MetFan vs. Phillsfan

6:08:44 PM EDT

       If you would've told Omar Minaya in January that Steve Trachsel would have 9 wins one game after the All-Star break he would've laughed at you. This is the type of season the Mets are going through right now. Tom Glavine is having his best season in a Mets uniform, our lineup is producing, our defense isn't self destructing, and our bullpen is holding its own. As of right now the Mets have no gleaming weakness.

       For all of you Sports Illustrated fans you probably read the article, as they showed 6, yes the 6 Met All-Star players. To summarize it we have chemistry. The Met players have such great chemistry not seen in our locker room since those championship seasons in '86 and those playoff seasons in the late 80s. Chemistry is a vital part to any teams success not discussed by the media. There is a reason the Yankees have yet to win a world series since the 2000 season even though they've had the highest payroll with so many superstars, they just don't seem to click. These Mets get along great, with the personalities of Pedro and Reyes, the leadership offered by Julio Franco and Carlos Delgado, the on the field leadership by Beltran and Wright.

       Any owner, GM, or manager in all of baseball would tell you they'd die to have a home grown prospect like Jose Reyes or David Wright. The Wilpons, Omar Minaya, and Willie Randolph are lucky enough to have both of them. The two were invited to participate in the All-Star festivities in Pittsburgh. Wright had a memorable weekend finishing second to yes the Phillies Ryan Howard. Whom by the way is 3 years older than Wright even though people neglect that since Wright has been in the league longer. Wright also homered in his first All-Star at bat. Reyes was unable to participate due to a finger injury but loved the experience and he should be a lock to be there in years to come.

       Reyes has truly been the offensive catalyst of this team and his presence is irreplaceable. Reyes has taken unfathomable strides over the past season. His OBP has risen 57 points over the past year from .300 to .357. He leads the league with 39 stolen bases, has hit 12 triples, has shown his increased patience at the plate drawing 32 walks, but most importantly he has scored 75 runs. Wright has been just as impressive. Wright is a legitimate MVP candidate as he's hitting .316 with 20 HR and 74 RBI. Lets not overlook the fact that this is only his second full season in the major leagues, yet he continues to carry himself as a seasoned veteran. And talking about getting the bang for your buck, Wright is making just over the league minimum this year.

       Reyes and Wright have contributed a lot to the Mets success, but without the key additions of Delgado, Beltran, and Pedro over the past two years they would still just be taking strides. Beltran, Delgado, and Wright have become only the 4th trio of teammates to hit over 20 home runs by the All-Star break a new feat in NEW YORK Baseball history. New York has had some historic teams, with the likes of Maris and Mantle, but still this is the first time that a trio of teammates has produced so efficiently. Beltran has quietly become an MVP candidate of his own, just the way he likes it. Beltran is hitting .279, with 25 HR, 68 RBI while swiping 12 bases and playing  a solid centerfield.

       Duaner Sanchez has exceeded expectations and Billy Wagner has been decent. The bullpen in its entirety is much improved from last year and should not be a burden from here on out. It is extremely important that the Mets do not get complacent and continue to strive for perfection. With a comfortable the Mets can afford to rest some key players with nagging injuries, allowing them to have a fresh roster come October. Randolph will make sure players are rested, but also ensure that they are not complacent and do not lose focus. Fans on the other hand, lets think of the possibilities. This season is 20 years in the making...Ya Gotta Believe!

Record: (54-36)

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7:45:08 PM EDT

(carpe diem...)

 

The St. Louis Cardinals currently have one of the best teams in the National League and the entire MLB at that. With some great power at the plate in players like Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds who can stand in the Cardinals way. Well, maybe no team can but how about a little thing known by baseball fans as the D.L. The DL is the disabled list which obviously contains the players that are not healthy enough to play in a normal game of baseball. When a player goes on the disabled list, it is the worst news that could have possibly came to the team and the player. How about if the player is your best hitter and a solid fielder? You would be speechless and that is exactly what happened to the Cardinals two nights ago when their star player Albert Pujols pulled a muscle in his side.

