Roadtrip to Oblivion: 12 Baseball Games, 6 States, 10 Days (We will die?)

Okay, okay, I am probably not going to make a post about the Phillies- and Oakland A's game, which is a shame, because the rise and fall of the autocratic genius of Connie Mack, the owner and manager of the Philadelphia A's, who dominated Philadelphia sports from 1900s-1930s before beginning a long sad decline that eventually saw the A's leaving town.


But the good news is that tomorrow starts the epic roadtrip of Sam, myself, and Frank. We'll be out of town, on the road to Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and more. Check back here for pictures, stories, and musings of three very nerdy, very obsessed, and probably very stinky guys on our quest to see 12 baseball games in 10 days.


Here's the schedule
1. Fri July 1st 7PM Leave for Atlanta and book down through the night, arrive in morning.
2. Sat July 2nd Baltimore @ Braves 7pm--- Leaving for Tampa that night
3. Sun July 3rd Cardinals vs Rays 1:40; Clearwather Threschers vs Lakeland Flying Tigers 6pm
4. Mon July 4th Gulf Coast Phillies @ Gulf Coast Braves (Kissimee, FL) 12noon; drive to Miami to see Phillies @ Marlins 6PM
5. Tues July 5th fuck around in Miami, 7pm Phillies @ Marlins
6. Wed July 6th drive to Daytona- Tampa Yankees @ Daytona Cubs 12noon;(not far from Daytona) Clearwater @ Brevard County 7pm; drive to Savannah
7. Thur July 7th Greensboro Grasshoppers @ Savannah Sandgnats 7pm
8. Friday July 8th drive to Charleston: Delmarva Shorebirds vs Charleston Riverdogs 7pm
9. Saturday July 9th drive to Richmond: Harrisburg Senators vs Richmond Flying Squirells 7pm; drive to philly
10. Sunday July 10th Braves @ Phillies 


Feel free to drop us a line to see if we're still alive at any point. Because otherwise, we're going to pretend the outside world doesn't exist!

Laziness Strikes

6/20/2011 READING PHILLIES (AA Affiliate of the Phillies) VS ERIE SEAWOLVES (AA Affiliate of the Tigers)

L 4-5 in 12 Innings

Cole Hamels Garden Gnome Night

with Tom Magee

I'm feeling a wee bit lazy. In two days, I depart on an epic roadtrip to see 12 baseball games in 10 days, with Sam and Frank. 

But I figured I'd post the two games from last week. Here's the Reading Game, where I got the Cole Hamels Lawn Gnome. We saw the Recycling Hero, and a man predict a hotdog being thrown at him.

Crazy Hotdog Vendor, the pride of Reading

Cole in the Buddha pose

Significantly cheaper beer

Am I the only pervert out there?

Mikey Lieberthal, the face of frustration

Juan Samuel, future Phillies Wall of Famer

Dom Brown, all grown up

Reading Lineup

Ryne before escaping to Chicago

Very tempting

Minor League Capacity

Dogs just want to have fun

Recycling Hero

Is that bear flipping me off?

A glimpse of the prophet, Crazy Hotdog Vendor

Brisco Disco, a man amongst men

Upgrading our seats $2

The Bullpen, pissed to still be there after 12 innings

Tom, unhappy to be up past his bedtime

Softball Shirts!

READING

Pitching:

Starter: RHP Tyson Brummet (5 Innings, 6 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 Walks, 3 Strikeouts, 3.21 ERA)

Relief: RHP Chris Kissock (1 Inning, 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 5.82 ERA)

Relief: LHP Jacob Diekman (2 Innings, 2 Walks, 3 Strikeouts, 4.78 ERA)

Relief: LHP Les Walrond (1 Inning, 1 Strikeout, 2.89 ERA)

Relief: RHP Chance Chapman (2 Innings, 2 Hits, 2 Strikeouts, 0.00 ERA)

Closing: LHP Derrick Loop (1 Inning, 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 9.00 ERA) L (0-1)

Lineup:

1. SS Freddy Galvis (5 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 Strikeout, .270 AVG)

2. C Brian Schneider (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 2 Walks, .385 AVG)

--- PR --- DH Joe Savery (1 At-bat, 1 Hit, .167 AVG)

3. LF Michael Spidale (5 At-bat, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, .329 AVG)

4. 1B Matt Rizzotti (6 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 Home Run, 2 RBI, 3 Strikeouts, .296 AVG)

5. 3B Carlos Rivero (5 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .251 AVG)

6. RF Steve Susdorf (6 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI, 1 Strikeout, .314 AVG)

7. CF Derrick Mitchell (5 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Home Run, 1 RBI, 2 Strikeouts, .281 AVG)

8. 2B Niuman Romero (4 At-bats, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .190 AVG)

9. C Tuffy Gosewisch (4 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .268 AVG)

--- PR Terry Evans (.175 AVG)

--- C Tim Kennelly (1 At-bat, .183 AVG)

ERIE 

Pitching:

Starter: RHP Jared Gayhart (4 Innings, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, 3 Strikeouts, 3.58 ERA)

Relief: RHP Zach Simons (2.2 Innings, 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 3 Walks, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Home Runs, 5.79 ERA)

Relief: RHP Rob Waite (1.2 Innings, 4 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 2 Strikeouts, 3.90 ERA) BS (1)

Relief: RHP Chance Ruffin (1.2 Innings, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 2.32 ERA)

Closer: RHP Robbie Weinhardt (2 Innings, 2 Hits, 2 Strikeouts, 9.00 ERA) W (1-1)

