I Was There.

I attended the game at Citizens Bank Park yesterday, and it's an amazing, beautiful ballpark. My watering hole was Harry the K's where I could get a glass of wine or a mixed drink, fun place to go to get out of the sun while watching the game. I was pleasently surprised by how big the crowd was, then again it was a Sunday game and it was Memorial Day weekend, so yeah. Nice crowd, lots of families attending the game. Talked with many baseball fans, and had a lot of fun.

As for where I sat, I was right behind Bobby Abreu in right field, and in between innings when Abreu was throwing to A-Row, everyone in the stands would call "BOBBY! BOBBY THOW US ONE! BOBBY OVER HERE!" Then right before the game started he would throw the ball randomly into the stands. If Abreu didn't comply he was either booed or fans just sulked away disappointed. Overall-good times!

I couldn't find an Aaron Rowand shirt though, they must of sold out of them, or haven't had any in stock yet!

As for me, I went by myself by taking the train and then the subway there. Can't wait to go back on Wednesday, May 31st for the game against the Nationals.

The Phils played some good baseball yesterday, and Madison was amazing. Not bad for a 22 year old kid, and he did nicely, except in the second inning where the Brew Crew hit 2 homers and got booed immensly from the crowd.

Here are some articles from yesterdays game, both from the Inky.

Utley's Urgency: Hustle Helps Energize Scuffling Phils by Jim Salisbury
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14690982.htm

Against Madison, Brewers Tapped Out by Todd Zolceki
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14690983.htm

Good luck Phils against the Nationals tonight.

I smelled something fishy...but we still won.

I don't care what anyone else thinks at the moment, or if they are pissed about the loss-but it's the bottom of the 10th inning, and the Brewers pitcher intentionally throws AWAY from Bobby Abreu; because the Brew Crew knew who was at the bat next: Robertson. Yet just about any Phillies Phan knows Roberson should be back in the minors and not in the bigs.

The Brew Crew knew that Roberson would blow it, and that is what happened. Our best players were already thrown out or were on base (Abreu, Utley and Victorino), all were loaded and ready to run. We get the rookie on bat and he blows the game.

However it was ONE HELL OF A GAME! The Phils played with everything in there arsenal and continued to fight until the rookie came on; it was bloody, tension filled and awesome! The Phillies, despite the loss still played like winners and it shown completely in front of the home crowd. No matter what one may think, we still played and fought to the bitter end.

I just hope everyone can acknowledge that at the end of the game, no matter is your a cynic or a optimist.

One great thing is that everyone at CBP got a Chase Utley bobble figure-very cool! :) Did anyone else think the Phillie Phantic was having a ball at the game too. I love that green, gonzo, weird
looking figure, am I the only one?

Good luck to the Phils as they continue the fight tomorrow and Sunday, when I'll finally be attending Citizens Bank Park. On another note, AARON ROWARD IS BACK!

Stupid Stuff!

Your Life Path Number is 7

Your purpose in life is to find truth and meaning You are very spiritual, and you are interested in the mysteries of life. You are quite analytical and a great thinker. You have many theories and insights. A life of solitude is perfect for you. You need time to think and do things your way. In love, you are quite charming. You attract many with your confidence and wit. While you enjoy being alone, sometimes you take it to an extreme. You can become too isolated, shutting out loved ones and friends. Express yourself a little bit more, and you'll be surprised where it takes you!

What Is Your Life Path Number?

More pics from yesterdays game!

Here are some more pictures from last nights game, from the AP of course. My favorite photograph is the one of Victorino on the ground against the purple background. Nice.

We Won! We Won!

The Phils won 5-3 against the Mets, yeah! Now onto to another homestead, this time against the Brewers (a.k.a the Brew Crew). Since I didn't see the game, I'm going to share some nice AP photos with everyone in the next few post.

Congratulations and good luck against the Brewers back in Philadelphia, and then the Nationals the next week! So who wants to open a bottle of bubbly for the occasion?

Chase Utley Makes the Sporting New

Unfortunately I cannot get the article, however Chase Utley is the second story in the Sporting News. Check it out at your local bookstore! The article, "The Phillies' Chase Utley, Second to None."

Turn the Sound Off!

Am I the only one who thinks the soundtrack at Shea Stadium is annoying? Can't they find something more subtle or turn down the volume because I can hear it on my TV. Sheesh. Now back to the game.

Cole Hamels update...

