Comments on: Mr. Rocktober is Ryan Howard

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:41:04 +0000

Not to mention, Philly fans often like a foul mouth. And we all know what Chase has said which set phan in a phrenzy. (Boo? F^&* YOU, and (World PHucking Champions) :) That said, I find it very difficult to name 1 single favorite player. There really isnt a player I dont like, just some I think have underperformed to their own caliber.

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Don M, I thought about this discussion a little more, and I have a thought of why Howard doesnt get the same amount of love in Philly as maybe Utley. First, I dont wuite agree that Utley doesnt put up numbers which would draw people to him. He isnt a power hitter, and doesnt hit clean up so usually he would have the same amount of homers and RBI’s as Howard. Utley is there to hit and get on base. Howard hits Utley in quite often meaning both do their job quite well. But really, why doesnt he get the love. I would say who they are compared to. Howard is compared to or often thought of in the same sentance as other 1st basemen. Pujols, Gonzalez, and Fielder come to mind. Why sometimes will Hoard not get the respect? He is often in the top 3 of the HR’s and RBI’s, BUT he is often in the top 5 (ish) of strikeouts, and not in the top 5 for Avg. Too many people will question why he can hit power and RBI’s like Pujols for instance, and not hit for avg as well. Just my thought. As for Utley. Many people argue he is one of if not THE best 2nd basemen in the NL today. That could be an explanation. Thoughts on that?

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:11:26 +0000

Now I 100% with the state of this being a good problem to have! :) I understand the question of what the reasons are. I guess I just disagree to even go down that route at all. Thankfully in the last few seasons, we have had quite a few “nice problem[s] to have” in Philadelphia. We have questioned 1. why the hell would would we sign Moyer to a 2 year contract. To me, intangeables, such as leadership and teaching. 2. Why would we sign a “washed up old fart” like Pedro Martinez. I questioned it, however none of us saw what the Phillies scouts saw, which is a rested, motivated former cy you winner with something to prove, and a little something left in his tank to be a 4th or 5th starter. 3. Why Let Pat the Bat go and get Ibanez? Ibanez has cooled off a quite a bit from his horrifically awesome start, but I still think he was a great pick up. 4. Why did we pick up Cliff Lee instead of sell the farm for Halladay? I think Lee (excluding 3 of his starts) has spoken for himself with performance. And Francisco has helped alot as well. GREAT problems to have!

By: Don M

Don M — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:43:53 +0000

I generally agree with what you say.. but I can’t think of a more realistic reason for Ryan Howard not to be our most popular player ?

It’s a nice problem to have… which All-Star, MVP caliber player should be the fan favorite.. and why …

we haven’t had questions like that in Philadelphia for a long, long time.. so its kinda cool

By: Don M

Don M — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:39:31 +0000

MOST Philadelphia baseball fans are males ..

also, I never said that MOST fans are racist

… and I never said that MOST fans like Utley ONLY because he is white ..

But if the majority of baseball fans in this city are white.. and Utley, who isn’t as friendly & out-going OFF THE FIELD ..and isn’t as productive ON THE FIELD as Ryan Howard .. It’s really not a stretch at all to say that race plays a factor as to why he seems to be the fan favorite

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:06:59 +0000

Actually yes Don M, Ive been quite a few Phillies Games. I would agree that maybe 60-70% may be white, but are the people who go to games the ONLY Phillies fans? I honestly know just as many black fans as white fans, but honestly saying that most fans are white because thats who show up to games is missing a large percentage of games. For those fans who do NOT or have not gone to a game, does it make them not a fan? No, it could mean many other things. Cant afford it, family matter, only one person of the family is a fan, the others dont want to go, Lower income. Some things like that. As much as I dont like the “race debate” it is proven (an BS that it happens) that women and blacks make less money than white males. Have you even been to a game? I would black/white aside 60-70% are male. Does that mean that women dont like the Phillies? I just think it is impossible to quantify that unless you can actually identify EVERY SINGLE fan, and not base it on only those fans who either choose, or more importantly can afford to go to a game. Do I agree that SOME people can NOT see past the color of a persons skin…Without a doubt there are some that are too ignorrant to see past, but I do NOT agree that MOST fans can not see past a persons skin. I just find it hard to believe that MOST fans like Utley ONLY because he is white, and dislike Howard and Rollins because they are black. Some, yes…Most? I completely disagree. Maybe I completely disagree because I dont see it that way, and my friends I surround myself dont see it that way, but I really HIGHLY doubt, you are one of those “some” people, and I doubt that your friends are that way either. I have seen your posts on here before, and you do not strike me that way, as a racist. You seem a little more open minded than that. As for explanation. When Schmidt was playing he was definately NOT a popular sports figure in Philly. Many people couldnt stand him…He is white, and Schmidt and Howard have two things in common…Home Runs and Strikeouts. Schmidt was a far better fielder than Howard and he was still NOT popular. For Rollins, I know some people dont like Rollins because of how extremely OUTSPOKEN he is. His hustle has been questioned in the past (benched last season because of it) and he was benched two years ago for being late. Some people take that to heart. To me? He is human, he makes mistakes, he did it, he got benched, he learned from it. One reason I Live J-Roll as a person is his community service he does TONS of it. As a player defensively, AWESOME. As a hitter, WOW did he turn it on, but he was atrocious at the beginning of the season, hitting about .206. Some people are weery of him, and his swing at first pitch mentality a little to much. Honestly, thats the only thing that gets me, his swing at first pitch.

