs and was top 10 in ERA and strikeouts. On June 5th against the Reds, Cole pitched a 3 H CG SHO, his second shutout in five starts.
Hamels’ playoff is the stuff of legend. 4-0 in 5 starts, dominating in each one. NLCS and World Series MVP. He won the first game of all three series. Personally, watching him dissect the Brewers in 8 innings of 2 hit 9 K ball in the drizzle and winning the franchise’s first playoff game in 15 years is what I will remember. That, and hearing Cole is dealing every fourth game from Rush.
Jamie Moyer
Old man Moyer pitched the second most innings for the Phillies this season, as well as posting the second best ERA amongst the starters.
He is a threat to win the division every time he pitches against the Nationals. At least in the final series of the year. September 27th, for the second consecutive season, Jamie shutdown the Nationals as the Phillies clinched the National League East. It is doubly impressive because Jamie is nearly twice my age. He also set a Phillies record by going more than 15 starts this season of at least 6 innings and no more than 3 runs. He was a consistent old man. It must have been the prunes.
Moyer struggled in October, but pitched well in Game 3 against Tampa after two days of every person in the city fretting about him having to pitch. Matt Garza, who was built up as the next Roger Clemens, was thoroughly outpitched by a man trying to pitch in 4 decades. It almost makes me forgive him for going to St. Joseph’s (PA).
Kyle Kendrick
Kyle Kendrick pitched the third most innings for the World Champions. Kyle had a knack for starting games in which the offense would score 20 runs early in the season. The spring training joke that he got traded to Japan may have actually helped the ball club in the long run, as Krazy K’s smoke and mirrors started to dissipate down the stretch.
Kyle did win double digit games for the second consecutive seasons, and even managed to win an interleague game for the Phillies. That is a true rarity for this team and he was probably worth his salary just for that. He kept the Phils from being swept by Oakland on June 25th, throwing 8 shutout innings and allowing only 4 A hits. He did not appear in the playoffs.
Brett Myers
Brett started opening day, but struggled mightily throughout the first half, eventually spending some time in the minors. After returning, Myers was about as good as could have been hoped for. On September 14th, pitching the second half of a doubleheader on short rest, Brett completed the sweep of Milwaukee and tied the wildcard race. During the 2008 debut of the rally towels, Myers threw a complete game two hitter allowing only a Prince Fielder home run to cross the plate. He was filthy. He also had an RBI single, which was a sign of things to come.
Brett was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of both the NLDS and NLCS. Against the Dodgers, the man who had 2 hits all season knocked 3 hits which scored 3 runs in the 7-5 Phillies win. None of this was Brett’s big moment in October. With two outs in the second inning of game two against CC Sabathia, Brett started fouling off pitches. 97 MPH fastball? Foul. Nasty curveball? Foul. After every pitch, CC would appear on the jumbotron, visibly shaken. The crowd got louder and louder after every pitch, and eventually Brett walked. Without question, the greatest walk by a pitcher in Phillies history. Two batters later, Victorino hit a salami. At that point, I don't think I ever had more fun at a sporting event.
Adam Eaton
Sigh. He didn’t blow the game during his 2 IP in the 10-9 win over Atlanta on July 26th. He got destroyed the next day, was sent to the minors, and didn’t pitch for the Phillies the rest of the season. No playoffs. Moving on.
Joe Blanton
I hated this trade. The Phillies traded a top 100 overall prospect for a fat kid who wasn’t even the best pitcher on the market from his own team. But in 2008, all of these seemingly questionable moves paid off as the Phillies won almost every time Cupcakes took the mound. In his third start as a Phillie August 3rd in St. Louis, he gave up one run on four hits in 7 IP sparking a Phillies win.
The Phillies went 3-0 in Blanton’s starts in the playoffs, including clinching the franchise’s first playoff series win since I was ten years old by shutting down Milwaukee to the tune of 1 run on 5 hits in 6 IP while striking out 7. He also hit that home run in Game 4 against Tampa. I enjoyed that.
