World Series Game Three - Phillies 5, Rays 4

Moyer's return to form, longball give Phillies 2-1 series lead

Jamie Moyer is one cool customer (or "cucumber" according to mrs. tmmullen). What a performance in game three of the World Series by the ageless lefty: seven innings, one run, four hits, five strikeouts, and only one walk. It was a well-deserved win for Moyer, whose return to form was forecasted in this very blog.

What's that?

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to mention something: I have this new television with a great feature that shows alternative endings to games where, in this instance, ANOTHER umpire did not blow ANOTHER important call in ANOTHER World Series game allowing the Tampa Bay Rays to score ANOTHER couple of runs that would not have otherwise scored.

Of course, I'm referring to the Carl Crawford bunt to lead off the seventh inning. If that call is made correctly, he's the first out, followed by Navarro's double, after which Gross and Bartlett each ground out. That's the end of the inning and the Phillies still lead 4-1. From there it's Madson, Lidge, ballgame. But it wasn't.

I'll try to put this behind me - mrs. tmmullen is already tired of me grinding my teeth about it - but this is unacceptable. This is the World Series. These umpires are supposed to be the best of the best of the best. So what does it say about the quality of umpiring when the defensive play of the game - perhaps the series, or even the entire playoffs - didn't even record an out?

You want to know how good Jamie Moyer was tonight? See his strikeout of Carlos Pena in the 6th inning on four pitches (click on the link, click on the 6th inning, click on Pena's at-bat, then enjoy). This is a guy that came into the game with a career OPS of 1.495 in 22 plate appearances against Moyer. I understand it's only a personal stat, but that umpire robbed Moyer of a World Series win tonight. Shameful.

Now that I got that out of my teeth, there was a lot of good in this game. Jimmy Rollins had two solid base hits, Carlos Ruiz went yard, and Chase Utley and Ryan Howard went back-to-back. While I sincerely apologize for putting him on the spot, I need to mention that not long ago Mike Hillman's patience with Ruiz had run out and he was making some radical suggestions. Then, after Ruiz's home run, these two text messages passed each other nearly simultaneously in the cell phone cybernets:

From: Hillman, Michael
To: tmmullen
I always liked Ruiz!

From: tmmullen
To: Hillman, Michael
That's your boy!

Then that mother-effer goes and wins it with a bases loaded infield single. Could he be halfway to World Series MVP? Wrap your head around that one my friends.

Lost in the euphoria of this walk-off win are some curious moves by Charlie Manuel. While I think he handled the bullpen superbly, I'm beside myself over his decision to take Pat Burrell out of the game in the seventh inning. This has been a bone of contention with me beyond this season and perhaps, time permitting, I will elaborate in a separate post before game four.

Also, why burn Greg Dobbs when it was fairly obvious they were going to walk the next hitter to load the bases and set up a force play at home? Let them walk Pedro Feliz and the let Ruiz (or Dobbs) hit. Worst case scenario, Ruiz gounds into a double-play and then you use Dobbs for the pitcher.

Fortunately, we saw the best case scenario and, just like that, the Phillies lead the series 2-1.

Finally, before we turn the page, it's worth noting a special moment that occurred what seems like a lifetime ago. During his participation with a Boys & Girls Club pre-game ceremony on the field, country singer Tim McGraw, son of the late Tug McGraw, took a brief moment to scatter some of his father's ashes on the pitcher's mound. The modest gesture was intended to honor Tug, but, as the story spreads, there is little doubt it will have a tremendous and far-reaching effect on Phillies fans who fondly remember the left-handed reliever, his antics, and his role in the only baseball World Championship this city has ever seen.

Until Tuesday.

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World Series Game Two - Rays 4, Phillies 2

Rays even series on errors by Werth, home plate umpire

It's time for some straight talk, my friends.

That was a terrible game - and a bullshit win. Can I say "bullshit" here? It doesn't matter, nobody's reading this. As great a game as game one was, this game was the total opposite - and not because the Phillies lost, but because the home plate umpire couldn't get out of his own way. Yet despite their failure (on a mammoth scale) to hit with runners in scoring position, the Phillies still had the tying run at the plate in the ninth.