Lineup:

1. CF Jamie Johnson (5 At-bats, .276 AVG)

2. SS Gustavo Nunez (6 At-bats, 1 Hit, 2 Strikeouts, .167 AVG)

3. 3B Francisco Martinez (6 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .288 AVG)

4. DH Michael Bertram (6 At-bats, 3 Strikeouts, .253 AVG)

5. 1B Rawley Bishop (4 At-bats, 3 Runs, 1 Hit, 2 Walks, 1 Strikeout, .247 AVG)

6. RF Michael Rockett (5 At-bats, 1 Run, 3 Hits, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .338 AVG

7. C Bryan Holaday (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 3 Hits, 1 Double, 1 RBI, 2 Walks, .230 AVG)

8. LF Adam Calderone (6 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 Double, 2 RBI, 2 Strikeouts, .210 AVG)

--- LF Justin Henry (0 At-bats, .337 AVG)

9. 2B Shawn Roof (4 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .358 AVG)

James's 2011 Baseball Season 

Starting Phillies Organization Pitchers:

RHP Roy Oswalt 2

LHP Cole Hamels 4

LHP Ryan Edell (AA) 1

RHP Joe Blanton 1

RHP Eddie Bonine (AAA) 1

RHP Roy Halladay 1

LHP Ryan Feierabend (AAA) 1

RHP Vance Worley 1

LHP Jesse Biddle (A-) 1  

LHP Cliff Lee 1

RHP Tyson Brummett (AA) 1

Opposing Pitchers:

RHP Bud Norris (Astros) 1

RHP Chris Young (Mets) 1

LHP Scott Barnes (AA Akron, Indians Affiliate) 1 

RHP Shaun Marcum (Brewers) 1

LHP Andrew Miller (AAA Pawtucket, Redsox Affiliate) 1

RHP Jair Jurrjens (Braves) 1

RHP Josh Johnson (Marlins) 1

RHP Rick VandenHurk (AAA Norfolk, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Jorge De La Ros (Rockies) 1

RHP Johnny Cueto (Reds) 1

RHP Mike Pelfrey (Mets) 1

RHP Scott Copeland (A- Delmarva, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Ted Lilly (Dodgers) 1

LHP Doug Davis (Cubs) 1

RHP Jared Gayhart (AA Erie, Tigers Affiliate) 1

Other:

RHP Nic Ungs (Somerset Patriots)

RHP Luke Massetti (Pennsylvania Road Warriors)

Total Games: 16

Non-Phillies Org Games: 1

Phillies Minor League: 2-3

Phillies: 5-5

Overall: 7-8

Of White Caps, Cubs, and Dads

6/12/2011 PHILLIES VS CHICAGO CUBS

W 4-3

Father's Day, White Cap Giveaway

with Dad

Father's Day. Like I said before, my gift to people usually is hanging out with them. I'd rather spend time than give anyone something material (though a book or small memento usually brings a lot of weight. And postcards. Okay, maybe I like giving things, but hanging out is the ultimate prize!) So I went with my poppa to Phillies versus the Cubs. He drove up on me finishing up softball practice over yonder on Oregon Ave, which between biking around is usually when I'm at my sweatiest, as I sweat puddles on command.

Can someone tell me if this is a song, or what?

Dad with his lunch

Babes at the ballpark

The Phanatic infiltrates the Red Army

The Phils usually give away some kind of hat on father's day. Last year was the "Sarge" hat, a red golfy hat which I wore so much that it turned orange. I've had strangers ask me if I've owned it for 10 years. So time to retire it... This year's hat was a white cap. Kinda shitty, if you ask me. I know I'd immediately stain it if I wore it on a regular basis. Probably with ketchup, somehow.

Seas of whities

woo woo!

We arrived, ate some junk, and took our seats next to three lady Cubs fans. I am somewhat fascinated by Cubs fans, how they can still root for a team that hasn't won anything since 1908. Seems cruel. But still they come out in droves, and are spread across the country. The sheer size of Chicago and the fact that all Cubs games used to be in the day, making it perfect for families or night workers or people playing hookie might be a factor, but those "loveable loser" moments kind of make it like sado-mascism. I guess that's what it was like to be a Phillies fan before 1980, though.

Anyway, in a thick Chicago accent, one of them told me how she'd played in a semi-pro women's football league till she ripped up her knee (seems like most football players end up that way). So I made a mental note not to taunt her too much. (Though she did accept a high-five from me later on after the Phillies scored a run, which is highly unusual for opposing fans, since they usually take it for what the high-five offer is, an insult. So I gotta give her credit.)

The beer guy in our local section, 431, has a device where it kind of whirls and automatically removes the beer cap from the plastic bottle as he goes from section to section. The kicker is that he invented it himself to assist in quick beer delivery. Cool, huh?

Got to see one of my favorite things, a manager ejection, followed by an angry manager tirade against the ump. Charlie! Charlie!

Charlies Manuel trying to murder ump after he is ejected.

After the obligatory watching of Harry Kalas singing "High Hopes", following the Phillies rally in the 7th, we headed to the parking lot, where we sat for 45 minutes. Yes folks, never ever park in a ballpark parking lot. Park 8 blocks away, at least, and just walk there. Or better yet, take public transit. It'll be faster, I guarantee.

