Minor League Update and Fun Stuff
A somewhat belated congratulations goes out to outfielder Chris Roberson of the Reading Phils who was selected as the 2005 Eastern League Rookie of the Year. The best stat among the many for the 26 year old is that he never went more than three games without a hit. Baseball America claims he has the “Best Throwing Arm” in the Eastern League. Maybe this time next year we’ll see him at the Bank.
On that note, it is September 1st and you know what that means – September callups! Today the Phillies added 5 guys to the roster: Shane Victorino, A.J. Hinch, Matt Kata, Geoff Geary, and Pedro Liriano; Gavin Floyd will be brought up next week. Charlie Manual mentioned he didn’t want to bring up too many guys and compromise playing time. But the real issue will be how well he can manage these guys and ensure they help the team down the stretch and not hurt it. Shane Victorino will be a solid bat off the bench and should make an immediate impact. People have been talking about his skills all year. Catcher A.J. Hinch will also play an important role and may be able to make his case for replacing LOB Lieberthal in the near future.
As I am sure you all know by know, the Phils had an impressive win today (and yesterday) to take the series from the Mets. Jon Lieber outdueled Tom Glavine and David Bell contributed with a two-run single in the first inning. Next up is another crucial series in Washington. The Phils are slated to face Jon Halama and John Patterson and one other pitcher TBD. I saw Patterson pitch a few times this season, most recently last Wednesday and let me tell you, this guy can pitch, lights out, lots of strikeouts. The Nats are coming off a tough series against the Braves garnering a split. They have been reeling as of late, but are still a dangerous team. Hopefully, the Phils can take 2 of 3 against the Nats continue to win series to close out the season. We really can’t ask for much more than that. And for some quick handicapping of the NL Wild Card check out new pieces on Sports Illustrated and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
I, of course, will be at all 3 games this weekend, so stop by and say hello – Section 324, Row 5, Seat 4. I highly recommend all the Philly folks take the trip down if you have yet to see a game at RFK. Use the comments to coordinate travel and tailgating, and let me know if you have any questions.
New pictures posted!
If you were not able to attend the last game at the Vet, you missed a magical day. Chase Utley ended the Vet’s career with a double play but I say his 2 home runs last night makes up for that (21 HR this year, is this guy a power hitter?) Anyway, back to the pictures, check them out:
The Vet’s Final Game – 9/24/04
New trivia posted!
It’s our daytime quizzo fix – everyone have a drink and have a guess.
Some sad news
Legendary broadcaster and Philadelphia icon John McAdams passed away last night. Most notably, McAdams served as public address announcer at the Palestra for Penn and Big 5 basketball, but also held positions with the Phillies, Eagles, Wilmington Blue Rocks, and Reading Phillies throughout his career. I recall one Penn game in particular – it was blizzard outside and a crappy opponent inside (Dartmouth), but excitement came when I was selected to participate in the half time shootout. I made my layup and free throw, but was having trouble with the 3-pointer, as McAdams dramatically counted down the clock. At the buzzer I threw up a desperation hook shot from beyond the arc and was about to dejectedly return to my seat when I heard McAdams shout “It’s good!!!” The place went nuts, I won $25 gift certificate to the Chili’s restaurant above a strip joint, and was graced with a personal memory of one of Philly’s finests. He will be missed.
