113 thoughts on “Phillies’ Discussion, March 19th”

1. No OFFENSE, but there ain’t any…… and its not early anymore! 

   Whit, a AAA catcher and a AAA utility piece leading the pack! The remnant hovering about 20 points over the Mendoza line.

   Pache appears to have won the CF battle……..and the DH has managed to match 4 hits with 4 walks while K-ing 17 times in 33 chances and pushing the sub..sub Mendoza line. If you look closely this might be the contagion that they are talking about, because Castles, Rojas, and others are coming down with it!

   Suarez looking good 0 – 0 after eight!

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   1. Best thing about the game, played in less than 2 hours. 

      Teams are looking like they are mentally 50% in Florida & 50% back home.

      Rojas had 1 good at bat today, ground out to short.

      Brogden looked good, the 2 innings, last one struck out the side.

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      1. Watching a zero to zero spring training game at the prices you guys have cited is the equivalent of going out on a date with one of the Lee sisters………… Ugly, Beastly or Ghastly.

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         1. So Help Me Todd, great show!

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   2. Skeet……..the one who will determine in a week or so, between Pache or Rojas is probably Kevin Long.

      More than likely, Thomson and Dombrowski will go with whatever he recommends.

      Personally I like to see Rojas go to LHV for 5/6 weeks and rake, and be hungry to get back up. I remember about 8/9 years ago Maikel Franco struggling and the GM then decided to have him stay in Philly and he really never came around to live up to his potential. And he had options still on the books.

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      1. I agree, I think the best thing for Rojas is Lehigh. I’m rooting for him, want him to succeed in the endeavor.

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         1. Very few players skip AAA altogether. Going to LhV could be the best thing for him in the long run. It also gives us a nice chance to get an extended look at Pache, who is genuinely talented.

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            1. I just don’t get all of the excitement over Pache. He’s a good OF who doesn’t appear to be able to hit RHP. 

               He’s a 4th/5th platoon outfielder who can play a good CF and is okay vs. left-handed pitching.

               Of the 2, Rojas has much greater upside.

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               1. Agreed

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      2. If it’s Kevin Long than expect it to be Rojas.

         Johan Rojas’ swing spring: Where the Phillies’ biggest roster decision stands – The Athletic

         He certainly sounds like he’s good with where Rojas is currently at with his swing changes.

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         1. 3up……I remember what Ruben said 10 years ago, if a young player is put on the team jumping over a level….and he struggles at the MLB level, it could further damage his development and then he must be sent down. Then he went on to say another 150/200 ABs initially at the Triple AAA level could be benficial to that player in the long run.   But if Kevin Long sees merit in him to remain , then he remaons on the club heading north…we all know what his excellence is on defense.

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            1. Don’t want to fire up the Ruben debate but not sure I’m take Ruben’s wisdom on player development as gospel.

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               1. How about Dom Brown, Larry Green, Shane Watson, Kelly Dugan, Dylan Cozens, etc…..

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2. Great answer. Thanks for providing those insights.

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3. I think we may see a lot of Merrifield in left and Marsh in center to begin the season.

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   1. I love Marsh and y’all have heard me say many times he needs to be in the LU everyday in LF. He is only adequate in CF.

      Whit is the epitome of the term “Professional Hitter” and he is adequate in LF certainly better than Kyle but I don’t know that I would do this. I guess we’ll see in a week.

      Kyle hasn’t looked so good hopefully he gets it going.

      And as far as KLONG making roster decisions I’m not so sure that is how it works LOL.

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      1. DMAR…as Moses, I think, once said…great men lean on their staff.

         I think if Kevin Long recommends that Rojas starts in AAA….I think he starts there……but all indications now look like Long is leaning on keeping Rojas on the team heading north next week.

         Assume he will be hiitting in the 9-hole so it should not be much pressure on him.

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         1. Romus. I have a question. I saw the Phillies sent I think it was 7 to LHV yesterday. How many are still with the big-league team as of today. Probably making final cutdowns maybe this weekend?

            BTW that is a great reference leaning on your staff. Only a week to go now.

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            1. 43 players remain: 34 players on the active roster are still in major league camp plus 9 non-roster invites

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               1. Thanks Jim. I figured they had to be getting to a reasonable number with a week to go. Here is something I just do not know. Are the 9 non-roster a mix of guys they signed as invites and some of the young Phillies like Abel who are not on the 40-man roster?