On the other hand, because of their youth, it's likely the Rays have no clue how truly lucky they were to win that game. There is no arguing the fact that if Jayson Werth fields B.J. Upton's single in the first inning cleanly, then the Rays don't score on any of the next three ground ball outs (one of which might have been a double play). You could also make a good argument that if Kerwin Danley had the balls to continue with the strike out call on Rocco Baldelli that he started, which would have been the second out of the second inning, then the Rays don't score there either and the game is scoreless instead of 3-0, Rays. The run they scored in the fourth was just good baseball.

But none of this matters - not even the ridiculous "nope, sorry Jimmy, that ball didn't hit you" call by Danley with nobody out in the ninth - when the Phillies are 1-28 with runners in scoring position in these two games. That is truly inexplicable.

The bright spots were obvious - if few and far between. Carlos Ruiz turned in some truly remarkable at-bats Wednesday night, which could be a great sign not only for this series, but for next year as well. Shane Victorino continued to collect hits, which may put him back in the two-spot on Saturday. Plus, it is truly a pleasure to welcome the real Ryan Howard back. You were missed. If you have any information on the location of the real Jimmy Rollins, please let us know. By the way, I contacted the authorities about Pat Burrell and I was told I had to wait 48 more hours before filing a missing hitter report.

So what have we learned after these first two games? It's hard to say. Most of the "experts" felt that game one was a must win for the Phillies with Cole Hamels on the mound - and they won. These same experts then proclaimed game two a must win for the Rays because they couldn't afford to leave Tampa down 0-2 - and they won. I'm going to guess that game three will now be a must win for the Phillies so they don't relinquish home-field advantage and they might be right.

At the end of the day - or the beginning of this one - mrs. tmmullen and I both knew that if we wanted to attend a World Series game this year, the Phillies would have to lose at least once (we have tickets for game five). She commented on how odd it was to secretly hope that they would lose one just for that reason and I felt that same way. But I also confided in her - before the series started - that I thought the Rays might feast on a pitcher with a style like Brett Myers and that the Phillies might lose game two. Well, the bad news is that they lost game two, but the good news is that, well, Myers didn't pitch poorly at all. So if he needs to come back for a game six, I will have plenty of confidence in him.

But I'm thinking there won't be a game six: Jamie Moyer returns to form, Joe Blanton wins a slugfest, and then Hamels clinches it at home. Yeah, I'll say it: Phils in five.

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World Series Game One - Phillies 3, Rays 2

Fightins' steal home field advantage, lead best-of-seven series 1-0

Let's play 20 questions:

(1) When was Twisted Sister hired by the Rays?

During the frustratingly long pre-game show, Kevin Kennedy was really overselling the Rays new attitude, which was, "We're not gonna take it anymore!" This was a good example of the completely pointless information shared with viewers during a completely pointless pre-game show. Poor little Paige just wanted the game to start - and so did I.

(2) Regarding the National Anthem: What the hell was that?

If you didn't see it, count yourself among the lucky ones. If you did, well, seriously, can you tell me - what the hell was that?

(3) After Chase Utley hit his two-run home run, was I the only one who thought Pat Burrell was going to hit a solo shot?

Come on, be honest. I'm sure there were some others somewhere who were instantly reminded of what happened in the sixth inning of Game One of the NLCS. The good news is it came early, the bad news is that Pat struck out.

(4) Which was more confusing - understanding the ground rules or listening to Joe Buck incorrectly explain the ground rules?

To his credit, he did review them again later and got them right.

(5) Why try to score Shane Victorino on Jimmy Rollins' pop fly in the second inning?

First of all, I don't understand why you wouldn't give Jayson Werth, who was on deck, a chance to bat with the bases loaded (and two outs), and, perhaps more importantly, the ball was in shallow center field. No matter who made it, it was a bad decision.

(6) How concerned should I be that I agreed with Tim McCarver's assessment of the "weird" infield alignment when Ryan Howard was batting with Chase Utley at third base and one out in the third inning?

There were three infielders on the right side and they were in. The third baseman was standing practically next to third. Fuck the heck?

(7) Is B.J. Upton slow or lazy?

Clearly I'm being facetious, but I thought Upton was fast. He dogged it down the line when he grounded into a double play in the first inning. He dogged it down the line when he grounded into a double play in the third inning. And then he didn't run down Shane Victorino's single - in fact he didn't even catch it. It just bounced past him. I think mrs. tmmullen summed it up best, "Way to hustle - it's not like it's the World Series or anything. I'm sure you'll be back again." I added, "Yeah, just ask Cal Ripken."

