Fielder On His Way Out Of Milwaukee

Lately there has been a lot of talk about how Gonzalez and Pujols were affected by the contract signing of Ryan Howard (five-year, $125 million). Basically it set the market, it may have also forced Fielder right out of Milwaukee. The Brewers would love to bring their young slugger back, but it seems far less likely now that Fielder might be able to get around $20 million a year for the next 5-7 years.

I really didn't think they would be able to bring him back, and I think Fielder would like to play for a big market team that has a lot of media coverage (that is just a feeling, no real proof). So, if we entertain the thought that he is out the door you would think the Red Sox would be picking up the phone before the deadline. Some people think they may hold off to get Adrian Gonzalez, but I can really picture this happening. Anyways, here is a list of teams that would most likely be challenging the Red Sox for him...

- White Sox
- Dodgers
- Braves
- Mariners

Ryan Howard Signs 5 year Deal

The Phillies and Ryan Howard agreed upon a 5 year, 125 million dollar deal. The reason that this is important? Well this will be sort of what the Sox will have to pay for Albert Pujols. I think it will be more around 30 a year, but what can you do? But this is a good deal for the Phils who secure a young power hitting first baseman, who is really the cornerstone of their offense. Even though he strikes out a lot and may not have the highest batting average he certainly makes up for it with his power numbers. The boy has hit over 45 homeruns the past few years and doesn't look to slow down.

2009 Homerun Derby Tonight

Well the HR derby is once again upon us, and yet I don't think I could care less. It is damn obvious the AL doesn't give a shit. I mean look who is in it for them...

Nelson Cruz
Carlos Pena
Joe Mauer
Brandon Inge

I mean what a fucking joke. I will probably still watch, but I have to say the HR derby bothers me. First off the baseballs are so juiced it's crazy. It looks like a superball coming off the bat, but enough of my hating lets get to my picks.

The NL squad is...

Prince Fielder
Adrian Gonzalez
Ryan Howard
Albert Pujols

At least the NL put their best players out there. Pujols is obviously the favorite, then Howard, but I am going to have to pick Pena. The guy hits bombs, and I just think he will be all jacked up about being in the event. Call me crazy, but that's my pick (it doesn't hurt he is on my fantasy team).

BMack's Pick: Carlos Pena

Ryan Howard Gets Paid

Howard and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract on Sunday, avoiding a potentially contentious arbitration hearing.

The 2006 NL MVP will earn $15 million this season, $19 million next year and $20 million in 2011. He can increase the base salary by $1 million in each of the last two years if he wins the MVP award during the previous year. He can boost it by $500,000 if he finishes second.

He deserves it. He is one of the best power hitters in the MLB and is the offense for the Phillies. Howard led the majors with 48 homers and 146 RBIs last season while helping the Phillies win their first World Series title since 1980. I think that is good enough reason. If Howard continues to tear it up, I expect he might be the first 30 million dollar a year guy in three years. The Phillies now have Hammels and Howard locked up, and have a great platform for the future.

Ryan Howard Wants $18M

"Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard asked for $18 million in salary arbitration Tuesday, the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974 (ESPN)."

I have been reading a lot of people shitting on Howard for this, but I have to say I don't get it. If a team isn't willing to give him a big contract why not ask for a shit load at arbitration? Look, J.D. Drew is making $14 million, so asking for $18 million doesn't sound so crazy. Do I think he will get it? No, but I do think he will get more than the $14 million the Phillies offered him. I bet he gets about 16-17 million, due to how much a player like him usually makes, and what the Yankees have done this offseason. Look at his stats, this is a guy who is hitting almost 50 HRs in a time when HR numbers are going down. The only reason people could bitch is because his batting average has been sliding the last 2 years, but I think all that matters is OBPs, and other than last year he has been right around .400, which is awesome. Oh yea, on top of all that they are World Series Champions.

-BMack

Phillies One Win Away

Talk about encouraging, last nights 10-2 win was exactly what Philly fans wanted to see. Rollins got on base 4 times and is finally hitting the ball like the leagues MVP, Ryan Howard hit 2 homers to left then to right and looked like the leagues leading HR and RBI man.


