I've spent a
couple of weeks thinking about this, my last piece of the year. I actually
started out three different times to write it, and each time drew a blank on the
direction it would take. Earlier CJ nailed a good way to end, with awards.
Seeing as how that's no longer available, I'd like to accept my Globetrotter
trophy by thanking Southwest Airlines for *NOT* cancelling my flight this
year after I had to book my vacation seven months in advance and pray the
M'n'GIII would fall during my stay. I don't think I'll be making it back home in
2014 so that pressure is lifted. Next year it's time for my family (and anyone
else interested) to trek to AZ to see me. So if anyone who reads this decides to
brave the desert just PM me on Facebook and I'll do what I can to accomodate.
Something to consider: the Phils are in town here April 27-29(Fri-Sun) and our
annual Scardefield outing will be that weekend. My kids seems to enjoy me
spending $300 on tickets so they can sit around and bullshit and up some pics to
Facebook. I usually have to guess who's going to fork up the $11 for a hot dog
and beer but I digress.
So now, what's
left to hash out? I think it's a foregone conclusion that Sandberg will be made
the perm manager. To me he's shown signs he has a plan. Now if only RAJ had a
plan this coming winter could be productive. If I had my druthers there would be
some way for the Phils to rid themself of Howard's contract and Chris Wheeler in
one fell swoop. That alone would brighten the horizon and bring hope to a
disenchanted franchise and it's fans. But with neither being reality let me
offer a few moves to be made. First, re-sign Chooch at a hometown rate. We need
him one more year for a lot of reasons. Second, someone needs to review all the
video on Kendrick... to note how he went from bum to dependable and now seems to
be returning to his former self. That same person can also research Hamels video
for mostly the same reasons, but in opposite directions. Cliff Lee has earned
his annual trek to Arkansas no problema. But third, this is one that will make
me very unpopular... I think we part ways with Doc. His desire and effort are
not in question, but I personally think he may just say phuckit because he can't
perform to his own standards. He doesn't need to prove to anyone, in Philly or
anywhere, what he has accomplished. But I also don't think there's enough left
for his pride to let him continue as a major league pitcher on the elite level.
I know I couldn't do it when I threw my arm out and lost any hope of a major
league career. But I still played another five years, just never pitched again
because I could hit as well as anyone. I know, I know, nobody cares but it
*IS* my opinion lol.
Now for the
kids. I'm excited to see Ruf and Asche start next season as major leaguers. I'm
excited for the return of Ben Revere. I want to see Dom Brown come back and be
as consistent as he was this year. I want to see Bunts CEO The Wriz become
excited for another new season and anticipate more contributions from him
<ducking>. I think Galvis has to start the year on the roster as well. If
we can perfect his relief pitcher technique I can finally let go of Wilson
Valdez. I wish Maikel Franco was ready, boy we could use his bat. I hope Tommy
Joseph is free of concussion symptoms and they decide where he should play, cuz
the boy has talent. Rupp looks like he can be capable but we stick with Chooch
and Kratz. I'm definitely planning on following Jesse Biddle as best I can from
out here, he's the next order of intrigue.
Ok now, any
moves to be made? I think we fire RAJ before he gives away too much for Mike(I
refuse to call him Giancarlo) Stanton. I feel much better now about Chase
returning than I did 2+ months ago. Rollins we're stuck with, I say move him
down to 6th in the lineup. Maybe then he'll wake up when he realizes he's no
longer an offensive threat. Once again I offer my services to the Phillies to
teach Ryan Howard how to hit. Sitting in FL in his $7MIL mansion he isn't
learning shit except how to collect a guaranteed pay check. Now, I wish I had an
answer for the bullpen. At least Diekman and Rosenberg have shown some
improvement. But it's going to take more work than the Seaside Heights boardwalk
and I don't have answers. Sad to say my expectations for next year = 3rd place
NL East.
So there you
have it sports fans, the ranting and ravings of a crazed old man who resides
2500 miles from CBP. I wish it was better, but in some weird way this piece
seems to mirror the Phils season. In, out, lucid, incoherent... we got it all.
Once again let me thank all the peeps I met at M'n'GreetIII, it was a blast.
Wriz, I know I've done better and hopefully, like the Phillies, it'll show next
year. CJ you get Bunter of the Year hands down. As of today, 9/13/13, I turn my
attention and hope to Chip's offense and the opening of Flyers training camp.
But that's for a different piece. My hat's off to all you Bunters who keep the
Phaith. May we continue to exchange views on Facebook. Chow til 2014.
Bill S/aka
netfather
