Rollins to be the next Happy Gilmore?

Check this commercial for Nike and Dicks Sporting Goods.






Somebody please tell me that Jimmy Rollins is not going to sign a big contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Mac Attack: Lights Out, Bullpen Special Edition

The Phillies bullpen, last season and in the postseason, was lights out. The combination of Chad Durbin-Ryan Madson-J.C. Romero-Brad Lidge rivals that of Rivera-Wetteland of the mid-1990s New York Yankees fame. Not to mention guys like Clay Condrey, and the midseason acquisition Scott Eyre stepped up big time and keep the majority of the games close.

So, in the traditional spirit of things and the rule of threes, lets review, then preview the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen.

Long Relief

Clay Condrey

2008 record: 3-4, 1 save, 1 save opportunity, 56 games

2008 ERA: 3.26

2008 Strikeout and Walk totals: 34 K, 19 BB

2008 Innings Pitched: 69 IP

Middle Relief

Chad Durbin

2008 record: 5-4, 1 save, 7 save opportunities, 71 games

2008 ERA: 2.87

2008 Strikeout and Walk totals: 63 K, 35 BB

2008 Innings Pitched: 87.2 IP

Left Handed Specialist(s)

Scott Eyre

2008 with Chicago (NL) record: 2-0, 1 save opportunity, 7.15 ERA, 14 strikeouts, 4 walks, 11.1 IP, 19 games

2008 with Philadelphia record: 3-0, 1 save opportunity, 1.88 ERA, 18 strikeouts, 3 walks, 14.1 IP, 19 games

2008 totals: 5-0, 4.21 ERA, 38 games, 32 K, 7 BB, 25.2 IP, 2 save opportunities

J.C. Romero: See Set-Up Men

Set-Up Men

Ryan Madson

2008 record: 4-2, 1 save, 3 save opportunities, 76 games

2008 ERA: 3.05

2008 Strikeout and Walk totals: 67 K, 23 BB

2008 Innings Pitched: 82.2 IP

J.C. Romero

2008 record: 4-4, 1 save, 5 save opportunities, 81 games

2008 ERA: 2.75

2008 Strikeout and Walk totals: 52 K, 38 BB

2008 Innings Pitched: 59.0 IP

Closer

Brad Lidge

2008 record: 2-0, 41 saves in 41 chances (7 postseason saves for 48 total), 72 games

2008 ERA: 1.95

2008 Strikeout and Walk totals: 92 K, 35 BB

2008 Innings Pitched: 69.1 IP

2008 All-Star stats: 0-1, 0.2 IP, 1 game, 13.50 ERA, walk

2008 Cumulative Postseason stats: 0-0, 0.96 ERA, 9 games, 7 saves in 7 chances, 9.1 IP, 13 K, 3 BB

The Phillies' bullpen has not changed much from last year. Durbin-Madson-Romero-Lidge combined for 44 saves, 244 innings pitched, 274 strikeouts, 101 walks, and a combined ERA of 2.66 during the regular season.

Everyone loves lists, so it's time to reveal the projected 2009 numbers for the Philadelphia Phillies Relievers.

Long Relief

Clay Condrey

2009 Projected record: 6-5, 3.95 ERA, 40 K, 21 BB, 50 games, 72.1 IP

Chan Ho Park*

2009 Projected record as a reliever: 4-4, 4.50 ERA, 60 K, 29 BB, 61 games, 89.0 IP

J.A. Happ**

2009 Projected record as a reliever: 5-0, 3.95 ERA, 70 K, 39 BB, 53 games, 101.2 IP

Kyle Kendrick***

2009 Projected record as a reliever: 5-0, 4.00 ERA, 80 K, 40 BB, 53 games, 102.1 IP

Middle Relief

Chad Durbin

2009 Projected record: 5-1, 2.53 ERA, 50 K, 21 BB, 70 games, 73.1 IP, 2 saves in 3 chances

Robert Mosebach (Rule 5 draftee)

