World Series Phlashback: 1983—Game Four

The 1983 Phillies, nicknamed the “Wheeze Kids” for their average player age of 32, were fueled by a mini reunion of The Big Red Machine with Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan.

Lead by MVP Mike Schmidt the Phillies pulled away from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL East division championship in September and then got revenge on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Waiting for the Phillies in the 1983 World Series was a very tough Baltimore Orioles squad.

With a young Cal Ripken Jr. and players like Eddie Murray, both of whom finished one-two in the AL MVP voting (Ripken edges Murray), the Orioles had eliminated the Chicago White Sox to advance to their first World Series since 1979, where the Orioles blew a thee games to one lead on Pittsburgh to lose the championship in seven games.

We continue our phlashback with a look at game four, played in Philadelphia.

World Series Phlashback: 1983—Game Three

The 1983 Phillies, nicknamed the “Wheeze Kids” for their average player age of 32, were fueled by a mini reunion of The Big Red Machine with Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan.

Lead by MVP Mike Schmidt the Phillies pulled away from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL East division championship in September and then got revenge on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Waiting for the Phillies in the 1983 World Series was a very tough Baltimore Orioles squad.

With a young Cal Ripken Jr. and players like Eddie Murray, both of whom finished one-two in the AL MVP voting (Ripken edges Murray), the Orioles had eliminated the Chicago White Sox to advance to their first World Series since 1979, where the Orioles blew a thee games to one lead on Pittsburgh to lose the championship in seven games.

We continue our phlashback with a look at game three, played in Philadelphia.

Phllies-Orioles: Evolution Of a Nickname

There’s one thing the Phillies loss did last night, it made it easy to find my car.

 

When Jack Taschner replaced Antonio Bastardo after seven innings of five-hit, four-run baseball, it didn’t take long for the reliever to clear the stands.

 

My husband, the self-proclaimed Phillies pitching critic, has been known to coin a term here and there to capture his frustration.

 

So far he’s created “Disturbin’ Durbin” to describe his delight with reliever Chad Durbin, and crafted a catch-all phrase to describe what the bullpen does in poor outings.

 

He calls it “jack-assing.”

 

So it’s only fitting that Jack Taschner fell victim to my husband’s wit as well.

 

Jack ran the gamut of stats. In two innings he struck out one, walked one, gave up three earned runs, and made sure one of the five hits allowed cleared the outfield wall.

 

My husband says he shall now be known as “Trash-ner.”

 

I say he was just being efficient. Like a good multitasker, “Trash” was getting more done in less time.

 

But the batters were getting less done with more.

 

The Phillies offensive put 11 guys on base: five from walks, but could only get two home. Jayson Werth continued his hot streak going 2-4 and collected both RBI. And the new tall drink of water, John Mayberry Jr., managed two hits too. But add a single by Carlos Ruiz and the 17th double of the season for Shane Victorino and that pretty much completes the show.

 

Last night I decided I’d forget about all the Phil’s shortcomings and do something that would bring the players closer to me—bait them over with candy.

 

I’m sorry, was I thinking out loud?

 

Actually I decided I’d examine one player through my binoculars—a good looking one.

 

My victim was Shane Victorino. I stalked him because first, he had the inaugural hit of the night; second, the huge green stain on his backside lured me in like a latte, and third, his image was tainted during a prior game round of “Ask the Phillies.”

 

If you’ve never been to Citizens Bank Park, let me explain.

 

In “Ask the Phillies,” one of the ball-girls poses a question to the players.

 

Wait, ball-girls can speak?

 

I know I was shocked too.

 

Anyway, the answers are previously recorded and played back on Phanavision. In one go-round, Victorino was badmouthed by the following question, “If you were stuck on a deserted island, which one of your teammates would you want with you?”

 

Well, not only did no one pick the hustlin’ Hawaiian, some of the guys verbally excluded him before sharing their actual choice.

 

What could be so bad about Sugar Shane?

 

He has hustle and guts, not to mention eyes in the back of his head when it comes to fly balls. I’m sure all these things could be useful on an isolated land mass.

 

Well, while dissecting his baserunning, I discovered why no one wants to be left alone with Victorino and why a position clear out in center field suits him.

 

He’s pesky. He’s a non-stop display of perpetual motion.

 

He danced on the base path, dug up the dirt around it, harassed the baseman, and even swatted a guy with his gloves. Then after he stole third, he stood on the grass next to the third base coach to chat—while the ball was still in play—just to taunt people.

