10 Things...That Don't Smell Like Shit At All

Its a special time in Philadelphia. 2 hours from now, the championship red pinstripers will be parading down Broad and Market Streets (amongst others) receiving the cheers (and no jeers) of, literally, millions of fans. Its a fantastic day to be a Philly fan. One issue has got me thinking though; the once "woe is me" attitude that has plagued Philly fans, marred them with disgusting losses and extreme futility is now gone. The mantra will change...but the attitude. What's to complaint about now? At this point it doesn't matter, let's just sit back and enjoy the afterglow of a champion.

1. Championship Gear and no room for a Second Mortgage. I have many rules about buying gear, but most of them, if not all, generally get broken when a team becomes a champion. I say this like its happened before. Frankly, since 1997, I've purchased numerous "2nd place" items (Conf. Championship gear), but only sparingly, as I didn't find the true value, but still splurged a little. In this case, it seems like the ideal time to splurge and I will buy many things but...with prices like this and an economy like this, you really have to wonder about 25 dollar t-shirts and 110 dollar jerseys.
   
2. Uncle Charlie's "This is for Philadelphia." And with that, Charlie Manuel become an iconic Philadelphia hero, and the owner of a proud spot in the Philadelphia Sports Pantheon. His speech, his passion, his respect for the fans was my first true moment of "We've made it!" But that little diddy of a speech, even slightly incoherent, was one of my favorite moments in sports history for that town.
   
3. Jimmy was Right. After Carlos Beltran's "To Jimmy Rollins, We're the Team to beat." proclaimation earlier this year, Young James responded with his own ridiculous proclaimation...That the Phillies would win 100 games. They won 103 and a title. Touche Jimmy, Touche.
   
4. Parade, Parade, Parade. Its okay to say it. Philadelphia's having a parade today. It's a joyous time and even I'll be enjoying it from afar.
   
5. Charlie, We were Wrong. Especially Eskin. Charlie Manuel have been the subject of much grief in Philadelphia. He's been called stupid, a bumkin and even almost came to blows with Phildelphia sports personality, Howard Eskin. I'm here to officially apologize to Charlie, as even I called for his firing. I was wrong Charlie and I've never been so happy to eat crow in my life.
   
6. Fire up the Hot Stove. 157 days till spring training. This, both literally and figuratively will be the shortest offseason yet. But Free Agency is 15 days away and times are a-changin'.
   
7. The 100 Season Wait is Over. Sure its an overdue title and Philly fans almost claim to deserve it, but they've been held hostage by years of almosts, maybes and lots of bad management. The waits over now and maybe it's time to turn the corner. A whole generation of titleless fans now share the joy that those of the 70s and 80s so fondly remember.
   
8. And the Winner is... Well, Jayson Stark picked the Phils in 6, while Peter Gammons and Jerry Crasnik picked the Phils in 7; all the other ESPN schmucks when Rays in varying degrees with Jim Caple picking a Rays sweet (whoops!). ESPN batted .300 on the call. Sports Illustrated's John Heyman and Albert Chen also picked the Phils in 6 while Tom Verducci and Michael Bamberger had them in 7. No one at SI had the series going in either favor for less than 6 games. SI batted .444 for the Series.
   
9. Enjoy the Day. Much like I've derided by Beantown brethern during their numerous (too numerous, fucking douchebags) parades and championship riots, let's keep the celebrating, clean fun and downright drunken. I agree, I never got why people felt the need to vandalize. Sit back and enjoy it, don't "be a jackass" (thanks Nutter).
   
10. And for today. Here it is. Replays of the 1980 Series, the Parade and Rally and then replays of the 2008 model. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
    

Go Phils!

Philadelphia Phillies - World Series Champions

They're Champions. The Philadelphia Phillies have ended the 25 year, 100 season drought in Philly. They've done what the 2004 Eagles, 2001 76ers and 1997 Flyers could not. But all those thoughts are simply washed in the Championship dream that is the 2008 World Series Champions.

We'll just enjoy the glory for now.