2009 Projected record: 2-5, 3.34 ERA, 49 K, 27 BB, 50 games, 50.2 IP

Left Handed Specialist

Scott Eyre

2009 Projected record: 6-5, 3.67 ERA, 45 K, 17 BB, 49 games, 73.2 IP, 1 save in 1 chance

Set Up Men

Ryan Madson

2009 Projected record: 5-2, 2.99 ERA, 71 K, 25 BB, 80 games, 91.2 IP, 3 saves in 5 chances

J.C. Romero

2009 Projected record: 3-0, 1.99 ERA, 59 K, 30 BB, 50 games, 67.2 IP, 2 saves in 3 chances

Closer

Brad Lidge

2009 Projected record: 3-0, 1.01 ERA, 93 K, 33 BB, 61 games, 101.1 IP, 45 saves in 48 chances

*If Happ or Kendrick take Fifth Starting Rotation Spot

**If Kendrick or Park take Fifth Starting Rotation Spot

***If Happ or Park take Fifth Starting Rotation Spot

Because as the old baseball adage goes, "Good Pitching beats good hitting; pitching and defense wins championships."

Mac Attack: "Locked and Loaded" Edition, Reviewing The Phillies Lineup

Locked and loaded, voices screaming
"Let's go! Come on, do it, here we go!" -Offspring, Hammerhead

The Philadelphia Phillies lineup has not changed much since the postseason. Other than the fond farewell to Pat "The Bat" Burrell, and jolly good welcome to Philadelphia for Raul Ibanez. The Phillies traded offensive stats if you think about. 30 home runs, 90 RBI, and roughly 100 BB for .290-.300 batting average, 200 hits, and 110 RBI.

We will be reviewing the 2008 lineup and previewing the projected 2009 defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies lineup and projected offensive numbers.

So without anymore posturing, let's begin the Attack.

Reviewing 2008's lineup. Each spot varied certain games, and order varied from game to game to spark offense when it would start to slump.

1. Jimmy Rollins

2. Shane Victorino

3. Chase Utley

4. Ryan Howard

5. Pat Burrell

6. Jayson Werth

7. Pedro Feliz/ Greg Dobbs

8. Carlos Ruiz/ Chris Coste

9. Pitchers

Reviewing the Players 2008 season. Offensive numbers only.

1. Jimmy Rollins. The 2007 MVP had sort of an off-season offensively. Benched twice. He hit .277 with 154 hits in 556 at bats. 2007 for Rollins also saw a dip in hits (154), RBI (59), and average (.277). He was injured in the beginning of the season. He did have 47 stolen bases though and was caught stealing only three times.

2. Shane Victorino. The Flyin' Hawaiian had a break out season. Victorino hit .293 with 167 hits in 570 at bats. Victorino who, smashed a grand slam off of C.C. Sabathia during game two of the NLDS, hit 14 home runs during the regular season. Victorino also stole 36 bases and drove in 58 Runs.

3. Chase Utley. Chase got off to a rip-roaring start prior to the All-Star break. After the All-Star game, that same scorching bat practically fell silent. Chase knocked in 33 home runs, and batted .292 for the season. Not much off of his career average of .298. Last season, Chase drove in 104 RBI and scored 113 Runs, while raking 177 hits.

4. Ryan Howard. The "Big Dog" got off to a slow start in March (and April... and May... and June) but picked up his slack and started to hit the ball. Despite hitting .251 and striking out 199 times, Howard managed to crush 48 home runs. As well as drove in 146 RBI and scored 105 Runs. Howard slapped 153 Hits as well as stole a base. In the month of September alone, Howard hit .352 with 11 home runs, two triples, seven doubles, and drove in 32 RBI.

5. Pat Burrell. "Pat the Bat" got off to a blazing start much like Utley did, and carried the team throughout Howard's slow start. Prior to the All-Star game, Burrell hit .275 with 23 home runs, 57 RBI, and slugged .575. After the All-Star break tough, he cooled down much like Utley, a lot. After the All-Star break, Burrell hit .215, with ten home runs, 29 RBI. During the 2008 season, Burrell was in the top ten in walks with 102.

6. Jayson Werth. Werth had a "breakout" season, if you could call it that. He hit .273 with 24 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and slugged .498. Werth was one the four Philadelphia Phillies hitters with 20+ home runs (Utley 33, Howard 48, Burrell 33, Werth 24). Prior to the All-Star break he hit .271 with 12 home runs, and 36 RBI. After the All-Star break, he hit .275 with 12 home runs, and 31 RBI.