Game Stats

PHI

Pitching:

Starter: RHP Roy Oswalt (108 Pitches, 67 Strikes, 7 Innings, 5 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 1 Double, 1 Home Run, 2 Walks, 5 Strikeouts, 3.14 ERA) W (4-4)

Relief: RHP Michael Stutes (10 Pitches, 7 Strikes, 1 Inning, 2 Strikeouts, 2.41 ERA) H (4)

Closer: RHP Ryan Madsen (17 Pitches, 14 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 2.17 ERA) S (15)

Lineup:

1. SS Jimmy Rollins (5 At-bats, 1 Hit, .256 AVG, 1 fielding error)

2. CF Shane Victorino (2 At-bats, 2 Runs, 1 Walk, 1 Left on base, .280 AVG)

3. 2B Chase Utley (3 At-bats, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Double (15), 1 Walk, 1 Left on base, .261 AVG)

4. 1B Ryan Howard (3 At-bats, 3 Hits, 1 Double (3), 3 RBI (53), 1 Walk, .247 AVG)

5. RF Ben Franciso (1 At-bat, 2 Walks, 1 Left on base, .220 AVG)

--- PH Placido Polanco (1 At-bat, 1 Left on base, .309 AVG)

--- Relief Pitcher (Stutes)

--- Relief Pitcher (Madsen)

6. LF Raul Ibanez (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (32), 2 Strikeouts, 5 Left on base, .250 AVG)

7. C Carlos Ruiz (4 At-bats, 3 Strikeouts, 8 Left on base, .243 AVG)

8. 3B Wilson Valdez (4 At-bats, 3 Left on base, .240 AVG)

9. SP Roy Oswalt (3 At-bats, 3 Strikeouts, .111 AVG)

--- RF Domonic Brown (1 At-bat, .235 AVG)

CHC

Pitching:

Starter: LHP Doug Davis (108 Pitches, 63 Strikes, 6 Innings, 5 Hits, 1 Double, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 5 Walks, 6 Strikeouts, 5.90 ERA)

Relief: RHP Jeff Samardzija (11 Pitches, 8 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Strikeout, 4.29 ERA) H (2)

Relief: LHP Sean Marshall (25 Pitches, 14 Strikes, 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 1 Double, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 Strikeout, 2.08 ERA) BS (2), L (3-1)

Relief: RHP Rodrigo Lopez (2 Pitches, 1 Strike, .1 Inning, 6.10 ERA)
Closing: LHP John Grabow (6 Pitches, 4 Strikes, .2 Inning, 4.55 ERA)

Lineup:

1. RF Kosuke Fukudome (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .297 AVG)

2. 2B Darwin Barney (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, .295 AVG)

3. SS Starlin Castro (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, (16), 1 RBI (28), .301 AVG)

4. 1B Carlos Pena (3 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 1 Left on base, .216 AVG)

5. 3B Aramis Ramirez (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Home Run (4), 2 RBI (26), 1 Strikeout, 2 Left on base, .283 AVG)

6. LF Blake DeWitt (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, .289 AVG)

7. CF Tyler Colvin (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .105 AVG)

8. C Koyie Hill (3 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .239 AVG)

--- PR DJ LeMahieu (0 At-bats, .111 AVG_

9. SP Doug Davis (2 At-bats, 2 Left on base, .000 AVG)

--- Relief Pitcher (Samardzija)

--- PH Tony Campana (1 At-bat, .250 AVG)

--- Relief Pitcher (Marshall)

--- Relief Pitcher (Lopez)

--- Relief Pitcher (Grabow)

--- PH Geovany Soto (1 At-bat, 1 Left on base, .217 AVG)

James's 2011 Baseball Season Stats

Starting Phillies Organization Pitchers:

RHP Roy Oswalt 2

LHP Cole Hamels 4

LHP Ryan Edell (AA) 1

RHP Joe Blanton 1

RHP Eddie Bonine (AAA) 1

RHP Roy Halladay 1

LHP Ryan Feierabend (AAA) 1

RHP Vance Worley 1

LHP Jesse Biddle (A-) 1  

LHP Cliff Lee 1

Opposing Pitchers:

RHP Bud Norris (Astros) 1

RHP Chris Young (Mets) 1

LHP Scott Barnes (AA Akron, Indians Affiliate) 1 

RHP Shaun Marcum (Brewers) 1

LHP Andrew Miller (AAA Pawtucket, Redsox Affiliate) 1

RHP Jair Jurrjens (Braves) 1

RHP Josh Johnson (Marlins) 1

RHP Rick VandenHurk (AAA Norfolk, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Jorge De La Ros (Rockies) 1

RHP Johnny Cueto (Reds) 1

RHP Mike Pelfrey (Mets) 1

RHP Scott Copeland (A- Delmarva, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Ted Lilly (Dodgers) 1

LHP Doug Davis (Cubs) 1

Other:

RHP Nic Ungs (Somerset Patriots)

RHP Luke Massetti (Pennsylvania Road Warriors)

Total Games: 15

Non-Phillies Org Games: 1

Phillies Minor League: 2-2

Phillies: 5-5

Overall: 7-7

99 Problems, but a Dollar Dog ain't one of 'em

6/7/2011 PHILLIES VS LOS ANGELES DODGERS

W 3-1

Dollar Dog Night

with Sam Fields

June baseball is here. Perfect weather. Utter relaxation. That nice smooth feeling that no matter what hits you in life, no matter how utterly shit for brains the world seems to get every single day, you have that familiar baseball rhythm in your life. Yup, the grass is green, the air feels nice against the skin, and another night in the ballpark. One of the best nights, in addition to when they give you free crap, is the vaunted dollar dog night. While there never will again be a 10 cent beer night, dollar dog night is a decent way to spend a Monday night.

