Results tagged ‘ 2011 ’
Once Upon A Time, Joe Blanton. The End.
Today on “Hot Stove” on MLB Network, Mitch Williams stated that the Phillies would have made a smart move if they had traded Joe Blanton and Placido Polanco for the Rangers’ third basemen Michael Young. Bull ****.
I don’t know how many times I have seen Phillies fans make the most pointless comments by arguing that Joe Blanton should have been traded somewhere, anywhere, for money. You must be a narcissistic, apathetic fool to listen to those who say “get rid of Blanton!” Think about this, would you rather be a fan of a team with an absolutely perfect starting rotation and a very minor issue in right field, or a team with fifth-starter issues as well as the minor right field issue? I take the first one.
As for Placido, the Phillies simply cannot replace a guy like him, all the man does is hit and field third base perfectly, and I have never, ever complained about him. Around this time last year, the major issue was who the fifth starter would be, Kendrick or Moyer. Eventually we would need both of them for the fourth and fifth spot, but that is not the point. The point is that we have the greatest rotation in all of Major League Baseball, so why would a fan of this rotation want to get rid of a part of it? I do not want to relive the fifth-starter issue, and I am very thankful to be a fan and a writer of this team which is nearly perfect.
Wait a moment though, what would have happened if we did get rid of Heavy B? Would Kyle Kendrick take the job? Vance Worley? I suppose we will have to wait another season to see who becomes the fifth starter, and who remains a relief pitcher in the ‘pen.
For now, take a breath, we only have to wait three more days (oh my God) until pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Clearwater, then once April 1st comes around in 50 days, we will no longer be deprived of baseball!
10 and 20
10 Reasons Why I Cannot Wait Until Spring Training:
- I have been deprived of baseball for 112 days which is 112 days too many.
- The fact that I have to wait 7 more days is tearing me apart.
- I love seeing the truck leave for Clearwater, but I love seeing it arrive even more.
- There is still a very small possibility that I may attend a game in Clearwater.
- When pitchers and catchers report, it’s like seeing peanut butter and jelly together, it’s just…right.
- During the first full-team exercise, I feel like the Phillies are holding a family reunion.
- When the games are broadcasted during the day, I will run off of my school bus and plant my butt on the couch for the rest of the game.
- I get to see the Phillies win victoriously before the season even starts.
- I have been told that my school work is much more consistent when baseball starts.
- Phillies Spring Training is just a fancy term for “a preview of the 2011 World Series Champions.”
High Expectations Part 3
Outfield regulars:
Raul Ibanez, LF-
What do we even think of Raul anymore? Do we love him? Dislike him? Do we think he’s an oldie? Well our current left fielder is currently 39 years old, which won’t benefit us much this season. I don’t expect much offense from him this year, I expect the same amount of power last year, you know, under twenty homers, maybe 60 or so RBI, and a batting average around .270.
Shane Victorino, CF-
Shane is still the everything man. He can do anything he wants to do in the game of Baseball. If you expect Shane to steal a bag in a game, he’ll steal 3 and then hit a 3-run homerun the next inning. He’s a three-time Gold Glove Award winner, and we will definitely be able to see that in him this season. There is no reason to put in a right and left fielder because Shane can just cover all of that ground. Just kidding, he’s not THAT good. I can see him hitting in the lead off spot and achieving career-high’s in homer’s, RBI, doubles, triples, and bases stolen this year, as long as he doesn’t take his annual trip to the disabled list. Gosh, he’s so lovable.
High Expectations Part 2
Infield regulars:
Ryan Howard, 1B-
Ryan Howard this year should easily be able to turn the power on, and never let it get turned off. After RyHo’s ankle injury last season, he only hit 8 homerun’s, and if you have not realized, he’s supposed to be the homerun king of the team. Some may argue that Ryan Howard just doesn’t have “it” anymore, but he’s a star, he truly is. The postseason was not his place in ’09 or ’10, but those weren’t our years anyway. This year will be our year. It’s not very often that Ryan commits an error at first, he’s only committed 78 in his 7 years as a Phil’, which isn’t awful if you think about it. Defense=solid. Offense=solid, as long as he stays injury free.
Chase Utley, 2B-
Chase was overly idle last season (don’t stretch a single into a double anymore, please) and that is the only flaw I could find. Defense was great, and offense was pretty much there. I’m going to be saying this a lot in this article, but as long as he stays away from the disabled list, he should be incredible as always. Order your ticket’s now for Utley’s corner (over here, insert filtered image of section) because that should be the prime spot for a ball hit by Mr. Utley.
High Expectations Part 1
Starting Pitchers:
Roy Halladay-
Do I even have to say anything? The man is an ace. The creme de la creme. He’s more than likely already in Clearwater, 3 weeks early, running steps and using Jose Contreras as a dumbbell. 2011 is going to be a great year for Doc, in fact, I can already see him starting in the All-Star Game (for more than 1 inning) and I can also see the rest of the NL fear him, especially the Reds and our NL East brothers. I love what Roy does, he’s the greatest pitcher in all of the majors in my eyes. This season will be a lot “funner” than last season.
