Hamels Admits That He Wasnt Ready

When we look at the past history of Cole Hamels, we know one thing is for sure. He absolutely understands his own body better than most people know their own.

Well, as it turns out, this past offseason Hamels let go a little bit, and because of the World Champion public circuit, Hamels was not able to focus of his workout regimen. Should this be a worry for all Phillies fans? Maybe. I would personally wait until we see his next two starts.

Hamels, 25, stated that a busy January schedule after the championship delayed his normal rigorous preparation for an upcoming season. When he tried to expand his training program during spring training, he began experienced soreness and inflammation in his left elbow, and that pushed him back even further than he could ever imagine.

As of today, Hamels is still trying to gain back his true form. His fastball is close and his changeup and curveball are still trying to round to form.

In his first two starts of this season, he has allowed 19 hits and 12 earned runs over 92/3 innings for an ERA of 11.17. After those numbers, light bulbs started to flash for both him and the team.

“I should be ready, and by not being ready I’m jeopardizing the team,” Hamels said. “I think that’s what I’ve done the last two starts because I pretty much didn’t fulfill my end of the bargain and get ready the way I should have.”

It was about the January schedule to him. He usually begins his throwing program in the beginning of January, but that didnt start until mid-month. Obligations all week every week really delayed his normal workout plan. Autograph signings and team banquets had him flying back and forth from home to Philly every week.

“I had distractions in January,” Hamels said. “I had to fly to Philly every weekend to do something. I’d work out three days then I’d be off four days. Because of that, those three days of working out was pretty much like doing nothing. Normally, I’m working out all of January, but there were days I couldn’t throw because I was in Philly doing appearances. I think this is the reason I’m behind.”

If this Phillies team has any chance of even competing for the division this season, Hamels needs to be on target and winning. He is the fuel of this rotation; if you haven’t noticed, the rotation has been absolutely terrible so far.

Hamels said he can usually balance his offseason obligations, but the capacity at which he was wanted over this past offseason made things difficult. Perhaps that occurs when your team wins the World Series.

He promised this would never happen again.

“The contract helps,” he said. “Now I don’t have to do that stuff. Now, it’ll be baseball 24/7.”

Quotes: Jim Salisbury

Former MLB Veteran Desi Relaford, in His Own Words: Why So Soon?

(Note from Jimmy – Some of you may have seen my Twitter blurbs or read my previous official announcement of Desi Relaford coming on board Jimmy Scott’s High & Tight to write a bi-weekly column about his career in baseball.  Some of you may have scoffed.  “Desi Relaford and Jimmy Scott?  Bawlderdash.” 

Time for you to refute.  Because this, right here, right now, is the first column of what we’re going to call “By Desi Relaford” columns, at least until we can think of another title for this series.  Yes, series. 

When I state this is “the first,” it implies more than one, which leads us to the series format of columns written by the one and only Desi Relaford, the 11-year Major League veteran who had hopes and dreams just like any kid, any player. 

You might say, “Desi made it to the bigs.  That would be good enough for me.”  But from Desi’s perspective, just making it wasn’t good enough.  And that’s what separates fans from players.  There’s a divide there, the “You played in the big leagues so stop whining” divide that will likely never be filled. 

Fans will always tell a player to be thankful they made it in the first place.  And players will always wish they had done more.  It’s what I now call the “Theory of Baseball Relativity.” 

If I remember, I’ll write something about that one day soon.  Until then, let’s start at The End for Desi.  Because as hard as it is for a ballplayer to make it, it’s even harder to quit. 

By Desi Relaford, at Jimmy Scott’s High & Tight.)

Welcome to the Farm: Meet Phillies’ Top Prospect Jason Donald

I would first off like to thank Giants27for the idea. I am a big believer in Intellectual Property (IP for short). Here is his article. I will give credit were credit is due.

 

For a long time, roughly three years, I been going to minor league Phillies games. Cheaper than the big club, but less thrilling. I have watched the likes of Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Scott Rolen, Brett Myers, Ryan Madson, and none other than Cole Hamels.

With that in mind, meet the next shortstop/third baseman/utility infielder, and top prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies, Jason Donald.

Of course to start off, Jason Donald was born on Sept. 4, 1984 in Fresno, CA.

