Opinion: Win Helped Shed Skin Of 2008
Posted by Tim Malcolm, Thu, April 09, 2009 08:30 AM | Comments: 56
Opinion, Posts
For the past week, the Phillies have been living in 2008. The celebration, the pizazz, the honors, the jewelry, the memories, the returns.
It started at Friday night at Citizens Bank Park — Pat Burrell’s publicized return to Philadelphia as an opposing player, a thrilling end to game against the victims of 2008, mirroring game three of the World Series almost eerily. Saturday it was a test for Cole Hamels, but really, another unimportant matter. Sunday night was a night for the fans to reconnect to the champions. The flag came up, the players came out, the spotlight shone bright. But Derek Lowe had the last laugh as the Phillies pressed hard to force joyousness. Tuesday night seemed to be a hangover from the celebration — the Phils couldn’t hit anything, struck, it seemed, by the elation and emotion of the past week.
But something happened Wednesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. At the end of a whirlwind week, and after one more visit by Burrell, one more sighting of a sobbing Pat Gillick and the unleashing of gorgeous 103-diamond rings, Dan Baker threw down the gauntlet. “As we turn the page to the 2009 baseball season,” he said.
Soon, Burrell was on a plane to Boston. Gillick was away from his front office duties. Both experienced their closures in Philadelphia; even the hated Adam Eaton received his closure — a full-scale noise of boos from a crowd that needed to tell him how they felt one last time. Before receiving the rings, a video described players’ thoughts about receiving the rings. Shane Victorino expressed that the ring itself was closure, that he wouldn’t actually feel like a champion until he wore the ring. Those rings met their hands, and slowly, there was closure.
The Phillies began to shed the skin of 2008 from their bodies. Maybe, to be philosophical, they had to stretch the skin off of them. And what better time than the bottom of the seventh, right after the seventh-inning stretch.
Of course, we can never forget 2008, nor would we want to forget. But baseball doesn’t stop. Baseball recycles. And we have to remember what Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard told us on October 31: They can win it again. And again.
To win again, they had to put 2008 behind them, shed the ghosts. And slowly, they have to step into new suits, preparing themselves for the long haul toward another championship. No better man could do that than the biggest new addition — the man who stepped in for Burrell — Raul Ibanez. The new left fielder stroked two big hits in the 12-11 win: The first a two-run home run, the first of the season for the Phillies; the second an RBI single that opened scoring in that marathon seventh. Let’s not forget his walk in the eighth, which turned into the insurance run that — literally — saved Brad Lidge’s consecutive-save streak. In a way, Ibanez took the first steps into the 2009 costumes.
And maybe it’s all too radical, but you could sense some heat radiating from the Phillies clubhouse, and you could sense the air finally wafting through during that seventh. With each walk the crowd grew louder, echoing the greatest moments of the treasured 2008 season. And as assured as ever, the Phillies took care of their business, scoring just enough, doing just enough. That’s the old 2008 attitude, but with a new team, a new swagger, a new costume taking shape.
It’ll take time for the 2009 Phillies to grow into their full form — remember, the ’08 team didn’t hit their full stride until September. But if there’s anything certain, it’s that the 2009 team will find its character and make its mark. Now the Phillies head to the road, to homer-happy Denver, far away from the memories of 2008. There will be no banners, no flags, no seas of red. If anything, they can look to the outfield and see “2007 NL Champions,” then look to the field at the Rockies and remember it’s hard to get back there.
The good thing is the 2009 Phillies have the experience and mental toughness the 2008 team possessed. And very likely, that 2008 memory is leaving their skins. Now it’s all about 2009.
Posts: 0 Woodman
Very well said! Let’s do it again in 2009!
Posted: 09:10 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
Go Phillies!
Posted: 09:23 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
Great job, Tim… this was the ugly win that we needed and closure… so they go back to the clubhouse and say, “Ok guys… so we’re not going to go 0-162 but we’re not going to get another ring if we continue to play like this.” This is a monkey off of their back, that is for sure, but it’s also an eye opener. The bulls’ eyes are on their backs.