Cliff Lee-
Holy f*ck, Cliff Lee. I honestly don’t know what to say about Clifton. I’ve already let out all of my excitement, so now it’s business time. Cliff Lee in 2010 pitched for the Mariners (8-3, 2.34, 89 K, 6 BB) and the Rangers (4-6, 3.98, 96 K, 12 BB), and look where that led the Rangers. I’m not concerned at all with his pitching abilities, I have complete confidence in him and expect nothing short of an ace.
Wilson Valdez’s Fate
It’s been a while since I’ve really talked about any players. I’ve talked about this guy alot, because he’s my favorite unsung hero; Wilson Valdez a.k.a Castaway. He has had his moments of fame from time to time, but I have a feeling that 2011 isn’t going to be a big year for him.
The only reason why Wilson Valdez played in 111 games in 2010, is because of the incredible amount of injuries between Chase Utley, Placido Polanco, and Jimmy Rollins.
Here’s what I’m thinking, if Jimmy Rollins has an injury-free season, and proves himself to be re-signable after the 2011 season, then Wilson Valdez isn’t going to see many opportunites. There’s always the fear that Placido or Chase are going to be sent to the DL again, which is the only way that Wilson will be the man to go to, to fill in the place of that injured player.
But, what if all three regulars have above average seasons without injury? Then what? Poor Wilson is left to fill in their spots only if Skipper Charlie Manuel gives them an off day.
There is a topic that many are avoiding: the 2011-2012 off-season. I’m dreading to see what will happen to free agents such as Cole Hamels and Jimmy Rollins. I can honestly see Jimmy Rollins being traded for $$, and Wilson Valdez replacing him in 2012. Which would leave room on the budget for Cole Hamels. That’s my theory, for now anyway, it’s up to their performances in 2011.
I hate to say it, because it kills me, but I really wish Wilson Valdez could play right field at CBP (keep it phresh, yo) because that would make the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies the (here comes a Jimmy quote) team to beat.
Your 2011 Starting Outfielders?
The hot stove is starting to heat up in Orlando as the GM’s meet, and recently there has been word of Ruben Amaro Junior being close to signing a deal with former Mets & Rangers outfielder Jeff Francoeur a.k.a Frenchy. This makes me wonder, is he going to be the new Jayson Werth? Jeff’s defense is pretty damn impressive, I remember back in the 2010 season when a few fly balls were hit his way and he jumped against the right field wall to catch them, which led to me tweeting, “damn you, Francoeur!” So if he is indeed added to the team, I would be OK with that. What happens to Dom Brown then? Or John Mayberry? I guess they’ll stay utility players. As for left field, I’ve heard a few rumors swirling around Twitter that RAJ is keeping a close eye on Matt Diaz, former Braves’ left fielder. Makes sense because I don’t see Ruben re-signing Raul Ibanez after his time is done here. Remember, Raul is 38 years old…
Here’s my scenario of what would be a hilarious but not suprising starting outfield:
Beardsy McGee or Big Chaddy D?
That was probably the worst attempt at nick-name’s…Ever. But anywho, recently, the Phillies have offered salary arbitration to Jayson Werth who is a Type-A free agent this offseason, and they did not offer this to Chad Durbin, one of our better right-handed bullpen fellas who is a Type-B free agent. So which would you rather see on the Phillies’ 2011 roster? I say Chad Durbin (please don’t hurt me).
Sorry, Jayson Werth fans, but it’s not going to happen. We all know what he’s asking for but if he accepts arbitration, we’ll have him on the team for another year, but I don’t see that happening. He has to respond soon though, because he only has until November 30th! I picked Chad Durbin for alot of reasons. Here’s my thesis: Keep a reliable righty in the bullpen because we will need him, I mean, we’ll really need him. Jayson is 31 years old and wants a 7-year deal with a 9-figure salary. Chad Durbin will most likely be a short-term deal for a 7-figure salary. I’ll refer back to one of my older articles where I stated that we need to filter some youth into this franchise or else our starting pitchers and every day players will need canes and walkers on the field. Just kidding, Jamie Moyer sets a prime example for how well baseball player’s can play no matter how old they are. By the way, we’ll miss you, old man.
So I want to go with Chad Durbin. We simply don’t need Jayson anymore. Do I still want to see him play in this club? Yes of course, but we have other players that can field just as well as Jayson. The number’s may not match up perfectly, but in the long run, Domonic Brown and Ben Francisco will probably combine to be a super-human and take over right field. LOL, jk.
As for our bullpen, we’re going to need more than Madson and Lidge. Yes, they’re good but we sort of need long-relief guys. Durbin fills that position just fine. Don’t forget, we still have Contreras, Bastardo, Worley, Kendrick (starter in ’11?), Mike Zagurski, and Danys Baez. Raise your hand if you really want to see Baez next season…Exactly. With that being said, I choose Durbin over Jayson.
We have the offense (I think, and hope), now let’s see some incredible pitching in 2011 just like H20 in 2010! +Joe Blanton.
mlblogscbphresh
Recent Comments