(8) Did Joe Maddon really think that Scott Kazmir "looked good" after giving up three runs in the first four innings?

All things considered, he pitched okay, but he was constantly having to pitch out of trouble. With his pitch count climbing, he came out of the game early. Sure, the bullpen was effective, but how many times will Maddon be able to go to that well before the Phillies start hitting them? My point is that, after listening to Maddon's spin, just for a moment, I thought I was listening to an interview on "Fox & Friends."

(9) How many viewers had strokes when McCarver said, "Pack the bags and the light the lights, curves are coming left and right."?

Seriously, fuck the heck?

(10) How annoyed was Mike Hillman when Buck McCarver talked about "the two countrymen," Carlos Ruiz and Dioner Navarro, who hail from Venezuela?

He was pretty pissed. Probably because, while Navarro is from Venezuela, Ruiz is from Panama.

(11) How sweet was Ryan Howard's catch in the stands of Upton's foul pop?

Yes, he had a couple issues in the field Wednesday night, but that play was sweet. And so was his throw to second after Hamels picked Carlos Pena off first (see question 13).

(12) Did I really see and hear a Brit promoting Mexican food in the United States?

Hey I'm all in favor of a free taco [insert the joke of your choice here], but if I have to listen to Buck McCarver, spare me that transcontinental confusion.

(13) Did you think that was a balk?

Neither did I.

(14) What is with the pitch-trax or Fox-trax or whatever it's called?

That thing is useless. If the strike zone was really as small as that graphic makes it look, games would last six hours and pitchers would walk two batters an inning - at least.

(15) How lost is Ryan Howard?

I still can't decide which at-bat was worse, the one when he swung and missed at the pitch that bounced either on the plate or in front, or the one in the ninth when he struck out looking after they intentionally walked Chase Utley to pitch to him. I need to repeat that: THEY INTENTIONALLY WALKED UTLEY TO PITCH TO HOWARD. If the real Ryan Howard can show up sometime in the next five days, the Phillies will win this at home. If not, it could be a long slog.

(16) Why was Pat Burrell taken out of the game in the seventh inning of a one-run game on the road?

I would have preferred it if Charlie would have put Eric Bruntlett in left field after Chris Coste batted in the eighth inning, moved Burrell to DH, and taken Coste out. I realize this might leave you in a dangerous situation if Ruiz were to get hurt, but it's a risk worth taking - especially if you can keep Pat's bat behind Howard. Ugh.

(17) How enjoyable has it been to watch Ryan Madson evolve into arguably the best set-up man in baseball right before our eyes?

In eight games in the post-season, he has given up only one run on seven hits in 10 innings (0.90 ERA) while striking out seven and walking one. This follows a September (13 games) where he gave up only one run on 12 hits in 14 innings (0.64 ERA) while striking out 17 and walking one. Joe Owens can suck it.

(18) How lost is Jimmy Rollins?

He was 0-5 with two strikeouts and was swinging at pitches above his eyes. He's hitting .214 in the post-season and, let's be honest, it's been an ugly .214. But if the real Jimmy Rollins can show up sometime in the next five days, the Phillies will win this at home. If not, it could be a long slog.

(19) How good is Brad Lidge?

Very good. He made the first two hitters in the ninth look like minor leaguers. He flirted briefly with what a friend of mine calls "Mitch Lidge," but still turned in a perfect ninth. Who knows, he may yet blow a save in the World Series, but it wasn't on Wednesday. And that's that.

(20) How good was that game?

I realize some fans like slugfests - and I don't mind those every once and while. Other fans like it when the Phils blow the other team out, which, obviously, would allow us all to relax a little more later in games. But I do love me a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel. Every single pitch is magnified exponentially - for both teams - as a one run game like this creeps closer and closer to finality. Fortunately, the good guys came out on top Wednesday despite leaving 11 runners on base and going 0-13 with runners in scoring position. That won't get it done in the World Series.

As we wait for Game Two, hopefully the two or three people who visit our little corner of the internets will add their thoughts on the game or the series and - dare I dream? - maybe Mike will make an appearance. Only time will tell.

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Hope is not analysis

For those three or four people who visit our little corner of the internets, I promise to share some stories and some thoughts on the NLCS in the next few days. I've been busy the past week or so enjoying the first two games in Philadelphia, attending mrs. tmmullen's high school reunion, and battling some ill-health. Please accept my sincere apologies.