And then theres Joe Blanton. This cat was an ace last night. When the Phillies picked him up in late July I was skeptical, especially since CC Sabathia and Haren were available. But turns out the Phils are 12-4 when he takes the mound, and last night he played the game of his life. I say played because he closed his eyes and blasted a solo home run to make up for one of the ones he gave up. Ata boy Joe, do your thing.


the Rays simply look out of their swagger that led them here. The media will jump all over the Phillies doing poorly with RISP, but Carlos Pena and Evan Longoria havent gotten a hit yet this WS and the 2 of them combine for 15 Ks. Without those guys swinging well, the team just cant win.

Tonight could be the best night of my sports life. Coming home from the hospital after being born i was wrapped in a phillies blanket, since day 1 i have loved this team. My entire life has been a patient fan and the time is up. Cole pitches tonight and he simply doesnt lose. He's 4-0 in the post season, the only Philly pitcher to ever do that, and tonight he looks to make it 5-0 and lead the Phillies to the..dare i say it..National Championship.


holla

Phillies Strong at Home

Last night the game may have started about 2 hours late, but you couldnt tell by the way the Phillies played. John Kruk said on baseball tonight that the delayed start would hurt Rays starter Matt Garza and help Jamie Moyer, well the almighty Kruk was correct sir. From jump street garza didnt have is best stuff, and Moyer finally looked like a 16 game winner in the post season.

the offense was much more encouraging for the Phillies last night as well, even though it was primarily done by way of the long ball. but whatever, they put enough runs up to win and thats all that matters. I really cant say enough about Jamie Moyer, this guy continues to suprise me. i was nervous about him more than any other Philly starter, but he put my fears to rest. Chase continued to hit well, and him and Ryan Howard hit back to back bombs.


Now what makes me nervous are these motherfucking umpires. They made another bad call last night, once again, that went against the Phillies. jamie Moyer was robbed from making the best defensive play of the series. And what do you know, the rays would score a run as an eventual result of this....and it would lead to them tieing the game down the stretch. These guys are consitently making bad calls, we are all human, but they have to at least go both ways. i will admit Moyer stretched the strikezone a bit, but thats what he usually does.

I feel great doing into tonight, I feel that the Phils have a certain swagger about them and their confidence has to be riding high. If they win tonight, they will have hamels on the mound for the possible clintcher. Gigiddy

Phillies Take Game 1

Last night the knot in my stomach was actually a little bigger than my stomach itself...this caused me great discomfort. i was nervous, i was anxious, i was in a state of shock that i was actually watching the backstreet boys sing the national anthem.

i went up to a bar near my house to be in a public setting while i watched the game. Plus they had $1 hot dogs and $1.50 drafts all night...this helped the knot i just spoke of. i saw alot of old friends who came up to watch the game as well, it was truly like a blast from the past: old friends, and old feelings of Philly pride all building back up within me. It was going to be a good night.

Jimmy Rollins popped out, Jason Werth got walked, and then Chase tried to put down a bunt on the pull-shifted infield. Charlie Manuel would later say that was all him. Well he fell 0-2 in the count, fouled one off, then worked it to 2-2. Kazmir then dropped a meatball right in Utley's wheelhouse and he didnt miss. Charlie Manuel would later say that was all him.


the local establishment i was at erupted. "Shots for everyone" the bartender yelled. And shots we took.....and shots we took.


The game would test the nerves of Philly fans from there on out. What should worry people the most are two things: 1. Ryan Howard looks like a fish outta water right now, and 2. the Phillies left 11 men on base last night--8 in scoring position. these two issues have been issues most of the post season, but this is a team that will capitalize on missed opportunities more so than the NL teams the Phillies played. not to mention, the only reason they didnt put up more runs (TB) was because hamels was on the mound and throwing 7 strong innings yet again. The only thing that matters is the final score.


Tonight Brett 'the bat' Myers takes on James Shields. Tonight the pitching match up is in TB favor, that being said I would look for a more high scoring game. Hopefully Myers can go out there and have a quality start and the big names for the phillies (Rollins, Howard, Burrel) need to be productive.




I left the bar drunk, smiling, with a full and knot free stomach.