JA Happ
Only seven Phillies started a game this season, which speaks to the staff’s ability to stay healthy and the team’s refusal to drop Kendrick and Eaton. JA, pronounced just J for some reason, was the seventh of those starters. In his first start of ’08, he kept the Phillies in the game against Johan Santana on the fourth of July leaving when the team trailed 2-0. Howard and Burrell would tie that game in the 6th, and Shane would walk off against Duaner Sanchez.
Happ’s moment of the year came against Atlanta September 17th. Needing a starter post Kendrick meltdown, the Phillies turned to Happ, who hadn’t started a game in two months. All he did was pitch six scoreless innings while allowing three hits in a 6-1 Phillies win.
JA was on the playoff roster, but didn’t see much action. He did pitch three solid innings in Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Cole Hamels
I love Cole Hamels. I'm not ashamed to admit. I admired him from afar when he was putting up other wordly numbers in Clearwater and Reading as the Phillies sent scrubs to the mound. He is probably my favorite Phillie off all-time, which is saying something since he has only been here three years. He is also married to a Playboy cover girl. Cole runs good.
Much like Chase Utley, Cole Hamels is simply good at baseball. There isn’t much more to say about it than that. If the Phillies would have scored runs for him this year, he probably would have been in the running for Cy Young. He led the league in IPs and was top 10 in ERA and strikeouts. On June 5th against the Reds, Cole pitched a 3 H CG SHO, his second shutout in five starts.
Hamels’ playoff is the stuff of legend. 4-0 in 5 starts, dominating in each one. NLCS and World Series MVP. He won the first game of all three series. Personally, watching him dissect the Brewers in 8 innings of 2 hit 9 K ball in the drizzle and winning the franchise’s first playoff game in 15 years is what I will remember. That, and hearing Cole is dealing every fourth game from Rush.
Jamie Moyer
Old man Moyer pitched the second most innings for the Phillies this season, as well as posting the second best ERA amongst the starters.
He is a threat to win the division every time he pitches against the Nationals. At least in the final series of the year. September 27th, for the second consecutive season, Jamie shutdown the Nationals as the Phillies clinched the National League East. It is doubly impressive because Jamie is nearly twice my age. He also set a Phillies record by going more than 15 starts this season of at least 6 innings and no more than 3 runs. He was a consistent old man. It must have been the prunes.
Moyer struggled in October, but pitched well in Game 3 against Tampa after two days of every person in the city fretting about him having to pitch. Matt Garza, who was built up as the next Roger Clemens, was thoroughly outpitched by a man trying to pitch in 4 decades. It almost makes me forgive him for going to St. Joseph’s (PA).
Kyle Kendrick
Kyle Kendrick pitched the third most innings for the World Champions. Kyle had a knack for starting games in which the offense would score 20 runs early in the season. The spring training joke that he got traded to Japan may have actually helped the ball club in the long run, as Krazy K’s smoke and mirrors started to dissipate down the stretch.
Kyle did win double digit games for the second consecutive seasons, and even managed to win an interleague game for the Phillies. That is a true rarity for this team and he was probably worth his salary just for that. He kept the Phils from being swept by Oakland on June 25th, throwing 8 shutout innings and allowing only 4 A hits. He did not appear in the playoffs.
Brett Myers
Brett started opening day, but struggled mightily throughout the first half, eventually spending some time in the minors. After returning, Myers was about as good as could have been hoped for. On September 14th, pitching the second half of a doubleheader on short rest, Brett completed the sweep of Milwaukee and tied the wildcard race. During the 2008 debut of the rally towels, Myers threw a complete game two hitter allowing only a Prince Fielder home run to cross the plate. He was filthy. He also had an RBI single, which was a sign of things to come.