Where are those Ibanez nay sayers???
Posted: 09:59 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Keith
Well put, Tim.
Posted: 10:01 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Amanda Orr
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Hey-Philly-booing-Adam-Eaton-and-his-ring-Belo?urn=mlb,154587
Posted: 10:04 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Geoff
Yeah they desperately needed that win. Now they can get away from all of this, get on the road and focus on baseball. cole hamels needs a huge start friday to get the ball rolling for the starters, so they can start performing well.
Posted: 10:11 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
Well said, Tim! Last night’s game plus going away from CBP should help them to completely “shed the skin” of 2008… Here’s to hoping Hamels gets a good start and sets the trend for the rest of the starters. It is so important that our No.1 starter goes out there and wins the first game of a series.. it’ll take some pressure off Myers and Chan Ho…
Posted: 10:22 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Now the season has started. Let’s do it again in 09 Phils. We have the talent, the chem and the power to repeat. All the experts can say what they want, but we know that the 09 Phils can repeat. Friday, Saturday,Sunday at Colorado. Then Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Nationals.(Tuesday off and phils meet Obama). Then we return to CBP for a 4 game set vs Padres and 3 game set vs Brew Crew.
1-2 Phillies at 2-1 Rockies
Friday: Cole Hamels vs Jason Marquis 4:10pm ET
Saturday: Brett Myers (0-1, 6.00era) vs Jorge De La Rosa 8:10pm ET
Sunday: Chan Ho Park (0-0, 0.00era) vs Aaron Cook (0-0, 23.14era) 3:10pm ET
Posted: 10:49 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
even though mets won 9-7 yesterday, their bullpen had a tough time. They were leading 9-4 but bullpen almost blew. Frod got his 2nd save in 2nd chances though. Mets bullpen yesterday: 4IP, 4H, 3R, 3ER, 5BB, 3K. 2BB by FRod. Putz allowed a run. Now phils bullpen wasn’t that great either yesterday but here are there stats: 5IP, 3H, 4R, 4ER, 4BB, 5K, 2HR. Anyways mets are 2-0 and will try to sweep the reds in cincy today at 12:35pm ET. gonna watch that game. For Mets the struggling oliver perez starts against bronson arroyo. Have a feeling cincy doesn’t wanna get swept at home and with all the power they have they’ll win today. Lost the last two close ones. 11 games today. 9 games are in the afternoon while brewers-giants are 7 and A’s and Angels at 10.
Posted: 10:59 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Richie Allen
I was going to tell all of you that we boobirds are in the news again for the Adam Eaton Ring thing……But Amanda beat me to it above.It never fails,Philly will always have that bad rep.
Anyway, last nights win was needed to get over the hump.
Go Phils!
Posted: 11:06 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Bob
Too early to really be concerned about anything the Mets (or any team for that matter) do. We know the Mets are talented, with an improved bullpen. But they have something to prove.
Phils just need to focus on putting complete games together. The monkey is off their backs for 09, so lets get rolling.
Posted: 11:11 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Greg B
I agree with that Eaton article. Bury the hatchet. It was a totally classless move on the fans’ part and we wonder why we have the rep we do. But, closure is closure and lets move on.
Nice to have that 1st W, but the 2009 Phils aren’t out of the woods yet. Tehy took advantage of an imploding Atlanta bullpen, which is good, but it remains to be seen whether or not our lineup can produce runs against quality starters or even starts and whether we have any quality starters of our own.
So far, the answer is no on both accounts. Let’s hope they both wake up.
