Saturday, August 12, 2006
PHILLIES NEWS
Only one word can adequately describe tonight's game, aargh! okay maybe that's not a word but that is how I felt when it was over, frustrated that the Phillies had lost. Not just because lost ,but because of how they lost. They started the night off right with a 2 run blast by David Dellucci in the 1st inning for a 2-0 lead. Then Phils starter Scott Mathieson got roughed up in the 2nd inning for 4 runs after loading the bases and allowing the pitcher to reach base on an infield single. That alone would have been enough to get me ticked off, but just as I was about to start throwing objects at the TV the Phils staged a rally. In the bottom of the inning Jimmy Rollins put the Phils back on top 5-4 with a 3 run homer. Then 2 innings later just as I was mellowing out , Mathieson was roughed up again this time for 2 runs, and again the Reds were ahead 6-5. Now at this point I was getting tired of the game going back in forth between the 2 teams, so I was kinda of glad when both teams sent their bullpens in and things started settling down, as the both the Phils and Reds were held scoreless for the next 3 innings. Then just as I began to settle down into the flow of the game, Ryan Howard ramped up my excitement, as he hit a towering solo homer to tie the game at 6. I remember thinking to myself at this point "hey it's tied at 6 in the 8th inning, maybe will go extra innings again, and Phils will get another dramatic walk off win". Of course as you'll see to my chagrin none of those things happened. In the top of the 9th inning Tom Gordon came on in relief, but just like last night he was roughed up, only this time he gave up 3 runs and put the Phils behind by 3 going into the bottom of the 9th. I was pretty angry at this point, mostly at Gordon for not getting the job done again, but also at the fact that Phillies were probably going to lose. Still, even though they would need 3 runs to tie it up, I thought the Phils could pull it out. Jimmy Rollins confirmed my suspicions with his 2nd homer of the night to cut the lead to 9-7. Then Mike Lieberthal singled and Chase Utley got hit by a pitch, bringing Ryan Howard to the plate, representing the winning run. At this point I started thinking "man wouldn't that be sweet if he homers to win the game" , but of course he struck out to end the game minutes later for a 9-7 loss to Reds. Just to summarize, I started out happy, then I got a little pissed, then I was happy again, then I got excited, then I got pissed off again, then I started to get a little excited again, and now I am just pissed off because they lost. Boy, isn't amazing the range of emotions you can go through by just watching a game, imagine how the players must feel. Anyway it's all okay because they are only 3 games back now and as long as they win tomorrow I'll be happy. Well, happy trails everyone and turn that frown upside down, or whatever it is that you do get over a loss.
Friday, August 11, 2006
PHILLIES NEWS
If the Phillies had their own awards show, tonight's contest would have won for best game of the year. From start to finish it looked like and felt like a playoff game, and with 41,000 + fans filling Citizens Bank Park it sounded like a playoff game too. Every pitch and every swing of every at bat seemed to be packed with pressure. It was one of those nights filled with raw energy where a loss would be crushing and a win would be huge, and every time you thought you knew what the story of night would be, a new story was written . It started off as a simple pitcher's duel with the starters for both teams, Kyle Lohse for the Reds and Jon Lieber for the Phils, dealing to a 3-1 Reds lead through 7 innings. At this point in the game the story was Edwin Encarnacion who had knocked in all 3 Reds runs with a 2 run homer in the 4th inning, and a solo homer in the 6th inning. However, by the end of the night his heroics would be forgotten. Entering the 8th inning down 3-1 the Phillies mounted a rally. First Jimmy Rollins hit a 2 run homer to tie the game at 3. Then a few batters later, with Chase Utley on 1st base, Pat Burrell whom I should mention knocked in the Phils 1st run of the night, tripled to score Utley for a 4-3 lead. Thus, at this point the story was the Phillies dramatic 8th inning rally, but again this rally would only prove to be a footnote to the drama to come. With the Phils ahead 4-3 in the 9th and closer Tom Gordon on in relief to close the game, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the Phils would win, but it wasn't over yet. Gordon walked David Ross to begin the inning, then with one out he served up a 2 run homer to pinch hitter Javier Valentin and suddenly it was 5-4 Reds. Now of course the story was Valentin's dramatic homer and Gordon's blown save, but again there was more drama come. Down 5-4 in the 9th inning you would think the Phils might be headed for a loss, especially with the bottom of their order coming up, but they weren't done yet. Chris Coste doubled to leadoff the inning, then was lifted for pinch runner Chris Roberson. Roberson then moved up to 3rd base, when a pickoff attempt by David Ross sailed into the centerfield, and later scored to tie the game at 5 on a sac fly by Shane Victorino. Now the story was the game entering extra innings. Over the next 4 and 1/2 innings both teams had ample opportunity to go ahead and the win, but good pitching and several great defensive plays kept the game tied at 5. Then in the bottom of the 14th inning it finally happened. David Dellucci led off the inning with a single, then Chase Utley walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out for Ryan Howard. However, rather than give Howard a chance to end the game, Reds manager Jerry Narron decided to walk him to load the bases, for reliever Aaron Fultz batting for himself, because the Phillies had no one left on the bench to bat for him. Fultz went up the plate swinging and lined out to 2nd, but the bases remained loaded, now with just 1 out for Aaron Rowand. 