Brett was the winning pitcher in Game 2 of both the NLDS and NLCS. Against the Dodgers, the man who had 2 hits all season knocked 3 hits which scored 3 runs in the 7-5 Phillies win. None of this was Brett’s big moment in October. With two outs in the second inning of game two against CC Sabathia, Brett started fouling off pitches. 97 MPH fastball? Foul. Nasty curveball? Foul. After every pitch, CC would appear on the jumbotron, visibly shaken. The crowd got louder and louder after every pitch, and eventually Brett walked. Without question, the greatest walk by a pitcher in Phillies history. Two batters later, Victorino hit a salami. At that point, I don't think I ever had more fun at a sporting event.
Adam Eaton
Sigh. He didn’t blow the game during his 2 IP in the 10-9 win over Atlanta on July 26th. He got destroyed the next day, was sent to the minors, and didn’t pitch for the Phillies the rest of the season. No playoffs. Moving on.
Joe Blanton
I hated this trade. The Phillies traded a top 100 overall prospect for a fat kid who wasn’t even the best pitcher on the market from his own team. But in 2008, all of these seemingly questionable moves paid off as the Phillies won almost every time Cupcakes took the mound. In his third start as a Phillie August 3rd in St. Louis, he gave up one run on four hits in 7 IP sparking a Phillies win.
The Phillies went 3-0 in Blanton’s starts in the playoffs, including clinching the franchise’s first playoff series win since I was ten years old by shutting down Milwaukee to the tune of 1 run on 5 hits in 6 IP while striking out 7. He also hit that home run in Game 4 against Tampa. I enjoyed that.
JA Happ
Only seven Phillies started a game this season, which speaks to the staff’s ability to stay healthy and the team’s refusal to drop Kendrick and Eaton. JA, pronounced just J for some reason, was the seventh of those starters. In his first start of ’08, he kept the Phillies in the game against Johan Santana on the fourth of July leaving when the team trailed 2-0. Howard and Burrell would tie that game in the 6th, and Shane would walk off against Duaner Sanchez.
Happ’s moment of the year came against Atlanta September 17th. Needing a starter post Kendrick meltdown, the Phillies turned to Happ, who hadn’t started a game in two months. All he did was pitch six scoreless innings while allowing three hits in a 6-1 Phillies win.
JA was on the playoff roster, but didn’t see much action. He did pitch three solid innings in Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Relievers
One of the biggest concerns coming into the season, the bullpen became one of the biggest assets of the 2008 Phillies. Gillick collected a group of castoffs and question marks that outpitched even the wildest expectations.
Andrew Carpenter
You all remember Andrew’s time with the Phillies, right? No? Really? Remember the aforementioned Andy Tracy injury? Well that happened during the aforementioned Phils/Mets game that went 13 innings when Kendrick was warming when the Phillies walked off. Worried they may need an extra arm the next day, the Phillies called up Carpenter, a former second round pick. He did pitch an inning August 27th against New York in a loss, allowing a single to Reyes but striking out David Wright.
Andrew is much younger than me and has a World Series ring. Sigh. No playoffs.
RJ Swindle
Swindle! RJ’s greatest contribution to the 2008 Phillies was his name. I mean, his name is Swindle! He only pitched 4.2 innings in 3 appearances, allowing a run every time but July 11th. That day against Arizona, RJ faced one batter, who got a hit. However he didn’t score, technically making it Swindle’s best game.
RJ is about a month older than me, making me feel slightly better about him acquiring a World Series ring. No playoffs. SWINDLE!
Les Waldron
The Walrus is a career minor league who struck out 19 hitters in a game earlier in the season for Lehigh Valley. Les made his Phillies debut in August against Florida and struck out his first batter with a nasty curve. He failed to retire any of the following three hitters before being lifted. He did win the finale September 28th against the Nats, pitching two scoreless innings while striking out four. No playoffs.