With this night, I had seen every single member of the Phillies' starting pitching rotation. Cliff Lee, the folk hero of the 2009 World Series, a Yankee slayer in a failing effort against the behemoth, was on the mound. Yes, Cliff Lee, who's wife taught us the reason you never ever spit on women. Cliff Lee, who turned down $30 million from New York to come to Philadelphia instead. The vaunted, invinsible, Cliff Lee. Okay........ Cliff isn't having a hot year so far. But it's only June! Cliff Lee in September and October can only be stopped by kryptonite.

Arriving on my own after the famous walk of victory up Broad Street, I quickly made my way over to the 3rd base entrance to grab veggie dogs, because as I explained in an earlier entry, the best way to eat a ton of hot dogs successfully is to make sure they're not actually made out of hot dog. And it being dollar dog night, the dregs of society made their appearances. Trying to get dinner was a process. It involved standing in line, and lunging aggressivly when the dogs became available. Oh, don't get between a hungry James and his dogs, especially when he hasn't eaten yet.

A new fan group I hadn't spotted yet: "Francisco's Benny Franks" where the dudes all dress as giant hot dogs. They could of picked a better player, but I appreciate giant weiners just as much as any guy. 

Dollar dog night also brings out some fairly annoying people. The Phillies used to do college nights, where people from any particular college could get discounted tickets, but discontinued when too many brawls broke out by drunk frat boys. Oh lord, there were some dumb people. The people right behind us blabbed the whole game about how bored they were unless they saw a home run. The Phillies are winning, who cares? One lady hit me in the back of the head with her hands, and said, "Oh! I'm sorry! I'm Italian, so I talk with my hands." (Okay, you can't help it...)

Two birthdays, right behind us. Two. So lots of loud, confetti, happy birthdays. I asked both of the older gentlemen "How old are you? 28?" They giggled. The ultimate crowd pleaser, underestimating their age.

Tonight, the Phillies played the Los Angeles Dodgers. Oh, how the franchise that both broke the color barrier in the late 40s, destroyed a Mexican community in the '60s, and rose to be the heart and sole of LA by now has fallen big time. How did Major League Baseball approve an absolute corporate criminal like Frank McCourt to be an owner? The guy who tried to fire his wife in a divorce proceeding and took out personal loads against the team to enrich himself? I absolutly believe that owners ought to be purged from the professional sports and the teams owned by the players. Exhibit Number One: Frank McCourt.

After he Phillie Phanatic did his ceremonial pelvic thrusts at the Dodgers players to curse them (Woh onto thou who receiveth Phanatic crotch bump) the teams rocked back and forth with excellent pitching performance by Lee. He struck out 10 batters, and the Phillies scored timely runs to win 3-1. A Marine did a ceremonial changing of 3rd base in the 6th Inning. Uh, what? I think me and sam were the only ones not giving a standing ovation. ("Are we supposed to stand?" I said.)

Shane Victorino, no longer a blueclaw, walking.

The Great Band of All Time, The Baseball Project doing 7th Inning Stretch

What's with the red spot?

Sam, who is an occasional guest blogger on here

Victory formation

James with a stomach full of dollar dogs

High Hopes!

Apple Pie in the Sky Hopes!

To those out in TV land, the Oregon Ave Octopi will be playing the West Philly Waste on Wednesday June 29th at 7pm at 4900 Kingsessing. Come out and see us rock the casbah!

Championship caliber team

Game Stats

PHI

Pitching:

Starter: LHP Cliff Lee (117 Pitches, 80 Strikes, 7 Innings, 7 Hits, 1 Walk, 10 Strikeouts, 3.62 ERA) W (5-5)

Relief: LHP Antonio Bastardo (14 Pitches, 9 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Strikeout, 1.17 ERA) H (5)

Closer: RHP Ryan Madsen (19 Pitches, 13 Strikes, 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 2 Strikeouts, 2.08 ERA) S (13)

Lineup:

1. CF Shane Victorino (2 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit by pitch, 1 Walk, .275 AVG)

2. 3B Placido Polanco (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (32), 1 Left on base, .319 AVG)

3. 2B Chase Utley (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 2 Strikeouts, 3 Left on base, .224 AVG)

4. 1B Ryan Howard (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (47), 1 Strikeout, 2 Left on base, .248 AVG)

5. LF Ben Francisco (3 At-bats, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 2 Left on base, .224 AVG)

6. C Carlos Ruiz (4 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 Double, 1 RBI (12), .244 AVG)

7. RF Domonic Brown (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 3 Left on base, .300 AVG)

8. SS Wilson Valdez (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Double, 1 Strikeout, 1 Left on base, .246 AVG)

9. SP Cliff Lee (1 At-bat, 1 Sacrifice, 1 Left on base, .185 AVG)

--- PH Raul Ibanez (1 At-bat, .241 AVG)

--- Relief Pitcher (Bastardo)

--- Relief Pitcher (Madsen)

LAD

Pitching:

Starter: LHP Ted Lilly (88 Pitches, 59 Strikes, 5 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 Walk, 4 Strikeouts, 4.13 ERA) L (4-5)

Relief: RHP Blake Hawksworth (12 Pitches, 8 Strikes, 1 Inning, 2.95 ERA)

Closing: RHP Mike MacDougal (23 Pitches, 11 Strikes, 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 ER, 2 Walks, 1 Strikeout, 2.21 ERA)

Lineup:

1. SS James Carroll (4 At-bats, 3 Hits, 1 Left on base, .308 AVG)

2. 2B Aaron Miles (4 At-bats, 2 Hits, 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .282 AVG)