And since I'm here, well, it worked once, so I'll try it again:

Although I've told Mike in the past that "hope is not analysis," I do hope the Phillies clinch today. I'm going to predict a 5-2 Phillies win.

Then bring on the Rays.

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NLDS Game Three - Brewers 4, Phillies 1

Blanton set to start game four

That was tough to watch.

Something I may not have ever mentioned here is that I am a certified PIAA basketball official. I share this with you for two reasons. First, I will be at Kutztown University all day today for the second day of a two-day officials clinic, which means I will not be able to watch Game Four [I literally arrived home from day one of the clinic just in time to see the first pitch on Saturday].

More importantly, it gives me some credibility when I say that the most important thing that players, coaches, and managers want from officials and umpires is for them to be consistent. If it's a foul in the first quarter, it needs to be a foul in the fourth. Or, in this case, if it's a strike to one hitter, it needs to be a strike to another hitter.

I think there are few people who would disagree that the home plate umpire was inconsistent last night - and it killed Jamie Moyer. Some might argue that Jamie needs an umpire who will give him a little off that plate and I will admit that certainly helps him. But what is more important for him is to find that spot that the umpire will call a strike and keep pounding it in there until the hitter has to swing at it. Moyer couldn't do that on Saturday because the umpire was inconsistent.

In one at-bat in the second inning I watched Moyer throw four straight pitches in virtually the exact spot after which the count was 2-2. I said to mrs. tmmullen, "This is not going to be good." Unfortunately, it wasn't.

The good news is that the Phillies hitters will face Jeff Suppan today. He is 0-2 in his last three starts with an ERA north of 10.00. Even better, in their careers, the Phillies are hitting .307 as a team against him with good numbers from Utley (.474), Burrell (.429), Rollins (.333), and Howard (.300) - the four guys who need to start hitting right now (although Howard looked good last night).

The Phils counter with Joe Blanton, who is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts. Milwaukee hitters, as a team, have only had 40 plate appearances against him, so, despite their .297 average, that could work in his favor.

There you have it. I'm off to Kutztown and I'll hear the good news - or the bad news - on the radio on the way home. Although I've told Mike in the past that "hope is not analysis," I do hope the Phillies clinch today. I'm going to predict a 6-3 Phillies win.

Then bring on the Dodgers.

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NLDS Game One - Phillies 3, Brewers 1

Phillies lead the best of five series 1-0

Just as the Brewers were kicking up a fuss against Brad Lidge in the ninth inning on Wednesday, the wind and rain suddenly reappeared. Fortunately for the fans, the rain was the only thing blown at Citizen's Bank Park that day.

Note: By the time this appears, I will already be inside the park for game two. When time permits, I will add more to this post, but for now, please enjoy a few snapshots of how we saw the first post-season win for the Phillies in nearly 15 years. [Click on them to enlarge]




Philles Ball Girl Jocelyn Brown, mrs. tmmullen, and Paige at the pre-game rally. This isn't the first time Paige met "Miss Jocelyn," as we call her, and I'll save that story for another post. For now, I will simply say that Ms. Brown represents the Phillies organization well. Whether or not the same thing can be said of mrs. tmmullen's representation of this blog depends on the audience. I am referring, of course, to adult beverage prominently displayed in the picture. You make the call.




Mitch Williams makes his way through the crowd to attend the pre-game rally. He's not as wild in person as he is on television.




The two teams wrap up pre-game introductions and get ready for the national anthem. There are few things in life I enjoy more than being at the ball park to hear that song and then, moments later, watch the first pitch be thrown. Although one of them is doing the same thing with my daughter in my arms.




Speaking of which, here she is waving her rally towel like a maniac. She was quite popular in our section with many of the fans around us giving her high-fives after strikeouts and other, well, high-fiveable moments of the game.

Sure, like our first game in march, it was windy and it was cold, but to us, and most of the rest, it just didn't matter.

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Soaking up some sun and resting for the stretch run

Some housekeeping items:

- The family and I are enjoying the beautiful Jersey shore this week, so there will be few, if any, posts forthcoming until the seventh or eighth. But there are a couple in the queue, including a glimpse of mrs. tmmullen's appearance on ESPN, so please keep checking back.