As reported on Comcast Sportsnet as of 6:00 PM, Cole "Hollywood" Hamels has a strained left shoulder and will be on the 15 day DL and won't be playing until June 9/10th at the latest. Big ouch for the Phils, since we really have a mediocre pitching team at best-but could be better.

However, we have Rowand and Liberthal back on Saturday when we go against the Brewers at CBP. I'll be seeing these guys back in the bullpen on Sunday afternoon; I just hope the game doesn't last 16+ innings and even if it is, I'll be warm and sunny. So welcome back A-Row and Liby!

I would like to mention that Ryan Madison did well last night, something I forgot to mention on my last post. Madison made at least 105+ pitches last night, practically going for an entire game. Impressive to say the least, it was quite a performance. The unfortunate aspect is that he "gave up" one and we all know what happened to that.

Bring Me the Head of Charlie Manuels

Well plodding through the Phillies blogs and message boards was quite an adventure this morning, with everyone either hung over from the extended loss last night or just blantly pissed beyond belief. Yeah I bought myself some port and stilton cheese for dessert for tonight, so getting hung over won't be a problem.

As for me I was:

a) Too damn tired to give a shit,

and

b) Felt indifferent.

Along those lines, everyone also wanted to call for Manuels termination as GM of the 2006 Philadelphia Phillies, and I don't blame anyone for feeling that disgusted and disappointed. What happened last night was insane, like the last two seasons of the X-Files. It was a train wreck waiting to happen but you can't help but to look at it anyway, and as that wide, far out ball hit by the opposite team went "outta here!" I knew we were seriously screwed.

However, as PO'd as everyone is at the moment, about the bullpen, the management, the players, they're lack of skill or they're great ball playing; let's just step back a moment. Just give me a minute before you go on to whatever else you are doing. Disclaimer: I am not a Manuels apologist by any means, I give everyone the criticism they deserve.

First off, stop setting up big expectations for the team, not everyone makes it to the playoffs and even when they get to the playoffs they may not make it to the pennet or World Series. There are some players that we have that shouldn't even be in the bigs in the first place like Nuez and Franklin, and something is going on with J-Roll lately that I can't seem to understand.

Second of all, relax and just enjoy the game for what it is than for what it isn't. I like baseball because I like baseball first, and I bleed red and gray second; but at the end of the day I still love the game irregardless of who is playing whom and when and where, etc. That doesn't make me an unloyal Phillies fan; I love the Phils, I've loved them since I was a child in 1994 when I was in Girl Scouts and got the chance to see a few games with our group.

Yet I'm not going to waste my time being pissed off, or quit watching the games because my team is losing; lifes to short to be pissed about a ball game while there are more pressing issues happening out in the world at the moment like the Iraq War, constant tax cuts for the rich, AIDS spreading in Africa, genocide in Sudan.

I think calling for Charlie Manuels head is the least of our problems as a whole, and let's just keep the game in perspective with everything else happening at the moment.

As for tonight, I'm deeply saddened to hear that King Cole will not be playing because of a broken arm/shoulder. Big bummer there. Lidle will be starter tonight instead.

Some of my hopes:

I hope Utley, Howard, Abreu, and Victorino can hit a few homers, especially Utley who can't seem to function when he is at another teams stadium. Howard was off last night and couldn't seem to get one in the stands either.

It would be prudent to use our best pitchers (Gordon) and batters in the last few innings, especially when the score is at a tie or close.

Score early and keep at it up until the very last minute; since one major problem with the Phillies is inconsistency. When the Phillies play well, they play really well; but when they are bad they are horrible. Trying to get one in the hole would be nice, especially when the bases are loaded.

I hope David Bell has another sweet night.

At this point, it's all up in the air; good luck with your game tonight Phils, just make it shorter so I can go to sleep by 11 PM than at 12:30 AM.

Game Over....Finally... and Possible New Rivalies

Good morning everyone and I'm writing this now instead of later with the sun rising in the East; and when I might forget everything. If your a Phils fan and you hate the Mets you now really HATE the Mets but your also frusterated at the Phils. A new rivalry perhaps? Or did we always hate the Mets for g_d only knows how long.... well this was covered in Smokin' Steve All Atheltic blog: by all means read and check it out for yourself:

http://http://smokinsports.blogspot.com/2006/05/philadelphia-rivalries.html

As for me, I'm putting on Conan and hitting the sheets. As for my commentary, it'll be written tomorrow when I'm not deprived of sleep.