7. Pedro Feliz. Another Phillies hitter that got off to a hot start and cooled of, drastically I might add. Prior to the All-Star break: Feliz hit .270 with 12 home runs, and 45 RBI. After the All-Star break it's a different story. After the All-Star break, Feliz hit .189 with two home runs, and only 13 RBI. 2008 season for Feliz: .249, 14 home runs, and 58 RBI.

8. Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz had an off season hitting, while only hitting .219, with four home runs and only 19 RBI. Ruiz came up clutch when it really mattered especially in the playoffs. Prior the All-Star break, Ruiz hit .202 with two home runs and 20 RBI. After the All-Star break, Ruiz picked it up hitting .244 with two home runs and 11 RBI. 2008 Postseason stats: .261 (.375 in the World Series alone), one home run, and four RBI along with one stolen base.

9. Pitchers: (Hamels, Myers, Moyer, Blanton, Kendrick): The Philadelphia Phillies pitchers last season hit .107 combined with Cole Hamels leading in the average category with a steely .224. Next it was Kyle Kendrick batting .100, and so on. Big Boy, Joe Blanton hit his first career home run during Game 4 of the World Series.

10: The Bench. 2008 numbers for Chris Coste (catcher): he hit .263 with nine home runs and 36 RBI. 2008 numbers for Greg Dobbs (utility): he hit .301 with nine home runs, 40 RBI and three stole bases. 2008 numbers for Eric Bruntlett (utility): he hit .217 with two home runs, 15 RBI, and 15 stole bases. 2008 numbers for Geoff Jenkins (outfielder): he hit .249 with nine home runs, 29 RBI and one stolen base. 2008 numbers for Matt Stairs (outfielder):he hit .252 for the season (.294 with the Phillies) with 13 home runs (two with the Phillies), 49 RBI (five RBI with the Phillies) and one stole base. 2008 numbers for So Taguchi (outfielder): he hit .220 with nine RBI and three stole bases.

If you've got a match then we've got the gas
Let's start a fire and have ourselves a blast- Airbourne, Stand Up For Rock And Roll

Team totals for 2008: .255, 214 home runs, 762 RBI, 586 BB, 1117 SO's, 136 SB. Led Majors with 214 home runs. Second in Majors with 762 RBI. Tenth in Majors with a .255 batting average. Seventh in Majors with 1117 strikeouts.

2009 Projected Numbers for the starting lineup according to myself:

1. Jimmy Rollins- .285, 20 HR, 70 RBI, 49 SB

2. Sane Victorino- .291, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 45 SB

3. Chase Utley- .300, 25 HR, 80 RBI

4. Ryan Howard- .275, 53 HR, 152 RBI, 200 SO, 100 BB

5. Jayson Werth- .293, 30 HR, 29 HR, 75 RBI, 21 SB

6. Raul Ibanez- .310, 30 HR, 110 RBI

7. Pedro Feliz- .250, 15 HR, 50 RBI

8. Carlos Ruiz- .275, 13 HR, 56 RBI

9. Cole Hamels- .230, 2 HR, 13 RBI

Bench players projected 2009 numbers

10. Greg Dobbs- .310, 11 HR, 60 RBI

11. Matt Stairs- .263, 11 HR, 40 RBI

12. Eric Bruntlett- .250, 7 HR, 31 RBI

13. Chris Coste- .264, 10 HR, 41 RBI

14. Geoff Jenkins- .270, 11 HR, 30 RBI

Possible bench players prjected 2009 numbers:

15. Ronny Paulino- .267, 5 HR, 30 RBI

16. Lou Marson- .279, 11 HR, 25 RBI

17. Jason Donald- .281, 9 HR, 30 RBI

18. John Mayberry- .275, 11 HR, 20 RBI

Starting Pitchers projected 2009 hitting numbers:

19. Brett Myers- .175, 0 HR, 5 RBI

20. Jamie Moyer- .155, 1 HR, 7 RBI

21. Joe Blanton- .245, 4 HR, 15 RBI

22. Kyle Kendrick- .133, 0 HR, 3 RBI

Possible starting pitchers projected 2009 hitting numbers:

23. J.A. Happ- .133, 0 HR, 5 RBI

24. Chan Ho Park- .137, 0 HR, 5 RBI

25. Carlos Carrasco- .131, 0 HR, 2 RBI

Lights Out: Preview of the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies Bullpen

With the Super Bowl over, millions of people who were hunkering down for the winter, are now returning to their natural calling: baseball. It is almost a week away from the perennial calling of pitchers and catchers to head down to Florida and out to Arizona.

