Phillies News and Notes
How about that game last night – exciting, huh? It looks like the Phillies motivation is coming not from their manger as hoped, but newcomer Aaron Rowand. Everyone in Chicago said they would miss his positive attitude in the clubhouse, so it should come as no surprise he’s filled the leadership void here in Philly. He leads both by example and by inspiration – something the Phillies desperately need if they intend to continue this turnaround – a four game winning streak with the last three being come-from-behind victories.
One negative note though from last night’s game was another disappointing play in the field by Ryan Howard. He failed to dig out a ball that hit off the heel of his glove in the fifth inning. The error was charged to Nunez, but should have been Howard’s league leading fifth error of the season. Even Larry Andersen lobbied vociferously on the radio to get the error charged to Ryan. But alas, the Phils won so I don’t want to complain too much.
Today we have a grab bag of topics to mull over.
To follow up on the breaking news of yesterday’s post, the MLB has made its final recommendation to league owners to sell the Washington Nationals to the Lerner clan for $450 million. This means that before taxes each of the Major League clubs are scheduled to make $11.38 million off the deal (the owners bought the team for $120 million in 2002). It begs the question, what will David Montgomery do with his share? Will he increase payroll? Lower ticket prices? Pay for everyone’s parking for a week? Dole out a nice dividend to team owners? Or simply add it to his silo of money so he can swim around in like Uncle Scrooge from Duck Tales?
Now that April has ended, it means that the MLB All-Star season is upon us. You can vote here early and often for your favorite Phillies. On that same note, Comcast and 610 WIP are teaming up for contest in which you can win tickets to 6 Phillies games and sit in the Comcast SportsNet suite. All you have to do is guess which Phillies will make the All-Star team.
Tonight is the final college night at the ballpark. This time Penn and its Ivy league champion basketball team will be honored. It will also be a good chance to catch a glimpse their new head coach, Glen Miller. Hurrah for the red and the blue! Go Phils!