Tom Gordon
Expected to be a big part of the bullpen, age and injuries caught up with Flash this year and he spent the majority of the season on the disabled list. When he did pitch, he was hit or miss. Gordon recorded a three out save April 8th against the Mets, his only save of the season. Despite attempts to return, Gordon did not appear in the postseason.
Rudy Seanez
As far as I can tell, Rudy was signed solely to make Jamie Moyer feel younger. Despite all prediction metrics, Rudy’s numbers would suggest he was pretty solid this year. And I guess for a “pitch the sixth inning of a blowout” type of player he was pretty solid. He was rarely called upon in big moments however. (Good decision, Chuck).
Rudy’s highest leverage situations and wins came in extra innings. He won both the July 11th game against Arizona by pitching a perfect 12th and the August 26th Mets game with a perfect 13th. No playoffs for the old man who recorded 5 wins out of the pen this season.
Clay Condrey
As Wheels liked to mention as much as possible, not much was expected a few seasons ago when Condrey was brought up to be sent down to be brought back up. He settled into the long reliever role in the league’s best bullpen this year, and he was very good at it. On April 3 Clay recorded the Phillies first win of the season, and every team has to start somewhere.
His biggest out this season came September 21st, with the Phillies protecting a 3-2 lead in Miami. The wheels were coming off in the 7th, with a run home already and Durbin and Romero leaving the bases loaded. Condrey came in and got Cody Ross to ground out. A two run Petey homer in the 8th would solidify a 5-2 win. Huge out by Clay though.
Clay, as his role portends, only pitched in losses in the playoffs. He did, predictably, pitch well when given the chance.
Scott Eyre
Air came over from the Cubs in August when they decided they didn’t need him. With J.C Romero’s left arm about to fall off, Eyre was a much welcomed second lefty in the pen. Scott posted a 1.88 ERA in 19 games as a Phillie. A guy who once had a no trade clause assuring he would never play here enjoyed his time here so much he was the first free agent to sign in the offseason, saying he couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else. Winning is a great deodorant.
In his first Phillie appearance August 10th against Pittsburgh, he came into a 2 on 2 out situation in the top of the 6th and retired Nate McLouth keeping the Pirate lead at 3-2. A Dobbs RBI double and Utley 2 run homer in the bottom of the inning later, Air was a winner in his first game. It was a sign of good things to come.
In Game 4 of the NLCS, he came into a 2 on, nobody out situation. After an error, he recording an out and intentionally walking Manny he was relieved by Madson. At the time, it seemed like a minor thing, but a Russell Martin DP later and Eyre helped save the game.
Chad Durbin
Durbin pitched well enough in Spring Training to earn a bullpen spot, but he was disappointed to not be the fifth starter. With expectations low, Chad did nothing but dominate throughout the first half of the season. The Durbinator, whose apparence was originally feared, became the most calming influence once he took the mound. He was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise.
On the Fourth of July, Chad followed JA Happ against the Mets. He came in with the bases loaded and the Phillies trailing Johan Santana 2-0. He struck out Carlos Beltran to end the inning. He proceeded to strike out five of the next six hitters, compiling a line of 2.1 IP 0 H 0 R 6K and keeping the Phillies in a game they would come back to win.
He saw a decreased role in the playoffs due to the efficiency of the starters and the emergence of 97 MPH heat from Ryan Madson. He did record a key out in the 7th inning of Game 3 against Tampa which kept the Rays from taking the lead.
JC Romero
Much like Scott Eyre in 2008, Juan Carlos was released in 2007 by a bigger payroll club, this time the Red Sox, who no longer saw a need for him. While his erratic control can be frustrating, all JC has done in his year and a half as a Phillie is get people out, especially left handed people. Pinpointing a pinnacle moment for a situational lefty can be difficult, but fortunately Cholly gives JC plenty of chances.