- Playoffs begin this week in most fantasy baseball leagues around the country and I'm happy to say that yours truly finished in first place in both leagues in which I participated. In addition to the "Regular Season Champions" hats and t-shirts, it also gave me a first-round bye in both leagues, which means I don't need to monitor my teams while I'm enjoying the late summer sun. For the record, Mike also participated in both leagues and I'll leave it to him to decide if he wants to tell you where he finished.

- Finally, as for the Phillies, sure, it was disappointing to watch them lose to the Nationals on Monday, but they went 7-3 over ten games against the Dodgers, Mets, and Cubs [and they could have very easily swept the Cubs] - so that's pretty good. Plus, while I'm very happy to be at the beach, if I wasn't here, I would have definitely been making a trip to DC this week, like I did for their September series there last year at RFK. To recap, the Phils are two back of the Mets with just under a month to go - so I'd say they've got them right where they want them.

That's it for now, but check back this week to see if Mike makes an appearance or to comment on one of the older posts. And I'll be thinking of you while I'm enjoying a cocktail by the pool!

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Fire Tom McCarthy

Three things I thought after watching that fantastic game:

1 - There were many stories (Chris Coste going 4-4 off the bench, Shane Victorino's leadoff triple in the 13th, the bullpen, and Brett Myers' pinch hit at-bat), but the biggest was Jimmy Rollins. It's only two games, but it's nice to have ol' Jimmy-Legs back. If he can play like the 2007 version of Jimmy Rollins for the next five to eight weeks, the Phillies can go deep in the playoffs. If he can't, they may not make the playoffs.

2 - I hate Tom McCarthy. I'm tired of him offering those annoying mid-inning "reports" from the stands that ramble on endlessly while all I really want to do is hear Harry call the game. I've had enough of him encouraging Gary Matthews - who should also be fired - to continue with his mind-numbing comments that we are supposed to think is analysis. I really just want him to shut up. I felt my blood pressure rise when he kept referring to bad outings Scott Schoeneweis has had "here at Shea Stadium." Did he forget he was in Philly? Then I thought I felt blood coming out of my ears when he kept repeating with escalating alarm and certainty that Kyle Kendrick would be unable to start Wednesday's game because he "got all stretched out and warmed up in the bullpen." Yeah, the starting pitcher who averages about 90 pitches a game will be all worn out from that side work that he'll have to skip a start. If he had said that the extra work might limit how long he can go in his start, I would have agreed, but that's not what he said. He said Kendrick wouldn't start Wednesday because he warmed up in the bullpen. If Kendrick doesn't start, I will add an update to this post and publicly apologize to Tom McCarthy, provided that if Kendrick does start, then the Phillies agree to fire Tom McCarthy for making such a stupid comment.

3 - I hate the CW 15 (WLYH). For the second time in the past few weeks, they were not airing the Phillies game. Fortunately, tonight, it was on Channel 249 and, fortunately, that channel is included in my cable subscription. But seriously, fuck the heck CW 15, it's Phillies/Mets... in August... with first place on the line... They should be ashamed of themselves for denying those without access to that obscure channel the opportunity to watch this important game. They should be embarrassed that they haven't bothered to update their "Phillies 2008 Schedule" on their website since April 13th. And they should know that I now plan to make a note of all the local advertisers during the next Phillies broadcast and notify them that I will go out of my way to avoid giving them any of my money - and I'll be sure to tell them why.

Mrs. tmmullen says I should loosen up and just enjoy the fact that the Phillies are in first place. I should listen. She's wicked smart.

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And We're Back...

I think it was Shakespeare who wrote, "the nature of bad news infects the teller" and that is certainly apt in my case. The amount of bad news that has befallen me since my last appearance here is difficult to believe - and even harder to explain. As my time away grew longer and longer, I felt the need to offer a more in-depth explanation for my absence before resuming my rants and ridicule. Unfortunately, this led me to put off composing this post until I had more time to devote to it, which in turn led to more time away. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Fortunately, in a moment of serendipity, I came across a long-forgotten passage by Robert Frost:

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.

Which is when I knew I needed to return to this space - not for the three or four people who used to read it, but for me. Humor may be a rubber sword for some, but it is my shield. And in that spirit, I hope you will indulge me as I recap some of the lowlights from the past few months before I add posts more in line with this blog's original purpose - whatever that is.