 

The 6’3” 225 pound powerhouse has been placed on the 15-day disabled list and is reportedly out indefinitely. The team doctors are guessing around an actual 6 week absence but no matter the length, the Cardinals are hit big time. Pujols brought about every aspect of power that fueled this team. His major league leading 25 home runs and 65 RBI’s were both on pace to break the ingle season records and his .308 average isn’t too shabby either.

 

Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds along with the rest of the decent Cardinals lineup can keep winning games but not at such an amazing pace. Albert came through in the clutch and his swing is so smooth that balls just fly out of stadiums. This is a gigantic loss for St. Louis as well as baseball all together. We could have all witnessed history before our very eyes but there always has to be a spoiler. We had the chance to see two records broken this year by one man but the unfortunate occurrence of a serious injury will keep us waiting at least another year.

 

Maybe this was destiny all though I don’t believe in that too much. Many people believe it just flat out sucks and I must admit I am one of them. Hopefully he can finish this year out strong once he comes back and we may possibly see a resurgence of this sort next year. Good Luck Albert!

                                             ~Zach

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9:39:51 PM EDT

(what does the prophecy say about this guy?)

The Phillies sophomore sensation is just incredible in terms of batting. He makes his fair share of errors in the field so we're not really going to get into all of that. But when Howard is at the plate the Phillies fans just feel an electric touch, a sense to have to watch every pitch. Besides the fact that Howard along with Chase Utley are pretty much god to us he has just an amusing stroke. Unlike a normal left-handed hitter driving home runs to deep right, Howard has hit all 13 of his home runs in Citizens Bank Park from center to the left foul pole. Maybe his batting coach really has to have a chat with him or maybe that is just how Ryan Howard is meant to bat. Howard still has three games left to play in the month of May and he has already set a club record 12 home runs for the month.

Now, I'm not really complaining considering that the Phillies finally have something good for them and that Howard could be playing the trombone right now. That's right, big slugger Ryan Howard use to play the trombone at his high school. I bet you he never expected to be in the position he his now.

Howard had his 12th home run at Citizens Bank Park yesterday as the Phillies took the third game of a series with the Brewers, 6-2. Unfortunately, the Brewers took tight wins the first two games and took the series with them but the Phillies had something to look forward to. The Washington Nationals were coming to town and although many don't like to say it, the Phils are looking for an easy series to catch up with Atlanta.

I say catch up with Atlanta because to my dislike, they caught up with the Phils and eventually passed them this past series. The Braves put a smack down on the Cubs and pulled within a tie of the Phillies and then went ahead a game. So, now the Phillies are five games behind the Mets for first place and one game behind Atlanta for second (if you didn't realize that means Atlanta is 4 behind N.Y.).

The Phils are Nat's are currently in the 8th inning of their first game and the Phillies have a 10-2 lead. Now, maybe you can see what I meant by an "easy" series but no disrespect meant towards Frank Robinson or any of you D.C. fans out there...ugh.

Phils Record: 25-24

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10:25:49 PM EDT

After taking the first two losses of this series the Phillies needed to really step it up.With Brett Myers on the top of his game going seven innings with three allowed runs it made it easier for the bats to produce. When a pitcher can keep an opponents score to a low number it always sets a spark to the offense and helps them bring in those much need runs. Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard felt the spark as they both went out of the yard in the first inning but that was soon followed by a home run from Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.

This whole series has been electric since the first game which went 16 innings and was eventually won by clutch hitter Carlos Beltran for the Mets. New York took two narrow one run wins in the series but the Phillies were finally able to stop their hot bats and take the third game, 5-3. This win was big because it stopped the Mets from taking an even bigger lead in the division and also held the Braves back as far as possible.

With this win under their belt the Phils are set to take on the Milwaukee Brewers once again with Chris Capuano looking to take the first win the Brew Crew (not happening). It may just be because I'm a Phillies fan but it seems like we're playing the brewers every other series or so. I'm sick of seeing these guys!