Daily "Linkin' Logs" Abject Failure Edition (10/28/08)

Could there be more of an abject failure at someone's job without any type of ramifications? Could any sport continue in success in spite of its incompetent commissioner (ah, Gary Bettman has ruined the NHL's success...and you thought he was the worst). As any major sporting league's leader ever singlehandedly ruined its all-star game, championship and integrity in one 15 year swoop?

That answer is yes. And that man is Allen Huber "Bud" Selig.

Now sports pundits have come out of Selig's side. Gene Wojciechowski says Bud got it right, no team should win on a rain out. John Kruk and Steve Phillps agreed. But finally Jayson Stark hit the nail on the head. Stark, drawing his on conclusions due to the lack of contact with any prominent Phillie (except Chase Utley), suggested the following reasons for the Phillies and all of Philadelphia (as well as baseball) to be upset:

• They were furious that this game wasn't stopped until Hamels had surrendered the tying run in the top of the sixth, even though the field had begun looking like a veritable Sea World attraction at least a half-hour earlier.
  
• They weren't happy that it was started in the first place, since glop had already begun falling out of the sky during batting practice and the worsening weather forecast was the No. 1 topic of pregame conversation -- just ahead of how many layers of clothing they were all going to have to wear to avoid frostbite.
  
• And, most of all, they were incensed by the whole situation -- having their best-laid World Series plans steamrolled by the needless rush to play a game in conditions more suitable for the Iditarod than the most important game of their careers.

The fact of the matter is, the Phillies and their fans were ransacked by Bud Selig's thirst for ratings. FOX's tainting of the game for its own thirst for advertising dollars and Mother Nature herself. At least there's one thing that can stop Cole Hamels.

• As a complete and utter aside, guess what just came out today. I'm a huge nerd that way, but this is going to be a great way to kill some cold and/or potentially rainy Saturdays.
  
• Al Sharpton has accused the New York Post of beign racist. Personally, I'd just accuse them of not really being a Newspaper. Anyways, the crux of the issue Steve Serby article regarding Tom Coughlin's actions against Plaxico Burress, specifically saying: "Good for Tom Coughlin. Good for Coughlin for tightening the noose around Plaxico Burress." I think its a loose relation at best. Perhaps collar would have been a better anecdote, but honestly, the fact of the matter is, Burress is really toeing the line and in terms of the Giants relationship with him, I don't really see an issue. Its not racist, because you could have applied it to any player in a similar situation.
  
• Bizarro World continues: The Titans beat the Colts last night. Now the Titans are undefeated and the Colts are below .500.
• On the good side...The Rays not only left Philly...they left Pennsylvania.
  
• A.J. Daulerio gives us his insight on Philly Fandom. Highlighted by this: "...the notion that this city's sports teams are perennially doomed to fail [could] reach a whole new level: This isn't a black cat or Bartman or Babe Ruth — this is GOD. Yeah, HE did this to us."
• And finally, EC gives us the 10 Silver Linings for Phillies fans.
  

The Bunk at The Bank

Ladies and Gentleman, you're witnessing history. An epic collapse...of Major League Baseball.

Bud Selig is a joke. The League is a joke.

Its not sour grapes because the Rays came back. Look, I understand not wanting to end the game on a rainout. I would not like to see my favorite team win a championship that way nor would I like to be on the other side (a la Tampa).

But waiting (through miserable weather) for Tampa to tie it seems a bit unfair as well.

Just a miserable position all around.

Bud Selig has just announced that the game has been officially postponed.

Good work MLB. You've come a long way since the All-Star Fiasco in Milwaukee and "This One Counts"

Is it Time to Believe?

It feels just a little odd. I sat there, 5 or 6 High Lifes deep, in all my bloated and buzzed glory, confident, with two men on, in the top of the 9th facing a respectable Matt Kemp and just one out. Brad Lidge, a fatefully perfect 41 for 41 in save situations this season, and 3 for 3 in the post season, was desperately trying to nail down the win. The Phillies were in what can only be described as defense (Brunlett in left, Feliz at third, replacing Burrell and Dobbs respectively) trying to protect Lidge as much as possible.

I was confident. Fat. Happy. Fine with the outcome. Fine with the situation.