By: Don M

Don M — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:49:25 +0000

I’m really not trying to start a debate of any sort.. but I feel like Howard should be a much, much, much bigger SuperStar in the game of baseball, and in our city.

Utley’s numbers don’t come anywhere near the production of Howard.. Utley dives around more, maybe he is able to hustle so much because he’s not the one carrying the team on his back every September.. Ryan Howard is

By: Don M

Don M — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:43:43 +0000

Brian, have you ever been to a Phillies game ???

I’d say that the crowd is AT LEAST 75% white

…
What other explanations could you give for people loving Utley that much more than say Rollins or Howard .. who both have achieved higher personal goals thus far in their careers .. and who are both way more “friendly and outgoing” than the warm, and fuzzy Chase Utley

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:38:11 +0000

I dont know Don M, I completely disagree. I dont agree that “most Philadelphia baseball fans are white”. I think that is impossible to actually quantify. By saying that Utley is one of the favorites in Philly (everyone has their favorites, Vic is one of mine) is to say that ?most Philadelphia” phans cant see past the color of someone skin to evaluate likes or dislikes. Maybe I am wierd, but My favorites are Howard, Vic, Utley and Moyer, and Im white. But the only true “white’s” are Moyer and Utley. Vic is Hawaiin, and we know Howard. I just dont think you give enough credit to some of the phans on this site. No disrespect meant to you, but I dont think you are giving some of us enough credit to not be racist.

By: Don M

Don M — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:04:56 +0000

What does it mean that Utley “Isn’t here for the paycheck” … he makes like $13 M a season average on this contract

I really, really don’t want to start a race-debate or anything like that.. but the simple fact is that Utley is white… most Philadelphia baseball fans are white.. and there you have your superstar

even more so than the Gold Glove, MVP, and longest tenured Jimmy Rollins
or your Rookie of the Year, Home Run Champ, MVP Ryan Howard ..

…
I used to have a favorite player named Bobby Abreu.. who was the most clutch player in a long-time.. Since he departed I really don’t have one “favorite” player on the team anymore … I love what they all do to help the team

I love Rollins’ for his defense and ability to make things happen

Utley because he’s the best PURE hitter on the team, and he really does leave it all out on the field

Howard because we’ve never had a legit Power threat like him in our history.

Werth because he’s above average at every single aspect of the game (really might be the most complete player on the roster…)

Feliz because he’s got a great glove, and has timely hits..

Ruiz because he works well with the pitchers, and can really battle in late-game at-bats against hard throwing pitchers.. he steadily pokes balls to Right and Right-Center when we need hits..

I’ve never been a huge Victorino fan.. love his defense, but I feel like he slaps at the ball too much, and doesn’t use his speed enough (BUT.. he comes up big when Rollins doesn’t ..and when the two of them are both on, our team is nearly unstoppable)

anyway.. this team is awesome at life

By: Manny

Manny — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:39:45 +0000

Talking about Big Brown: Has anyone realized that he was THIRD in batting average this season (after Shane and Chase)? That’s very, very impressive… who would’ve thought!

By: Bret

Bret — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:11:19 +0000

Where’s Brian Micheal ripping Ryan Howard now??? Im surprised he let this post make it on the site. He was still ripping him even early this year.

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:35:00 +0000

It depends on how you define cleanly Philly Texan. LOL. Babe didnt have steroids, but he was a complete drunk. LOL.

By: Philly Texan

Philly Texan — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:18:27 +0000

Howard had a great year. Cut down on his strikeouts and raised his average 30 points.

Sure, he still strikes out a lot, but I’ll live with that to get those 45 homers and 140 RBI every year.

By the way, this was his 4th straight year of 45 homers and 140 RBI.

I think only Babe Ruth and Sammy Sosa have ever done that (and we now know how Sammy did it.)