Donald, who turns 25 this year, was drafted originally by the Anaheim Angelsin the 20th Round in the 2003 MLB Draft. He was originally drafted out of high school by the Angels, but chose to go to college instead.

He was later drafted by the Philadelphia Philliesin the third round (97th overall) of the 2006 MLB Draft out of the University of Arizona.

Later that year Donald started his professional baseball career at the single-A short season New York-Penn league affiliate, the Batavia Muckdogs.

At Batavia, Donald hit .263 with 56 hits in 213 AB. Donald struckout 42 times while walking 23 and managed to steal 12 bases while only getting caught once. He knocked in 24 with 14 doubles, two triples and one home run.

He had an On Base Percentage of .347 and an OPS of .709.

In 2007, Donald started at class-A Lakewood. At Lakewood, Donald hit .310 with 61 hits in 197 AB. He struckout 39 times while walking 29 times. He knocked in 30 with nine doubles, three triples and five home runs.

At Lakewood, Donald had an On Base Percentage of .409 and a OPS of .855.

Jason would be promoted to the Advanced single-A league affiliate, Clearwater. While at Clearwater, Donald continued to hit the ball well. He hit .300 with 88 hits in .293 AB. He struckout 70 times while walking 35 times.

He also drove in 41 with 22 doubles, five triples, and eight home runs.

Donald’s combined single-A 2007 numbers: 134 G, 490 AB, 149 H, 89 Runs, 12 HR, 31 2B, 8 3B, 71 RBI, 5 SB, .304 BA, .395 OBP, .473 SLG, and .869 OPS.

In 2008, Donald was promoted double-A affiliate, Reading of the Eastern League. At Reading, Donald hit .307 with 111 hits in 362 AB. Donald struckout 86 times, but walked 47 times.

He also had 19 doubles, four triples, 14 home runs, 54 RBI and 11 stolen bases. At Reading he had an OBP of .384, a SLG of .497, and an OPS of .889.

In 2008, Donald was selected to the United States Olympic Baseball team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the Bronze Medal Game of the 2008 Olympics, Donald homered and led team USA to a Bronze Medal.

Donald led his Olympic team in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage in which he hit .381 for the Olympic Games.

During the 2008 Minor League seasons, Donald was selected to several All-Star games/ events. Which included the biggest minor league All-Star game of them all, the MLB Future All-Star Game. He also participated in the 2008 double-A, Eastern League All-Star Game.

Right now, Donald is playing with the triple-A affiate of the Phillies: The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

During the 2009 Spring Training, the Phillies had Donald start and play games at third base. This was because the Phillies were not sure if current third baseman, Pedro Felizwas going to be ready by Opening Day. Feliz was recovering from off-season back surgery.

Donald was also considered one of the front-runners for a spot on the bench on the Phillies 25 man roster, along with John Mayberry Jr., Lou Marson, Miguel Cairo, Pablo Ozuna, and Marcus Giles. Donald was sent down to triple-A along with Mayberry, Marson, and Ozuna.

My opinion on Jason Donald? Well, I think that he has the talent to become an All-Star in the Majors. If either Rollins or Feliz get injured look for the Phillies to call-up Donald and possibly platoon him with either Greg Dobbs and Eric Bruntlett.

Stats are courteously provided by Baseball Reference

His Bio is brought to you by Wikipedia.

Preview: Phillies vs. Padres

The Phillies got back in the winning column yesterday with a walk-off home run by Raul Ibanez to defeat the San Diego Padres by a score of 5-4. Tonight the Phillies look to earn a series split with a win, weather pending.

Should the weather hold out the Phillies will send Jamie Moyer to the mound. Moyer’s last outing came on the hours after Harry Kalas passed away in the booth. Today should be less of an emotional situation for the veteran, but it will still be difficult. The Padres have been having their way with the Phillies for the most part and have proven themselves to be a very fierce competitor.

The Padres have come from behind to win the first two games of this series, and failed to hold onto a lead yesterday when closer Heath Bell was deemed unavailable. The Padres will send Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.09 ERA) to face the Phillies batters.