That isn't Phillies baseball. That isn't Joe Carter, that isn't Rolen to Morandini to Brogne, that isn't Dougie deep in center...But that's the old Phillies, that's old Baseball

That's The Vet.

I'm absolutely stunned. A series many predicted to be a classic. A series many are expecting (even Phils backers) to go seven games is yielding a 2-0 Phillies lead. Maybe I'm just falling into their trap. Maybe I'm being suckered into a Dodgers 3 game sweep at home, before the Phillies take game 6 and we watch a helluva battle for the 7th game.

Or maybe it's just time to *gulp* believe...

Phase Two Complete. Quasi Daily "Linkin' Logs" (10/2/08)

And there ya have it, the Phillies hang on to a 5-2, mostly thanks to Shane Victorino, but also an unflappable (for now) Brett Myers.

The Phillies keyed in on a C.C. Sabathia 2nd, which produced 5 runs and neither team could put much else on the board and the Phils sent Brad Lidge (who tossed a tough 9th yesterday evening) to close it out.

This time Lidge didn't make it a Rollaids relief appearance.

The Phillies now take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of 5 series. They'll play in Milwaukee on Saturday, where Dave Bush will try to save the Brewers season as he faces Jamie Moyer, who's been on the bump for the Phillies last 2 NL East clinching starts.

Thoughts from behind the TV:

• Anyone else find a degree of hilarity in the Traveler's Life Insurance commercials where the old man has a giant umbrella...its not like the sky is falling. Oh wait, it is.
• Given the situation (and Sabathia's record versus lefties), it all adds up, but doesn't it just feel weird to intentionally walk Shane Victorino to get to Chase Utley?
• Its kind of ridiculous that Mitch Williams is involved in a commercial talking about memorable home runs. The best part is, he's asked which home run is most memorable...and its not the one you think he'd say.
• Sure, there's too many Frank Caliendo Commercials, but atleast there's no Dane Cook.
• But you get to see this over and over and over...There is only one October...this year

C.C. Tee Hee Hee

Excuse the lack of "Linkin' Logs" today. I became very occupied and was unable to do them per usual. Plus with the excitement of the Phillies game, I was simply trying to contain my excitement while working.

And I guess it worked out.

Its the middle of the 5th and the Phillies have already chased Sabathia from the game and are ahead 5-1. The key was a Brett Myers walk in the 2nd which opened the doors for Jimmy Rollins and then Shane Victorino to hit a Grand Salami.

Sabathia, though not allowing a run, could not get back on track. The Phillies have managed to mount some offense, but could not score again.

The Phillies are hoping to get at least 7 strong out of Myers and score enough to keep Lidge fromt he game. After his 30+ pitch showing yesterday, Lidge is looking for all the rest he can get, though he claims he pitches best on the 2nd day of back to backs.

Keep an eye on the score to see if the Phillies can keep it going. Game 3 will be in Milwaukee on Saturday.

Vote Cole in '08

Enrico at The700level.com brings us "Who's house? Cole's House," in which he notes the asskickery Cole Hamels brought in the Phillies 3-1 win over the Brewers.

Hamels was downright fiery, pitching 8, allowing just 2 hits (none until the 5th) and no runs. Brad Lidge provided the shaky save to close it out (a double, walk and past ball resulting in the tying run sitting at second).

But there you have it, the Phillies first post season win since the 9/11 (or even the OKC Bombing), the OJ Simpson Trial, Monica Lewinski, the Home Run Chase of '98, my 2nd year of grammar school, since October 21, 1993, a game 5 World Series win over the Toronto Blue Jays...since before Joe Carter, Scott Stevens, Kobe Bryant, and Rodney Harrison.

For now, we celebrate that his the great King Cole. Just luck us, Cole knows its just one game...but there's only 10 more to go.

Besides, Cole Hamels will win 1 Cy Young...and 11 Cole Hamels

Just Gloating a Little Bit...

I'm allowed to enjoy it a little right? The Philadelphia Phillies are the National League East Champions by virtue of their 4-3 win against the Washington Nationals. They look to open their NLDS series in Philadelphia against either the Brewers or Dodgers next Wednesday.