2 pitches later Rowand line a single to right centerfield to score David Dellucci with the winning run. Yes, that was it, the story of the night, Aaron Rowand's game winning hit in the 14th inning, and a big 6-5 win for the Phils, who now trail the Reds by just 2 games in the wild card chase. Well, I don't know about you, but after this great game I can't wait to watch the Phils again tomorrow. Anyway, happy trails everyone.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles played the 2nd of their 5 preseason games tonight against the Browns and won 20-7, but like I said before that is not very significant so let's talk about what is. Donovan Mcnabb had another good day passing ball going 7-9 for 78 yards, including a spectactular 33 yard completion to undrafted rookie reciever Hank Baskett who made an incredible over the shoulder catch. In fact Baskett had pretty good day himself ,with 2 catches for 39 yards, and he suddenly seems to have gone from 4th or 5th reciever to starter for the Eagles, with Todd Pinkston and Reggie Brown, both nursing injuries. Equally as impressive on the night was 2nd-string QB Jeff Garcia, who went 8-11 for 125 yards, including a 32 yard touchdown pass to Darnerien McCants who has been making a lot of big plays lately. On the defensive front as a unit, the Eagles were impressive, holding the Browns to just 80 yards in the 1st half and keeping them scoreless in the 2nd quarter. Both Darren Howard and Jerome Mcdougle collected sacks on the night, as did 6th round pick Lajuan Ramsey. Mcdougle also had a QB pressure and 3 tackles. Finally, 1st round pick Broderick Bunkley looked good pretty good during his limited playing time. Even though he was only in the game for 9 plays, Bunkley was able to show the impact he could have on the Eagles defense, as he recorded a QB pressure, and helped Lajuan Ramsey to his 1 sack on the night. On the whole, most things went right for the Eagles tonight, and that seems to be a good sign of things to come during the regular season.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phillies had an off day today, but tomorrow they return home to start a huge 3 game series with the wild card leading leading Reds. The Phillies can really move themselves up in the wild card race with a good showing against the Reds, while a bad showing could effectively end their chances for the wild card, or at least put a serious damper on them. I just hope they have a good series, and that they play as well as they are capable of. Well, happy trails everyone.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phillies offense has been extraordinarily hot as of late, but yesterday Tim Hudson cooled it off a bit, and today for 5 innings it looked like Braves rookie hurler Chuck James was going to do the same. James kept the Phillies scoreless through the 1st 5 innings and appeared to be on his way to a win. However, Phils starter Randy Wolf was equally strong through 5 innings giving up just one run on a homer by Andrew Jones. Following that homer things began to turn for the Phillies. Pat Burrell homered in the top of the 6th inning to tie the score at 1, and produce an early end to James' day following the inning. As it would happen, this early exit by James after 6 innings would prove to be the Braves downfall. In the bottom of the inning the Braves chased a tired Randy Wolf from the game, scoring 2 runs on an RBI double by Jeff Franceur to take a 3-1. Now, the Braves bullpen has been very inconsistent this year and they had a good night last night, so it seemed likely that they would have a bad day today, and believe me they did and then some. The Phillies started the 7th inning, their 1st of the day against the bullpen, by loading the bases on walks with 1 out against Tyler Yates . Shane Victorino then drew another walk to push across a run and Chase Utley doubled to deep centerfield to score 3 more runs, for a 5-3 Phils lead. From there Yates was relieved by rookie reliever Macay Mcbride and Ryan Howard grounded a high chopper off the mound. While he was being thrown out, Utley scampered all the way home to score another run, as Mcbride never saw him trying to score until it was too late. The Phils now led 6-3, but they weren't done yet, they continued to string together hit after hit after hit, until they had scored a season high 8 runs in the inning, and the Braves had been forced to use 4 pitchers in one inning. On the season the Phillies had not lost a game in which they had the lead after the 7th inning, and now they led 9-3 following the 7th, so you could bet that they were going to win this game, and they did 9-3. All I can say is that 9 run 7th inning was the sweetest inning I have ever witnessed. I mean If you watched this game on TBS during that inning it was hilarious, as they kept showing the chagrined face of Bobby Cox every time the Phillies got another hit. It was like one of those moments you might see on one of those "priceless" commercials. Anyway, happy trails everyone and be sure to tune in next time for the next episode of America's funniest home videos.