 

Honestly, it looked like he had ants in his pants. And I feel like if he had a magnifying glass he’d be burning them like a little kid.

 

I now call him “No-Shame” Victorino. But he’s still one of my favorite players. And one of the cutest.

 

But I’m still concerned that the faltering bullpen will make that one-year contract man a prime candidate to trade for an A-list arm.

 

Better gather up your Shane memorabilia, girls, it might have just increased in value.

 

And if Brad Lidge doesn’t find his groove in his rehab stint in AA, his bobblehead may rest in peace.

 

Well, the Phillies have lost six of seven at home. Last night they lost the first of three to the team with the worst road record in the American League.

 

It could be worse. The Yankees are trying to forget that they lost two of three to the worst team in all of baseball, the Nationals.

 

But even New York saw those little town blues go melting away as they bounced back to win one against the Marlins last night.

 

So there’s hope.

 

There’s hope that the Phillies will discover their world champion fashion and ascend from this chasm unscathed. I just hope they pinpoint the problem.

 

I’m afraid it might be a home field curse. I know about those, I suffer from one every month.

 

Maybe that’s it—June is the month the Phils “cycle.”

 

Why didn’t they say something?

 

In that case, I totally sympathize. I’m just coming off mine.

 

Here’s my advice: take two aspirin, where loose clothing, eat lots of chocolate, and rent a good tearjerker.

 

Whatever you do, don’t do something drastic to your hair—you’ll regret it in the morning.

 

I don’t know what’s more troublesome, their sluggish bats, the stagnant bullpen, the indifferent defense, or the big blemish forming on my chin.

 

I need to find my Clearasil, my “complexion” enhancing drug, to fight the pimple I got from eating too much chocolate, my “zit” enhancing drug.

 

Until the Phillies manage another victory, the cocao in my Dove bars is the only “wit” enhancing drug I have.

 

So the Mets pulled within two, the Phils can’t win, and I have a zit on my chin. It attracts stares like a closer celebrating on the mound under a pile of Phillies.

 

Wait, a closer actually did celebrate on the mound under a pile of Phillies. But it’s been a long time since one of them have had the opportunity.

 

I hope that’s all about to change.

 

Brad, can’t wait to see you in the bullpen.

World Series Phlashback: 1983—Game Two

The 1983 Phillies, nicknamed the “Wheeze Kids” for their average player age of 32, were fueled by a mini reunion of The Big Red Machine with Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan. Lead by MVP Mike Schmidt the Phillies pulled away from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL East division championship in September and then got revenge on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Waiting for the Phillies in the 1983 World Series was a very tough Baltimore Orioles squad.

With a young Cal Ripken Jr. and players like Eddie Murray, both of whom finished one-two in the AL MVP voting (Ripken edges Murray), the Orioles had eliminated the Chicago White Sox to advance to their first World Series since 1979, where the Orioles blew a thee games to one lead on Pittsburgh to lose the championship in seven games.

We continue our phlashback with a look at game two, played in Baltimore.

Orioles Down Phillies 7-2, Time to Vent

This isn’t going to be a game recap because I wasn’t there tonight. This is going to be a venting period.

Im tired of watching this team go through the motions every other game. I get the feeling that this team, the defending world champions of baseball, are showing up at the ballpark in Philadelphia expecting the other team to just lay down. I’ve seen it before.

I play the game, and have for over 15 years, I can tell when a team just expects to win and is not work hard at doing it.

What happened to our fans? The most passionate, hard working, victory-craving lunatics who show up and sell-out a ballpark every night to watch their Phillies play competitive baseball and want to win? Where are you right now?

I’ll tell you where your at; you’re in a corner somewhere drinking red kool-aid, because you don’t want to face the fact that this team, our beloved Phillies team, is in trouble.

75…

75 strikeouts on this current homestand. DISGUSTING. Utterly disgraceful.

This team cannot hit in important situation as a whole, and the pitching is beyond brutal. The rotation might be the worst in baseball right now. The bullpen, although tired, stinks.

I expected much more out of this rotation and pen, as a whole, and have gotten squat-ta.

This lineup is striking-out at an alarming rate, a rate that might break records. They have to remember the basics. See the ball, look for contact. You’re gonna hit home runs boys, but first you have make sure the bat touches the ball.

Where is our GM? Our GM who everyday, and has said this in front of my face into my recorder and said that he is always on the phone, always talking to teams, and always looking for the best deal.

