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Showing posts from October, 2009

World Series Preview, Games 3 & 4: Yankees @ Phillies

Just like last year, the World Series arrives in Philadelphia tied 1-1. Wet weather threatens the start time of game 3. Rain is expected from 4pm Saturday throughout the evening. Game 3 was delayed by weather last year also. Read ahead for reviews of the upcoing pitching match ups and other key details... Saturday, 7:57pm. Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16 ERA in regular season) vs. Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA in regular season). Pettitte has 16 career postseason wins. Pettitte is 4-2 with a 3.89 ERA over his last 8 starts. In 7 career games against the Phillies, Pettitte is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA. On the road this year, Pettitte was 8-4 with a 3.71 ERA and a .230 batting avg. against. Jayson Werth, Matt Stairs, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are a combined 3-for-38 (.079 avg.) against Pettitte in their careers, with just 2 RBI. Colbert is 3-3 with a 5.09 ERA over his last 8 starts. Hamels at home this season was 7-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 17 starts. Derek Jeter, Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon are a c

NY Post's Reed Tucker = Philly Hater, Idol Material

Reed Tucker plays video games with 50 Cent and is a top notch human If you're unfamiliar with the verbal stylings of Reed Tucker of the New York Post, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with this truly grand chap. The wondrous wordsmith coined the term "City of Brotherly Duh" this week, when he displayed astounding investigative reporting by declaring Philadelphia's fandom as being "feeble". In his article, Tucker sited a full FOUR people and used ALL OF THEM to build his strong case that Philadelphia phans are lesser beings than Yankees fans. The first phan that Tucker spoke of was reality dad Jon Gosselin, who is from some non-Philadelphia town called Wyomissing, PA. Gosselin is disliked because of his failed marriage and public persona so he must not be a good Phillies phan. Tucker then wrote of a die hard Phillies phan, that he encountered, who wore a Yankees jersey because he liked the design of it. Then there's the patron of Jim'

Pedro's Daddy Bombs Back

The story of the night, leading into game 2, was certainly Pedro Martinez facing his long time enemies, the Yankees. Much was made of Martinez's history against New York. Pedro was excited for the big stage, saying this is why he chose to sign with Philadelphia...so he could pitch in the World Series. Martinez was on point in game 2 using a slower, crafty approach to keep the Yankees' lumber in check. Martinez was strong, despite not lighting up any speed guns. His fastballs usually hung around the mid-80's, but who needs velocity, when you've got MARVELocity, like Pedro has? The only damage the Yankees did for the first five innings was a solo homerun by Mark Teixeira in the 4th inning, which tied the game. Phillie Matt Stairs had driven home Raul Ibanez in the 2nd inning to give Philadelphia the lead. With 2 outs in the 6th inning, Pedro allowed the Yankees to take the lead in game 2 when Hideki Matsui hit a homerun to right field. Matsui drove a low pitch out of the

Another Jayson Werth Look Alike

Comic actor Dax Shepard took to impersonating Jayson Werth on Wednesday night's edition of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Click the link for a video clip of the interview with Dax, where he plays a World Champ. Even Hollywood big shots with hot celebrity girlfriends want to be Phillies. Many people are aware of Werth's other twin, WWE wrestler Adam "Edge" Copeland . --------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

Phillies Win Game 1...Again!

It's how they get down. The Phillies won game 1 of another series. Between the 2008 & 2009 postseasons, the Phillies have not had to play catch up in any of the series they've played. They've won the first game of every series, none of the series have gone more than 5 games, and they've won each of the series. The duo of Ut-Lee was really all Philadelphia needed to secure a victory over the Yankees, as Chase Utley and Cliff Lee starred for the Phillies. Utley smashed two homers off of Yankee starter CC Sabathia. Utley's first homer of the gave scored the Phillies' first 3rd inning run of the '09 post season. His second homer made history. Utley become just the second lefty hitter, all time, to hit two homers off a lefty pitcher in a World Series game. That other hitter was Babe Ruth in 1928. Lee shut down New York, allowing only 1 unearned run while tossing a complete game. Lee's mixture of pitches dazzled the New York hitters as he struck out 10. Le

Watch Out For the Bat Boy

Stop ice grillin' the Phillies players, bat boy. I am watching YOU. I don't know what is on your mind, bat boy, but don't even think about doing something slick. You might wear the Phillies' uniform, but it is clear that you are a Yankees fan. It's all over your pale little "I wanna grow up to be like the Robert De Niro character in The Fan " face. The World Champs should be cautious around this kid. He could be dangerous. ------------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