The Phillies need a complete game on both sides of the ball. The offense has been sluggish at times and explosive at others. The pitching seems to falter from the starting position or the bullpen position on a game by game basis. The defense has had some mistakes, but has been the strong suit overall it seems. Ryan Howard‘s defense has been exceptional!

Phillies Record: 5-6
Padres Record: 9-4

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind):

1. Marlins 11-1, –
2. Braves 6-6, 5
3. Mets 6-6, 5
4. PHILLIES 5-6, 5.5
5. Nationals 1-10, 9.5

Pitching probables: Moyer (1-1, 6.55 ERA) vs. Correia (0-1, 4.09 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 7:05 p.m.

Game thread will be posted at 6:30 p.m. Game recap up tomorrow morning.

 

This was originally published on Macho Row.

Meet Philadelphia Phillies’ Top Prospect: Antonio Bastardo

This is a new series I’m starting where I’m going to go around baseball and choose one top prospect from each organization and I’ll profile them. Hope you enjoy the series and this one about Phillies’ prospect Antonio Bastardo.

Video

Bastardo was born in the Dominican Republic on September 21, 1985.

He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies and was sent to the Lakewood BlueClaws after going undrafted in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft

In Lakewood he compiled a 9-0 record, 1.87 ERA in 15 games all of which he started. He pitched 91.2 innings and gave up 63 hits, 23 runs, 19 of which were earned, and three home runs.

He is a strikeout pitcher having struck out 98 in Lakewood and walking only 42. His WHIP was 1.15 and averaged 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings and 4.1 walks.

Bastardo was then called up to the Clearwater Threshers. In Clearwater he was less than stellar going 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA and giving up five hits and four earned runs in only five innings of work. However he struck out 12 batters in that time span and walked only three.

Obviously his K/9 average was inflated and was 21.6, the only reason I included that is because I find it relatively amusing.

Then in 2008, Bastardo made a return to Clearwater this time with more success. He went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in five starts and 30.2 innings under his belt.

In his five starts he gave up 20 hits, four earned runs, two home runs, and 10 walks. He also struck out a whopping 47 batters, which makes it 13.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

His great pitching earned him a callup to the AA Reading Phillies. He went 2-5, with a 3.76 ERA in 14 games and 67 innings.

During those games he gave up 56 hits, 35 runs, 28 earned, 13 home runs, 37 walks and 62 strikeouts.

So far in 2009 he has a 1-0 record and 1.50 ERA in three games. He has pitched six innings, giving up four hits, and one earned run.

He has walked only one hitter and struck out seven.

Now before the 2009 season, Bastardo had been a starter only, having never made a relief appearance. But before the 2009 season under the belief that he could become an All-Star reliever he was converted to such.

Rich Dubee, the Phillies pitching coach recently said that Bastardo has a shot at making an impact this season in the majors.

Stats are from the Baseball Cube

Bio is from Wikipedia (which was recently written by yours truly)

Padres-Phillies: Phillies Have Comeback of Their Own in Win Over Padres

I thought it was the San Diego Padres that were the king of comebacks. Well, this afternoon, the Phillies showed they were just as capable of coming back as Rual Ibanez hit a walk-off two-run home run off Padres’ reliever Edwin Moreno for a 5-4 Phillies win.

Through most of the game, it looked like the Padres were going to win their ninth in ten games, getting a strong pitching performance from recently called up Josh Geer. Geer pitched seven strong innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits, struck out four and didn’t walk a single batter.

The Padres got on top first thanks to an RBI single from outfielder Jody Gerut and an RBI triple from second baseman Edgar Gonzalez to put the Padres on top 2-0. An RBI groundout from Brian Giles, scoring Gonzalez, gave the Padres a 3-0 lead after three innings.

The Padres extended that lead even further in the top half of the fifth when Adrian Gonzalez unloaded on former teammate Chan Ho Park and sent his fifth home run of the year deep to right field for a 4-0 San Diego lead.

Phillies’ second baseman Chase Utley got the comeback started with a two-run shot, his second in as many days, in the sixth, cutting the lead in half to a 4-2 deficit.

Jimmy Rollins was next, hitting a pinch-hit solo home run in the eighth off Padres reliever Edward Mujica, the Padres lead was only 4-3 heading to the ninth inning.