3. LF Marcus Thames (4 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, 5 Left on base, .158 AVG)

4. CF Matt Kemp (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .317 AVG)

5. 3B Juan Uribe (4 At-bats, 2 Hits, 2 Strikeouts, .228 AVG)

--- PR Dee Gordon (1 Run, .000 AVG)

6. 1B Casey Blake (3 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .267 AVG, Ejected in 6th Inning for arguing called strikeout)

--- 1B James Loney (1 At-bat, 1 Hit, .245 AVG)

7. RF Jerry Sands (2 At-bats, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 1 Left on base, .207 AVG)

--- PH Andre Ethier (1 At-bat, 1 RBI (29), 1 Left on base, .324 AVG)

8. C Rod Barajas (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .208 AVG)

9. SP Ted Lilly (2 At-bats, .000 AVG)

--- PH Tony Gwynn, Jr. (1 At-bat, 1 Hit, .218 AVG)

--- Relief Pitcher (Hawksworth)

--- Relief Pitcher (MacDougal)

--- PH Dioner Navarro (1 At-bat, 1 Strikeout, 1 Left on base, .196 AVG)

James's 2011 Baseball Season 

Starting Phillies Organization Pitchers:

RHP Roy Oswalt 1

LHP Cole Hamels 4

LHP Ryan Edell (AA) 1

RHP Joe Blanton 1

RHP Eddie Bonine (AAA) 1

RHP Roy Halladay 1

LHP Ryan Feierabend (AAA) 1

RHP Vance Worley 1

LHP Jesse Biddle (A-) 1  

LHP Cliff Lee 1

Opposing Pitchers:

RHP Bud Norris (Astros) 1

RHP Chris Young (Mets) 1

LHP Scott Barnes (AA Akron, Indians Affiliate) 1 

RHP Shaun Marcum (Brewers) 1

LHP Andrew Miller (AAA Pawtucket, Redsox Affiliate) 1

RHP Jair Jurrjens (Braves) 1

RHP Josh Johnson (Marlins) 1

RHP Rick VandenHurk (AAA Norfolk, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Jorge De La Ros (Rockies) 1

RHP Johnny Cueto (Reds) 1

RHP Mike Pelfrey (Mets) 1

RHP Scott Copeland (A- Delmarva, Orioles Affiliate) 1

LHP Ted Lilly (Dodgers) 1

Other:

RHP Nic Ungs (Somerset Patriots)

RHP Luke Massetti (Pennsylvania Road Warriors)