Posted: 11:11 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Manny
There’s a live chat going on right now on philly.com with Jayson Stark.. and these are some of his good answers… (I asked the first question posted here hehe)
11:03 [Comment From Manny]
How important is this April for the Phils… considering that we have an “easy” schedule vs teams like the Rockies, Padres, Nats… ? What W-L record would be acceptable and what wouldn’t be unacceptable?Look at the schedule later on and we’ll be playing the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Rays…
11:06 Jayson Stark: Look, I know it’s a great Phillies tradition to always stink it up in April. But for the reasons you just pointed out, that’s an especially bad idea this year. I think one of the best things this team has going for it is the tremendous sense of purpose it exuded last October and this spring. Much like the Red Sox after 2004, this group of guys is in a different place in their minds right now. They need to make the most of that, put the pressure on the Mets and Braves, and get off to a good start for a change.
11:06 [Comment From Kate]
Is there, do you think, a good righthanded hitter the Phillies could pick up? This lefty-heavy lineup stresses me out.
11:08 Jayson Stark: If there was, that guy would already be here. I personally think Gary Sheffield would have been an awful fit. Can’t play the field at all. And you wouldn’t want him to. He’s also a “me” guy in a clubhouse full of “we” guys. But the Phillies do, I think, need somebody like that, only more athletic. This lineup is obviously too lefthanded, and it’s also way too thin in the outfield. I always look at teams and think: What happens if they have a big injury or two? If they have those injuries in the outfield, who plays? Eric Bruntlett? Miguel Cairo? John Mayberry Jr.? It’s a potential danger zone, no doubt.
11:09 [Comment From Bill]
What are your expectations of Ryan Howard this Year?
11:10 Jayson Stark: This is the best I’ve seen Ryan Howard swing the bat since his MVP year. And you’ve seen the evidence the last two days. He’s out of that mode where he feels the need to pull everything through the shift, or to put up numbers so he can get paid. He’s just relaxed and sure of himself and letting the ball come to him. He was my MVP pick in the National League. So it wouldn’t shock me if this turns out to be his biggest year yet. Does that mean 60 homers? I wouldn’t put it past him.
Posted: 11:19 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 GM-Carson
I’m predicting 62 homeruns from Howard this season. Then baseball can have a new unaided single season homerun champ.
Posted: 11:22 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
Amanda, that guy is a douche… of course, he doesn’t mention the fact that Pat Burrell received the loudest and longest ovation out of anyone… no athlete in this city (besides, maybe, Eric Lindros and Donovan McNabb) has been criticized more throughout his career than Burrell. Of course, he fails to mention the fact that we cheered for So Taguchi, who did absolutely nothing last year. This was a case of us taking exception to a player that showed no heart, no remorse and no signs of caring. All we wanted was for him to acknowledge that he was willing to put in work to get better but he never gave us anything. It always seemed like he felt sorry for himself… that he felt like it was just going to turn around on its own. This city is tough but don’t tell me that LA wouldn’t have booed Andruw Jones if they won it last year and he showed up to collect his ring.
Posted: 11:24 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
Good stuff, Manny… great question. I think that April is a key month for this team. I don’t know if we can repeat as NLE champs if we don’t get it done in April.
I think that the lefty lineup thing is overexaggerated. I don’t think that we need a RH bat… it would be nice to have a go-to RH bat off the bench but it’s a long season and I doubt that will be our biggest need in September. How many teams have awesome hitters just sitting around on the bench? I would rather save the money that it would take to get a guy like Gary Sheffield and wait to see how things pan out.
60 HR… that’s a big number. If he hits 60 HR with this lineup, he’ll probably have 165-170 RBI’s to go along with them. It almost sounds crazy to predict those kind of numbers.
Posted: 11:34 AM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
Has everyone heard about Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart? Was killed in a hit and run last night after a game in which he struck out 5 and pitched 6 scoreless. Really puts life in perspective not only for us but the players who knew him or didn’t know him because things can stop just that quickly. Sad day in baseball circles.
Posted: 12:02 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Rob
Justin, The police caught the man who started the accident. It is still sad, he was one of the most promising prospects in baseball even though he had a rough stretch last year.
Posted: 12:07 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
Yea i read the report they caught him a mile down the road that’s still just awful, and apparently there was another prospect in the car that was killed, or with the organization they may not have been a prospect.