On the 25th anniversary of my birth, the Phils were in Wrigley nursing a lead. I was with Rush and Grebe in Sea Isle not nursing Miller Lite. This was a situation, caused in part, to the Phils blowing 8th inning leads to the Cubs the previous two nights. The Phillies and Brett Myers took a 5-1 lead into the eighth, and the Cubs promptly went single, single, single. Of course. JC came in with runners at 1st and 2nd, nobody out and protecting a three run lead. Strikeout, strikeout, walk on four pitches (this is Romero, after all), strikeout. Game won, team psyche saved, alcohol poisoning prevented. Thanks, JC.
Romero was dominant in the postseason. He pitched 7.1 innings of scoreless baseball, recording a win in Game 3 of the World Series.
Game 5 against Tampa is memorable for so many reasons. When Manuel brought in Romero, I remember hoping it was good JC. After finishing off the 7th, an 8th inning leadoff walk to Iwamura caused concern. BJ Upton, seemingly due for a big hit, stepped to plate and hit into the most glorious double play ball of my life. Suddenly no one was on base, and the Phillies were four outs away. Romero would get the win.
Ryan Madson
Another longtime Phillie, Ryan Madson did not have a defined midseason role. At that point, Lidge was closer, Romero/Durbinator handled the 8th, and Condrey was the long man. Then something fantastic happened to Ryan Madson. He started throwing 95 consistently and getting everyone out. Suddenly he was the Bridge to Lidge and pitching the 8th inning of every important game after Labor Day.
September 20th, in the hellhole that is Dolphins Stadium, Madson came in to protect a one run 8th inning lead. After a Cantu single and Jacobs double, it appeared the curse of the Marlins would continue. Fortunately, due to Cantu being extremely slow, the game had yet to be tied. Uggla hit a grounder to a drawn in Dobbs, who threw home. Cantu was called out in a very favorable call to the Phillies. A groundout and nine pitch Cody Ross K later, this one was for the soldiers.
The biggest pitch Ryan threw in the playoffs was a rocket off the bat off Russell Martin that Chase Utley somehow managed to not only catch, but dive for second and get a DP. I could watch that game on repeat for the rest of my life.
Brad Lidge
When Brad Lidge was traded here, the general sentiment seemed to be “You are trading a guy with a fragile psyche to Philadelphia??”. I admit I had my doubts. Jack was mad they traded Michael Bourn, as were some other people. All Lidge did was not blow a save the entire season. When Drowning Pool “Soldiers” was played at CBP, the game was over.
When greatness is achieved with such ease, it seems to be more appreciated in the rare occurrence it is a struggle. On August 3rd, I was nearing my bottom point of faith in this team. They had decided to stop hitting for some reason. They were alternating winning streaks with losing streaks, and consistency was nowhere to be found. Plus I had to listen to Miller and Morgan drone on stupidly as the Phillies played in St. Louis. A great Blanton effort looked to be wasted, but Victorino heroics gave Lidge a 5-3 lead. Troy Glaus’ leadoff homer was the first HR surrendered by Brad all season. After getting a fly ball, Lidge labored through two singles and a HBP and his first blown save seemed imminent. 7 pitches and two strikeouts later, the game was over.
Without question his moment of the postseason was Game 5 of the World Series. He ended it like Tug ended it; strikeout swinging. WE WIN!
Andrew Carpenter
You all remember Andrew’s time with the Phillies, right? No? Really? Remember the aforementioned Andy Tracy injury? Well that happened during the aforementioned Phils/Mets game that went 13 innings when Kendrick was warming when the Phillies walked off. Worried they may need an extra arm the next day, the Phillies called up Carpenter, a former second round pick. He did pitch an inning August 27th against New York in a loss, allowing a single to Reyes but striking out David Wright.
Andrew is much younger than me and has a World Series ring. Sigh. No playoffs.
RJ Swindle
Swindle! RJ’s greatest contribution to the 2008 Phillies was his name. I mean, his name is Swindle! He only pitched 4.2 innings in 3 appearances, allowing a run every time but July 11th. That day against Arizona, RJ faced one batter, who got a hit. However he didn’t score, technically making it Swindle’s best game.