Good night and good luck.

Longest Game Ever.... ::snore::

I'm tired...are you tired?

15 innings and I'm on pin needles wondering when this blasted thing is going to end. I want to sleep and then I'm freaked out at the prospect that the Phillies are going to loose and loose badly and then I'm going to be depressed for the rest of the day. I would rather be awake then worry about what the hell I missed or didn't miss.

C'mon Phils, you can do it. Just win the blasted game already, it's May 24th for goodness sake.'

IN THE PRESS...

There is this nice article on Cole Hamels that was published in todays New York Times and The Philadelphia Daily News, and it's not a bad read either. Check it out:

Phillies Prospect Has Stuff Dreams are Made of... by Lee Jenkins (NYT)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/23/sports/baseball/23mets.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Hamels Effective but Looking for Better Control by Marcus Hayes:
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/baseball/14645227.htm

Here is one on Ryan Howard in the Philadelphia Inquier:

Howard Keeps Hammering Away at Sophmore Jinx, Lefthanders by Todd Zolecki: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/baseball/14643448.htm

Alright I've got to get ready for work. See ya later everyone.

Correction; minor notes

I want to make a correction, Utley hit a homer in the second/third inning for the (May 20, 2006), sorry about my mistake since I wan't around to watch the game. I just wanted to correct myself.

Good luck at Shea, Phils and continue on a new winning steak-just make it even longer and much more eventful than before.

On another note, I'll be going to the game on Sunday, May 28th against the Brewers and will be bringing back pictures. I have a seat in the 1oo level in the outfield. Who knows, if I'm lucky I might catch a ball and get the chance to see A-Row back in action again. This will also be my first time seeing Citizens Bank Park and I'm looking forward to it.

On another funny note, one of my co-workers a big Phillies fan and now her and I talk about the Phils are the time. See being a Phillies fan can be a good thing, you make new friends out of it.

Chris Costa will be living a life long dream to finally play in the majors, read article down below:

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060522&content_id=1466176&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

Have a good night or good morning y'all.

Phils Win against BoSox 10-5, A-Gon Retires

Well it's nice to see Bobby Abreu get his grove back, and I'm more than pleased to see that we won. The BoSox are one hell of a team, but the Phils aren't a disaster. Unfortunately I couldn't catch the game due to my dreaded job (I wish I was back at school again). So congradulations to the Phils and good luck at Shea Stadium tomorrow.

It's also the Phillies Pfestival today, so if your going have a good time, working for a great cause (ALS)!

Alex Gonzalaz retires from the Phils, good luck for whatever you may do in the future A-Gon.

Dellucci and roids accusations-oy vey.

There's not much to say other than everyone have a great day!

Make Lieber Closing...

Seriously make him a closing pitcher, if he can't focus for nearly 5-6 innings just stick with him pitching in the later innings when we need him the most. He can pitch, the problem is that he eventually gets tired on the mound and loses concentration throwing more walks or possible HRs. It's just how I see it, and based on the guys from Comcast Sportsnet analysis after the game I think it might be the best thing to do. I think it's worth a try for another game in the future, instead of having him as a starter. Keep Corimer, Geary out of it for a while or keep them in the outfield-or just bench them.

Other observations:

-Does Rameriez and Ortiz hit anything that is thrown at them...I mean seriously, who the hell does that? Anyone? Hell, how the hell does the Red Sox do all those hits? Sheesh.

-Chase Utley is the man! Home run in the sixth inning, which is still six innings too soon.

-Ryan Howard still has it in him and hits a homer as well. Nice going guys. He's a great first baseman as well, keep him there.

-J-Roll, stop stinking up the diamond and go home, you still can't seem to hit the ball out of the park if your life depended on it. You keep striking out instead of taking a page from a vet like Abreu and just walk it. Same of A-Gon and Neuiz, stop-just stop already.

-No matter what certain people say on the blogs and Phillies messages boards, I still like Abreu and he still gets himself on base when he can. He may not hit homers all that often but he gets the job done in that regard.

-Keep the "Flying Hawaiian" in the Phillies and sign him a contract while your at it. He's a good kid and can play the game well. Not bad at base either.

Well everyone good night and good luck and the same to the Phils tomorrow night.