Smells Like a Gem

So this afternoon I was doing a quick scan of the schedules and I noted this gem scheduled for (what I believe to be) an ESPN Sunday Night Baseball matchup. (Thanks to Phillies.com) It appears to be King Cole and Johan (don't call me Carlos) Santana. As a baseball fan, you should be salivating over this match-up. In 2008, Johan is 1-0 (4 games, 29 Innings Pitched) with a 3.10 ERA versus the Phillies, while Cole Hamels is 0-1 wth a 5.14 ERA (1 Game, 7 Innings Pitched).

Last night Hamels with electric in 7.1 innings of 5 hit, no run ball. Santana was his usual self against the Brewers on Labor day, spraying 7 hits over 6 and giving up 2 runs; he received a no decision. Depending on how the previous games go, this game could be the difference maker in the division race (The Mets are up by 2 games and look to sweep the Brewers momentarily). Red hot Brett Myers (8-10, 4.40 ERA), whose 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA since returning to the Majors in late July takes on suddenly consistent (get it?) Mike Pelfrey (13-8, 3.66 ERA) on Friday and Saturday will feature typically surehanded Jamie Moyer (12-7, 3.80 ERA), who's 7-4 and a 3.21 ERA against the Mets for his career will face the tiny one, Pedro Martinez (5-3, 5.07 ERA).

Phils Acquire Lefty Scott Eyre

Little is know on this except the following. The Philadelphia Phillies made a trade today. They've acquired Lefty Scott Eyre (2-0 7.15 ERA) from the Chicago Cubs. They traded Single A (Clearwater) prospect Brian Schlitter (Drafted out of the College of Charlseton in 16th round of the 2007 Draft, 4-3 2.22 ERA).

More info as we find out.

The Phillies expressed interest in a Lefty Reliever throughout the trade deadline period, but were unable to find an appealing deal and all indications are a trade with the Rockies for Brian Fuentes would have cost the Phillies' already depleted system too much.

The Chicago Cubs, owners of the National League's best record, designated Scott Eyre for assignment two days ago with activiation of closer Kerry Wood. Knowing the market for LOOGYs was slim, Chicago expected some interest and pulled the trigger fairly quickly.

UPDATE: Todd Zolecki reported the trade about a half hour ago

Johan Gets Fucked...Again!

The Philadelphia Phillies traveled to New York to open up a three-game series with the Mets, yesterday. Both teams, as many of you may know, shared the National League East lead (both teams went into the contest at 53-46). Mets' ace Johan Santana, who hadn't earned a win in several starts, was on the mound facing off with Philly's newly acquired Joe Blanton, who was making his first start with the squad.

As expected, Santana got off to a quick start, and ended up going 8 strong innings, with two earned runs, and 4 K's. An RBI double off David Wright's bat, accompanied by a two-run shot hit by Carlos Delgado--his 19th of the season--gave New York a 3-1 lead through three innings at Shea. Ramon Castro extended the Mets' lead to 5-1 with another two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring Marlon Anderson.

The Phillies' Shane Victorino added one more run in the seventh for Philadelphia, but going into the the ninth inning Philadelphia was down three runs, after New York failed to add a few insurance runs in the 8th inning.

Twenty-five year old second baseman, Argenis Reyes, pinch hit for Santana in the bottom of the eighth inning, since Santana had already thrown 105 pitches. So, Jerry Manuel, needing to make a quick call to the bullpen in the top of the ninth, called on Duaner Sanchez. Sanchez gave up three earned runs on just three hits , and failed to record a single out. Joe Smith, who was eventually given the loss, gave up the go-ahead run. Finally Pedro Feliciano, and Aaron Heilman came in and got the three outs, but Pedro gave up two more runs, and walked a guy while he was at it.

Phillie closer Brad Lidge closed out the bottom of the ninth inning to clinch the comeback-win in New York, of course. The save was awarded to Lidge, which was his 22nd of the season. As you can see, the Mets have really missed Billy Wagner, who will only miss a few games. And..Johan would've REALLY helped my slumping fantasy team had his bullpen been able to close out the game. Damn you New York!!