Posted: 12:14 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chuck P
I didn’t hear that, Justin. Wow… what a tragedy. He had a very promising career ahead of him… only 22 years old. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and teammates.
Talk about a franchise down on their luck. So far, three of their starting pitchers have been bitten by the injury bug.
Posted: 12:42 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 ryan
this phillies team seems to have some sort of magical spirit about them. something intangible that you just can’t really quantify but you just watch them and know they have it. and the mets certainly don’t have it.
Posted: 01:16 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Kev
Mets up 3-0 in the Top 3rd, Oliver Perez is looking nasty
Posted: 01:27 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Nick Adenhart, a man and a woman were killed in Fullerton. Another man was seriously injured. The guy who is responsible for this because he ran a red light has been caught. Adenhart was taken to hospital and they performed surgery on him but it was too late. Since it was past midnight it took a little while to take him to the hospital. If they brought him earlier he might’ve had a slight chance to live. Pitched great last night in debut 6IP, OR, 5K. Unfortuanetly he didn’t get the win cause the A’s came back to win but Adenhart couldn’ win against death. Tragic day for the Angels and the whole MLB. Adenhart was gonna be a top-line starting pitcher for the Angels but unfortuanetly he doesn’t live more. Only 22 years old. Wow.
Posted: 01:33 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Kev
4-3 Cincinatti, Perez gave up 4 in the 3rd, rbi single and a 3 run homer to Votto, he had 5 K’s through 8 batters, not any more..
Posted: 01:36 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Update in Cincinatti. 2-0 New York Mets at 0-2 Cincinatti Reds. Oliver Perez vs Bronson Arroyo. I predicted that the Reds would win today. Anyways after 2 scoreless innings, the Mets score 3 runs in the top of the third. Carlos beltran rbi single and a ryan church 2-rbi double. But the reds score 4 runs bottom 3rd. Darnell McDonald rbi single and then joey votto 3run homer. Brandon Phillips hit a deep monster fly ball to end the inning. Top 4th reds lead mets 4-3. 11 games today in total. Every team plays this weekend friday saturday and sunday. 9 of the 11 games today are afternoon games, Brewers-Giants at 7 and A’s-Angels at 10. Moment of silence for adenhart in that game. Other games going on now. Ricky Romero and Rick Porcello are making their mlb debuts respectively for the Blue Jays and Tigers. First time since draft has started, that two pitchers making their debut against each other. Right now, top 4th 1-2 Tigers lead at 2-1 Blue Jays 2-0. 1-2 Mariners lead at 2-1 Twins top 3rd 1-0. M’s with a man on second. Lots of games are getting underway now.
Posted: 01:41 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
In finale of TB-Boston game, Burrell is on the bench. In two games so far for the Rays, Burrell is 0for7 with an OPS of .125.
Posted: 01:44 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 EastFallowfield
Here are my pics from the ring ceremony and game….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37227605@N04/sets/72157616460332285/show/
Posted: 01:44 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chase Mutley
WORLD PHUCKING CHAMPIONS!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted: 01:46 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Before the Mariners-Twins game a moment of silence was held for Nick Adenhart. Moment of silence for Adenhart will also be held at the afternoon tilt between the 0-2 Cleveland Indians and the 2-0 Texas Rangers. Of course a moment of silence will be held at the 10:05pm ET game of the 2-1 Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim but if held. Developing story that Angels might consider postponing the game. From CBS Sports
“Following the stunning death of Angels starting pitcher Nick Adenhart, officials are considering postponing tonight’s Los Angeles-Oakland Athletics game in Anaheim. The game, according to an Angels’ official, is “in question” as the club deals with the details of the shocking incident that occurred within a couple miles of Angel Stadium following Wednesday night’s game. Adenhart, 22, was the starting pitcher and had held Oakland scoreless over six innings. Not long after, Adenhart was killed in a hit-and-run crash. He died Thursday morning after surgery attempts failed to save him, according to the Angels. Adenhart was one of three people killed in the crash. The other two were not affiliated with the Angels’ organization. “The Angels family has suffered a tremendous loss today,” Angels general manager Tony Reagins said in a statement released by the club Thursday morning. “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick’s family, friends, loved ones and fans.”