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John Marzano Dies at 45 (April)



Nothing I could write about John Marzano could possibly capture or adequately communicate the joy I felt when I listened to him talk about baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure, we agreed on many things (in my notes from his last appearance on Daily News Live was the comment "preaching to the choir"), but that wasn't the only reason he held a special place in my heart. It seemed like every morning Johnny Marz put life in a full-nelson and squeezed as much joy as he could out of every minute of the day. And if he couldn't make you smile, then you had bigger problems than Philadelphia sports.

Case in point was his last appearance on DNL on April 17, 2008, being broadcast live from the Wachovia Center as Flyers fans were filing in for game four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Capitals. Even though he was there to discuss the Philllies, after nearly every comment, he would turn to the crowd and yell, "Let's go Flyers!" causing them to erupt. After only a few of these, the background noise rose to a level where it threatened to drown out the broadcast, prompting this exchange:

Marzano: I love these guys! These are my boys from Philly!!

[panel laughter]

Marzano (to crowd): Johnny Marz says Flyers in five!!!

[crowd roars]

Michael Barkann (jokingly): You have lost your mind.

Marzano [laughing]: We're having a ball. That's what it's all about.

That night the Flyers won the game 4-3 in overtime (and eventually the series in seven games). Two days later, Johnny Marz was dead.

The day before, I turned 40. The day after, I was at Citizen's Bank Park for the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game against the New York Mets. After a few adult beverages, I couldn't stop randomly shouting "Johnny Marz!" every so often. As best as I can remember, someone echoed the call each and every time. Whether it was the pain of the loss, the sudden sense of my own mortality given our proximity in age, my choice of refreshment, or a combination of all three, when the entire stadium fell quiet for a moment of silence in his memory, I began to cry.

If you spend any time exploring what Major League Baseball makes available here about Johnny Marz, then you will too.

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Mrs. tmmullen Cleans Out Her Office (June)



Did you ever spend all morning building a sand castle on the beach only to have a sibling come along and knock it over? That's kind of what happened to my wife. After more than 15 years with the same organization, during which she nearly single-handedly built the department that she would ultimately supervise, her employer decided to, well, let's say, "restructure" and, in doing so, eliminated her department. By the end of the month, she was unemployed.

I tried to cheer her up by quoting Mother Theresa, "What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway." She tried to kick me in the nether regions. I guess it was too soon for the philosophical introspection of a 40-year-old dad who a few weeks earlier faced his own mortality. That's the bad news. The good news is that she's doing much better now and considering starting her own agency. I've never been prouder.

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Scandal at TerMime-X (July)



Twelve current and former TerMime-X executives, including my supervisor, were indicted by an investigative grand jury for a variety of offenses. When we heard the extensive details of the alleged illegal activities, mrs. tmmullen said, "So much of the last five years makes sense now." I agreed. Plus, in the interest of full disclosure, while I was served with a subpoena and ultimately testified before said grand jury, to the best of my knowledge and recollection, I did not break any laws. And that's all I have to say about that.

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It occurs to me now that I have yet to apologize for abandoning this space - so, for that, I am sincerely sorry. Given the gravity of these events, I am confident you will forgive me for losing my way the last few months. Still, some good things happened too. Mrs. tmmullen and I took Paige to the Wildwood boardwalk for the first time. We celebrated her fourth birthday with a big pool/beach party in our backyard. My brother and his wife had a baby boy.

Life goes on.

And so will this blog.

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A Day at the Park - On Deck Series - 3/29

Sure, it was windy and cold. But a bad day at the ballpark beats most days anywhere else. While I attended the final preseason game at Citizen's Bank Park in 2007 with Mike, this year I went with my family. Allow me to introduce my wife and our beautiful daughter Paige:



Despite the cold, which prevented her from having her favorite ballpark snack (ice cream in a helmet - with sprinkles), Paige had a good time. I only wish I had gotten a picture or video of her reaction when she first spied the field. It immediately transported me back to my youth as I recalled walking through the Vet's round concrete cavern searching for our section. As we passed each entrance tunnel that led to the seats, I strained my neck to catch that first glimpse of astroturf that seemed a million times greener in person than on television.

My daughter was no different. I held her hand as we walked (okay I walked and she skipped) toward Harry the K's for a pre-game meal (and to catch some sun and avoid the wind). When it came into view, she pulled me to a stop and almost breathlessly declared, "Daddy... there's the field... it's so green..." If my mind hadn't done that Lost time-travel thing taking me back to the Vet in 1977, I probably would have cried. Whew - close call.