So you could argue that Babe Ruth and Ryan Howard are the only two players in major league history to accomplish this cleanly.

We’re watching a great player on a great team. And I’m enjoying it.

Once-in-a-generation player.

By: ed

ed — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:21:05 +0000

Howard is definitely the best player on this roster by far that’s why he bats in the clean up role (the most productive slot in the line up) but he needs people that are great around him to be great. With that said the reason that Philly loves chase utley so much is because he identifies with the city better than anyone else on his team besides being the best 2nd baseman in the game. He plays hurt, never complains, hustles all the time like there is no tomorrow, isn’t here for the pay check, and is so smart in the game of baseball. He also does all of the little things the best example is the play in the world series when he faked the throw to first and then got the got out at home. He is so Jeteresk in that regard and I know F%^& the Yankees.

By: Brian of CO

Brian of CO — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:21:25 +0000

Well I notice Andrew isnt on here yet spewing how HORRIBLE Howard and Werth are in the clutch? I wonder what he thinks now. There really isnt a bigger clutch situation. Obviously NLCS or World Series is a bigger clutch situation, but last night spoke VOLUMES about this team, and their resolve. People who had their doubts about NLCS and even taking both games in Colorado had very valid arguements. The Phillies were playing like crap, and the Rockies were playing pretty well, and had the 2nd best Home record in the NL. They did have the advantage going back to Colorado, but the Phillies have shown up! It probably would have been a sweep if Cole Hamels would have been able to concentrate! Between his VERY PUBLIC outspokenness about pitching during the day, and his wife going into labor, he was doomed. Still I guess didnt pitch too bad considering, however IMO still should not have pitched, and even with all of that, deserves the Jeltz. But yesterdays win was HUGE! Not because it was the for the NLDS, but because of the grit of this team and the comeback nature of the win. Towards the end of the regular season, this team at some points did have a roll over and die type of mentality but not last night. The Dodgers are a much better team than the Rockies though! Lets go get em. This will be a tougher challenge, hopefully Hamels can concentrate, and hopefully he pitches IN LA and NOT in Philly against the Dodgers. Hollywood Hamels loves Hollywood! Oh and “many of his homeruns and hits are meaningless.” Honeslty, no offense but your friend is a moron. True some Home Runs may not be “clutch” but there are not many homers that are “meaningless”. I mean if you are up by 15 runs (like against the Reds) and hit a homer, ok, maybe that is meanginless, but even if you are winning, a Home Run is NOT meaningless. I have had many arguments about Howard this season, I really like having Howard in Philly. True, he strikes out ALOT, but you take the good with the bad. Come on, those of you who want him traded, think about it. Howard does suck doesnt he, I mean how dare he that he only had 45 home runs (3rd in NL) and 141 RBI’s (tied for 1st in the NL).

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:21:04 +0000

Chase Utley needs many more years (5 or more) before he’s a consideration for the HOF.

Ripken lifetime stats…

Hits…3184

HR….431 (thats mostly as a shortstop)

BA….276

19 All Star Games

2 MVPs

1 Rookie of the Year

1 WS

I’m not even mentioning the streak…..which nobody will break again anytime soon.

By: VictorinoPhan 8

VictorinoPhan 8 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:14:32 +0000

I have 2 issues to comment on. First, like I wrote on Twitted the other night, the TBS announcers have a lot to be desired! I know one can hold a candle to Harry the K, but T Mac and Wheels are soooooo much better then what we heard on TBS the division playoffs, not to mention so one sided
Secondly, the start times just down right suck! Come on, 10o’clock eastern time and 2:30 pm. What gives? You know we would like a normal start time for once. I know it all boils down to which teams will bring in the better ratings but try to make it somewhat fair. Every teams fans deserve a prime time start time!

By: joe

joe — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:02:04 +0000

Kuroda isn’t even on the roster.

he’s done

so don’t pay attention to that

By: Brooks

Brooks — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:57:28 +0000

Chuck – one of my all time favorite players was Cal Ripken too – however, to say that Ripken is (was) a better player is out of line.
Ripken had many more seasons where he struggled with hitting .250.. He hit more than 30 hrs only 1 time, had more than 100 rbi 4 times in his 20 year plus career and wound up with a lifetime batting average of .276.
I certainly don’t want to take anything away from the Iron Man but, Chase Utley has a lifetime batting average of nearly .300. He has hit over 30 hrs in 3 out of his first 5 full seasons, he has 4 100 rbi years. Chase Utley to most of us in the nation, is a viable candidate at some point to win the MVP in the NL. And teamed with one of the leagues greatest sluggers, one of the best SS (maybe the best) – this team will probably win Philadelphia hopefully a few more crowns.