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               2. Don, it is a mix of guys like Kingery and Luplow. Abel was already reassigned. I’m already at the ballpark and don’t have my files available. I’ll post the full nine later. 

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               3. I do have access – RHPs Bellatti, Buchanan, Jose Ruiz, C Aramis Garcia, Cam Gallagher, INF Kingery, OF Dahl, Luplow, Cal Stevenson.

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4. One of the pit falls of having a team of guys you really love is making the tough choices.

   Its looking pretty much like the plan is to just run it back and that’s going to be good enough. I have many doubts but its all about (as a fan) getting in the right frame of mind and setting proper expectations.

   If I get winning the division and a WS out of my head I might be properly rewarded.

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5. By the way, I have thought about it and I want to apologize for taking our discussions sideways yesterday on the topic of vaccinations. I realize this is a sensitive issue for many and, frankly, it has very little to do with what we are or should be discussing here. I did not mean to offend anyone (nor did I mean to suggest that the Phillies should be coercing anyone to do anything relating to their health) because, while I have strong views on the subject, I know there is a wide variety of opinions on these issues.

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   1. We go back a long ways with some very spirited discussions and you’ve always been a true gentleman Catch. You’re passion is what makes you special and I would never want to see that leave this place.

      Us being able to challenge each other in a cordial way speaks volumes about the community/forum Jim provides.

      I admire your openness to see another POV

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      1. That’s very kind of you. I think our disagreements here are generally very civil, and that’s the way I like it. I don’t think my views on those issues are likely going to change (although I’m always willing to listen), but this is like arguing about religion or politics (or Ruben Amaro!) – people have already formed their views and arguing them just tends to make things worse. 

         That said, I am not taking back my views about not ever wanting to hear a Buck Martinez broadcast again (sure, Buck, tell us about how things were when catchers had unhinged mitts and didn’t wear masks and men were men)! No thank you!

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         1. I actually played in an adult baseball league with a guy who never wore shin guards when catching. I was a pitcher and it was always a bit odd to look in from the mound. 

            Now that’s old school 🙂

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         2. The only good thing about Buck Martinez is, that my youngest son feels the exact same way we do about him and it is sort of a bonding when his name comes up.

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            1. Haha. I’m not imagining things – Buck Martinez is the worst!!! He makes Wheels and Sarge look like Keith Jackson!

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               1. Buck turns 76 later this year…this could be his last year behind the mic. He has battled some serious health issues a few years back so not sure how long he wants to do broadcasting…also not sure he travels with the team on the road…might be like Larry Anderson’s deal with the Phillies broadcasting.

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               2. Speaking of “Wheels”, did anyone remember how he weesled his way into the broadcasting booth and I think got Andy Musser fired?

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               3. Weaseled? My recollection is that the Phillies clinched in Montreal on the second to last day of the season (a Saturday). Ashburn was hung over for the Sunday afternoon game and said something like, “Here, you do the game. You’ve always wanted to anyway”. Something along those lines. Don’t remember the Musser firing.

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         3. LOL you know I love me some RAJ…

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6. I don’t see Pache getting lots of at bats either way. I expect Rojas to start at LHV with Whit and Marsh to start in LF and CF. Cave will be on the bench with Pache but they really like Wes Wilson. If he could play CF even a little (can he?), he’d make the team over Pache. Also, I agree that the late OF signing suggests they think they’re losing an OF from AAA.

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   1. Wilson has played every position in the minors but catcher, 1 game as a pitcher. he played 153 in OF: 96 LF, 2 CF & 55 in RF. A lot more in the IF.

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      1. IMO the starters are the starters they should play every night. Whit is the best option to give occasional nights off to the lefties meaning Marsh, Stott and yes even Schwarber.

         Honestly what we are missing is the equivalent to Merrifield from the left side for nights where Castellanos, Turner and Bohm need a blow.

         and it cannot be Castro

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7. dmar. Castro was one of the 7 guys Philles sent down to LHV yesterday. So will not be him at least for awhile.

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8. Romus. I see a new gig for you. Ohtani has fired his interpreter. Sounds like the guy was dipping into the pot of gold. LOL

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   1. Did not translate the word “deferred “ correctly?