After Padres’ closer Heath Bell had already made three straight save appearances, manager Bud Black elected to go with reliever Edwin Moreno in the ninth inning.

Moreno allowed a leadoff single to Phillies’ first baseman Ryan Howard to start off the home half of the ninth, bringing up outfielder Raul Ibanez. Moreno missed on a first pitch slider and again with a changeup, but Moreno tried to throw another changeup and Ibanez was looking for it, sending it deep into the right-field seats and sending the Phillies’ fans into a frenzy. A walk-off two-run home run and a 5-4 Phillies victory.

The Padres had a few good notes from this afternoon’s game, they know that Josh Geer has forgotten all about his struggles during spring training, the same struggles that had him starting the year in AAA Portland.

Adrian Gonzalez also continued his hot streak, hitting his third home run in five games, his fifth home run of the year. He’s currently hitting .289 with 12 RBI.

The two teams will finish their series on Monday night in Philadelphia. The Padres will have Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.09 ERA) on the mound while the Phillies counter with Jamie Moyer (1-1, 6.55 ERA)

Philadelphia Phillies: Lacking Consistency

The Phillies enter Sunday’s game against the red-hot San Diego Padres a lowly 4-6, certainly a far cry from the team’s 2008 World Series winning form.

Pitching has been the biggest concern for the team so far. From one to five, every starter has looked inconsistent and the Phillies are on pace to allow 405 home runs…405!

Obviously, the number of home runs the Phillies have given up will go down. However, at this point in the season consistency has to be a big concern. Even though staff ace Cole Hamels had a better second outing, he still gave up five runs in only six innings of work against the Padres.

The Padres are a team centered around doing the little things to score runs, and are not a team that expects to hit home runs to stay in the game. But that’s exactly what they did against Hamels. It’s also what the Rockies did against Chan Ho Park, and is what everyone seems to be doing against Jack Taschner.

Offensively, the team has seen the top of the lineup struggle, something that cannot continue into the summer.

The Phillies’ success and failure, offensively, lies in the hands of Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins. With both struggling to find consistency at the plate early on, the Phillies have had to rely even more on the longball the usual.

Some of the bright spots the first week of the season have to include both Raul Ibanez and Chase Utley. Both have hit the ground running and Ibanez has been particularly impressive. Not only is this guy a pure hitter; just going with the pitch, but he also appears to be a huge upgrade in left-field.

Utley appears to be, well…Utley, which is a good sign for all Phillis fans. He is turning on the ball with authority again and is getting his arms extended, therefore increasing his power.

So all in all a 4-6 start is not alarming, (considering we have all seen worse starts by this team in April) but the trends we are seeing are. Although it was about time for Lidge to blow a save, for Madson to allow a hit and for Hamels to look human, the consistency needs to pick up if the Phillies are going to contend in 2009.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to metion something about the late Harry Kalas. Not only was he a baseball institution, but his classic voice will be forever assoicated with my finest Phillies memories, both as a kid and now.

Padres-Phillies: Padres Use Late Home Run to Top Phillies, 8-5

Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge hadn’t blown a save in 48 straight chances as he came into the game on Saturday night go for his 49th straight.

With one swing of the bat, Padres’ third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff would end that streak, as he sent a three-run shot deep into the left field seats to give the Padres an 8-5 win and yet another come from behind victory, their fourth already this season.

Padres’ starter Shawn Hill had another impressive outing, giving up just two runs on three hits through five innings, he’s becoming the pitcher the Padres knew he could be.

The one thing that has to still concern the Padres is he has only pitched five innings in each of his first two starts, that’s going to start wearing on their bullpen if they can’t stretch him to six or seven innings.

Speaking of their usual strong bullpen, it was the Padres’ bullpen that twice gave up the lead last night. Right-hander Luke Gregerson came into the ballgame in the top half of the sixth with the Padres leading 3-2, but promptly gave up a solo home run to Phillies 1st baseman Ryan Howard to tie the game at 3-3.

The Padres would re-take the lead in the top half of the eighth on a Nick Hundley single, scoring Chase Headley to give the Padres a 4-3 lead.