Daily "Linkin' Logs" - Post Holiday Issue (7/7/2008)

So, I wasn't kidding when I said I may not make any posts this weekend. Alas, I spent a solid 18 hours on a bus (or between buses) and then proceeded to visit as many bars as I could find in the greater Lancaster County Area (and no, I didn't drink with the Amish). Good times abound, but I did have my head in the sand for all things not Philadelphia (I drunkenly watched the Phils lose Saturday). The results; some links you might already know about...but it should still be fun

• Some quick MLB hits that don't merit an entire log: Brad Lidge ain't leavin' Philly, Brewers got C.C., and Damon and Napoli hit the DL.


• The New York Times reports Terry Francoma (not a typo) proves stupid than Phildelphians originally thought by adding vaunted catcher Jason Varitek to the AL Mix


• Vote "Pat the Bat" in 08!


• As a quick aside, the Phillies currently have three players in the top 8 in Home Runs in the MLB right now and yet only one is/will be on the All-Star Team. (Burrell deserves to go, but the NY Bias will kill everyone's chances...and Wright should have been on before Aramis Ramirez anyway). I know the guy's only hitting .223, but when you have arguably the most prolific home run hitter in the league today, not in the All-Star Game, its a travesty (nevermind the fact that he leads the league in RBIs as well)


• The AL also has 6 closers (none named Billy Wagner!)...talk about a lock down


• Tennessee Titans, Baby Blue


• Hey, Chicago cares about hockey afterall!


• The Soul...even if you don't like Arena League, you had to love that ending

Wake Up, Shower, Shave, and Take a Daily "Linkin' Log"

For me, its a mildly humid day in Boston; where, thanks to the NYSE's early close, I'll be finishing work around 3 and later tonight I'll be jetsetting to Pennsylvania for the weekend (ok, ok, I'm taking the bus, its cheaper)
What that means is I can't guarantee your Daily Linkin' Logs over the next three days, but I'll certainly try.
Alright then, off to the links:

• The folks at one of my favorite blogs The700level.com are all the rage about Brett Myers latest start for the Iron Pigs of Lehigh Valley (how ironic Brett). Among the interesting chunks; Brett gives up 3 over 5 IP, provides a less than stellar review of Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee and a set of quotes from Comcast SportsNet reporter Leslie Gudel.
• Just a myriad of baseball injuries this morning: The LA Times says Rafael Furcal is out for the year, The Pittsbrugh Tribune-Review reports Matt Capps is out for 2 months, The Denver Posts has news that starter Jeff Francis will spend 15 days on the DL, and the Contra Costa Times notes another shouder injury, this time for A's 3rd baseman Eric Chavez
• The Seattle Post-Intelligencer makes it official, the SuperSonics are going to OK City
• The Dallas Morning News reports the Mavs have signed...Dasagana Diop?
• ESPN reports he's coming back, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal reports otherwise, suggesting that Brett Favre isn't coming back...and has proof, he said so!
• If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. TSN is reporting that Marian Hossa, not surprisingly left the Penguins but spurned the Bruins to join the Detroit Red Wings
• But the Pens kept most of the birds in the flock, as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Orpik stays and Marc Andre-Fluery agrees to a new structured deal and (as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Tribune) Evgeni Malkin will stay put too.
• As reported by Walkoff Walk, another Met is injured, this time its blogger Matt Cerrone with a stubbed toe
• And of course, last but not least, KissingSuzyKolber reports Mike Vangerjagt has landed...in the CFL...and he still sucks

The Daily "Linkin' Logs" (7/2/08)

Another additional of the Daily Linkin' Logs. Its a fine morning for my Philadelphia Phillies, who sent their "ace" wife beater down to the minors to rework. Makes me wonder how he took it. Did he "Chacon" Pat Gillick the GM, "Ramirez" the traveling secretary as he planned the trip, or did he take it in silence and just "Myers" his wife when he got home.

I shouldn't discredit Myers too much, since the incident in Boston in 2006, he's be more than willing to do therapy with his wife, has learned to control his anger and also took the move to the minors as a chance to rework rather than the demotion some might think it is.