That means the Phillies are returning to Clearwater once again, only this time to defend their World Series title.

But the Phillies are coming into Spring Training with some burning questions: Who is going to get the fifth starting spot? What about the bullpen? Is it going to stay the same dominant form?

Well I'll cover one of these pressing issues, primarily the bullpen. This is the 2009 Spring Training profile of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen.

The Phillies bullpen last season and postseason, was lights out. The combination of Durbin-Madson-Romero-Lidge rivals that of Rivera-Wetteland of the mid-1990's New York Yankee fame. Not to mention guys like Condrey, and the midseason acquisition Scott Eyre stepped up big time and keep the majority of the games close.

So, what is the outlook for the 2009 bullpen? It is looking the same as last year: a strength. One of the biggest potential strengths of the Phillies 2009 bullpen is: that is majority intact from last season.

The Phillies' bullpen has not changed much from last year. Potential strength No. 2: the back-end of the bullpen. Durbin-Madson-Romero-Lidge combined for 44 saves, 244 innings pitched, 274 K's, 101 BB's, and a combined E.R.A. of 2.66.

The other relievers: Condrey and Eyre pulled their own weight as well, coming into games in pressure situations and either keeping it close or keeping the lead intact.If Chan Ho Park losses out to Kyle Kendrick for the fifth starting rotation spot, he can be used as a tool in the bullpen.

Adam Eaton, I believe will not be returning to the bullpen at all this season, and will be release before the end of Spring Training. If Park does get the fifth starting spot in the rotation, Kendrick and J.A. Happ could be utilized as long relief pitchers.

Some of the biggest concerns: what will happen to J.C. Romero when he comes back from suspension? It is only a matter of: when will "Lights Out" Lidge blow a save? And if he blows a save, how many might he blow? What's going to happen to the right-handers in the bullpen when Romero ends his suspension?

One of the biggest concerns is J.C. Romero. He was key in that 7-8-9 combination of last season. When he returns from suspension on June 1, he will have not of pitched since either Game Five of the World Series or whenever the last game for Puerto Rico is in the World Baseball Classic.

For the Phillies bullpen that is a big chunk of games. Most likely of those 50 games that Romero will miss, he would have been in 30 of those.

For the Phillies bullpen, that is a huge chunk of innings as well for their lefty set-up man not to appear in. Which in turn, puts a strain on the right-handers and Eyre. They may go after lefty fireballer Joe Biemel to fill his spot.

Another concern is; When will Lidge blow a save. I hate saying this but, Brad "Lights Out" Lidge will eventually blow a save. Will it be in the beginning of the season? Will it be the middle of the season? Or will it be in the home stretch of the season when Lidge blows a save? Or in a key game?

I can't say when Lidge will blow a save. Only time will tell.

The Phillies can count on Durbin, Madson, Lidge to get them out of pressure situations this coming season. They did it last season well, they should do the same this year. The Phillies can count on Romero to return to his set-up role, once he returns.

Expect Eyre and Condrey to step up even more than last year.

So which pitchers have something to prove? I would have to say Ryan "Mad Dog" Madson, Brad Lidge, Chan Ho Park, and/ or Kyle Kendrick and J.A. Happ.

Madson has to prove he is worth the $4 million a year that his new contract says he gets.

Lidge has to prove that staying perfect last season was not a fluke, even though the majority of fans know that Lidge last season was not a fluke.

Park has to prove he was worth the Phillies to pick him up. By either starting or assimilating into the bullpen. He has to prove that he can compete with the big dogs of the National League East Division.

Kendrick has to prove that he can return to his 2007 form. If not, he has to prove that he can assimilate into the bullpen and provide long relief.

Happ is in the same boat as Kendrick is, except he can be used as a another lefty in the bullpen.

How vital is the Phillies bullpen to their chances of returning to the playoffs and the World Series in 2009? The bullpen is as vital as the starting pitching: the lifeline of the team. If the bullpen can avoid injuries they will play a key role in the Phillies title defense this season.