That lead was short lived. Right-hander Duaner Sanchez came into the game in the home half of the eighth and would give up a solo home run to second baseman Chase Utley, to tie the game at 4-4, then a sac fly from Raul Ibanez gave the Phillies a 5-4 lead.

Right-hander Cla Meredith would replace Sanchez with one out in the eighth inning and would get the final two outs, eventually getting credit for his third win of the season after Heath Bell worked a perfect ninth inning for his league leading seventh save.

The San Diego Padres, since losing two of their first three games against the Los Angeles Dodgers to start the season have won eight of their last nine games including a sweep of the San Francisco Giants, winning two of three in New York against the Mets and now winning the first two games of a four game set against the Phillies.

The Padres will go for the sweep, and their ninth win in ten games, as they continue their series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon.

Right-hander Walter Silva was put on the 15-day DL by the Padres a few days ago, taking his place and getting the start today for San Diego will be right-hander Josh Geer who was called up from Triple-A Portland. Getting the start for the Phillies will be former Padre Chan Ho Park.

Harry Kalas, Thank You for Touching My Life

I know I’m a little behind in the cycle to be writing an article about Harry Kalas, but I definitely feel it is important to write, even if only for myself.

Anyone who reads what I write regularly, you may have noticed that I rarely ever use the word “I” or “me”.  I feel like we are all writing our own opinions on here, so why should I make any of my statements about me??

Well this time, I’m going to break that rule.  Harry Kalas meant a lot to me, as he meant a lot to most Philadelphians.  For most of us, he has been a part of every Phillies memory we have ever had.

Probably the most amazing thing about Harry is not how many years he did it, or the fact that he was a Hall of Famer.  It is probably the fact that he announced all those years for teams that were generally pretty bad, and he still made it enjoyable.

I was born in 1979, so my memory is from about 1986 through now.  If you think about formative years, growing up, generally you would think about ages 6-21.  For me that would be the 1986 season through the 2000 season.

Over that time, the Phillies had a winning record just twice and reached the playoffs only once.  They finished last place and lost over 90 games six times.  It was an awful time to be a Phillies fan, but you know what, I still remember it fondly.

I remember it fondly mostly because of Harry Kalas.  He was a treat to listen to and one of the most fun people to try to imitate.  Through those years, Harry Kalas WAS the Phillies.

I remember going to Business Person’s Specials with my uncle Don and my cousins.  We would generally watch the team lose, but we would always listen to the postgame show in the car specifically to hear Harry’s calls on the more memorable plays.

Maybe it was two-run double by Juan Samuel, or a “grand slam homerun” by Kim Batiste.

Even as a 21-year-old, I would still do that. 

I’ve been lucky to be an Eagles season ticket holder since 2000.  I have the tickets with the same two cousins I used to go to those Phillies games with. 

As much as we love Merrill Reese, I can never remember us racing to the car to hear Merrill make a call.

Harry was so integrated into the fabric of Phillies fans that, in a movie about Mike Schmidt’s quest for 500 career homers, there was an entire scene dedicated to fans and players giving their rendition of how Harry would call that historic “long drive”.

Beyond just the memories of the games and the highlights and commentating whiffle ball or bounce pitch games in Harry’s voice, I have one more special memory.

I’m sure most people remember when Who Wants to be a Millionaire first became popular.  My parents and sisters and I would all sit around and watch it, all trying to answer all the questions.

One particular question was “What is it called when two baseball games are played in succession?”  I don’t remember all of the choices, but aside from the correct term “double header” there was one that stood out to me…

Dutch treat.  I don’t know why, but I just started, in my very best attempt at Harry’s unique voice and style, “Here were are at Veterans Stadium for the second game in today’s Dutch Treat.  The Phightin’s took the first game on an RBI double by Mick-eee Mor-an-DEE-NEEE.”

Everyone in the house was cracking up and I was quite proud of myself.  Naturally, like most little things in life, I eventually forgot about it. 

Then, on the day my mom passed away, my dad handed me and each of my three sisters a bundle of photocopied papers with our name on it.  It was a journal my mom started keeping after she was diagnosed with cancer.

She had a section for each of us, and the majority of mine were about how, even though I had sort of lost my way, she had faith that I would figure things out and be everything she thought I could be.