World Series 2009, Games 1 & 2 Preview: Phillies @ Yankees

Finally, the World Series has come back to New York City! The Phillies are in New York to defend their World Championship against a new challenger, the Yankees. Read on for pitching match ups and other key notes from this series. Wednesday, 7:57pm. Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39 in the National League this regular season) vs. CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37 ERA in regular season). Lee is 2-0 with a 0.74 ERA in 3 starts this post season. In 2 starts against the Yankees this year, Lee is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings pitched. Lee is 3-2 with a 4.94 ERA in 5 career starts in New York. Derek Jeter is 11-for-27 (.407 avg) with 3 doubles against Lee in his career. Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 3 post season starts this year. Last year, in the division series, Sabathia lasted just 3 2/3 innings, giving up 5 earned runs to the Phillies while with the Brewers, including a grand slam to Shane Victorino. In Yankee Stadium this year, including the post season, Sabathia is 9-2 with a 2.93 ERA. Thursday, 7:

World Series Slide Show Music Video

The World Series is almost here. Check out this Phillies montage I created. As if you weren't jazzed up enough already, here's something else to get you feelin' it and ready to play ball! ----------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

World Series Storylines: What's Your Angle?

The story line that I was rooting for, Team Nick Adenhart vs. Team Harry Kalas in the World Series, didn't come to pass. The story line that MLB wanted, Joe Torre vs. his former employer in the World Series, also didn't happen. However, there are still some solid story lines that will appeal to many in this year's Fall Classic. Liberty Series: The Statue vs. The Bell...The Turnpike Series...Broad St. vs. Broadway... whatever you choose to call it, there's sure to be some aspect to interest baseball fans from coast to coast. There is the ex-NDN factor, as the last two American League Cy Young Award winners and Cleveland castoffs, Cliff Lee and CC Sabathia, go head to head in game 1. Each pitcher is looking better each time out. Lee is 2-0 in 3 post season starts with a 0.74 ERA and 20 K's in 24 1/3 innings. Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 3 games this post season with 20 K's in 22 2/3 innings. There is Pedro Martinez likely getting a shot at starting a game in

PhoulBallz Q&A With NeeKo

On Friday, PhoulBallz introduced you all to soon to be local sensation NeeKo. He's an aspiring musical artist who remade Jay Z's smash single "Empire State of Mind". Jigga Man's New York City anthem, which features Alicia Keys, has reached top 10 status on the Billboard chart. Many music heads around Philadelphia wondered where their own theme song was, and NeeKo answered their call, teaming with vocalist Deana Marie to remake the track and create a song all Philly's own. I had chance to interview NeeKo over the weekend, and here is how that went down. What is your attachment to Philadelphia? Born and raised there, or what? I was born and raised in the northeast, had a quick stint in the 'burbs and now I'm back living in the northeast and loving it. Talk about the creative process with the song...how did you start? How long did it take to write, record, edit and find the right female vocalist? So, I was driving in my car, listening to the Jay Z track o

Sunday School: History Lesson 35

Jimmie Wilson spent 10 total years with the Phillies, from 1923-1928, then from 1934-1938. Initially, Wilson was just a catcher with the Phils, but later became manager of his hometown team. Wilson grew up in the Kensington section of the city. He grew up playing soccer but was convinced to try baseball as well, around age 20. He played both sports until he was moved from New Haven of the Eastern League to the Phillies in 1923. At first, Wilson shared the Phillies' catching duties with veteran Butch Henline, but Wilson's superior offensive performance gradually won him the starting assignment. Wilson batted over .300 in both the 1925 and 1926 seasons. His true value was behind the plate, however, and he was regarded as one of the era's best signal callers. In 1927, he played in a career high 128 games, but his batting average and OPS dropped, as did his value to the team. On May 11, 1928, Wilson made baseball history when he was traded by the Phillies to the Cardinals, for