Total Games: 14

Non-Phillies Org Games: 1

Phillies Minor League: 2-2

Phillies: 4-5

Overall: 6-7

To the Devil's Den: Trip to Citi Field, and Jersey Baseball Hellfest

Roadtrip 5/28-29: 5/28/2011 PHILLIES @ NEW YORK METS- CITI FIELD W 5-2 with Sam and Carey PHI Pitching: Starter: LHP Cole Hamels (106 Pitches, 75 Strikes, 7 Innings, 7 Hits, 1 Double, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 10 Strikeouts, 3.01 ERA) W (7-2) Relief: RHP Jose Contreras (8 Pitches, 6 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Strikeout, 0.00 ERA) H (1) Closer: RHP Ryan Madsen (17 Pitches, 13 Strikes, 1.96 ERA) S (11) Lineup: 1. SS Jimmy Rollins (5 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .267 AVG, 1 Steal (10)) 2. 2B Chase Utley (3 At-bats, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Double (1) 1 RBI (2), 1 Walk, .238 AVG, 1 Steal (1)) 3. 3B Placido Polanco (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 2 Left on base, .315 AVG) 4. 1B Ryan Howard (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Double (13), 2 RBI (40), 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .247 AVG) 5. LF Raul Ibanez (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Double (10) 1 RBI (26), 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .245 AVG) 6. C Carlos Ruiz (3 At-bats, 1 Walk, .243 AVG) 7. RF Domonic Brown (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 Double (3), 2 Left on base, .292 AVG) 8. CF John Mayberry, Jr. (4 At-bats, 2 Left on base, .227 AVG) 9. SP Cole Hamels (1 At-bat, 1 Strikeout, 1 Sacrifice, .240 AVG) --- PH Ross Gload (1 At-bat, 1 Strikeout, .297 AVG) --- Relief Pitcher (Contreras) --- PH Ben Francisco (1 At-bat, 1 Hit, 1 Double (4), 1 RBI (24), .221 AVG) --- Relief Pitcher (Madsen) NYM Pitching: Starter: RHP Mike Pelfrey (116 Pitches, 70 Strikes, 7.2 Innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 Walks, 6 Strikeouts, 5.00 ERA) Relief: LHP Michael O'Connor (4 Pitches, 3 Strikes, 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1.35 ERA) BS (1), L (0-1) Relief: RHP Jason Isringhausen (6 Pitches, 2 Strikes, 0 Inning, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 3.31 ERA) Relief: LHP Tim Byrdak (7 Pitches, 4 Strikes, .1 Inning, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 5.68 ERA) Closing: RHP Dale Thayer (18 Pitches, 11 Strikes, 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 9.00 ERA) Lineup: 1. SS Jose Reyes (4 At-bats, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Double (17), .324 AVG, 2 Stolen Bases (19)) 2. 3B Justin Turner (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (19), 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .325 AVG, 1 Stolen Base (2)) 3. RF Carlos Beltran (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .275 AVG) 4. LF Jason Bay (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (9), 2 Strikeouts, 1 Left on base, .234 AVG, 1 Stolen Base (3)) 5. 1B Nick Evans (3 At-bats, 2 Left on base, .000 AVG) --- PH Dan Murphy (1 At-bat, .257 AVG) 6. CF Angel Pagan (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, ,182 AVG, 1 Stolen Base (6), 1 Caught Stealing (1)) 7. C Ronny Paulino (3 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, .327 AVG, 1 Error on throw) 8. 2B Ruben Tejada (3 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 1 Left on base, .267 AVG) 9. SP Mike Pelfrey (3 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, 2 Left on base, .053 AVG) --- Relief Pitcher (O'Connor) --- Relief Pitcher (Isringhausen) --- Relief Pitcher (Bydrak) --- Relief Pitcher (Thayer) A trip to enemy territory, ah fun. Five years ago, anytime Phillies-Mets would play in Philly, it was the intensity of a football game. Y'know, brawls, cussing, evil looks. Nowadays, as the Phillies fill their ballpark with Fightin's loyalist sellouts, there is little room for the hordes of Mets fans coming down from New York. And, oh yeah, the Mets suck. From a Bernie Madoff lawsuit looming on the Mets organization, the signing of bum older players to multimillion dollar contracts, there isn't much to be hopeful for the Metropolitians. Its the perfect turning of the tables from 5 years ago, with hordes of Phillies fans going to New York to pack Citi Field. Me and Sam decided to do such a trip, coupled with a few minor league games on Sunday. We stayed with Carey, a somewhat indifferent sports fan, who follows whoever is doing better, but generally doesn't care about sports that much. He'll root for New York sports teams in general but doesn't get too invested. However, for this game, he was still the enemy!  Travelling with the enemy Me violating the anti-tailgating laws When we showed up, much like 5 years ago in Philly, about 1/5th of the fans were Phillies supporters. It turned into a similar scene, with cussing and fights quickly breaking out in a highly charged atmosphere. A little kid told me that the Phillies fucking sucked. Well, not to use logic or anything, but at of late May they do have the best record in the majors... As I wrote about Phillies fans hating on Scott Rolen, it is nice that Mets fans still boo Jimmy Rollins for calling out New York back in 2007. A familiar sting... ha.  A few other observations: -The number of attractive people in New York is kinda disproportionate. Does money mean you will be hotter? I think sometimes it might. -Citi Field is a really beautiful stadium. It has a lot of under passes, food courts with different stuff at each stop, and this really cool "bridge", Shea Bridge, in the 100 level concourse. They also have a nice Jackie Robinson museum type display, since the Mets are more or less the successors to the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants. Citi Field, a pretty monster Tear down Shea, baseball gods curse the Mets! So high, yet I can still smell failure Actually, I'm not complaining. Its a nice view. Especially with empty seats and other Phillies fans. River rover! Sam saying something highly inappropriate Sad New Yorkers Shea Bridge Brawl and near riot in the stands. Po po break it up Phils fans ejected Let them go! Let them go! (how come no one is joining in?) Mets fan is ejected. This caused more upset Metropolitan followers -Daniel Murphy, a pinch hitter Met, plays Dropkick Murphies for his at-bat music. Yes! The game was a well pitched affair between