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!
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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!