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   2. For accuracy purposes I believe it was the Dodgers who fired him as he was technically employed by the Dodgers and not Ohtani. I believe he was paid $4.5 million for his role.

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9. 3up. Think it said wire transfer.

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10. Has it occurred to anyone that Walker may indeed be cooked? 2.2 innings work, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 3 HR. Wow!

    Also, 4 innings concluded and we have already amassed 6 Ks in the game.

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    1. UPDATE: After 5 we have 9K’s as Kimbrel (an old friend) got Schwarber, Turner and Stott back to back to back! ……..goodnight Chet………goodnight David!

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    2. It amazed me that he some how compiled 15 wins last season. Never did I see an outing of his where I thought his stuff was amazing.

       Every outing seemed like he was laboring just to get through 5 IP.

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       1. Thinkwe can trade Walker to Yankees? Maybe David Buchanan can do better in our rotation.

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          1. Kyle Gibson was pretty bad last year, but, still the Cardinals signed him. Walker has a simple job. Give them innings and win regular season games – it doesn’t have to be pretty, but he just needs to give up 2-4 runs an outing so the offense can outslug the other team. If he can’t do that – yeesh.

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    3. I was at the Wednesday game in Sarasota. Walker struggled mightily in the first and second innings.  His fastball was 89-92mph. He sat mostly at 90.  The orioles certainly had no trouble seeing his pitches. Henderson’s shot was on a 0-2 pitch.  Smoked.  He was taken out in the first inning with two outs and a runner on first. Then came out for the second and third. He was smoked again in the second and got out of the third without giving up any runs in the third.  this is the second time I saw him this spring.  The first was a week and a half ago in Clearwater. He pitched just the first inning there. He didn’t give up any runs but was clocked mostly at 89-90.  Unless he builds up arm strength and velocity, I can’t see him on the opening day roster

       the pitcher I did like was Jose Rios.  This was the second time I seen him.  His Fastball is consistently 95-96 with movement. If he doesn’t make the roster he will be called up later.  DD loves these kind of arms.  Also. i could not believe Kimbrel struck out the side.  His fastball sat at 92

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11. Just want to remind everyone that, frustrating as the games and performances can sometimes be, the literal thousands of games worth of Spring Training data have shown no discernible correlation to regular season performance.

    Poor performers often go on to have great seasons and vice versa. The best predictor of regular season success (or lack thereof) is simply past regular season performance. Our team was good last year, they’re likely to be good again this year. Don’t get too wrapped up in some meaningless games that players likely aren’t taking seriously (for example, you KNOW Harper would not be missing time in games that actually count for discomfort).

    That being said, I was ready to move on from Walker midway through last season. So if him getting lit up in Florida accelerates a move, I’m alright with that (only if we can replace him with someone better, obviously).

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    1. Dan…very good analysis. 

       I remember how hot Scott Kingery was 6/7 years back in spring training….and then the fall off.

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    2. Its true I remember when I thought Jason Donald was going to be a star when I saw him hit like 4 HRs in a ST game. 

       He ended up in the Cliff Lee deal with Lou Marson, Knapp and Cookie. Other than Carrasco the rest never amounted to much.

       I’m watching this Dodger/Padres game and its a track meet of offense.

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    3. True. But, his performance could probably have an effect on return if they try to move him. For instance, the Phillies may have a trade on the back burner in case they were to acquire an MLB rotation level starting pitcher. The return after a couple of so-so to bad performances might cost them some money to pay down his salary that they weren’t going to have to pay initially which sort of defeats the purpose of the trade. It could also lessen the return which is probably of lesser concern to the Phillies after payroll relief.

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       1. Could we trade him for Zach Eflin? Zach got 3/$40 from the Rays and we gave Walker 4/$72

          It’s one I’m sure DD would like to have a mulligan on. 

          I know we keyboard GM but that’s pretty much the point isn’t it.

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          1. To give them a little credit (but just a little), Zach was constantly getting injured and so I see the high level logic (exchanging a perceived work horse for an injury prone player). But, in hindsight, it’s not very good. I’m just never a fan of paying okay guys big money – it ends up hurting the team in all kinds of subtle and obvious ways (hello Tobias Harris). Sometimes you don’t have much of a choice, but they probably did here.

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             1. Speaking of players who are not just okay, I really wish they had extended Ranger this winter and hope they still will. I think they might underestimate him. If they wait, and he has the type of season I think he’s capable of, they’ll regret not doing a deal now, when he is probably still very affordable. People tend to forget that, not so long ago, Ranger pitched to about a 6 WAR in 106 innings. That’s insane and I watched almost all of those games – it wasn’t really a mirage – he was superb. If that guy shows up again this year (and I think he will to a large degree), he’s going to get PAID.

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                1. One issue with Ranger’s being offered an extension is…the length. Since he will be 29-years old this season the Phillies will need to consider weighing what his long term value will be. IMO, I would start with a 5 year plus 1 option year…that would put him at 36 years old going into his next contract. And he seems to be a pitcher that , espescially being left handed, will be able to pitch into his mid-to-late 30s. The Phillies should be talking to his agent now about that.

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             2. HA I imagine John Middleton is a regular here and he’s having these constant sit downs with Dave asking him all our questions 🙂

                Poor Dave saying “John, we talked about this. Zach had a hard time staying on the field before last season. Tai was coming off back to back seasons of 29 starts…

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    4. Find a trading partner for Walker – offer to pay 50% of salary for 2 currently non-40 man “B” minor leaguers in A / AA. 

       Sign Montgomery for the Snell deal.

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12. Romus. Few things I think we all know. Phillies will hit several home runs. Phillies unfortunately will strike out an awful lot of times as well. Let’s hope there are enough runs scored, good defense played and well-pitched games. I do not see anything much else needed for success. Oops. stay healthy.

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    1. …so then, in the pre-spring training presser it was stated they were going to make an effort to make more contact this spring and cutdown on the K’s………may we conclude that was a failure, or perhaps…..a leopard can’t change it’s spots! Which, incidentally, is my take. Oh, a king’s Ransome for an everyday .300 hitter.

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       1. Skeet…….to accomplish your objective for that .300 hitter……Whit M. needs to be somewhere playing daily in that line-up.

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          1. exactly.

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13. Skeet. Looks like more of a .200 hitter with maybe 40 HR. Oops sound like Phils leadoff hitter.

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    1. Nope, can’t be him, he’s only hitting .111, if he sinks to .100 and he has a real good crack at it, I’m designating that as the “Schwarber line”!🤭😂🤣👍

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14. Skeet. Too funny. But it is only Spring Training. I actually saw a single by Schwarber in one of the games I got here on MLB. Starting next week, I get them all on MLB Extra Innings.

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    1. Don you played ball. Back in the day, Romus told me when he played. You left you glove on the field. Is that true?

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       1. Rocco. I did play some. I am not sure what you are getting at. I am sure it is good. I bet Romus played. I do not ever remember leaving my glove on the field. One thing I will always remember was catching a fly ball in fairly deep right center at South Alabama. It was a pretty good play. It was the third out. So, everyone runs into our dugout on the 3B side. I was the last player to get there. Coach Stanky went ballistic on me. He yelled at me to never be last again. I never was. If I saw a fly ball or grounder, I cheated some so I could make it. I was pretty fast then. But I never forgot he made an example of me making a good play. The point he was making was to the really good guys on the team.

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          1. Rocco. I just figured out what you are asking. You are asking if we are really OLD and players shared gloves. I do not remember ever doing that. I only had the money to own one glove. I never risked losing it. I once bought a new Johnny Callison bat and one of my teammates talked me into using it. I let him and he broke it. I never got to use it.

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             1. Don.  I still have my Bob Skinner bat from a bat day give a way at Connie Mack Stadium.  I think it was a 1969 game. I used it a few times in Little league an pick up games. Now it is with my collectibles.  Lucky I never cracked when I was young. As a kid in the 60s I would have gone crazy if I had a Johnny Callison bay

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          2. Eddie Stanky, right?

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             1. Yup, looked it up in baseball reference – it was him. Very cool to have a legendary baseball player as your manager. He was an extremely good player (really, he was a star for about 6 or 7 years) – he was a really good fielder and an absolute on-base machine. He might have had the best eye of any player in major league history – and this is not an overstatement It’s one thing to draw over 100 walks a year when you’re a big time power hitter or amazing contact hitter like Wade Boggs. Stanky was neither. He somehow drew 148 walks one year while hitting one homer and batting .258. I don’t even know how that’s possible (all I can think is that he must been one of those guys who could foul off borderline pitches at will). So, thanks Don for prompting me to do a deep dive on your old manager. Sounds like he was a pretty amazing guy.

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                1. The other cool thing about Stanky is that, while he was the manager of South Alabama for such a long time, he grew up in the Kensington section of Philly and had a long road to the big leagues – he wasn’t promoted until he was 27. Also, it has come to light that Stanky, who played on the Dodgers the year Jackie Robinson integrated baseball, was, along with Pee Wee Reese, one of Robinson’s biggest early backers, which is great stuff.

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                2. Catch. If you watch any of these shows where they do facial recognition things my assistant coach would have passed for Sargent Carter. Only a guess but he may have been a Sargent at one time. One drill we had was the foul poles. All of us had to start at one pole and run to him with a baseball and then sprint to the other pole. There was 3 or 4 of us Northern kids who were outfielders. He always threw the ball where it was almost impossible for us to catch. The other guys got kind of routine fly balls. We had one kid from Boston who played 1B who Sarge liked. BC was a different kind of guy so there was a connection between the two. BC was a good player though. Kind of remind you of a modern John Kruk. Those were the days. I will never forget them.

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             2. Yes. He was really cool guy. Assistant coach reminded me of Sargent Carter on Gomer Pyle. He treated us northern kids the same as Gomer. LOL

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                1. Gosh, I could so see that. ”Don, why didn’t you run out that grounder? Maybe in Philly everyone lallygags down the line, but here in Alabama we run those out. You ain’t in Philly, Don!”

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                2. I guess replace “Philly” with “Indiana” but you know what I mean!

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                3. I told Romus the South Alabama story awhile back. He looked up things. I told him I remembered many of the names. I only stayed a semester. But it was not because of Coach Stanky. Just before going to Mobile in the American Legion tourney here in Indiana, I hurt the rotator cuff in my right shoulder pitching. I was 18 and had never been hurt. I figured it would get better. But it never did. Here in Indiana, I always pitched, played shortstop or center field. We played 6 days a week there that Fall and my shoulder just did not handle that well making long hard throws. I was a good hitter but 71 was a few years before the DH came into play. Coach would always tell the guys around when taking BP to watch how quick my swing was. He always kidded them that I had the quickest hands. It did not work out for me, but I have always appreciated the time I got to spend there. That was because of Coach Stanky. I knew of his relationship with Jackie Robinson. No surprise there.

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                4. Catch. No, it was not a ground ball. I was playing right field and caught a deep fly to right center field. It was the 3rd out. Our dugout was on the 3B side. So, I had by far the longest path to the dugout. I ran hard to the dugout, but Coach decided to make a point, I guess. I never forgot and I was never last any of the other times I got to play. Always played right field there.

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                5. No, Don, I got that part – I am just imagining you being chewed out by “Sargent Carter.” LOL.

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15. Not to refute Dan K above but I went to the game vs the O’s and it was one lousy game if you were a Phillies fan. K’s at critical moments, fielding lapses, and one horrible job of pitching by Walker. He was so bad in the 1st inning he was taken out and replaced – but then was allowed to reappear at the top of the 2nd. Somehow he got out of the 2nd. He still didn’t look good.

    The one amusing relief pitcher is Juan Ruiz who throws hard and works through the lineup quickly. He gave up several scratch hits but handled the O’s lineup pretty well. I would imagine we will see him sometime at CBP. It was the only time in the game that a Phils pitcher came right att’em and the game moved along. Otherwise it was a 3 hour slog….

    One fan yelled, “time to sign Montgomery….”

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    1. Walker was removed in the first inning because he reached a one inning pitch limit. During spring training pitchers can reenter games the next inning to continue getting their work. This has happened in several Phillies games by both teams.

       Jose Ruiz not Juan.

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16. Jackson Merrill recorded his first MLB hit in Korea. I wonder how many players recorded their first MLB hit in a country other than the US.

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17. Freddy Galvis, after 2 rather poor seasons in Japan, is returning to this continent, having signed with Dos Laredos of the Mexican League.

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18. Just been texting with my son, who is at ST. He’s gotten a ton of autographs and yesterday got his picture (selfie) taken with Roger Clemens (pretty cool!) as he was there to watch his son. He said that, overall, everyone has been super nice (which, if you’ve been to ST is very normal – people are just great on the whole), including all of the ballplayers with the notable exception of Casey Martin who, in the words of my son “big timed all of us, scoffed at us, laughed and walked away from everyone including the kids.” But I assured him that Casey will get his – he’s on the way to being a civilian again in the immediate future since he obviously cannot hit professional pitching (the evidence supports me on this).

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19. Anyway, I was writing to say that, I do think a closer – or highest leverage reliever – is going to emerge from our group of pitchers, even if it is not Orion Kerkering (and it could be). For most of last year, Jeff Hoffman was hiding in plain sight. He was their most reliable reliever the last half of last season (1.9 WAR for a reliever – amazing considering he started the year in AAA), and he’s just rolling along again. Alvarado obviously has the best pure stuff, but he is always struggling with control. Hoffman just gets in there and mows guys down. What a find he’s been.

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    1. Catch. Good point on Hoffman. I mentioned a few times when it became kind of obvious that they were not after a BP guy that maybe Hoffman might be in the plans to replace Kimbrel. He got lots of high-level innings last season and performed pretty well most of the time. Seems he is also always willing to take the ball. A little like Hector there without quite the drama that sometimes ensued. Nice to see those at Spring Training had great time.

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       1. If you look at where this team was in 2020, with literally the worst bullpen in about 100 years (not hyperbole – it was statically THE WORST), it is just amazing what they’ve done without sinking enormous resources into the position. And now there’s depth and big arms in the minors too. This is almost all on DD and his approach and insistence on big arms in the pen. If he has a super power, it may be building a bullpen.

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          1. A little bit like the Rays have been for years. It seems like they always have power arms and, in many cases, different guys.

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             1. Don…of late the Rays are struggling keeping their arms healthy…..I guess like many other teams also. But for the longest time a few years back they had a lot of good fortune with their arms as you mention. Sometimes it is just a matter of luck…..look at the prospect rich Dodgers….their pitching staff has suffered these last few years due to injuries. The Phillies have been fairly fortunate with their starters so far.

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20. Romus. Hi. I think as we go forward, we will see more of this with pitchers. The night I took the 9-year-old grandson to one of the Winter workouts as I spoke to the guy who owns the facility all he could talk about was how hard some of the kids were throwing. He never once mentioned how well anyone was hitting. It is all about velo. We are talking 14–17-year-old kids. Bodies are just not made for that over an extended period of time. I told you a year ago of the two 15-year-old kids on the Bulls who have had TJ already. What is the likelihood that may happen again?

    BTW did you notice Rocco dissing on you and I being OLD timers last night? Brought back memories of some of the things I experienced over the years. I never left my glove on the field like Rocco said you did. Sounds like you liked to share with others. LOL

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    1. Don……..yes that could be the issue with so many young arms needing TJ so soon. Now medicine and science has advanced in the procedure, but still the original body parts are the best. I saw a study many years ago that the average pitchers that have TJ usually only last about another 1000 innings pitched after their return from TJ, and their velo and stuff falls off considerably. Of course now with newer advances, maybe that number is wrongly skewed. ………The other thing I do not understand why not preventive maintenance PRP for young teen arms or young professional minor leeague pitchers……can be done in October at the end of seasons and pitchers can come back strong in the spring. Who knows! It worked for Nola and Tanaka and that was almost a decade ago.

       PS…rocco has been dissin on me for the last 10 years, LOL

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21. Romus. I see MLB is now investigating the Ohtani situation. Article I just looked at does mention that Ohtani’s name does come up. That would be a wow if something is there. 

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    1. Apparently Ohtani’s interpeter, Ippei Mizuhari , has the ipps when it comes to discussing betting using Ohtani’s money.

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22. Romus, i dont know if its true, But some outlets, are saying Otani was betting thru him, If that is true, that would be nuts,

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    1. Wow……that is nuts…IF TRUE, ….the Pete Rose precedent could be invoked if that is the case……..BUT Rose was virtually thru actvely playing, and Ohtani is arguably the best player in the game right now, bringing in $$$$ for the sport. The commissioner will then need to make a very difficult decision…..profits vs ethics. 

       In this current world……$$$$$ and political correctness rule, and some excuse will be made to keep the guilty party active in the sport….bet on that!