OT: Preakness Stakes

Local favorite, Barbaro is the 2-1 favorite for Pimlico today, just as Smarty Jones was 2 years ago. Here is the lineup and prospects. Unfortunately I won't be watching the race since I'll be at work-but here's to Barbaro!

Like Now 19-1
platinum Couple 28-1
Hemingway's Key 30-1
Greeley's Legacy 38-1
Brother Derek 7-2
Barbaro 2-1
Sweetnorthernsaint 6-1
Bernardini 17-1
Diabiolical 24-1

Good luck to all the horses tonight and may the best horse win!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update:

Barbaro was injured, breaking his foreleg just a few lengths in, many believe he injured it by breaking early from the gate before the race was won. Sad, very said, not what one would expect to happen in a horse race but it does happen. Rare but it happens. I was deeply saddened to find this out when I got home and logged online. What's even more unsettling is the fact that Barbaro may never race again. I can only wish Barbaro and his owner and everyone who works with him my deepest sympathies.

As for the horse that won-Bernardini-his win was over shadowed by Barbaros injury. Either way it's was just one sad, ugly day.

Just...There really aren't any words to say about that. It's just so unfortunate... Reminds me of how I felt when Smarty Jones lost to Birdstone in 2004: Just sad.

Phillies vs BowSox: Or How I Learned to Relax and Just Love the Game, Even If We Lost

One of my favorite moments last night was watching Chase Utley, pausing, thinking before he hit the ball into right field during the bottom of the seventh; bringing two of his teammates to home base. I may of been watching the game on my small 13 inch TV, but if you couldn't pick up what Utley was thinking your either dead or weren't paying attention. It was one of those bizarre moments when fate is placed on your shoulders and you know whatever move you make can change everything. Yet as Utley stepped up to the plate he knew what to do-and mustered up enough to round that little white ball into right field.

And it was one sweet play.

My other favorite moment, A-Row, the phenomenal Aaron Rowand getting a STANDING OVATION, put a big smile on my face and his too. Can't wait to see A-Row, kicking ass and taking names around May 26th when the Phils should play against the dreaded Brewers, also when everyone who goes gets a Chase Utley bobblehead. Hey I want one of those, it would look cute on my desk and make a great paper weight!

It's nice to see Bobby Abreu get his swing back, he almost, just barely got that home run but it was a nice effort.

Oh yeah and...

HOME RUN FOR VICTORINO! Need I say more. HOME RUN FOR VICTORINO! It was his second this whole week. I hope we can see more of him even with Rowand back in the outfield, Victorino is a decent batter and should stick around for the sake of the team.

Okay so we lost, and we tried and I still can't figure out why the Phils Gonzales was put out to pitch in the 9th inning but was able to get one in the seventh. Guys I think its time to start getting homers or men on base in the earlier innings than in the later ones so we can SCORE and not just score but get a homer or two so we can score some more. And as for GM Manuels, please pull out the stops in the 9th, it helps and I mean really helps than putting out the mediocre players who can't do shit. Our pitching just stinks, our batters could be better or could hit more but don't when they should.

Funny thought: Did the whole of Boston really swoop down and invade Citizen Bank Park, and are they all going to stick around for the next two games?

Oh I chose the Cherry Vodka and a glass of Merlot, but I only had a few sips of the vodka, but my Phillies hat is still intact and sitting on my shelf.

Bummer.

Well on to game two.

We all need a good laugh...

Okay I didn't watch the game today because I had to work so I didn't get to see our golden boy, the cutie, Cole Hamels either. Just so you know that yes I am aware of the score and if anyone wants the low down as to what happened there are plenty of blogs you can go to with some great analysis. I'll be posting them later, sometime tomorrow, but right now I just want to relax.

On the main Phillies Message Board I found this link to to hilarious website called Cole Hamel Facts that I think anyone can enjoy. Besides, at this point I think us Phighten Phillies Phans need a good ol' laugh.

Here is a lofty sample:

In the beginning Cole created the heaven and the earth.
- And the Philadelphia was without form, and void; and The NL East was upon the face of the Phillies. And the Spirit of Cole moved upon the face of Philadelphia.
- And Cole said, Let there be light: and there was light.
- And Cole saw the light, that it was good: and Cole divided the light from the NL East.
- And Cole called the light Philadelphia, and the darkness he called New York.
- And Cole said, Let there be a World Series in the midst of the NL East, and let it divide the Philadelphia from the NL East.
- And Cole made two great pitches; the greater pitch to rule the New York, and the lesser pitch to rule the Atlanta: he made the stars also.
- And to rule over the NL East and over the National League, and to divide the Phillies from the National League: and Cole saw that it was good.
- And Cole blessed them, saying, Be a Dynasty, and win many World Serieses, and fill the NL East w/ sadness, and let the Philadelphians multiply and multiply.........on Broad Street
-And on the last day Cole refused to rest...pitching another 2 hit shuout, just for the Hell of it.

