View From the Left Coast by a Lefty: Just what I Feared?

I'm sitting here, still having NOT seen the play that was protested, but pissed off to the max. Traditionally for the last 5-6 years Sept is when the Phils catch fire and own the division. I almost wish we were 3-4 games back, but the next 3 days will tell when <UGH> ATL comes to town. For whatever reason, we play down to, and suck at, the level of shit teams lately like FL and WSH. Last time I wrote it was the same shit. I want some inspiration to write to that puts me in a much better mood.

Yeah, we can agree Herndon isn't popular but for the most part he's pitched decently the last couple weeks. *BUT* I want to know why, exactly, it is that Lidge wasn't brought in today instead of him. Sorry, I still believe in Brad Lidge. I guess this means that I am starting to doubt Chollie and Dubee and that will keep me up at night. At my age, I have enough sleep problems and arrhythmia's to deal with so I don't need or want this one. But the point is at this exact spot in the season we should be stepping up, kicking ass, and taking names so that by Sept 15 we have clinched the best record and home field throughout, and the expanded roster can get some much needed AB's and experience for Oct. So you're probably asking really, WTF's the difference if they do it now or later?

Tell ya why. Most people who read this know I'm in AZ. I just got done watching the Dbacks *FINISH OFF* the Giants, in SF, in what may be the most important series of their season. They lost Friday night, but came back behind their ace Ian Kennedy and today with their # 2 Daniel Hudson.  They left the people in SF in stunned silence. This is an extension of team and their manager Kirk Gibson. I am worried because every day, this Dbacks team gains experience and confidence which I didn't think they were lacking. Their initial surge to get over .500 was no small task, but now they are 20 games over .500 and rolling. More and more it's pointing to an AZ/PHL NLDS. But what I fear is mental momentum approaching Oct. Can anyone say "I remember the 2001 World Series"? I have a fucking DVD of it, enough to cause me even more lost sleep.

So how does this affect Phillies' fans? Dunno about you guys, but because of job status and vacation time status I'm gearing up for an AZ/PHL NLDS and praying I can huff the right socks off to get tickets. Last time I saw the Phils was here in April, and how did that go? Lost 2 of 3, and Cliff gave up 4 homers in one game? This was before AZ went on a 19-2 tear to get into it. And, *OH YEAH*, ... ATL comes to town tomorrow. I expect 2 of 3 or a sweep, then kick ass continually from there. Seriously though... who the fuck really knows?

                               Bill S aka/netfather

(Happy) Meals to Go!

(Happy) Meals to Go!

“When I was a kid….” So many times those words precede a statement that is only true in our minds, not based in reality. Not a lie. It’s just how we remember things. The WAY we want to remember. Nana (Grandma) Wriz made the best mashed potatoes in the history of Thanksgiving dinners.  I already overheard Momma Wriz tell Poppa Wriz that she’ll take it to the grave that “Nana couldn’t cook for shit.” Yet, I still crave those mashed potatoes every November.

“When I was a kid, MLB umpires were second to none. The best you could find. Not like these clowns who steal every time they cash a paycheck.”  If you saw the ending the Braves/Pirates 19 inning marathon, you’d think I was talking about the egregious call Jerry Meals made when he called Julio Lugo safe to score the winning run. Meals was the only one who saw it that way. Not the fans. Not the Pirates. Not even the Braves. But I actually said it the day before watching the Phillies/Padres game.

When I was a kid, I remember watching games with Momma Wriz and we both would scream at the TV when the Phillies got hosed on a call only to see the “super slow motion” replay confirmed the umpire made the right call. But now, time and time again, MLB Umpires are CLEARLY blowing easy calls. I was firmly against any kind of video replay last year when Jim Joyce self admittedly blew the call to ruin Armando Galarraga’s perfect game.  Standing by my notion that the boys in blue did not an adequate job, but bordered on perfection, I was under the assumption the one or two calls a month that could be corrected by instant replay wouldn’t be worth the time it slowed down the game. But it’s not one or two a month but one or two a series if not a game. Video replay is used in the NBA, NHL and NFL. Tennis uses the Cyclops system which uses infrared laser light beams to determine if a ball is in or out. Every sport had clear resistance to begin using replay but it has shown to be a clear asset. I’m not saying everything should be reviewable. Balls and strikes would still be handles by the umpires and not reviewable. I would certainly be interested in a challenge system. Each manager gets 2 which he could reuse if the call was reversed. And I see no need for the entire crew to go watch the replay. Only the crew chief should leave the field.



When I was a kid the Pirates were one of baseballs best teams. God forbid the feel good story of the year, the Pittsburgh Pirates, miss the playoffs by one game. You will hear about last night’s game forever. The Pirates haven’t even had a winning record since 1992 let alone make the playoffs.

You Decide!

When I was a kid I was a baseball purist. I still am but maybe there is room for improve or at least correct blatant mistakes.

See ya at the ballpark!

Jay Wrizight

jaywrizight@yahoo.com

Also when I was a kid Happy Meals were the shit. Greasy Burgers, Fries cooked in animal fat and no shitty-ass apples.