Hamels and Pelfry. Once Pelfry left the game, the Mets melted down with hits by Dom Brown, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. As the Mets fell apart, a mass exodus of their fans allowed Phillies fans to become bolder and louder. I'd say by the end, it was more like 1/3rd Phillies fans. Something kind of satisifying about that. It was a free Mets totebag that night. I heard a Mets fan complain loudly, "What are all these Phillies fans gonna do with a Mets bag?" Ah, loot, m'dear. Invading armies should always carry loot back to their homeland. On the radio the next day, a Mets fan caller complained, "You think its bad now? Give it a few years, a more losing and more Phillies winning, and Citi Field is going to be a reincarnation of Grants Tomb." Nice. I want to get a Sabremetrics taunt going. "Your Value Above Replacement Player rating is poor!" Sam with the temporary enemy, Carrie At least we can agree on this Onto to the next day... 5/29/2011 1:30PM INDEPENDENT ATLANTIC LEAGUE- PENNSYLVANIA ROAD WARRIORS VS SOMERSET PATRIOTS  @ TD BANK PARK  Patriots 10 Road Warriors 7 with Sam Fields SOM Pitching: Starter: RHP Nic Ungs (85 Pitches, 52 Strikes, 6 Innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 2 Walks, 2 Strikeouts, 3.10 ERA) Relief: RHP Jason Anderson (39 Pitches, 21 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 2 Runs, 2 Walks, 1 Strikeout, 5.40 ERA) Relief: RHP Travis Minix (16 Pitches, 9 Strikes, 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 3.46 ERA) Relief: RHP Scott Williamson (30 pitches, 17 Strikes, .1 Inning, 2 Hits, 3 Runs, 3 ER, 2 Walks, 1 Strikeouts, 18.00 ERA) Closer: RHP Ben Grezlovski (13 Pitches, 10 Strikes, .2 Inning, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 4.20 ERA) Lineup: 1. CF Joe Holden (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 2 Walks, .286 AVG) 2. RF Norris Hopper (2 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 RBI (6), .417 AVG) --- RF Wayne Lydon (1 At-bat, 1 Run, 1 Walk, .210 AVG, 1 Stolen Base (7))  3. LF Justin Huber (4 At-bats, 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Walk, .289 AVG) 4. 1B Josh Pressley (5 At-bats, 3 Runs, 5 Hits, 3 Doubles (9), 1 Home Run (3) 5 RBI (18), .360 AVG) 5. 3B Jeff Nettles (5 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 RBI (25), .304 AVG) 6. 2B Fernando Cortez (3 At-bats, 1 Hit, .256 AVG) 7. DH Matt Hagen (4 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 RBI (15), .273 AVG) 8. C JR Hopf (3 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, 1 Hit by pitch, .180 AVG, 1 Caught stealing) 9. SS Iggy Suarez (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, .154 AVG, 1 Error) PEN Pitching: Starter: RHP Luke Massetti (68 Pitches, 49 Strikes, 11 Hits, 7 Runs, 6 ER, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, 5.04 ERA) Relief: RHP Christopher Kelly (24 Pitches, 12 Strikes, 1.1 Inning, 2 Hits, 1 Run, 1 ER, 2 Walks, 4.26 ERA) Closing: RHP Jusef Frias (28 Pitches, 15 Strikes, 3 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 ER, 1 Walk, 7.50 ERA) Lineup: 1. SS Amadeo Zazueta (0 At-bats, 1 Hit by pitch, .301 AVG) --- SS Danny Gonzalez (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Strikeout, .294 AVG) 2. LF Sean Henry (4 At-bats, 2 Runs, 3 Hits, 1 Double (5), 1 Home Run (2), 2 RBI (8), 1 Walk, .306 AVG, 1 Error) 3. RF Michael Mooney (4 At-bats, 2 hits, 1 Double (2), 2 RBI (3), 1 Walk, .375 AVG) 4. 1B Carlos Sosa (2 At-bats, 1 RBI (18), 2 Walks, 1 Sacrifice Fly (2), 2 Strikeouts, .405 AVG) 5. DH Victor Gutierrez (5 At-bats, 2 Hits, 1 RBI (10), .310 AVG) 6. C Josh Johnson (3 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .234 AVG) --- C Daniel Jordan (2 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .250 AVG) 7. 3B Gabriel Suarez (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 1 Strikeout, .125 AVG) 8. CF Jonel Pacheco (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 Home Run (2), 1 RBI, 1 Walk, .176 AVG) 9. 2B Marcos Cabral (4 At-bats, 1 Run, .156 AVG) Our second game of the weekend the next day took us down to Somerset of the indy Atlantic League. Independent baseball is interesting, since they aren't affiliated at all with Major League teams, some indy teams can do better than farm teams. One of the best minor league stadiums I've ever seen, for instance, is that of the York Revolution. On the other hand, teams are extremely suseptible to instability, as teams fold and rejoin all the time. This year, the Pennsylvania Road Warriors, the Somerset Patriots opponent, is the Atlantic League's permanent road team, lacking a stadium or any sort of fan base. So I rooted for 'em. Among the noticable things, was that they had a monument to a chemical divison which invented cyanide. Woo!  It was also Jimmy Buffett Tribute Day. So yes, bad cover bands. Also, the kid singing the national anthem did a better job than some adults. Also, it was Scout Day. Some kids thought I was a scout for a major league team, until they noticed my dirty shoes, stained shirt, and lack of a shower. But I thought I was gonna be someone by now! You can tell the little things that its an independent league baseball. There were a ton of errors, shitty pitching, sloppy base running, and the first base coach appeared to be a teenager who was slightly drunk. (really!). They picked the player with the lowest batting average, and gave everyone free chicken wing coupons if he struck out, making him the Chicken Wing K-Man, with loud bucking noises. (Saw the same thing at the York Revolution, only they gave away pizza hut cheesy sticks.)  They modelled nearly the entire franchise on their manager, Sparky Lyle, a former closer for the Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies, Rangers, and White Sox in the late 60's-early 80s. Including their mascot, a dog named Sparky. Some views of the stadium: Goddamn rich bastards, paying a dollar more for better seats Goddamn "patriots" getting to go on the field and shit I smell an error coming I wanna steal base, too. Down in front, dog. We're here for the beers and baseballs. Road Warriors= Road Kill I wonder how much advertising is? Anyway, the Patriots destroyed the Road Warriors through 8 Innings, and though the Road Warriors made a modest comeback, it was too little, too late. People consider buying Road Warriors merchandise, if the Atlantic League ever puts any up for sale. Its a sad, sad team to exist entirely on the road. Sam is furious about the Road Warriors performance in this picture Onto the Lakewood... 