There’s some big news in a story we’ve been following closely for the past month: Phillies free agent reliever Ugueth Urbina has been arrested for attempted murder. Urbina has maintained his innocence throughout, claiming he was sleeping at the time of the attack. He’s even gone as far as claiming, "Right now we aren’t going to do anything to deny things that aren’t true" – we’ll assume "clarity" was lost in the translation. El Universal reports that an oral hearing with all parties involved will be held on November 22, but the Associated Press says it could be as early as next Tuesday. Regardless, I say it’s fairly likely the Phils will not offer him a new contract and let him test the free agent market. Though it still remains possible he will be testing the husband market in a Venezuelan jail. ¡Que lastima!
In other crime and punishment news, it seems the apple indeed doesn’t fall far from the tree. Pete Rose, Jr., son of the maligned hit king and former Phil of the same name, pleaded guilty to distributing performance enhancing drugs to his minor league teammates. While playing for the Reds affiliate Chattanooga Lookouts in the early part of the decade, he was the go to guy for GBL (gamma butyrolactone). Though the drug was legal up until 2000, it’s primary purpose is as a chemical solvent. Players use it to both build muscle and reduce stress; and when taken orally it is converted to a designer date-rape drug. Wow, let’s move on to some good news.
If you haven’t heard yet, Richie Asburn is in competition for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. Harry Kalas won this in 2002 and I know credits much of his success to his longtime friend and drinking buddy, Whitey. Fans have the chance to vote 3 broadcasters on to the final ballot which will consist of 10 total. You can vote once a day until the end of the month, so do it! Vote here for Whitey. I’d also suggest voting for "Wheels" Chris Wheeler and Andy "Mushmouth" Musser if you have the time.
Also, Billy Wagner and Ryan Howard are up for This Year In Baseball closer and rookie of the year awards. Although they’re not quite as distinguished as the Rolaids Relief or Jackie Robinson awards, it would be cool for the Phillies to win more trophies. You can vote for them an unlimited amount of times through December 9th here. Stay classy, Philadelphia.
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