Stuff and Things For Your Weekend

This phan was spotted at Citizens Bank Park during Wednesday night pennant winner. I have mixed feelings about this head carving. Initially, I am all about team spirit and I fondly remember carving things in my hair for my 13 year old all star baseball team to support our team...however, that was in 1990 and since it's no longer 1990 and etching things into your head is no longer all that cool, I'll have to go the route of clowning on this guy. Nice hair cut, Mr. Silly Pants! Why don'tcha put a cap on that head? -------------------------- Links for you to enjoy... The Dallas Morning News has a good article on their hometown boy and Phillies broadcaster Scott Franzke. Check that out here . David Murphy talks about the potential World Series roster and the status of Antonio Bastardo. Read that here . ESPN's Jayson Stark thinks Brett Myers may have not pitched his last game for the Phillies. Link here . Upon Official Review is the newest entrant on the PhoulBallz blog rol

Phinally, Your Own Anthem

Ladies and gentlemen, I happily introduce you to rapper NeeKo! He's on YouTube and it seems that this remake of Jay Z's Empire State of Mind is about to blow up. It's an instant classic for Philadelphia! NeeKo's lyrics in this track are dynamic...metaphors and punchlines that are chuckle inducing with assertions that spark pride. I thought this song was necessary last week when I heard post game locker room interviews with Phillies players, while the original Jay Z homage to NYC played in the back ground. Philadelphia, here is your anthem. With the Phillies continuing to make their run at a championship repeat, city and regional pride is growing, so pass this track on to anyone who will enjoy it. They call him NeeKo. This is for my people! Ill state of mind everywhere that we go! ------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

"It's Always Sunny" Does the World Series

The FX Network's mature comedy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia featured a story line themed around the Phillies, the World Series and a parking violation in this week's episode. If you missed it, be on the look out for an encore broadcast Saturday night at 11:30. It's Always Sunny stars Danny DeVito as a bar owner who rolls with his adult children and their group of dysfunctional friends as they all take part in wild antics and offend everyone they encounter. ----------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

Umpire Changes and Magazine Honors

MLB is changing their methods of selecting World Series umpires, due to poor judgements and bad calls in this year's postseason. Sources within MLB spoke on condition of anonymity, because the announcements are no yet official. In 24 of the past 25 Fall Classics the 6-man umpiring crew has included at least one umpire working his first World Series. According to the Associated Press, in each of the past two years, there were three first time Series workers on the crew. MLB will not allow any "newbies" to get in the mix this year, with longtime crew chiefs Joe West, Dana DeMuth & Gerry Davis, in addition to veterans Brian Gorman, Jeff Nelson & Mike Everitt all slated to call the games. Reportedly, C.B. Bucknor was in line to call the Series, but blown calls in game 1 of this year's division series with the Angels and Red Sox hurt his chances. Phil Cuzzi's "foul" call that was clearly fair by a foot or more, in the Twins/Yankees game...Tim McC

Back 2 (the Future) Back

As I watched game 5 of the National League Championship Series from section 418 on Wednesday night, sitting next to my 15 year old cousin, Eric, I looked over at him a lot. Occasionally, whether on the baseball diamond when I've coached Eric's Babe Ruth League team, or at home witnessing how he reacts to things, I see much of myself in him. Never have I felt like I was looking into a time delayed mirror more than at NLCS game 5. I glanced at Eric and saw myself sitting in the 600 level of Veterans Stadium at game 6 of the 1993 NLCS. In 1993, I was a year older than my cousin is now, but I could tell that his state of mind was exactly the same as mine was back then. As I watched that '93 Phillies team excel, achieve great feats and go farther than anyone expected, I knew I was watching something terrific, and I knew it was more than worthy of celebration...but I don't think I appreciated the team enough. I don't think I was grateful enough that MY team was going

The Phillies Won the Pennant!

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FACT- Raul Ibanez is Latino in America.

Check out the video promo of Rauuuuuul sitting down with CNN for their feature on Americans of Latino descent. The program will be broadcast tonight (10/21) and tomorrow (10/22) on CNN at 9pm EST. No details on which broadcast will include Ibanez. I have a feeling that if Ibanez is on tonight's show, many Phillies phans will miss it, since there's some important game being played in Philadelphia. Hopefully, CNN will arrange their content accordingly. The CNN specials will feature George Lopez and Eva Longoria, among others. The goal of the show is to examine issues from immigration to education and the American dream with these individuals. Soledad O'Brien hosts. ----------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