Because as the old baseball adage goes: Good Pitching beats good hitting; pitching and defense wins championships.

featured on bleacherreport.com

Surviving Philly

Think you can play, coach, or manage in Philadelphia?

Can You?

To be one of the longest tenured players in Philadelphia sports history, like Dawkins and Burrell; takes skill. So random 76er, Flyer, Eagle, and Phillie, it begs the question: think you have what it takes to compete down at One Citizen’s Bank Way?

This is your comprehensive “player” survival guide to surviving in Philadelphia.

1) Performance Matters: first off before you can win, you have to perform. If you don’t perform up-to-snuff, you may just be that key throw-in that sends a big name player here, and your ass goes far away.

Or if you don’t perform well, your position on the team may just be: bench-warmer or worse; bye-bye Philadelphia, hello Lehigh Valley, Reading, Clearwater, Williamsport, Lakewood, the practice squad (Eagles and Sixers), Phantoms.

So above all, perform well and up to YOUR AND YOUR team’s expectations, not the press’ or the fans.

2) Stay away from the press: stay away from the press; they are not your friends. You could be hitting .450 one week and the press’ favorite person; the next week you could be mired in a slump hitting .150 and the press are calling for your departure.

1. Amendment 1 to Rule 2: The “Cole- Rollins” Amendment: Don’t give the press anything to write home about. Comments, thoughts, stats, and trash talk: keep them to yourself, unless a situation warrants it.

Watch out for phrases like: “We’re the team to beat” or “Choke Artists”. Don’t say said phrases (or other phrases), unless you can back up said phrase, taunt, or insult. Also watch out for baited hooks, phrases like: “Do you think that the Mets are choke artists?” or “Did you know about the overtime rule?”

3) Win: Winning is important, but not that important when compared to rules one and two (as well as amendment one to rule two). Win and you are a hero. Lose and you’re life will be a living hell.

When you win, don’t over celebrate. When you lose, don’t cry about it. No one likes a crybaby. Do not under any circumstances accept ties. Never settle for anything better than a victory.

4) If benched in the middle of a game: Don’t sulk about it. And don’t cry about it either. Realize that the coach or manager may have benched you in order to one: “fire-up” the team and/or two: you are really just playing poorly so maybe a benching might help.

Just remember- it’s only one game, don’t read anything into it. Also, remember: that you can always go after it the next game.

5) Know the Rules of the Game: If you don’t know the rules of the game then you should not be playing. If you’re a baseball player, know the ground rules; know what would be called a home run and what would be called a foul ball.

Also, know the rules about balks, infield flies, and foul balls. If you’re a football player, know what is legal and illegal (pertaining to passes, formations, eligible players, hits, and tackles), also know where the boundary lines are. This applies to all sports and is retroactive, applies to rule 2 and rule 2.1

1. The Donovan Amendment to Rule 5: Know the rules of your sport. This pertains to ties, overtime, ties in overtime, extra innings, and shootouts. There is no excuse for not knowing your sports’ rules about overtime, ties and ties in overtime, shootouts and extra innings, as well as rain delays.

6) Pay Attention to the Game (The Kolb-Coste Rule): Know the situation of every game, because you never know when you might just get into a game.

7) Always know the rules of your team (The Rollins Rule): plain and simple- know the rules that your head coaches and managers set. That means show up on time and hustle every game, all the time or be ready to ride the pines.

8) Never be seen with Celebrities: Off days, holidays, off seasons, travel out in Los Angeles: never be seen hanging with the likes of: T.O., Plaxico, Madonna, Britney Spears, K-Fed or any other Hollywood A-List celebrity. These people are no good and nothing but distractions.

9) Never Carry a Concealed Weapon: Rule is self-explanatory

1. Never Shoot Thyself with Said Concealed Weapon: Self-explanatory as well. Rule 9 will be known as the “Dumb-ass Plaxico Rule”, Rule 9.1 will be known as “Dumb-ass Burress Amendment”. Together these two rules will be combined for one overall rule 9.

10) Win a Championship (will be known as the Mitch Williams Rule): Most importantly, play hard and win a championship. Because no one will remember all those achievements, records, strikeouts, and wins without a championship.

