Skip to main content

Hamels is my Cole Pilot...


Game WON of the 2008 World Series is in the books. On this night, the Phillies won their 100th game of the year and lead the series, 1-0. There's nothing much better than Cole Hamels putting all the silly cowbell chimers on the HUSH setting, down in Tropicana Field. Hamels now has 5 earned runs allowed in 29 post season innings this year. That is a 1.55 ERA. I really can't think of anything more phun to watch than Cole Hamels these days.


Our Phillies got off to a hot start in the 1st inning when, following a Jayson Werth walk, Chase Utley (AKA- Chutley) hit a blast to deep right field for a homerun. This gave Philadelphia a lead which they would not let up. Utley went on to add another base hit and two steals in his World Series debut.


It just wouldn't be the Phoul Ballz if I didn't toss some negativity at you all. I need to take the time to critique the non-move in the top of the 9th inning where, against a right handed pitcher and with 2 runners on, Charlie Manuel chose to let Eric Bruntlett bat instead of using Matt "the MF'n man" Stairs or Geoff "Don't call me Brett Favre or Randy Wolf" Jenkins, who are both lefties. Bruntlett got out and the Phillies did not get any insurance runs. Brad Lidge came on to work a scoreless 9th inning to stay perfect in save opportunities this year, but I can't help myself to point out that Charlie Manuel did not do everything he could to score runs in this game.


All the Ryan Howard critics out there that point out how the MVP contender strikes out too often, you have a point. I normally argue that statement and say, "an out is an out...who cares how he makes it when he leads the league in homeruns and RBI?!" I can't do that after game 1. Keep in mind that Howard struck out in this game twice with a runner on third base and just one out. We all know that a deep fly ball in that situation results in a run scored. Ground balls score runs on occasion also. An out is not just an out.


With the series lead, why not devote another paragraph to less than positive information? Here is a list of the American League east division teams in order of when they established affiliation with their current cities-
Boston Red Sox (1901)
NY Yankees (1903)
Baltimore Orioles (1954)
Toronto Blue Jays (1977)
Tampa Bay Rays (1997)

And (the Phillies have lost 4 of the 5 World Series they've been to prior to this season) here is a list of the teams that have defeated the Phillies in the World Series, in order. You may notice the similarities...
Boston Red Sox (1915)
NY Yankees (1950)
Baltimore Orioles (1983)
Toronto Blue Jays (1993)
And...the Phillies are currently playing that remaining team from the AL east in the World Series.


Game 2 is Thursday night. Brett Myers takes on James Shields.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly.  On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne.  The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska.  In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be.  He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line.  And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line.  He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage.   Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August.  Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH.   Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve