(Note – as I typed this, the Phillies signed Marlon Byrd. I’m not changing it. I don’t even acknowledge Marlon Byrd.)

So because all of you were clamoring for it, (I’m sure you were in secret), I’ll float my off-season plan here.

First, and foremost – Break the bank for Masahiro Tanaka, (Amaro seemed to nod in that direction yesterday, but of course it may have just been general talk about Japanese players and not a nod toward Tanaka himself). I know some of this will come down to budget, but any posting fee would be somewhat mitigated by merch sales and who knows how much mitigated by TV deal leverage. Plus I bet Morimoto names a dish after Amaro if he signs Tanaka – maybe his “Yasai Ramen” could become the “NiceSign Ruben”. I would eat that. Continue reading General Discussion – Week of 11-11-2013 – “I’m The GM? Rad!” Edition →

A bunch of QOs have been announced, options are being declined and accepted all over the place. Soon we’ll have Full Blown Free Agency, Non-Tenders and the Winter Meetings. The Hot Stove is about to be turned up to high, and I for one look forward to making Jiffy Pop with the overwhelmed steam pouring out of Ruben Amaro’s ears.

Hey, remember when people used to make Jiffy Pop on the stove? That’s what I was referencing there. Do they still make that kind?

Discuss.

It all comes down to this. The drama is palpable. The intrigue undeniable. Yes, there’s just three possible games left, and if I take two out of three, I’ll be the undisputed Connect Four champion of my household. BOOM!

Also, something about the World Series, I guess.

Discuss.

Couldn’t be happier for the two teams in the World Series right now.

That was totally sarcastic.

Discuss.

I was going to try to think of something funny to say or something interesting to talk about, but I recently contracted a case of the LCS Blahs, and I’ve got no energy for anything.

The only cure for LCS Blahs? World Seriesteroids. If you offer him some cash, Jose Canseco will inject some into your “upper thigh”, if you catch my drift. He’ll do almost anything for a buck.

Discuss.

AFL Starts tomorrow. I’ll be checking in with stat updates probably a couple times a week. Aside from that, there’s some good playoff ball going on right now, with four more games today. I question the wisdom of having 2 afternoon games on a Monday, but I guess they’d be overlapping and competing with football tonight anyway, so maybe this way is for the best. And I bet they pay a company or a department at MLB to figure out what schedule has optimal ratings possibilities. And I bet those people are smarter and more informed about this stuff than I am.

Discuss.

Dubee Burned. Dubee Snuffed Out. Dubee Clipped. That’s all I could think of.

The Phillies did end the year on a particularly low note, which lends itself to a particularly high draft pick. The list of #7s since the turn of the century includes Prince Fielder, Nick Markakis, Homer Bailey, Troy Tulowitski, Clayton Kershaw, Mike Minor and Matt Harvey. So yeah, there’s room to be excited.

And now, like a t-shirt soaked in Roy Halladay’s still-warm sweat hurled at your face on a steamy July afternoon, a reminder that the Phillies last #7 was Brad Brink. Just sayin’.

Discuss.

Last week of the big club’s regular season. It will be so sad to see (free agent x) go sign with (rival club y). I will boo him when he returns in (month z) next season.

Honestly, I don’t think there’s anyone boo-worthy left on this roster. I suppose Carlos Ruiz could get some boos if he leaves for more money, but how would you be able to tell?

Discuss.

The young guys have looked pretty good with the big club, especially Cody Asche. I was out at the game Saturday in DC and he made a tough play and a good throw home with the bases loaded. His defense certainly passes the eye test for now, though if I were to identify a potential problem right now, I’d say he leaves a lot of throws low. Anyone else notice this? Could be just me, and really, better to leave your 1B with a chance to pick a ball than sail one five feet over his head.

BJ Rosenberg touched 96 on the stadium gun that same night, (might have been the same inning), and his off-speed stuff has been working since his most recent recall from AAA. He’s looking like the guy people hoped he might become before injuries slowed him down a few years back. Also, tomorrow is his 28th birthday. So good for him or whatever.

Discuss.

We still haven’t seen Cam Rupp. Wonder if that’s coming tonight with Tyler Cloyd on the hill. Also yet to see action is the bullpen version of Ethan Martin. I’m certainly interested in both events, whenever they come.

Discuss.