Although I'm not too fond of the Mets I must give it up for third baseman David Wright. This kid has more heart than anyone in the majors and has the talent to back it up. He's hitting a solid .315 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI's on the season. His excellent fielding and clutch at-bats force me to honor him with my Player of the Series Award, congrats!

Phils Record: 24-22

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10:04:13 PM EDT

The one thing the Phillies really had to look forward to was the arm of Cole Hamels. After a trip through every minor league division Hamels made a quick and very productive MLB debut when he went 6 innings letting up just one hit. But now the young golden boy of the Phillies dugout has been placed on the 15-day DL. There are no serious injuries according to an MRI but Hamels will be resting up the injured shoulder as Ryan Madson will once again step into the starting rotation.

After making a relieving effort against the Mets two days ago Madson showed his best stuff as he went 7 innings and he wasn't the starter! Although this game did go 16 innings that is incredible for a reliever and Madson did gain some starter experience before Hamels was called up.

Hamels may possible see his next start in the rotation against Los Angeles or Arizona, both are road trips. GO PHILS!

                                                        ~Zach

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9:36:46 PM EDT
Hearing Philsfan(Zbar88)

 MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:17 PM]:  Hey the Phillies are playing there best baseball in our life time how does it feel?
Zbar88 [7:17 PM]:  amazing, what do ya think
Zbar88 [7:17 PM]:  one game behind the "untouchable mets"
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:18 PM]:  im actually pretty happy my self i mean their playing so great and we still have a one game lead with two missing spots in the rotation right now, its great
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:18 PM]:  I never said the Mets were untouchable I said the Braves will give us a run for our money
Zbar88 [7:18 PM]:  great because you haven’t lost first place, but you play the cardinals tonight
Zbar88 [7:18 PM]:  do you still think the braves are your threat even though its early?
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:19 PM]:  The champs are the champs till some one dethrones them and right now the title of NL East champ belongs to them for the best 14 years
Zbar88 [7:19 PM]:  don’t dwell on the past my friend
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:20 PM]:  the Phillies don't have the pitching to last the year your dependent upon a rookie to anchor your rotation
Zbar88 [7:20 PM]:  Hamels, Myers, Floyd, Lieber, Lidle?
Zbar88 [7:20 PM]:  all solid when given decent run support
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:20 PM]:  Floyd can’t throw any strikes
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:20 PM]:  Hamels is talented
Zbar88 [7:21 PM]:  Chase Utley is a star, Ryan Howard is tons of power and we are doing all of this without last years home run champ!
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:21 PM]:  and Myers and Lieber don't count on them Lieber had the outing of his life his last time out
Zbar88 [7:21 PM]:  Myers is good...
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:21 PM]:  Utley is a star? Only in Philadelphia my friend
Zbar88 [7:21 PM]:  no, if you look at any MLB rankings at positions he will be top 3 or 4
Zbar88 [7:21 PM]:  at second base'
Zbar88 [7:22 PM]:  he is a star fielder with clutch batting
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:22 PM]:  top 3 or 4 at second base need I say more
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:22 PM]:  how many great second baseman have their been in the history of the game
Zbar88 [7:22 PM]:  top 3 includes # 2 and #1
Zbar88 [7:22 PM]:  we're not talking history, let's stick with the hot Phillies
Zbar88 [7:22 PM]:  ....and super hero Aaron Rowand
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:23 PM]:  I’m just saying the majority of second baseman are not "stars"
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:23 PM]:  I believe he’s on the DL if I’m not mistaken because your management was too lazy to pad the fence that he requested earlier they left it there for the next road trip
Zbar88 [7:24 PM]:  they needed proof to do something about it and now we got it....and we weren’t going to do anything he said until he proved himself
Zbar88 [7:24 PM]:  and what happened to your biggest lead in early season?
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:24 PM]:  That’s wrong, that’s pretty funny actually that your a Phillies fan and you don't know what happened
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:25 PM]:  Rowand requested padding earlier in the season, it arrived and the grounds crew was waiting for the next road trip to put it up, so timing was just off
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:25 PM]:  Our big lead was a result of health, right now were down two starting pitchers
Zbar88 [7:25 PM]:  no ones fault
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:25 PM]:  Bannister will come back healthy and then we'll figure out the 5th spot
Zbar88 [7:25 PM]:  which will kill you...
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:25 PM]:  Health never is, its always a concern
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:25 PM]:  for every team
Zbar88 [7:25 PM]:  yea, FIGURE OUT, the Phils who supposedly had struggling pitching has a set and solid staff
Zbar88 [7:26 PM]:  and don’t tell me they don’t, they won 13 of their last 14 games! Best in the MLB!
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:26 PM]:  But there not even the best team in their division still
Zbar88 [7:26 PM]:  ....soon to be
Zbar88 [7:27 PM]:  just you wait
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:27 PM]:  I’ll wait for us to be healthy
Zbar88 [7:27 PM]:  same here
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:27 PM]:  I’m fine time will tell
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:27 PM]:  Your pitching is not there at all
Zbar88 [7:28 PM]:  hahaha
Zbar88 [7:28 PM]:  our pitching isn't there? haha
Zbar88 [7:28 PM]:  13 of 14 is not all bats my friend
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:28 PM]:  what’s the team ERA over that span?
Zbar88 [7:28 PM]:  …and what about Tom "reliable" Gordon over Billy "Rat" Wagner?
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:29 PM]:  I’m pretty sure Gordon blew a game against the Mets and was saved by Aaron Heilman
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:29 PM]:  But maybe I was watching a different game
Zbar88 [7:29 PM]:  congratulations, you found the only blown save by Gordon
MetsChampsIn2k2 [7:29 PM]:  and I'm pretty sure Gordon's nick name is flash not "reliable"
Zbar88 [7:29 PM]:  ....thanks buddy, I know
Zbar88 [7:29 PM]:  I'm proving my point
Zbar88 [7:30 PM]:  But we'll see in the coming weeks who is top dog!