FLYERS NEWS
There is some sad news to report. After a solid career, spanning 17 seasons, including 11 with the Flyers, Defenseman Eric Desjardins will reportedly announce his retirement some time tomorrow. Desjardins was an all-star twice in his career, and is the 2nd on the Flyers all-time scoring list for defenseman. All told, he scored 136 goals, 439 assists, and 575 points in 1,143 career games. He will missed by all those who had the chance to see him play, or at least by me anyway.
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles will play their second preseason game tomorrow night against the Browns, and reportedly although he only has 2 days of practice under his belt, Broderick Bunkley will play briefly during the game. This fact alone, should be incentive enough to get some of you guys out there to watch, because I know will just so I can see him play.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
PHILLIES NEWS
So far this season, with an 8-10 record and an 5.22 ERA, Tim Hudson has not been at his best for the Braves, but unfortunately for the Phillies he was at his best today. He and Phils starter Cole Hamels dueled to 4 scoreless innings to open the game. Then in bottom of the 5th inning Hudson himself knocked in the 1st run of the night, on a suicide squeeze bunt, of all things. Following these 5th inning heroics, Hudson remained in the game for 2 more innings and kept the Phils scoreless for all of the 7 innings he pitched. Hamels however, only lasted through one more inning, having only given up just that 1 run on 6 hits in his 6 innings of work while recording 6 strikeouts. The 1st time the Braves had a chance to bat against someone other than Hamels, they took advantage of it and were able tack on a couple extra runs to their tally for a 3-0 lead. Still, through 7 innings the Phils were only down 3-0, well within reach of the Braves if they could just start a rally and they did just that in the top of the 8th inning by loading the bases on walks off Danys Baez. Then with the bases loaded David Dellucci stepped to the plate with a chance to put the Phillies ahead with one swing of the bat, and he almost did. After Baez loaded the bases, he was replaced by Wayne Franklin. On the 1st pitch Franklin threw, Dellucci hit a deep fly ball to center field, which at first appeared to be a grand slam, but centerfielder Andrew Jones tracked it the whole way and at the last second leaped up against the fence to make the catch, thwarting Dellucci just inches from the promised land. Thus, Instead of a grand slam and a 4-3 lead, the Phils were left with a mere sac fly to cut the lead to 3-1. Chris Coste then followed Dellucci with a strikeout to end the inning and the Phillies chances for night, as they were retired in order in the 9th inning. Ultimately this was a game the Phils probably could have won, but unlike last night, all of the lucky breaks went to Braves instead of to them, so they lost and the Braves won. In other news Ryan Franklin whom I mentioned had been designated for assignment, was dealt to the reds for a player to be named later. That player will be 1 of 3 Reds minor leaguers, whom the Phillies will be able to choose from in the next few weeks. Speaking of the Reds, they blew away the Cardinals 10-3 tonight so the Phils are now 3.5 games out in the wild card race, but that's okay because there are still plenty of games left to play. Well happy trails everyone
Monday, August 07, 2006
PHILLIES NEWS
Tonight's game was a contest between 2 teams headed in opposite directions in the Wild Card race, The Phillies who are closing fast, and the Braves who are rapidly fading away. As you might guess, when it was over, the Phillies were closer to lead in the wild card, and the Braves were further away from it. The Phillies got the early lead on a 2 run homer by Ryan Howard (39 homers now and 101 RBIs) and never looked back. Initially it seemed like the Braves were still in the game, when they quickly scored a run in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead to 2-1, but ultimately they would never recover from Howard's blast. Following the 4th inning, Braves starter Horacio Ramirez was forced to leave the game with an injury to his hand. Thus, just 5 innings into the game the Phillies had the opportunity to feast on the Braves shaky bullpen and they did. In the 5th inning alone they scored 5 runs, capitalizing on a multitude of Braves mistakes, both in the outfield and the infield. Several times, the Phillies should have had their 5 run rally halted, but time and time again they were able to extend the inning, on blooped base hits that fell in , and double plays that weren't turned. Already ahead 8-1 after 4 and 1/2 innings the Phillies seemed to be on victory's doorstep, but for some reason starter Brett Myers suddenly lost the ability to throw a strike and momentarily allowed the braves back in the game, giving up 3 runs, to cut the lead to 7-4 in the bottom of the 5th inning. From there though, with their bullpen blanking the Braves, the Phils were able to tack on a couple runs and hold on for a big 9-6 win. With the win the Phillies are now back to within 2.5 games of the wild card, and with the wild card leading Reds slated to visit Citizens Bank Park this weekend, they are suddenly in good position to take the lead in the wild card race. To me this current run by the Phillies, is just pleasant surprise, and I really hope it keeps going until the end of the regular season. Well, happy trails everyone.