RJ is about a month older than me, making me feel slightly better about him acquiring a World Series ring. No playoffs. SWINDLE!
Les Waldron
The Walrus is a career minor league who struck out 19 hitters in a game earlier in the season for Lehigh Valley. Les made his Phillies debut in August against Florida and struck out his first batter with a nasty curve. He failed to retire any of the following three hitters before being lifted. He did win the finale September 28th against the Nats, pitching two scoreless innings while striking out four. No playoffs.
Tom Gordon
Expected to be a big part of the bullpen, age and injuries caught up with Flash this year and he spent the majority of the season on the disabled list. When he did pitch, he was hit or miss. Gordon recorded a three out save April 8th against the Mets, his only save of the season. Despite attempts to return, Gordon did not appear in the postseason.
Rudy Seanez
As far as I can tell, Rudy was signed solely to make Jamie Moyer feel younger. Despite all prediction metrics, Rudy’s numbers would suggest he was pretty solid this year. And I guess for a “pitch the sixth inning of a blowout” type of player he was pretty solid. He was rarely called upon in big moments however. (Good decision, Chuck).
Rudy’s highest leverage situations and wins came in extra innings. He won both the July 11th game against Arizona by pitching a perfect 12th and the August 26th Mets game with a perfect 13th. No playoffs for the old man who recorded 5 wins out of the pen this season.
Clay Condrey
As Wheels liked to mention as much as possible, not much was expected a few seasons ago when Condrey was brought up to be sent down to be brought back up. He settled into the long reliever role in the league’s best bullpen this year, and he was very good at it. On April 3 Clay recorded the Phillies first win of the season, and every team has to start somewhere.
His biggest out this season came September 21st, with the Phillies protecting a 3-2 lead in Miami. The wheels were coming off in the 7th, with a run home already and Durbin and Romero leaving the bases loaded. Condrey came in and got Cody Ross to ground out. A two run Petey homer in the 8th would solidify a 5-2 win. Huge out by Clay though.
Clay, as his role portends, only pitched in losses in the playoffs. He did, predictably, pitch well when given the chance.
Scott Eyre
Air came over from the Cubs in August when they decided they didn’t need him. With J.C Romero’s left arm about to fall off, Eyre was a much welcomed second lefty in the pen. Scott posted a 1.88 ERA in 19 games as a Phillie. A guy who once had a no trade clause assuring he would never play here enjoyed his time here so much he was the first free agent to sign in the offseason, saying he couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else. Winning is a great deodorant.
In his first Phillie appearance August 10th against Pittsburgh, he came into a 2 on 2 out situation in the top of the 6th and retired Nate McLouth keeping the Pirate lead at 3-2. A Dobbs RBI double and Utley 2 run homer in the bottom of the inning later, Air was a winner in his first game. It was a sign of good things to come.
In Game 4 of the NLCS, he came into a 2 on, nobody out situation. After an error, he recording an out and intentionally walking Manny he was relieved by Madson. At the time, it seemed like a minor thing, but a Russell Martin DP later and Eyre helped save the game.
Chad Durbin
Durbin pitched well enough in Spring Training to earn a bullpen spot, but he was disappointed to not be the fifth starter. With expectations low, Chad did nothing but dominate throughout the first half of the season. The Durbinator, whose apparence was originally feared, became the most calming influence once he took the mound. He was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise.
On the Fourth of July, Chad followed JA Happ against the Mets. He came in with the bases loaded and the Phillies trailing Johan Santana 2-0. He struck out Carlos Beltran to end the inning. He proceeded to strike out five of the next six hitters, compiling a line of 2.1 IP 0 H 0 R 6K and keeping the Phillies in a game they would come back to win.