Win one and be hailed as a hero. Lose one or don’t win one and become public enemy number one. Remember the tag-line for EA Sports: “If it’s in the game; it’s in the game.”

These are the 20 rules that should live by here in Philadelphia. Win and these streets and stadiums will welcome you home as a hero, lose and these streets and stadiums will become your own personal hell.

article featured on bleacherreport.com

Mac's Attack: Special Report

Ryan Howard was signed to a three year $54 million deal. The deal eats up Howard's remaining years of arbitration, earlier this week.

Howard's signing will put the Phillies payroll over the $130 mark if our math is right.

Howard hit .251 last season with 48 HRs and 148 RBI.

Is Howard worth the $18 million? Who got the better deal, Hamels or Howard? The answer: Ryan Howard. Cole should of held out and waited for arbitration. Both who cares now. The big guns have been locked up so this season should look great.

More to come. Stick around.

Article featured on bleacherreport.com

Mac's Attack: the Premier Episode

I figured I'd start a monthly article that deals with issues surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies. Issues in this debut article of the Mac Attack: Happy Truck Day to all, is Ryan Howard worth $18 million?, backing up Ruiz, and other rumblings. Let's commence the Attack.

First off, a happy truck day to all. Today is the day that every team in the MLB sends their team trucks, filled with everything from uniforms and bats to golf clubs and short people, down to their respective spring training camps. The first team reports in six days; the World Series champion Phillies report to Clearwater, Fla. on Feb. 14.

Next, is Ryan Howard really worth $18 million? Opinions are divided, but we at the Attack try to remain unbiased. Our take is that the "Big Dog" and his numbers don't lie. Howard played every game last season, including playoffs, and in 162 regular games Howard hit .251 with 48 home runs, 146 RBI, and 153 hits in 610 at bats.

Of course, the other offensive stats speak for themselves as well. In those 610 AB, Howard struck out 199 times, or 33 percent of the time. In 156 games, Howard committed 19 errors. Compare that to six for Albert Pujols, five for Mark Teixiera, five for Lance Berkman, eight for Carlos Delgado, and six for Adrian Gonzalez.

That said, while Howard may command $18 million for his high hit, home run and RBI output, his many errors, lack of walks and high strikeouts are working against him. So the Phillies and Howard will be locked in a room with some neutral person to start arguing money.

On to our next issue, backing up Carlos Ruiz. With the catcher playing for Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic, that leaves a three- to four-man opening for his backup. The primary competitors for Ruiz's back up are 36-year-old feel-good story Chris Coste; newly acquired Pirates catcher Ronny Paulino; and power-hitting rookie sensation Lou Marson.

Despite Ruiz's low offensive numbers, he has solidified his place as starting catcher. Ruiz is a premier defensive catcher and calls an excellent game. He handles that pitching staff with relative ease and really proved himself starter during the 2008 postseason. In the World Series alone, Ruiz hit .375, while in the NLCS he boasted .313.

Chris Coste last season hit .263 with nine home runs and 36 RBI in a career-high 274 ABs. Coste will have to compete this time for the backup backstop position with Ronny Paulino and Lou Marson. Paulino last season hit .212 with two home runs and 18 RBI in 118 ABs. But Paulino is a career .278 hitter.

Lou Marson, the Phillies' top catching prospect, and possibly the best prospect overall, also will compete for the backup backstop position. Lou Marson at AA hit .314 with a .413 OBS, 5 HRs and 46 RBI, along with his first Major League home run and second career extra base hit.

Who will win? Time will tell.

In other news: Ryan Madson has changed his number from 63 to 46. The change came most likely because Madson did not like having his locker situated at the other end of the Clearwater clubhouse. This meant that Madson would have been next to non-roster invitees and minor leaguers who stand a ghost of a chance of making the major league club.

Now Madson will be situated next J.A. Happ (43) and Scott Eyre (47).

Last but not least are the chances of Adam Eaton making the team. Vegas odds are at 500-to-1. Our "Oreland" odds put Eaton at 1000-to-1. Diehard fans odds put Eaton at 1,000,000-to-1. So it's not looking good.

Join us next time for the March spring training edition of the Mac Attack. Until then, stay tuned, because it's baseball season, baby!

Article featured on bleacherreport.com