Obviously you’re not looking hard enough. Roy Oswalt, Washburn, Jason Marquis, and even Brad Penny are just waiting to hear their name called into the office, to tell them they have just been traded.

Do something about it. YOU owe us, the fans of the Philadelphia Phillies, answers.

An Apology to Scott Rolen

Dear Scott,

I feel like there aren’t enough words in the English language to describe how sorry I am, but I assure you that I am extremely remorseful about ever doubting you. To say it simply … I’m sorry.

First off, I’m sorry for ever suggesting earlier this year that the Blue Jays should trade you away simply to dump salary. Who am I kidding? Albeit he’s a great player, Jose Bautista is a mere one-third the third baseman you are. Scott, you deserve every single penny of that $11 million dollars you are owed this season and next.

I’m also sorry if I ever insinuated that the Blue Jays were on the losing end of the trade to bring you to Toronto and send Troy Glaus to St. Louis. Purely based on last year’s statistics, Glaus appears to be the better player. What those stats don’t show is that you played the most part of the 2008 season with a shoulder injury that dated back to 2007. A lesser man would have cowered in pain and begged for mercy, but you stood in the face of adversity and through the pain you managed to play. After whining about playing on turf, Troy Glaus finally received his wish to play on the grass in St. Louis and he still hasn’t suited up for a game this year.

Scott, I’m sorry for expecting you to hit like you did back when you were in your twenties with the Philadelphia Phillies. With the departure of Troy Glaus, I was hoping that you would provide those 30+ home runs and 100 + RBIs that we had come to expect from Glaus. Now I know those power numbers are not important, and your .327 batting average and your 29.6 percent line drive rate more than makes up for it. Not many players can retool their swing like you have, Scott.

Lastly, I apologize that I forgot you are a seven time Gold Glove award winner. Maybe it’s because over the past few years, John McDonald has turned some dazzling defense over at shortstop and has taken the focus off of the third base side. This season, your defense has been flawless and it’s reminded us all why the trophy case in the Rolen household is home to seven Gold Glove awards. I’ll even go as far to say that you might be the best defensive third basemen the Blue Jays have ever had. Frankly, if you don’t win another Gold Glove this year if will be shocked and saddened. I will go as far to say that I will write an angry letter to each coach and manager that doesn’t vote for you.

In closing, I hope you accept my apology for underestimating your wealth of talent. Don’t feel like you’re underappreciated or taken for granted because after seeing your magic glove, your unmistakeable batting stance and your uncanny choice for entrance music.

Sincerely,

-A true believer in Scott Rolen.

Preview Game 65: Phillies vs. Orioles

This season the Phillies have recorded two series wins at home. Both have come against the Washington Nationals. This weekend they hope to pick their third home series win, and perhaps get their home schedule turned around, when they welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Citizens Bank Park.

The Orioles are coming off a series win against the New York Mets, which has helped the Phillies remain three games up in the NL East, so don’t expect the Orioles to roll over for the defending world champions. The Orioles have the ability to hit the ball around but their pitching is a problem, and something the Phillies should be able to feast on.

Taking the mound for the Phillies will be Antonio Bastardo. In his third career start things unraveled quickly against the Boston Red Sox, so his fourth start will be a good chance to see how the young pitcher responds. Sure, he may not be facing the Red Sox this time around, but if he is able to give the Phillies six or seven good innings, the confidence level should rebuild itself.

The Orioles will call on starting pitcher Rich Hill for the series opener. Hill enters the game with a 5.81 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP so it looks as though the Phillies should have a good night offensively. Hill is 0-2 against the Phillies in three career starts.

As bad as the Phillies are at home, something figures to give this weekend. Baltimore comes to Philadelphia with an atrocious 8-20 record on the road. Two train wrecks on a collision course. Two wins should be just about automatic for the Phillies this weekend, and a sweep should be almost expected by the fans.

Phillies record: 36-28
Orioles record: 29-37

NL East Standings (Team, record, games behind)

1. PHILLIES 36-28, –
2. Mets 33-31, 3.0
3. Marlins 33-35, 5.0
4. Braves 31-34, 5.5
5. Nationals 18-46, 18.0

Pitching probables: Hill (2-1, 5.81 ERA) vs. Bastardo (2-1, 5.25 ERA)

TV: Comcast Sportsnet

First pitch: 7:05pm EST

Season series: First meeting

Game open thread will be posted at 6:30pm. No game recap though as it is the weekend. Stay tuned this weekend though for the continuation of the current Macho Row Phlashback series on the 1983 World Series.