And here is the link:
http://mysite.verizon.net/heyjude421/chf/chf.html

And here is our cutie Cole!

Okay I admit it's not his most attractive picture but he sure is hot when he's in his element at the mound!

What the Hell Happened?

Okay I'm going to be straight forward, but what the *bleep* is going on, our offense is off and GM Manual keeps pulling out pitchers during the game. Floyd was doing well in the first five innings but instead of pulling out the prime arsenal of Cole Hamels-and boy he's got one nice arm on him (he will be opening at tonight Brewers game) he keeps putting in pitchers that aren't even half as good! I remember telling myself that if the Phils continue to be this bad-April bad-than I'll eat my new Phillies cap.

Or drink my three berry vodka--

I'm not sure yet.

C'mon fells, pull yourself out of a rut, you did it before and can do it again. Now that we will be going into sold out Red Sox Series at Citizen Bank Park, I'm begining to wonder, can we compete? Is the bullpen changed or is that a myth perpetuated by the press? Maybe the Phils will be lucky and pull a smart, fast game tonight.

I guess I'll have to see**

That's not to say the Brewers can play some mean ball, because they sure can from what I noticed the last two nights. They are one hell of a team.

**I'll be missing part of the game due to work, but will catch the last few innings.

What to Admire about Baseball!

What is it about baseball that is so enchanting? Is it the smell of cut grass, the popcorn and corkers, grilled hot dogs, the warm sun hitting my face as I watch one of the guys hit a ball into the outfield? There is a sort of romanticism about baseball and why we as a nation watch and embrace it as the warm, summer season arises from the chilly winter before. A phoenix that comes armed in a cap and baseball bat over his shoulder ready for battle.

Some view baseball as a philosophy on life, to others it's what one player did and what their statistics are against the guy the other team. Even though these statistics are important to the game (and they are), yet to me it's about strategy in the outfield and communication to the other players. It's also of outsmarting the other guy and then getting another chance to score in the next inning. It's trying to the figure the other guy out without letting them on to what you want to accomplish.

As for last nights game: Phillies vs. Brewers, the Phils lost to because of a mix of strategy and lack of defense from our part; Ryan Franklin throwing the ball to third base and missing as the Brewers went on to win 3-2. Teams lose, it happens and no one, including the player like it. Franklin, following the game lamented his mistake that cost the game to the press, and in the Inky.

Another debate has arose in regards to the Philadelphia Phillies, and if they're succeeding is just a fluke or are they the real deal. With the nine-winning streak, Aaron Rowands amazing catch, and the core of young players from Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins with a mix of the older players like Bobby Abreu, I think the team has made a dramatic turnaround from where they were even in April and dispute this rare loss (our second in May so far).

But it'll take more than just strategy to win the game but also heart, as A-Row pulled into the game last week by running into the right field fence, breaking his nose and bruising the area just below his left eye. Courage doesn't hurt either, but put the two together and it's a winning combination.

So we lost one game so far in this series, but we'll be back-just you watch!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are some links from the game last night from the Philadelphia inquire and Philadelphia Daily News:

Phils toss one away against the Brewers by Todd Zolecki
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14597740.htm

Phils of April return for a night by Marcus Hayes
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14597916.htm

And here is the commentary on whether the Phils had made a complete 180 or not-

Phils hustling up a new image by Sam Donnellon
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/14597913.htm

Good luck to the Phillies against the Brewers tonight!

Welcome to the Blog!

Hello and welcome to my blog "Knock the Cover Off the Ball" which is a familiar phrase in baseball meaning "to succeed beyond expectation." This is a Philadelphia Phillies Fan blog, and I will be covering the Phillies and the occassional other sports around the Philadelphia area.

Besides the Phillies I'll also be talking about my life, politics, and being a college student on her way to getting her BA in Anthropology with a minor in History at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

So can I knock the cover off the ball, on this blog and on life? Well only time can tell.