Also in attendance and enjoying the experience was my mom (not pictured). Yes, that's right. I chose to go to a Phillies game with three generations of crazy women. And it won't be the last time this season, so stay tuned.

Anyway, we hit Harry the K's for some good food and tasty adult beverages. Paige couldn't take her eyes off the field as the ground crew made it ready for play and the players warmed up. She was a hit, especially with our waitress, Kat (not pictured), who was fantastic and really made my daughter feel special. If you visit Harry the K's and are served by Kat, give her our best. I wanted to snap a pic to include here, but my wife frowned upon that. I also forgot to take a shot of our table, but trust me, it looked similar to when my brother and I went to Game 1 of the 2007 NLDS:



So after our meal, we made our way to our seats and didn't have to wait long for something to cheer about. As will become obvious at some point, I like Pat Burrell. I defend Pat Burrell because his numbers make it pretty easy to do. Not surprisingly, my wife likes Pat Burrell because he's hot. I am fine with that and, in fact, it is one of the reasons we chose the seats we did:



Given all the love for Pat in our house, Paige likes him too - although she likes a lot of the players and will give you a different answer every time you ask her who her favorite player is. So along the way, we taught her to say something when Pat is at the plate, but cautioned her to use it sparingly lest it lose its magic.

Naturally, when Pat came up in the bottom of the 1st with two runners on, I asked Paige, "What do we say when Pat is up?" to which she replied, "Come on Pat! Hit a tater!!" And on the second pitch of the at bat, he did. About 75 feet to our left.

There isn't much to report about the rest of the game, except perhaps for Paige's disappointment after the 2nd inning ended when a crowd of fans got up to visit the refreshment stands or the rest rooms. She looked at everybody walking up the steps and pouted, "Oh... Is it over already? I don't want to go yet..." We just smiled and reassured her that we didn't have to leave and would stay until she got too cold. While this made her happy, she was quite upset that no one hit a ball to her. After she brought her glove and everything. She is just too cute.



She was also disappointed she didn't get to see the Phanatic in person and I tried in vain to explain that she won't get to do that at every game. You see, fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), Paige actually got to meet the Phanatic at her first game (in 2006) and even gave him a high five. So while her favorite player may change, her favorite "Phillie" is, and always has been, the Phanatic. In the 8th inning when I told her he was probably done for the day because it was so cold, she agreed that we could leave.

As I waited for three generations of gals to use the ladies' room, Mike found me and we chatted briefly. To be honest, I don't remember what we talked about because it was even windier and colder where we were standing than where we had been sitting. It really doesn't matter though because my daughter had fun and Pat hit a tater.  For a preseason game, that was all I needed.

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Team to Beat: Phillies or Mets

Mrs. tmmullen says I shouldn't pick on The Evening Bulletin so much. But if you're going to debate whether or not the Phillies are the team to beat in the NL East, it helps to have a point. Or, at the very least, know what you're talking about.


Are The Phillies Still The Team To Beat In The N.L. East?

Yes - By Drew Silverman

Yes, the Phillies are the team to beat in the National League East this year. Just like the Mets were really the team to beat last season, the Phillies are rightfully atop the NL East perch this time around.

Huh? Oh, okay, I think I get it. The whole "defending division champs" thing. I understand now. Still it might have helped if you actually wrote, "As defending champs, the Mets were the team to beat last season. Now, entering this season as defending champs, the Phillies have rightfully laid claim to that title." Or something else better than what you wrote.


Granted, the Mets added Johan Santana in a blockbuster trade with the Twins.

So magnanimous of you to grant that. He is pretty good.


And New York's Carlos Beltran proclaimed his team the favorite to take down the division crown. But that is just talk.

A lot like this argument so far. Any actual facts you want to use to back up your claim?


The Mets still have plenty of issues to deal with, not the least of which is the pressure Santana is going to face in his transition from Minneapolis to the Big Apple.

Yeah, that commute is a bitch. But I'm sure they'll spring for a hotel when he's in town.


And while Pedro Martinez and Tom Glavine are accomplished veterans, their age and injury issues have to be a concern at this point.

Very true. Whether or not Pedro can recapture his brilliance is a big question. And Tom Glavine's age will be a serious factor to deal with . . . for the Atlanta Braves! Are you kidding? Come on!


Offensively, the Mets should be solid, but then again, they were solid for much of last year before their bats went silent in September.

He thinks they might hit well, but then again, they might not. Hard to argue with that.