Adenhart is survived by his father, Jim, and his mother, Janet. They released this statement: “Nick’s family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick’s loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone’s hearts forever.”
Posted: 01:49 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Kev
Alright Travis
Posted: 01:50 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Richie Allen
Wow Travis is on a roll……………..
Posted: 01:53 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chase Mutley
WORLD PHUCKING CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!! WE”RE THE BEST!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted: 01:55 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 551 Brian Michael
Yea, chill Travis…unless you are a computer.
Posted: 01:55 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 551 Brian Michael
You too Mutley.
Posted: 02:01 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
sorry about that
Posted: 02:04 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Chase Mutley
Phuck you Brian, we’re the WORLD PHUCKING CHAMPS!
Posted: 02:04 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 1650 Tim Malcolm
Mutley: Wouldn’t start going nuts at the guy who runs the site.
Posted: 02:07 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
5-4 cincy on a votto single
Posted: 02:14 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
6-4 cincy, brandon phillips hit sac fly to knock in run number 2
Posted: 02:15 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Story on Phillies.com about Cole Hamels. Rich Dubee said he’s fine and is feeling better than he was a month ago. “Uh, yeah, I guess,” Hamels said, asked if he feels ready to pitch Friday. “I haven’t really thought about it much.” The fact Hamels said he hasn’t thought much about it might be the best indicator that he thinks he is healthy.Hamels is relaxed and feels ready for tomorrow’s game. So good news for Hamels. Also Reds lead Mets 6-4 bottom 4th. Opening day in the minors. Leigh Valley,Reading,Clearwater and Lakeland all play today at home. Nice matchup in Allentown. Leigh Valley and Kyle Kendrick take on Phil Hughes and Scranton/Wilkes-Barrie Yankees.
Posted: 02:16 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Oliver Perez out of game and mets bullpen now. First up Darren O’Day
Posted: 02:18 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
Actually Travis, Jason Johnson is starting for the SWB Yanks tonight, Hughes pitches Sunday.
Posted: 02:18 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
O’Day hits encarcion. Bases juiced and ryan hanigan batting with 1 out.
Posted: 02:21 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
oh nvm about hughes then. I know carrasco is pitching tom night.
Posted: 02:22 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
vs Ian Kennedy from what i hear.
Posted: 02:27 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Ryan Hanigan with bases loaded, 1 out and a 3-1 count flies out shortly to church. So 2 outs bases juiced, Paul Janish with a chance and he……delivers. A single scores two runs. 8-4 Reds. Now 2out men on 1st and 2nd, pitcher Bronson arroyo bats and he flys out. After 5 in cincy, Reds lead Mets 8-4. Lots of walks by Perez today: 4.1IP, 5H, 8R, 8ER, 5BB, 7K, 1HR ERA: 16.62
Posted: 02:28 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
Game busted open for Red 8-4 Reds lead going to the top of the 6th.
Posted: 02:29 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Looking at the pitchers of the Rockies who phillies face. Marquis has struggled with a 4+ era. De La Rosa has been terrible in like 6-7 starts. Era in double digits. Cook has also been terrible with a 6+era. Hamels never faced rockies in reg season. Myers 6-0 with a 3.19era and Ho Park 10-6 with a 4.32era.
Posted: 02:31 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Travis
Mets get a run back on Sac Fly by Alex Cora 8-5 now reds
Posted: 02:38 PM on April 9, 2009
Posts: 0 Justin
If people were to go by the numbers on paper then the Phillies wouldn’t have won the World Series last year, the Rays wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good last year and the Mets and Yankees would have Met in the World Series the last 3 years. All those stats go to hell once the first pitch is thrown.
Posted: 02:38 PM on April 9, 2009