 

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9:10:16 PM EDT

After taking 13 of their last 14 games, the Phillies headed off for Milwaukee to face the Brewers. Unfortunately, there was a reason that the Brewers have the most HR's in the majors and they eventually swept my Phils. The Phillies put up a good battle in each of the three games but lost all of them by one run which came in the final innings. Some clutch hits from Geoff  Jenkins and Bill Hall proved to be the difference.

Now, with the past hopefully behind them, the Phils start their first inter league games of the year. The Boston Red Sox come to town first swinging a hot bat and led by Big Papi, Manny Ramirez and Josh Beckett who will face Brett Myers on Saturday. The Phils will be feeling good if they can come off with a series win here because they stand just 2 games behind the Mets who are hosting the Yankees.

And if you were wondering, Phillies new pitcher Cole Hamels is flat out nasty! Although he is yet to get his first win he went 6 innings with just one hit in his MLB debut and has a sick curve ball to top it off. Just thought you should know how amazing this kid is.

Now that Inter league action is starting up, there will be a lot of pointless games for certain teams. Take St.Louis for example. They are taking on the Royals who have to be the worst team in baseball. The series is not useless because it will give the Cardinals a bigger lead in their division but no one will watch that junk. I'm going to start up a pool and take bets on how little the attendance is at these kinds of games. Some games are pretty cool though, such as the "Battle for New York." Yes, I gave the series its own name, deal with it. Seeing the always strong Yankees battle with the surging Mets would be an incredible sight and should draw a ton of attention. Would could have the best Inter league rivalry ever right here!

O yea, as for the pimpin' portion of this entry hence the title, it is all here in this picture.....

(Shane Victorino, Chris Roberson, Cole Hamels pimpin' all over da world!)