Obviously, the Phillies have their question marks, as well. But as evidenced by things like the Pat Burrell t-shirts and the Kyle Kendrick prank, this team is loose and ready to go.

Well obviously. And I have heard laughter is the best medicine for lack of pitching. So, here's a joke: Two guys are strolling down the street. One walks into a bar. The other one ducks. Yes, a joke as lame as this article.


No - By Dan Murphy

No, the Phillies are not the team to beat this season. And not simply because Carlos Beltran came out over the weekend and said the Mets were the team to beat.

Really? Just saying something doesn't make it true? Do tell.


The Mets didn't make as many moves in the offseason as the Phils, but their moves appropriately filled their needs and complemented the rest of the roster, such as RF Ryan Church and C Brian Schneider replacing an aging Shawn Green and Paul Lo Duca.

Hey - look at that! Some actual baseball analysis. Now I admit that I have not taken the time to look up at any stats, but off the top of my head, I will agree that Ryan Church is an upgrade over Shawn Green and [ugh] Lastings Milledge. Plus on a completely unrelated note, I'm a big Brian Schneider fan [I played American Legion Ball for his uncle in the Lehigh Valley]. Does this mean he's better than Paul LoDuca? No, because, as I said, stats are needed to back up this argument. But at least he tried to make one, unlike the other knucklehead. So kudos.


Trading for Brad Lidge was Philadelphia's best offseason move, because it gives them a capable closer.

Well, it actually allowed them to move Myers back to the rotation so some people say it was one move that filled two holes. I don't exactly agree [a post for another time], but Myers was a more than "capable" closer.


They blew it, however, in the outfield. The Phils let go of a huge fan favorite in Aaron Rowand, switched Shane Victorino from right to center field and brought in Geoff Jenkins, who is a decent player, but he is no Rowand.

Why? You offer no evidence to support this. And as you so aptly stated in the beginning, just saying something doesn't make it true. Oh wait, that was me. My bad.


A lot is made about the Phillies' infield trio of Chase Utley, and MVPs Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard, but the Mets' infield isn't half-bad, either, with David Wright and Jose Reyes patrolling the left side of the diamond and sure-handed Luis Castillo taking care of business at second base. 1B Carlos Delgado can only go upward after a disastrous 2007 campaign.

For what it's worth, IMHO, the infields are a push. But merely mentioning names is not an analysis. Why am I still reading this?


The only piece missing was a quality ace. Enter Feb. 1, when Omar Minaya traded for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, signed him to a six-year, $137.5 million contract and gave New York a strikeout machine who has far out-performed any starting pitcher in the Phillies rotation.

Great point, terrible writing. Seriously, can a date (Feb. 1) enter? I think he should have written, "Enter two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, a strikeout machine who has far out-performed any starting pitcher in the Phillies rotation and signed a six-year, $137.5 million contract with New York on Feb. 1." But he didn't. I did. Therefore I should get some of the money he was paid for this column.


Does this mean the Mets will win the division and the Phillies will struggle? Of course not, because you can't foresee injuries and slumps.

And because he wants to equivocate in case he is wrong.


But the Mets have made a talented team even better by combining good business smarts with aggressive wheeling and dealing.

For the love of... They were one of the few teams that could afford the best starting pitcher on the market. That's not "business smarts" or "aggressive wheeling and dealing." Like you, I'm so glad this is over.

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Mourning has passed

After observing the appropriate mourning period in the tmmullen household (two weeks and two days - don't ask) after New England's Super Bowl loss (mrs. tmmullen is a fan, I am not), I have returned to the blog.

[crickets]

No matter. I just thought I would give you fair warning: I may not have been blogging, but I have been reading some dreadful writing. And now it's time to make fun of it. Among the things you will likely see from me in the future are critiques of:

-- The Philadelphia Inquirer's odd take on Philadelphia fans;

-- A Sandy Penner column for the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin; and

-- Disrespectful basketball fans who don't know the rules.

Sure, that last one isn't baseball related, but will hopefully make more sense when you read it. Plus it will be fun for me to write. So please come back often.

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Super Bowl champions!

I realize our 10 million daily readers come here for our top-notch baseball analysis, but as a lifelong Giants fan, it is my duty to use this space to celebrate the amazing Super Bowl victory of the New York Football Giants. Long-suffering no more!

(My apologizes to mrs. tmmullen.)