But then, I came upon an entry from November 20, 1999.  The entry closed with this:

“Share what you have to offer with the world.  Don’t hide it.  As I’m writing this I keep thinking about how hard you made me laugh over the “Dutch Treat”.  Keep us laughing, you’re great at it.”

That little goofy moment imitating Harry, something we have all done hundreds of times, turned out to be a special and lasting memory that my mother had of me before he life ended.

I felt strange all week hearing the stories about Harry, and thinking about my own memories of Harry, that I hadn’t cried once.  Well today, that changed.

I watched the tribute at Citizen’s Bank Park and I cried my eyes out.  Hearing Michael Jack Schmidt speak.  Hearing his son speak.  Hearing “High Hopes” one more time.

Harry, I know my memories are no more unique than anyone else’s, but you truly were a treasure.  We are all lucky for having had you be in our living rooms or our cars as often as you were.

We will never hear you call another game or see you taking part in another victory celebration, but we will never forget you.

Thank you Harry Kalas for doing what you did for us.  You weren’t just a play-by-play announcer.  You were a guest in our homes, and you were part of our families.  You were the best, Harry, and we will never, ever forget you.

To Lose Harry Kalas Was Like Losing a Family Member

The Phillies honored the memory of longtime radio and television announcer Harry Kalas with a public tribute on Saturday at Citizen Bank Park.

Kalas, the voice of the Phillies since 1971, died Monday, April 13, 2009, as he prepared to announce the Philadelphia Phillies vs. the Washington National game in Washington, D.C. He collapsed in the broadcast booth and died at a local hospital shortly after.

His last home run call was Matt Stairs’ pinch hit home run in Colorado in a 7-5 Phillies win on Easter Sunday.

So what does this picture above mean to the life of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas? It is to show that all of us, as Phillies fans, have met briefly, or a few times, a member of the team, broadcast team, or other member of the Phillies family.

The picture above is my mother-in-law, Lois, with the late Paul Richardson, the longtime Phillies organist, at a Christmas party in 1980 for season ticket holders. Here Richardson shows off his 1980 Phillies World Series ring.

I had season tickets once, in about 1985, as I had a 13-game Sunday plan. Living in Ocean City, NJ, I went to about half the games, gave a few away and ate the rest. It wasn’t worth it.

But I did, as an 19-year-old, meet Mike Schmidt, Garry Maddox and Tug McGraw. I was of legal drinking age and me and my buddies would buy cheap seat tickets and go to the Stadium Club to watch the game. My buddy knew that if we waited 45 minutes after the game (enough time to have another beer), we would take the elevator down to the first level, near the Phillies locker room.

One night, when the elevator door opened, Mike Schmidt was on the elevator. He was very gracious and signed an autograph for me (I guess he was outnumbered and we could always hit the stop button, JK).

I also, three years ago, met and talked to John Kruk on the Ocean City Boardwalk. I talked to him for about a minute or so and left. No picture or autograph, just a meet and greet.

You see, whether you met him or not, Harry Kalas was a member of the Phillies family. You invited into your home, your car, to the beach with your transistor radio, on your  boat, through XM satellite radio or MLB.com, or however you listened to Phillies broadcast their games.

He went places you would not invite your mother-in-law on most days! (JK).

Hey, I don’t have blinders on. It would be the same for any team who lost a longtime and/or beloved player or announcer. It is like losing Jack Buck, for Cardinals fans, Harry Carey for Cubs fans, Red Barber for Brooklyn and Yankees fans, or Phil Risotto, again for Yankee fans.

Kalas was not only a great baseball announcer, but the Hall of Famer also broadcast Notre Dame football games and was the voice of NFL Films.

“This ball’s outta here,” was his familar refrain.

Those who love the broadcasting part of baseball could tell that Kalas was not as sure about what was a home run or not, later in his career (“Could it be, could it be?”), but he never, ever lost the voice that made him famous.

I watched some of Saturday’s broadcast of the memorial service at Citizens Bank Park. I had to put the moment into perspective: I still had to go shopping with my wife, cut the grass and do things that a man, husband and father does.

But make no mistake. On Monday, as a Phillies and baseball fan, I lost a member of my family.

The broadcast won’t be the same for a long, long, time …

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