5/29/2011 7PM LAKEWOOD BLUECLAWS (Low A Affiliate of the Phillies) VS. DELMARVA SHOREBIRDS (Low A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles) @ FirstEnergy Field W 4-1 with Sam Fields LWD Pitching: Starter: LHP Jesse Biddle (7 Innings, 4 Hits, 1 Double, 1 Run, 1 Walk, 4 Strikeouts, 4.11 ERA) W (3-5) Relief: RHP Colby Shreve (1 Inning, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, 3.98 ERA) H (3) Closer: RHP Lisalberto Bonilla (1 Inning, 2 Strikeouts, 1.27 ERA) S (3) Lineup: 1. CF Shane Victorino (4 At-bats, 2 Strikeouts, .167 AVG) --- CF Miguel Alvarez (0 At-bats, .277 AVG) 2. LF Zach Collier (3 At-bats, 1 Walk, .269 AVG, 1 Caught Stealing) 3. 3B Geancarlo Mendez (3 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Double, 1 Strikeout, .261 AVG) 4. 1B Jim Murphy (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Double, 1 RBI (36), 1 Strikeout, .263 AVG) 5. RF Anthony Hewitt (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Double, .259 AVG) 6. DH Domingo Santana (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Hit, 1 Home Run (6), 1 RBI (15), 1 Strikeout, .284 AVG) 7. 2B Carlos Perdomo (4 At-bats, 1 Run, 2 Hits, 1 Strikeout, .272 AVG, 1 Stolen Base) 8. C Torre Langley (2 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 RBI (6), 1 Walk, .227 AVG) 9. SS Edgar Duran (3 At-bats, .283 AVG, 1 Error) DEL Pitching: Starter: RHP Scott Copeland (6 Innings, 6 Hits, 3 Runs, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 2 Strikeouts, 4.35 ERA) L (4-3) Closing: RHP Randy Henry (2 Innings, 1 Hit, 1 Run, 1 ER, 1 Walk, 4 Strikeouts, 1 Home Run, 2.25 ERA) Lineup: 1. CF Michael Planeta (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 2 Strikeouts, .288 AVG) 2. RF Tyler Kelly (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, .331 AVG) 3. SS Jonathan Schoop (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, .310 AVG) 4. 1B Michael Flacco (4 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .302 AVG) 5. DH Kieron Pope (4 At-bats, 1 Strikeout, .226 AVG) 6. 3B Adam Gaylord (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Strikeout, .223 AVG) 7. C Justin Dalles (4 At-bats, 1 Hit, 1 Double, .209 AVG) 8. LF Riley Hornback (2 At-bats, 1 Run, 1 Walk, .217 AVG) 9. 2B Dudley Leonora (3 At-bats, .132 AVG) Something for the ladies So on the final stop of our weekend, we arrived at the Lakewood Blueclaws on the Jersey Shore. The Blueclaws are the lowest full season level you can be in, low Single A. Its mostly 19-22 year olds who were drafted a year ago out of college or high school and just putting it together as professional ballplayers. So its kinda cool to see all players who are still hungry. Last year, me and sam went to Williamsport Crosscutters, a short season team for advanced rookies below Lakewood, where we got to see the Phillies' 2010 1st Round draft pick, pitcher Jesse Biddle. Biddle was drafted out of Germantown Friends, a school not exactly known for its athletics. In fact, he'd committed to going to University of Oregon on scholarship. But then the Phillies up and offered him a million bucks to sign with them. Apparently, some parents at Germantown Friends were actually mad the Phillies did that, since it meant that the school wouldn't have 100% college attendance that year. Funny...  The teenagers behind me thought I was taking pictures of his butt Anyway, it turned out he was pitching that night! So I've seen a possible future Phillie play at two levels in the minors. Crazy!  Biddle on the mound Coincidently, the Phillies Centerfielder Shane Victorino was doing a rehab stint with the Blueclaws, in which Major Leaguers who are hurt play a few games in the minors to try to get back into playing mode. He struck out twice and grounded out... but still cool to see Shane in a Blueclaws uniform. He didn't practice with the guys before the game... Shane in the outfield Victorino at bat Walking up to swing And miss.... strikeout. When the game started rolling and everyone lined up for the national anthem, I got to sit right behind the bullpen. The kid they lined up to sing it totally butchered the song, singing out of tune and somehow missing entire lines. Guys in the bullpen were cracking up the whole song, or at least trying to not bawl with laughter.  How relief pitchers keep their head in the game Because what else are they doing? If you can figure out why this is the mascot and not a crab, please tell me. Outfielder Anthony Hewitt, who I got a reaction out of by yelling at him last year. Why is he still here?? Cheese, ham, and egg race. My money was on ham. Go ham go!! An eye race. Blue, brown, and red. Wait, red?? What are they trying to say? Go red go! Well, between the hundreds of kids and the millions of Memorial Day Flags, it was a distracting game. Biddle pitched well and they won on timely hitting. And, I got treated to nice fireworks display, for a minor league team. 5,000 kids. Don't they have jobs to go to, the shiftless hippies? On the way back, I mused with Sam how glad I am that I don't live in a strip mall hell that seems to be Long Island and parts of Jersey. Put me in the country or the city, just not the in between. South Philly, ye ol' land of milk and honey, is the place for me. James's 2011 Baseball Season  Starting Phillies Organization Pitchers: RHP Roy Oswalt 1 LHP Cole Hamels 4 LHP Ryan Edell (AA) 1 RHP Joe Blanton 1 RHP Eddie Bonine (AAA) 1 RHP Roy Halladay 1 LHP Ryan Feierabend (AAA) 1 RHP Vance Worley 1 LHP Jesse Biddle (A-) 1   Opposing Pitchers: RHP Bud Norris (Astros) 1 RHP Chris Young (Mets) 1 LHP Scott Barnes (AA Akron, Indians Affiliate) 1  RHP Shaun Marcum (Brewers) 1 LHP Andrew Miller (AAA Pawtucket, Redsox Affiliate) 1 RHP Jair Jurrjens (Braves) 1 RHP Josh Johnson (Marlins) 1 RHP Rick VandenHurk (AAA Norfolk, Orioles Affiliate) 1 LHP Jorge De La Ros (Rockies) 1 RHP Johnny Cueto (Reds) 1 RHP Mike Pelfrey (Mets) 1 RHP Scott Copeland (A- Delmarva, Orioles Affiliate) 1 Other: RHP Nic Ungs (Somerset Patriots) RHP Luke Massetti (Pennsylvania Road Warriors) Total Games: 13 Non-Phillies Org Games: 1 Phillies Minor League: 2-2 Phillies: 3-5 Overall: 5-7