EAGLES NEWS
The breaking news today is that Brian Dawkins agreed with the Eagles on a 2 year contract extension. Dawkins has always said that he wanted to finish his career in Philadelphia, and now with this extension he might just be able to do that. He will be 33 in a month and by time this extension is up he will be 35 and likely planning his retirement. If the Eagles had not come to terms with Dawkins now, he probably would have been headed elsewhere at the end of the season. The likely candidate to replace him, would have been Sean Considine, whom the Eagles drafted in 2005. However, Considine spent most of last season on the injured list, and it seemed clear that he was not going to be ready to replace Dawkins by next year. Now, with this extension, he can slowly ease into his role under Dawkins tutelage for 2 more years. Ultimately this extension was one that had to be made, and now everyone is excited that it was, including me.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
WEEKLY POLL QUESTION
Do you watch all of the Eagles preseason games every year?
a. yes always
b. some but not all of them
c. no because they really don't mean anything
Last Week's Results:
50% b. what were they thinking
50% c. not sure
0% a. smart move
a. yes always
b. some but not all of them
c. no because they really don't mean anything
Last Week's Results:
50% b. what were they thinking
50% c. not sure
0% a. smart move
PHILLIES NEWS
Sometimes history has a way of repeating itself and that's exactly what happened to the Phillies tonight. For the second game in a row a Phillies starter, this time Scott Mathieson, spoiled his seemingly commanding performance, with his own throwing error on a simple groundball towards the mound. Yesterday Jon Lieber was cruising along with a 3-1 lead, having retired 15 straight Mets, when he threw wildly on a routine groundball, opening the door for a 3 run 6th inning and a 4-3 win for the Mets. Tonight, Mathieson, started the game with 3 scoreless innings, then in the 4th inning he ran into trouble. After giving up his 1st run of the night, and with Mets runners on the corners, and only one out, Mathieson seemed to catch a break when he induced Jose Valentin, into a groundout, but like Lieber last night, he scooped it up, and threw wildly to 1st base, just out of reach of Ryan Howard. Thus instead of having 2 outs in the inning, and the impetus to pitch out of jam he was in, he was left with still only one out and another run in. After that Mathieson and the Phils never recovered as the Mets scored 7 runs en route to a 8-1 victory, with the Phillies scoring their only run on a Mike Lieberthal homerun. In short, it was an ugly night for the Phillies, and one that is too ugly for me to talk about anymore. All I can say is that the Phillies pitchers better participate in some extra fielding practice before every game from now on. Otherwise they will keep throwing games away like this and that is simply unacceptable at this point in the season. Well, happy trails everyone.
EAGLES NEWS
Tonight the Eagles played the 1st of their 5 preseason games, in the annual hall of fame game, which every year opens the NFL's preseason. Now you are probably wondering why the Eagles were picked to play in the hall of fame game, well it's because on Saturday the late great Reggie White, former Eagles DE, was inducted into the hall of fame, along with Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Harry Carson, Rayfield Wright, and the former head coach of the Raiders, whom the Eagles played tonight, John Madden. Since this was a preseason, game the outcome, although it was 16-10 Raiders, isn't really significant. What is significant is how well the Eagles starters played during their small amount of time in the game, and any good individual performances by their backups. These 2 things can both indicate how good the Eagles will be this year, and how their roster or depth chart will pan out by the time the regular season starts. In light of what I just said, it would seem that the Eagles will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Even though they were only in the game for the 1st quarter, the Eagles starting units were both solid. Actually though the rest of Eagles starting offense stayed in for most of the 1st quarter, Donovan Mcnabb only stayed in the game for one series, but he made it a good one. He hit all 3 of his passes for 29 yards in an impressive 61 yard drive capped off by a one yard touchdown plunge by Brian Westbrook who did most of the work during the drive, just as Andy Reid said he would this year. The Eagle defense was equally impressive in the 1st quarter, holding the Raiders scoreless. After that, backups came in for both teams, and as usual they scuffled through the rest of game. The only other interesting things to happen to Eagles on the night, were a 55 yard field goal by David Akers in the 2nd quarter ( a hall of fame game record), and 3rd string running back/kick returner Bruce Perry suffering a concussion in the 4th quarter, I would tell you more about Perry, but nothing else is known about his injury at this time. Hopefully he will be okay.
WEEKLY TRIVIA QUESTION
Chase Utley's 35 game hitting streak which ended this past week ties him for the the 10th longest hitting streak ever, only 12 players have matched his streak or had longer ones who are they?
Last Week's answer: Dick Allen and Von Hayes
Last Week's answer: Dick Allen and Von Hayes
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