He saw a decreased role in the playoffs due to the efficiency of the starters and the emergence of 97 MPH heat from Ryan Madson. He did record a key out in the 7th inning of Game 3 against Tampa which kept the Rays from taking the lead.
JC Romero
Much like Scott Eyre in 2008, Juan Carlos was released in 2007 by a bigger payroll club, this time the Red Sox, who no longer saw a need for him. While his erratic control can be frustrating, all JC has done in his year and a half as a Phillie is get people out, especially left handed people. Pinpointing a pinnacle moment for a situational lefty can be difficult, but fortunately Cholly gives JC plenty of chances.
On the 25th anniversary of my birth, the Phils were in Wrigley nursing a lead. I was with Rush and Grebe in Sea Isle not nursing Miller Lite. This was a situation, caused in part, to the Phils blowing 8th inning leads to the Cubs the previous two nights. The Phillies and Brett Myers took a 5-1 lead into the eighth, and the Cubs promptly went single, single, single. Of course. JC came in with runners at 1st and 2nd, nobody out and protecting a three run lead. Strikeout, strikeout, walk on four pitches (this is Romero, after all), strikeout. Game won, team psyche saved, alcohol poisoning prevented. Thanks, JC.
Romero was dominant in the postseason. He pitched 7.1 innings of scoreless baseball, recording a win in Game 3 of the World Series.
Game 5 against Tampa is memorable for so many reasons. When Manuel brought in Romero, I remember hoping it was good JC. After finishing off the 7th, an 8th inning leadoff walk to Iwamura caused concern. BJ Upton, seemingly due for a big hit, stepped to plate and hit into the most glorious double play ball of my life. Suddenly no one was on base, and the Phillies were four outs away. Romero would get the win.
Ryan Madson
Another longtime Phillie, Ryan Madson did not have a defined midseason role. At that point, Lidge was closer, Romero/Durbinator handled the 8th, and Condrey was the long man. Then something fantastic happened to Ryan Madson. He started throwing 95 consistently and getting everyone out. Suddenly he was the Bridge to Lidge and pitching the 8th inning of every important game after Labor Day.
September 20th, in the hellhole that is Dolphins Stadium, Madson came in to protect a one run 8th inning lead. After a Cantu single and Jacobs double, it appeared the curse of the Marlins would continue. Fortunately, due to Cantu being extremely slow, the game had yet to be tied. Uggla hit a grounder to a drawn in Dobbs, who threw home. Cantu was called out in a very favorable call to the Phillies. A groundout and nine pitch Cody Ross K later, this one was for the soldiers.
The biggest pitch Ryan threw in the playoffs was a rocket off the bat off Russell Martin that Chase Utley somehow managed to not only catch, but dive for second and get a DP. I could watch that game on repeat for the rest of my life.
Brad Lidge
When Brad Lidge was traded here, the general sentiment seemed to be “You are trading a guy with a fragile psyche to Philadelphia??”. I admit I had my doubts. Jack was mad they traded Michael Bourn, as were some other people. All Lidge did was not blow a save the entire season. When Drowning Pool “Soldiers” was played at CBP, the game was over.
When greatness is achieved with such ease, it seems to be more appreciated in the rare occurrence it is a struggle. On August 3rd, I was nearing my bottom point of faith in this team. They had decided to stop hitting for some reason. They were alternating winning streaks with losing streaks, and consistency was nowhere to be found. Plus I had to listen to Miller and Morgan drone on stupidly as the Phillies played in St. Louis. A great Blanton effort looked to be wasted, but Victorino heroics gave Lidge a 5-3 lead. Troy Glaus’ leadoff homer was the first HR surrendered by Brad all season. After getting a fly ball, Lidge labored through two singles and a HBP and his first blown save seemed imminent. 7 pitches and two strikeouts later, the game was over.
Without question his moment of the postseason was Game 5 of the World Series. He ended it like Tug ended it; strikeout swinging. WE WIN!
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