Phils Record: 22-18

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8:12:53 PM EDT

       The first few lines of everyone's favorite Daddy Yankee song start out like this, "Rompe, Rompe, Rompe, Rompe....," grant it it means broken, or broke, or some form of break in spanish in english it sounds like ROMP and that's exactly what the Mets did to the Phillies Wednesday night. After an embarassing loss Tuesday in which Aaron Heilman literally threw away the game the Mets came back and romped the Phillies in the untradational 13-4 respect. Jose Reyes hit his second home run of the year, while Lo Duca, Beltran and even Tommy Glavine had multi hit days. When your pitcher goes 2-2 with a walk you know your offense was rolling on all four cylinders. Glavine is the Mets top hitter percentage wise as he his 6-12 on the year, not bad Tommy. Besides the hitting Glavine proved he can still throw the ball as he yielded just 4 hits, and 3 runs in 7 innings of work. Heath Bell saw his first action of the year and yielded a run in his one inning of relief. Jorge Julio was trusted to close out the 9 run game and did so without much of a threat. The Best part about this all is that the Phillies are 9-1 in their last 10 games and we still hold a 4 game lead on them as we are in a bit of a funk with two starting pitchers down. Looking to gain one more game on the lead before the series is set with Stevie Trachsel will take the mound tonight for the Mets. This season is 20 years in the making...Ya Gotta Believe!

Record: (22-11)

 

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5:54:42 PM EDT
Feeling Ecstatic

(...god's gift to Philly)

Cole Hamels, the Phillies 22-year old golden boy prospect is scheduled to start against the Cincinatti Reds on Friday. Ryan Madson will be placed back into the bullpen and another pitcher will be sent to the minors to make a roster space available for Hamels. Madson has been struggling in his six starts and the Phils front office believes Hamels is ready. I mean, with all his great numbers he has to be ready. Wait, you haven't seen his numbers, how about letting up 10 hits in 23 innings with 36 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.39 with Scranton-Wilkes Barre! In divison A ball with Clearwater, Hamels had just four starts in which he pitched 20 1/3 innings with 29 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.77!

Hamels has moved through the majors quickly being called up from every division within a matter of weeks. Scouts say Hamels packs a disgusting curveball and could be the spark in the Phillies roster that they have been searching for. With Gavin Floyd, Brett Myers and Cole Hamels (all former first round picks) in the roatation, Charlie Manuel believes this team is in for something special. Hopefully he is right and our youth precedes us. Go Phils!

                                            ~Zach         

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5:39:09 PM EDT

At long last, the Phillies and the Mets meet at Citizens Bank Park. With a 4 game lead over Philadelphia the Mets were preparing for a tough fight, which they got. Brett Myers was pitching amazing for the Phillies but he was opposed by New York's ace, Pedro Martinez. Martinez entered the game with an unblemished record of 5-0. But that was soon to change as the Phils came out strong.

Through 6 innings the Phillies led 3-0. In New York's next at-bat they put up 2 runs to close the gap. The Phils were able to tack up one more run to make the score 4-2 going into the 9th inning. Now, when the Phils have been ahead in the ninth inning they normally come out with a win. All of this credit can go to closer Tom Gordon who is having a great season. Unfortunately, Gordon received his first blown game of the season as Carlos Delgado drilled a two-run shot to left field which tied up the game, 4-4. As angry and nervous Phillies fans became, they could hold down their beer a little longer because they still had another at-bat,

In the bottom of the ninth, the Mets pitching staff began to fall apart. With two outs left the bases were juiced and Bobby Abreu stepped up to the plate. Working with a good count Abreu dodges a ball coming at his hip which he could have won the game off of. If Bobby would have taken the hit the game would have been won on a hit pitch. As simple as it is, it's the game and if you don't want to lose that way then don't throw inside with two outs, two strikes and the bases loaded. To our luck, Abreu liked the next pitch but only made slight contact with it which barely put it past home plate. New York pitcher Aaron Heilman sprinted up to the ball, picked it up but was off balance and his throw to first went into the crowd. So, Jimmy Rollins trots home and the Phils snag a disgraceful (on New York's part) but much needed win. This win put them 3 games behind the division leading Mets and 8 games ahead of Atlanta.

That should serve Billy "Rat" Wagner right for talking out against his former team. It doesn't matter how much you don't like them, you don't talk crap on a team. I mean, Wagner practically cried about teammates calling him names.

Phils Record: 18-14

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