Pitching Comes Up Small, Phillies Swept at Home

The Toronto Blue Jays should the kind of hustle that Phillies have come to expect from their own team over the past couple seasons. Meanwhile the Phillies have reached lows never thought possible under the management of Charlie Manuel.

Toronto responded well to every momentum shift the Phillies took advantage of, and fought back for a victory to complete a three-game sweep of the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Joe Blanton got the start for the Phillies and he really had to give the Phillies some solid innings and pitch through seven innings. Only pitching 5.1 innings, though, once again hurt the team and the bullpen. Blanton was charged with four earned runs on nine hits, including a pair of home runs. Chan Ho Park gave up one run in one inning of relief, and Clay Condrey gave up two runs on three hits without recording an out.

J.C. Romero and Tyler Walker each got out without being charged a run.

Jimmy Rollins had a three-hit day, including a two-run home run. John Mayberry Jr., called up to fill in for Raul Ibanez (placed on the DL yesterday), had two hits including a home run to left field.

Down 7-5 entering the eighth inning the Phillies fought back to tie the game before the ninth inning. But the Blue Jays struck right back when Rod Barajas hit a leadoff home run to center field.

Just like that the Blue Jays had the frustrating 8-7 lead, and the Phillies could not muster another comeback in the ninth inning.

The Phillies just need to find a way to win at home. They still hold a three-game lead in the division because the Mets lost to the Orioles yesterday, but if they could just manage to play .500 ball at home, the cushion in the division would be much more comfortable.

Macho Row Phlashback: 1983 World Series – Game One

The 1983 Phillies, nicknamed the “Wheeze Kids” for their average player age of 32, were fueled by a mini reunion of The Big Red Machine, with Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan reuniting.

Lead by MVP Mike Schmidt, the Phillies pulled away from the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL East in September. In the playoffs, they got their revenge against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

Waiting for the Phillies in the 1983 World Series was a tough Baltimore Orioles squad. With a young Cal Ripken Jr. and a powerful Eddie Murray, both of whom finished 1-2 in the AL MVP voting respectably, the Orioles eliminated the Chicago White Sox to advance to their first World Series since 1979. In that series, the Orioles blew a 3-1 series lead on Pittsburgh to lose the championship in seven games.

We start our phlashback with a look at Game One, played in Baltimore.

Blue Jays-Phillies: Toronto Gets the Sweep in Crazy 8-7 Victory

The Toronto Blue Jays completed the sweep Thursday in Philadelphia with a crazy 8-7 victory.

Why was it crazy? Well, let me tell you.

The Jays used every single reliever they had in order to preserve the win and the only player on the roster that did not get the chance to play was John McDonald.

It all started off with a bad pitching performance by Jays rookie Brad Mills, who was making his first appearance ever in the Major Leagues.

Mills became the 11th pitcher to start for the Jays this year and the fourth to make his debut.

Unfortunately for him, his debut was not a pleasant one. He had command issues throughout his outing and gave up four runs on six hits and four walks in just 3 2/3 innings.

The Jays kept themselves in the game though, with a two-run homer from Raul Chavez in the second and RBI double from Vernon Wells that helped make the score 5-3 after five innings. Dirk Hayhurst gave up a solo shot in the fifth inning.

Adam Lind started off the comeback with a solo home run in the sixth, his 14th of the season. Scott Rolen tied it in the seventh inning with a single and the Jays were back in business.

The Jays then scored two in the eighth inning to take the lead for the first time all game, but it would not last long.

Brandon League was determined to make things interesting. He gave up a solo home run and a double that later scored with Jason Frasor on the mound, tying the game once again.

With Jason Frasor set to lead off the inning, Rod Barajas was sent to the plate to pinch hit for him and things could not have gone any better.

Barajas took a high pitch and deposited it over the wall at the deepest part of the ball park. It was Phillies’ closer Ryan Madson’s second blown save of the series.

BJ Ryan walked the first batter in the bottom of the ninth inning, but then got Ryan Howard to strike out. Recent call-up Jeremy Accardo came in for the last two outs, his first appearance in the majors this year and his first save.

Up Next: Brian Tallet (4-4) starts off a series against Jordan Zimmermann (2-3) and the lowly Washington Nationals.

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