NLCS Game 5 Preview: Dodgers at Phillies

With the Phillies leading the National League Championship Series 3-1, they have one chance to clinch a World Series berth at home. Philadelphia is wildly anticipating game 5 tonight. Read on for details on the pitching match ups and other key information from this game. Wednesday, 8:07pm. Vicente Padilla (12-6, 4.46 ERA in the regular season. 1-0, 0.62 ERA in the '09 post season) vs. Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA in regular season. 1-1, 6.97 ERA in the '09 post season). Padilla is 10-11 with a 4.98 ERA in 26 career starts at Citizens Bank Park. Padilla is still undefeated as a Dodger in 10 games. Opponents are batting .160 against Padilla in 2 post season games. Colbert's ERA in his last 5 starts is 7.00. Cole is 5-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 8 career post season starts. In 3 LCS games against Los Angeles, Hamels is 3-1 with a 3.26 ERA. Casey Blake and Matt Kemp are a combined 11-for-56 (.196 avg) this post season. Jim Thome is a career .222 hitter in 64 post season games with 17

Manny Bathing Manny

Have you heard the one about the performance enhancing drug user who ditched his team in the playoffs to take a shower and get ready to leave the ball field? No? Oh, well then you missed today's news about Manny Ramirez. Radio stations all over the region, and sports writers from coast to coast laid into Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez for taking to the club house during Monday night's game 4 of the National League Championship Series, after he was removed for a defensive replacement, in order to disrobe, shower and perhaps attempt to dodge the press. On Sunday night, Manny was asked by a reporter about Philadelphia phans having the notion he had taken steroids, following chants from the crowd asserting the concept. All Manny could say was, "Next...". With a 1 run lead in the 9th inning, on Monday night, it seemed that Manny felt that the game was locked up and the Dodgers were sure to tie the series and force at least one more game back in Los Angeles. Ramirez didn

Greatest Comeback I've Ever Witnessed

I was lucky enough to be in the building for the Phillies' game 4 NLCS walk off victory. I would like to write about it as though I'm reporting on it. I'd love to be able to jot down a story and go off to bed, like I did after game 3, but I don't think that is possible. I feel like I did last year following game 5.2 of the World Series. I was up all night, unable to come down off of that Phillies high. I have the same feeling right now. You all know what happened. I don't need to tell you all a story about the game. It's very likely you've got the image of Jimmy Rollins lacing that double off Jonathan Broxton burned in you brain, frame by frame already. I know I do. With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, my lady began to collect her things, strapping her purse on across herself. I shot her a quick look as though to convey, "What are you doing?" She shot back, "I'm getting ready to go." I replied, "I'm getting ready to

TKO in South Philly

Cliff Lee hurled another sparkling gem while big offensive blows from Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Carlos Ruiz, Pedro Feliz and Shane Victorino buried the Dodgers, and the Phillies took a 2-1 series lead in the National League Championship Series with an 11-0 victory on Sunday night. Lee dazzled the crowd and embarrassed the NL's leading hitting ball club with 8 shut out innings. Lee allowed just 3 hits as he lowered his post season ERA to 0.73 in 3 starts. It was a historic night in South Philadelphia. Not only did the Phillies' 11-0 win set a mark for largest margin of defeat in the team's post season history, but Ryan Howard also set the all time MLB record for consecutive post season games with an RBI (in a single post season) at 7. Howard learned of the feat after the game when TBS correspondent sharp dressing Craig Seger asked him about it. Howard was suprised and admitted it was quite an accomplishment. Los Angeles starter Hiroki Kuroda, who had some solid success agai

NLCS Preview, Games 3 & 4: Dodgers at Phillies

Tied 1-1, the Los Angeles Dodgers come to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies in the 2009 National League Championship Series. Following an implosion by the Phillies' bullpen, in the 8th inning of game 2, that gave Los Angeles a win, ace pitcher Cliff Lee will get the start for the Phils, which could mean a night off for the team's relief corps, if Lee continues with his postseason dominance. Read on for details on the pitching match ups and other key notes for these games. Sunday, 8:07pm. Hiroki Kuroda (8-7, 3.76 ERA) vs. Cliff Lee (14-13, 3.22 ERA). Kuroda is 1-0 with a 0.95 ERA and a .100 batting avg. against in 3 games against the Phillies. Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins are a combined 0-for-19 off of Kuroda. Opponents are batting just .186 against Lee in two games this post season. Lee is 4-2 with a 2.21 ERA in 6 starts at Citizen Bank Park as a Phillie this year. Monday, 8:07pm. Randy Wolf (11-7, 3.23 ERA) vs. Joe Blanton (12-8, 4.05 ERA). In 27 career