As a result, the Phils posted a rare W (as of late) over the Bravos last night and called up R.J. Swindle, the electric middle relieve who's posted a 1.93 ERA in just over 20 innings pitched in AAA ball. Still makes me wonder where the next starter (to replace Myers) will come from.

Well enough about the Phils, on to the links!

• I know this one isn't sports related per se (unless you think bullying is a sport) but it was too much to pass up. Pamela Manson of the Salt Lake Tribute reports that yesterday the Utah Supreme Court threw out the manslaughter conviction of Erik Curtis Low on the basis that the jury was instructed that it could convict Low of manslaughter instead of Murder if it so desired. Not such startling news, as bumbling prosecutions aren't all that odd, but I haven't told you what Low did yet. Apparently (and you can read in the article), Low was at his aparment with three other men and they were drinking, ingesting cocaine and horsing around when one man, Jon Michael Hirschey grabbed low and gave him an atomic wedgie (I shit you not, the wedgie was apparently so strong, it lifted low off his feet). Within a few seconds, Low, drew a gun and shot Hirschey twice, once in the shoulder and once in the head, killing him. He was charged with murder and taken to trial. From there, you can see the results and today Low walks free, however I would surmise he'll receive a much smaller charge and probably conviction...


• Paul Snider of the Tribute introduces us to the next Rick Ankiel


• Jill Painter of the LA Daily News tells us Baron Davis is probably a Clipper (Talk about the poor man's Kobe)


• Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News recruits NBA referees who are in the Army now as the NBA hires a former Army General to head its Referee operations, formerly seperating them from basketball operations.


• Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald proves the Patriots are Hypocrits (and douches!)


• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tells us if Ronnie Brown and his (supposed) mentors have their way Ricky Williams will be the Fins opening day starter


• Jack Curry of the New York Times reports that Mark Ecko will donate the 765th home run ball by Barry Bonds to the Hall...and yeah, it'll have an asterisk.


• And as given to us by Deadspin.com, Harold Reynolds apparently is making is graceful return to cable network baseball analysis...hopefully TBS has enough interns for Reynolds' to grab.

Your Daily "Linkin' Logs" (7/1/2008)

Another day, another set of Linkin' Logs. This time BNB steps into the realms of July and the good news is the site's been in existence to the point where we inexplicably post enough stuff to read daily.

On a serious note, one of our (my) goals at BNB is to not only give you some of the more interesting headlines in the world, but to have some fun...because its sports...and win or lose, it doesn't really matter...

With that said, on to the links!

• Janny Hu of the San Fran Chronicle let's us know how Baron Davis's 40 shots a game will most likely be leaving the Golden State...coincidently, he's also refusing more money than many will make in a lifetime
• Jose De Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle informs us that the MLB Players Union will be providing a staunch middle finger to things like ethics, morals and what have you as they file a grievance on behalf of Shawn Chacon...if only we knew what the grievance was for...
• Regardless of statistics, mindless Red Sox fans have managed to place David Ortiz in the All-Star game, but Jeff Horrigan of the Boston Herald let's us know Ortiz is still out and Mark Feinsand of the NY Times gives us the details on A-Rod pussing out on the Home Run Derby (A.K.A. Fun Time)
• As Reported by Mark Berman of the New York Post, King James lets us know his 2010 free agency plans may include New York...but his favorite Burough isn't Manhattan
• Mike Underwood of the Boston Herald tells us this time a Patriot us upset that someone else is cheating!
• Kurt Mensching of the Marquette Mining Journal gives us the scoop on what Mooch really thought of Matt Millen and the Ford Family...fact of the matter is, he's got the same opinion as most of Detroit
• The AP of Minnesota tells us the T-Wolves aren't attempting to resign everyone...I'll give you a hint, its an underachieving point guard who didn't go to college...
• Phillies Beat Writer Todd Zolecki (Of Philly Inquirer Fame) reports Jimmy Rollins is talking again, and this time he thinks the Phillies need to get some pitching...duh Jimmy
• Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News furthers the truth that the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are total dicks...I would never pay $2,000 a piece for the rights to purchase tickets...(scroll down a few articles)
• And the Associated Press tells us that the Punch Out! Champ might be in more legal trouble...I'm talking bigger than Robin Givens legal trouble