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23. i believe there is no way. If he is guilty. They ban him

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24. Banning might be the least of Ohtani’s worries. There is a chance that he’s lied to a federal agent, which is a crime.

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    1. Is Ohtani a naturalized American citizen?

       If not….then what is the crime…it is deportation…and that ain’t happening in today’s America and the revenue he brings in for the American enterprise called basbeall

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       1. romus he is a Democrat. He is safe

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       2. Not yet. My tax expert wife predicts that he will be by the time his deferred money starts rolling in.

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25. I saw yesterday the headline, but one broadcaster said if he was betting on baseball he should be banned for life. I do not remember who they were. referencing.

    Romus. Is this a different guy than was with the Angels. Interpreter?

    Romus and Rocco. I so enjoy you guys. Since I so misunderstood Rocco I got to tell some old stories of days long gone. You guys are the best.

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    1. Same guy. Close friend of Ohtani, which is what makes the, “he was just covering Ippei’s debt because they’re friends” argument plausible.

       But regardless of what actually happened, they both did something incredibly stupid.

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26. Romus. I have quick question on single game tickets to an MLB game. I know some have said how much Spring Training tickets cost this year. My son was over couple nights ago. He is going in April to Cincy for Phillies game. He said ticket price about same as a year ago. They had front row in mid left field. Grandkid got 2 balls. One from Nick and one at end of game from Phillies BP guy. He told me he looked later in the year to maybe take him again and for a Yankees series the same tickets were much higher last year. Is that the case with Phillies and maybe others as well. Example Braves series vs a Rockies series. Do the regular ticket prices change? Thanks.

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    1. Don…I gave up my tickets a few years ago….but that is true…..cost of tickets at CBP can be higher for the ‘must see’ teams that come in……Yankees’ tix were higher than say, the Prates…..at least in the area called Hall of Fame seating.

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       1. Romus. Thanks. I knew you said you had tickets at one time. I think he said tickets this year were around $75. Not sure last year cost. But that makes sense. Anticipate better crowds for the marquee teams. 

          Day after Caitlin Clark announced WNBA plans Indy Fever tickets went from $48 to $94. She is going to make them some money.

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       2. romus I feel for you. Must be hard living on small social security check.

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27. Romus. I think Rocco is back at it. I found my glove that was left on the field. LOL A question. Do you guys know each other? Both live in Philly?

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    1. Don…..LOL, our paths never crossed. I no longer live in Philly however….got out before any carjacking.

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28. Romus. I am seeing that Walker is going to have MRI for shoulder. I am surprised that you and Rocco do not know each other. Learn something new every day.

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    1. Yes Dom he moved out of philly, to the rich suburbs, and left me to fight off carjackers, Romus about three yrs ago, sent me tickets to a game, not ever meeting me, He is a nice guy, i like to kid him, but he is a good guy,

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       1. Rocco. I so appreciate both of you. I have no one here who is a big Phillies fan, so you guys make my day. I enjoy your interaction. Romus seems like that kind of a guy. I so messed up reading your post the other night. 

          BTW after three weeks my wife got into the physical therapist and the following day she got better. Just over a week now and still good.

          Romus. My wife’s parents lived in Collegeville when they were in Philly. I may have spelled it wrong. Plus, I got to the Vet a couple times and have two signed baseballs he got for me. They would be early 70s so probably Lefty is on them. I have them in a little glass container. ARCO had a suite right behind 3B dugout. It was cool to go. I forget how far they lived from the stadium. But he went a lot. Then he got transferred to LA and they were in Placentia which was right near the Angels. I never got there.

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29. If Walker is out for a period of time who is next up for Phillies? Realize they most likely do not need 5th guy initially. One other thing I have noticed is the Phillies having the lead late in some games and then losing. Are the front-line guys still throwing early in games? There have been no games on here for a while. Thanks.

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    1. Turnbull will probably get a look at the 5th spot if Walker is out long enough that we need one. If he’s not looking great or if another injury occurs, Strahm probably switches back to the rotation again temporarily.

       And yes, it is (was? The roster is pretty much set as of now) mostly pitchers that will not make the roster pitching at the end of games still.

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       1. Turnbull is definitely the next guy up for rotation.  Love our top 3 – Wheeler / Nola / Suarez. 

          Little concerned w/ Sanchez. 

          Very concerned w/ Walker.

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